Homeowners Insurance in Idaho
Checked against official sources · Last reviewed October 14, 2026
Idaho is not on the national list of FAIR plans. If licensed insurers won't cover your home, Idaho law lets a licensed surplus line broker place it with an insurer not licensed in Idaho. Right now an Idaho insurer must give at least 30 days' written notice before cancelling a home policy (10 days for nonpayment). Starting January 1, 2027, a 2026 law requires 60 days' notice, with the reason, before a cancellation or a nonrenewal; the Department of Insurance says the new periods apply to policies issued or renewed on or after that date. The Idaho Department of Insurance's Consumer Affairs team answers questions and takes complaints. [1][2][3][4][5][6]
At a glance
What homeowners insurance costs in Idaho: average premium, 2023 $1,135 a year in Idaho vs. $1,737 countrywide · 45th highest of 51 · All states (HO-3 policies; NAIC)
On this page
- At a glance
- Idaho's market right now
- Can't find insurance? No FAIR plan, so surplus lines
- If your insurer cancels or won't renew
- Wildfire and insurance bills that didn't pass
- Protecting your home and your premium
- Flood is separate
- Where to get help
- Questions people ask
- FEMA disaster history
- Hail, wind and wildfire
Idaho's market right now
"Wildfire risk continues to reshape the property insurance landscape in Idaho," Idaho Department of Insurance (DOI) Director Dean Cameron said in May 2026. DOI's December 2025 fact sheet says:
- 100 companies offered homeowners coverage in Idaho in 2024, and 689,774 policies were issued. - 12 insurers sent the Department block nonrenewal notices for homeowners (HO) policies from the start of 2024. A block nonrenewal drops a whole class or area of policies at once. - Idahoans paid $168 million in premium to surplus lines companies for property coverage in 2024, twice the 2022 amount. - Wildfires burned about 1 million acres and more than 200 structures in Idaho in 2024.
In April 2025, Director Cameron said that of the 91 property insurers in Idaho in 2023, "roughly 22-25 of those companies have nonrenewed some, or all of their policies, partially due to wildfire concerns, and leaving some homeowners without property insurance."
On May 15, 2026, DOI issued Bulletin 26-02, its second data call (after one in 2025) to every insurer writing homeowners and dwelling fire insurance in Idaho, focused on wildfire. DOI said insurers "have increasingly adjusted premiums, modified coverages, and in some cases paused or stopped writing new business in higher-risk regions of the state." Director Cameron: "Some insurers have scaled back or exited certain areas, and Idahoans are feeling those impacts." [9][10][11]
Can't find insurance? No FAIR plan, so surplus lines
Many states have a FAIR plan, a state-created pool that sells basic property insurance when regular insurers won't. Idaho is not on the national list of FAIR and beach plans kept by the Property Insurance Plans Service Office (PIPSO), checked Oct. 13, 2026. See our FAIR plan guide.
Idaho law allows surplus lines insurance: coverage from insurers that are not licensed ("authorized" or "admitted") in Idaho, when the coverage "cannot be procured from authorized insurers." Under Idaho Code 41-1214:
- It must be bought through a licensed surplus line broker. - The broker must make "a diligent search" among the licensed insurers that write that kind of insurance in Idaho first.
Every surplus lines policy must be stamped: "This surplus line contract is issued pursuant to the Idaho insurance laws by an insurer not licensed by the Idaho Department of Insurance. There is no coverage provided for surplus line insurance by either the Idaho Insurance Guaranty Association or by the Idaho Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association." The guaranty association pays some claims when a licensed insurer fails (up to $300,000 per claim for most claims), so that safety net does not apply to a surplus lines policy. More: our surplus lines guide.
If you're unsure about your options, DOI's Consumer Affairs team takes questions at (208) 334-4250 or toll-free in Idaho at (800) 721-3272. [1][2][6][12][13]
Idaho's FEMA disaster record since 2000
Federal disaster declarations for Idaho, counted from FEMA's official declarations data. A "major disaster" declaration brings federal recovery aid; a "fire management" declaration helps pay to fight a wildfire that threatens homes.
Most recent
- Tartar Fire Fire · Fire management · declared 2026-08-02
- Severe Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, And Mudslides Severe Storm · Major disaster · declared 2026-06-30
- Straight-Line Winds Straight-Line Winds · Major disaster · declared 2026-04-07
- Sunset Fire Fire · Fire management · declared 2025-08-15
- Gwen Fire Fire · Fire management · declared 2024-07-26
- Texas Fire Fire · Fire management · declared 2024-07-16
Source: FEMA OpenFEMA Disaster Declarations Summaries, downloaded 2026-10-14. Each declaration counted once, however many counties it covers. Flood history and flood insurance: FloodHawk.
Hail, wind and wildfire in Idaho
Hail, thunderstorm wind and tornado reports
Severe weather reports logged by the National Weather Service in NOAA's Storm Events Database, July 2025 to June 2026 (the latest 12 months NOAA has published), next to the yearly average for 2016 to 2025.
