To legally operate your vehicle, you must provide proof of financial responsibility in the event of an accident. This commonly means maintaining continuous liability insurance.

Ways to Establish Financial Responsibility

While carrying liability insurance (see below for minimum requirements) is the most accepted form of financial responsibility, it is not your only option. You may also choose:

• An indemnity bond from an authorized Idaho surety company. This guarantees that you'll pay within 30 days no less than $50,000 for any single accident of which $15,000 is for property damage, for each vehicle registered up to a maximum of $120,000 for five or more vehicles. This bond must be approved by Idaho's Department of Insurance.

• If you have 25 or more cars registered in your name you may opt for self-insurance. But to qualify you must provide proof of having a net worth of $500,000 or more.

Idaho Liability Insurance Requirements for Private Passenger Vehicles

If you choose liability insurance, the preferred coverage for most, you must carry the following minimum:

• $25,000 for injury/death for one person.

• $50,000 for injury/death to more than one person

• $15,000 for damage to property.

NOTE: Operators of off-highway motorbikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) must comply with financial responsibility requirements when riding on public roads, including unpaved roads on state and federal lands.

When shopping for coverage, consider the following:

• Begin shopping at least two months prior to your current coverage's expiration date. This will give you ample time to find a coverage that fits your needs and budget.

• Examine the rates and policies from a variety of carriers. Most information, including quotes, can be found online.

• Don't let rates be the only deciding factor. Also consider the company's reputation for claim handling practices, underwriting practices, customer accessibility (be leery of companies without an 800-number) and its consumer complaint ratio.

• Know what kind of coverage you need. Depending on your situation, collision, for example, may not be required.

If you decide you need more than the state's minimum requirements, there are plenty of other types of coverage options.

Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility

Upon registering you'll be asked to sign a statement confirming your vehicle is insured. The state will then require you to carry proof of insurance whenever behind the wheel of your car. To comply, you must have:

• An insurance identification card provided by your carrier.

• Proof of an indemnity bond provided either by your broker or the DMV.

Penalties for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility

• The first time you're caught with no proof of insurance you'll be fined $75 and be required to provide proof of financial responsibility for one year.

• Any subsequent convictions within five years of your first insurance lapse will be considered a misdemeanor and result in being fined up to $1,000 and/or being jailed for up to six months.