Idaho has roughly ~235,000 renter-occupied units. Average DP-3 landlord premium runs $980/yr — about 25–30% above a comparable homeowners policy due to higher liability and vacancy risk. Market profile: Fast-growing Boise metro driving rapid single-family rental demand; resort STR market in Sun Valley and Coeur d'Alene. Short-term rental climate: Permissive at state level; Sun Valley, McCall, and Coeur d'Alene have active STR markets with local licensing.
Avg DP-3 Premium
$980/yr
Annual landlord/rental cost
Rental Units
~235,000 renter-occupied units
Renter-occupied housing
STR Climate
Permissive at state level; Sun Valley
Permissive at state level; Sun Valley, McCall, and Coeur d'Alene have active STR markets with local licensing
| Topic | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Market profile | Fast-growing Boise metro driving rapid single-family rental demand; resort STR market in Sun Valley and Coeur d'Alene | Drives coverage form selection |
| Top landlord carriers | State Farm, Farmers, Allstate, Farm Bureau, USAA | Specialized DP-3 underwriting |
| Short-term rental environment | Permissive at state level; Sun Valley, McCall, and Coeur d'Alene have active STR markets with local licensing | Airbnb-specific coverage needed |
| Notable state law | Idaho has no statewide rent control; landlord-friendly eviction process; no security deposit cap | Affects landlord obligations & coverage |
DP-3 (Dwelling Fire) is the standard landlord policy form, covering the structure on an open-perils basis. Landlords also need liability coverage (often $300K–$1M) and Loss of Rents (typically 12 months). Standard homeowners policies do NOT cover rental properties.
Idaho has emerged as one of the fastest-growing states in the country, with the Boise metropolitan area — Ada and Canyon counties — experiencing extraordinary population and rental price growth driven by California and Pacific Northwest migration. The rental market has shifted dramatically from modest agricultural-worker housing toward a competitive urban market. Single-family rentals dominate statewide, with multi-family development struggling to keep pace with demand in Boise and Meridian. Resort markets in Sun Valley (Blaine County) and Coeur d'Alene offer premium STR opportunities. Idaho is strongly landlord-friendly — the eviction process is efficient, there is no rent control, and tenant protections are minimal by national standards.
Despite rapid price growth, Idaho remains among the most affordable states for landlord insurance nationally, with average DP-3 premiums well below $1,000 in many markets. The primary natural hazards are wildfire (significant in the central and eastern parts of the state, and increasingly in the Boise Foothills), earthquake (eastern Idaho near the Yellowstone seismic zone), and severe winter weather. Boise-area landlords should confirm wildfire coverage is included in their DP-3 policy as carrier underwriting has tightened in Foothills communities. Sun Valley and McCall vacation rental operators need a dedicated STR policy — standard DP-3 policies do not cover transient occupancy. Loss-of-rents coverage remains advisable even in low-premium markets.
A DP-3 dwelling fire policy is the standard landlord form. Unlike an HO-3, it covers the building structure and landlord-owned contents (appliances, lawn equipment) — not the tenant's personal belongings. Tenants must carry their own renters insurance. DP-3 also includes loss of rents coverage (typically 12 months) if a covered loss makes the unit uninhabitable.
Standard DP-3 policies often exclude or limit short-term rental (Airbnb/VRBO) use. Most landlord carriers either require an endorsement, a separate STR policy, or a commercial dwelling policy. Airbnb's "AirCover" host protection is NOT a substitute for your own policy — it has many exclusions and lower limits.
Idaho has no statewide rent control; landlord-friendly eviction process; no security deposit cap
💡 Idaho Pro Tip
Idaho is one of the most affordable states for landlord insurance. Boise-area single-family rentals typically cost $750–$1,200/year for a DP-3 policy. Sun Valley resort properties can run higher — $1,200–$2,000 — due to high replacement values and winter weather exposure. Rural properties are generally below $900/year. Idaho's low litigation environment and limited catastrophe exposure keep premiums well below the national average.
No — standard DP-3 policies exclude transient rentals regardless of how STR-friendly state law is. Sun Valley, McCall, and Coeur d'Alene are active Airbnb markets where vacation rental policies are the appropriate coverage vehicle. You'll need to notify your insurer of STR activity or secure a dedicated vacation rental policy. Local STR licensing in Sun Valley or Blaine County must also be confirmed.
Idaho has no state requirement for landlord insurance. Mortgage lenders impose their own requirements. Idaho's relatively low natural hazard frequency outside of wildfire zones means insurance is affordable and represents excellent value for risk protection.
Rental unit counts from US Census American Community Survey; premium averages from 2026 carrier rate filings for Idaho. Verify your specific property's coverage with a licensed agent.
Sarah Mitchell
Editorial Lead, Property & Casualty
This article was researched and written by the Cover Forge USA editorial team against federal sources (NAIC, CMS, FEMA, DOL, SSA, state DOIs) and standard policy forms. Bylines organize content by topic — they do not assert individual licensure. See our editorial-policy for details.
Reviewed May 2026
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This site provides general educational information only and is not a substitute for professional insurance advice. All rates, data, and coverage details are estimates and may not reflect your actual premiums. Insurance availability and pricing vary by state, insurer, and individual risk factors. Always consult a licensed insurance professional in your state before making coverage decisions.