Largest hail in those 12 months: 1.75 inches, Caribou County, September 7, 2025 (2 other reports were the same size).
Most reports of 1-inch-plus hail, 2016–2025: Bonneville (18), Caribou (18), Bannock (18), Fremont (11), Idaho (11).
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, downloaded October 14, 2026. NOAA adds each month about 75 to 90 days after it ends. Tornadoes are counted in NOAA's segments: one that crosses a county line counts once per county, and one that briefly lifts and touches down again can count twice. Reports depend on people seeing and reporting storms, so busier areas log more of them: these counts show how often storms are reported, not the risk to any one home.
Wildfire
Homes in Idaho have, on average, greater wildfire risk than 96% of states, and greater wildfire likelihood (the chance of a wildfire burning in any given year) than 96% of states, according to the USDA Forest Service.
Of Idaho's 996,427 buildings, 45% are in the Forest Service's direct exposure zone (they may be ignited by flammable vegetation next to them, as well as by embers), 18% in the indirect exposure zone (embers or a neighboring burning building), and 37% have minimal exposure.
Source: USDA Forest Service, Wildfire Risk to Communities (state data table updated April 15, 2026). The Forest Service says its ratings describe communities, not individual homes; they don't reflect work owners have done to lower their risk, and the tool isn't designed for insurance companies, which do their own wildfire assessments.
| Year | Fires | Acres |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,332 | 439,600 |
| 2022 | 1,088 | 436,733 |
| 2023 | 892 | 87,801 |
| 2024 | 1,450 | 996,762 |
| 2025 | 1,302 | 180,935 |
Source: National Interagency Coordination Center annual reports (table "Wildland Fires and Acres Burned by State and Agency", from the SIT/209 reporting system). Each year counts only the agencies listed for Idaho in that year's table, so a big change between years can come from which agencies reported.
2026 so far: 478,262 acres burned in wildfires reported to the national interagency fire-incident system (IRWIN) for Idaho, as of October 14, 2026. Preliminary: from NIFC's year-to-date wildfire locations (WFIGS), which doesn't include every state and local fire and isn't comparable to the annual totals above.
If your insurer cancels or won't renew
Idaho's notice rules for homeowners policies are in Idaho Code 41-2401, the standard fire policy law. DOI says that section covers "all personal homeowners, dwelling fire, and renters coverage." A 2026 law, House Bill 562, lengthens the notice periods starting January 1, 2027. DOI's Bulletin 26-12 says the new periods "apply to policies issued or renewed with an effective date of issuance or renewal on or after January 1, 2027."
| Situation | Policies in force now | Policies issued or renewed on or after Jan. 1, 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Cancellation for nonpayment | at least 10 days, with the reason | at least 10 days, with the reason |
| Cancellation for any other reason | 30 days | 60 days, with the reason |
| Nonrenewal | no number of days set in 41-2401 | 60 days, with the reason |
Under the 2027 rules, if a nonrenewal notice is mailed less than 60 days before the policy ends, your coverage stays in effect until 60 days after the notice was mailed or delivered. When a nonpayment notice is mailed, the 10 days start five days after the postmark.
DOI's Bulletin 26-12 (July 29, 2026) says the reason must "identify the specific basis for the company's decision with enough particularity to inform the policyholder why the action is being taken. A general reference to underwriting or company guidelines, without more detail, does not satisfy this requirement." Insurers must file updated forms before Jan. 1, 2027. The bill's statement of purpose, prepared by a supporter of the bill, says nonrenewals have been "occurring increasingly in rural areas and where urban expansion meets wildland areas," and that the longer notice gives people more time to find other coverage.
Today, DOI's consumer page says the insurer must send written notice with the effective date and the reasons for a cancellation or nonrenewal, but "In Idaho, there are few limitations on cancelling or non-renewing property insurance." DOI suggests checking your policy for any terms that add requirements for the insurer or for you.
Mass nonrenewals: an insurer planning block cancellations or block nonrenewals (dropping a whole class, line or type of insurance, or leaving Idaho) must give the DOI Director written notice, with its reasons, at least 120 days ahead (Idaho Code 41-1841). If it doesn't, those cancellations or nonrenewals are "null and void and without effect."
See our nonrenewal guide. [3][4][5][8][14][15]
Wildfire and insurance bills that didn't pass
Several wildfire and insurance bills have been introduced in Idaho. For each, the legislature's record shows a referral to the House Business Committee and no later action:
- House Bill 619 (2026), the "Idaho Wildfire Risk Mitigation Fund Act," and House Bill 618 (2026), on "transparency requirements for certain insurers." Both were introduced Feb. 10, 2026, and referred to the House Business Committee on Feb. 11; the legislature's record shows no later action. - House Bill 17 (2025), to "establish a wildfire risk mitigation and stabilization pool, fund, and board," and House Bill 384 (2025), to "establish the Wildfire Risk Mitigation Fund." Both were referred to the House Business Committee with no later action shown.
An undated DOI handout, "Idaho Wildfire Loss Mitigation Proposal," describes a "fortified property program" to help owners harden homes against wildfire, like programs used for hurricanes in the Southeast, paid for from "excess fees (DOI and Surplus Lines) and excess premium taxes." As of Oct. 13, 2026, none of the bills above became law. [16][17][18][19][20]
Protecting your home and your premium
DOI's disaster page says rural homeowners, in particular, "need to be aware of potential wildfires." Its tips include:
- Clear a safety zone of at least 200 to 500 feet around your home by removing trees, leaves, brush and pine needles, plus branches hanging over the house. - Store propane or fuel tanks at least 30 feet from all structures. - Use fire-resistant materials, especially on the roof, which DOI calls the most vulnerable part. - Keep your entrance road open for fire trucks and your street address easy to see.
On premiums, DOI says you "may be able to receive a discount or a reduction in premium" for things like a home security system, automatic sprinkler system, automatic water shut-off system, or upgraded heating, cooling or plumbing. Ask your insurer which discounts it offers. DOI says it does not approve homeowners rates, but it can disapprove rates it finds excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory. Our wildfire home hardening guide covers the IBHS Wildfire Prepared Home standard. [21][22]
Flood is separate
DOI says: "Homeowner's and renter's insurance policies usually do not provide coverage for damages caused by flooding." Flood insurance is a separate policy. Our sister site FloodHawk covers flood zones and flood insurance. [21]
Where to get help
DOI's Consumer Affairs section is a free resource that answers questions and takes complaints about insurance companies and agents:
- Phone: (208) 334-4250, or toll-free in Idaho (800) 721-3272 - Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except state holidays - Complaints: file online, which DOI calls the quickest way
Before you file, DOI asks whether you have tried to resolve the matter with your insurance company or agent. [6][7]
Questions people ask
Does Idaho have a FAIR plan?
No Idaho plan is on PIPSO's national list of FAIR and beach plans (checked Oct. 13, 2026). If licensed insurers won't cover your home, Idaho law lets a licensed surplus line broker place it with an insurer not licensed in Idaho, after a diligent search of the licensed market. [1][2]
How much notice must an Idaho insurer give before dropping my home policy?
Today, at least 30 days before a cancellation (10 days, with the reason, for nonpayment). Starting Jan. 1, 2027, House Bill 562 requires 60 days' written notice, with the reason, before a cancellation or a nonrenewal; nonpayment stays at 10 days. The Department of Insurance says the new periods apply to policies issued or renewed on or after that date. [3][4][8]
Does the reason in a nonrenewal notice have to be specific?
From Jan. 1, 2027, yes. The Department of Insurance says the reason must identify the specific basis for the decision, and a general reference to underwriting or company guidelines is not enough. [4]
Is a surplus lines policy protected if the insurer goes broke?
No. Idaho law requires every surplus lines policy to state that the Idaho Insurance Guaranty Association provides no coverage for it. [12]
Sources (22)
- Current PIPSO Members and Links of Interest, Property Insurance Plans Service Office (PIPSO). Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Idaho Code 41-1214 Conditions for Export, Idaho State Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Idaho Code 41-2401 Standard Fire Policy (versions effective until and from January 1, 2027), Idaho State Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Bulletin No. 26-12: Revised Nonrenewal and Cancellation Notice Requirements for Commercial and Standard Fire Policies, Effective January 1, 2027 (July 29, 2026), Idaho Department of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Home Policy Cancellation, Idaho Department of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- File a Consumer Complaint, Idaho Department of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Idaho Department of Insurance, Idaho Department of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- House Bill 562 (2026), Idaho State Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Wildfires and Property Insurance (fact sheet, December 2025), Idaho Department of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Idaho Department of Insurance Issues Property Insurance Market Data Call (April 22, 2025), Idaho Department of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Idaho Department of Insurance Issues Data Call to Assess Wildfire Impacts on Property Insurance Market (May 15, 2026), Idaho Department of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Idaho Code 41-1220 Endorsement of Contract, Idaho State Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Idaho Code 41-3608 Obligations and Powers of Association, Idaho State Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Statement of Purpose RS33072 / H0562, Idaho State Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Idaho Code 41-1841 Block Cancellations and Block Nonrenewals: Notice to Director Required, Idaho State Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- House Bill 619 (2026), Idaho State Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- House Bill 618 (2026), Idaho State Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- House Bill 17 (2025), Idaho State Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- House Bill 384 (2025), Idaho State Legislature. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Idaho Wildfire Loss Mitigation Proposal, Idaho Department of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Disasters, Idaho Department of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.
- Home Insurance Rates, Idaho Department of Insurance. Accessed October 13, 2026.