Car Insurance in Montana: Car insurance is essential for drivers across the U.S., and Montana is no exception.
Whether you’re cruising through the stunning wilderness or commuting to work in the city, having the right car insurance provides peace of mind and financial protection.
In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about car insurance in Montana and how you can easily get a free quote.
Why You Need Car Insurance in Montana
Car insurance isn’t just a smart investment—it’s the law in Montana. All drivers are required to carry a minimum level of insurance to cover potential accidents and damages. Beyond legal requirements, car insurance can save you from massive out-of-pocket expenses if you’re involved in an accident. Montana’s vast rural roads and unpredictable weather make having the right coverage even more crucial.
Legal Requirements
Montana law requires drivers to have liability insurance. This coverage protects you if you’re responsible for injuring someone or damaging their property in an accident. Failing to meet these requirements can result in fines, license suspension, and even legal action.
Financial Protection
Accidents are costly. From medical bills to car repairs, the expenses can quickly pile up. Car insurance protects your finances by covering these costs up to the limits of your policy. Without insurance, you could be forced to pay thousands of dollars out of pocket, which could lead to financial strain or even bankruptcy.
Montana’s Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
Montana mandates specific minimum coverage for all drivers. These include:
Bodily Injury Liability
This covers medical expenses for other people if you’re at fault in an accident. The minimum limits are:
- $25,000 per person
- $50,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability
This covers damage to another person’s property caused by your vehicle. The minimum limit is $20,000.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
This protects you if you’re involved in an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough coverage. Montana requires this coverage, though you can opt out in writing.
Optional Car Insurance Coverage in Montana
While the minimum coverage is required by law, it often isn’t enough to fully protect you in the event of a serious accident. Here are some optional coverages to consider:
Collision Coverage
Pays for repairs to your vehicle if you’re in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers non-collision-related damage such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters—important for Montana’s unpredictable weather.
Medical Payments (MedPay)
Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault.
Roadside Assistance
Offers help if you’re stranded with a flat tire, dead battery, or other mechanical issues—especially helpful in rural Montana areas.
Factors That Affect Car Insurance Rates in Montana
Several factors influence how much you’ll pay for car insurance in Montana. Some of the most common include:
Age and Driving Experience
Young drivers and those with less experience typically face higher premiums due to their increased risk of accidents.
Vehicle Type and Usage
The make and model of your car, how often you drive, and the purpose of your driving (e.g., personal use or business) all impact your rates.
Driving Record
A clean driving record can save you money, while traffic violations or accidents will raise your premiums.
Location and Zip Code
Living in a city like Billings might result in higher premiums than in rural areas, but rural drivers often face unique risks like wildlife-related accidents.
How to Get the Best Car Insurance Rates in Montana
To ensure you’re getting the best deal on car insurance, follow these tips:
Compare Quotes from Multiple Insurers
Rates vary by company, so it’s important to shop around. Use online tools to compare quotes from different insurers quickly.
Take Advantage of Discounts
Many insurers offer discounts for good driving habits, being a student, or even bundling home and auto policies together.
Bundle Insurance Policies
If you have homeowners or renters insurance, consider bundling it with your car insurance. This can lead to significant savings.
Increase Deductibles
Raising your deductible can lower your monthly premium, but make sure you can afford the deductible in case of an accident.
Best Car Insurance Companies in Montana
Some of the top car insurance providers in Montana include:
- State Farm: Known for excellent customer service and a wide range of discounts.
- Progressive: Offers competitive rates and unique features like accident forgiveness.
- GEICO: Great for affordable rates and user-friendly online tools.
- Allstate: Provides a range of optional coverages and local agents for personalized service.
Montana car insurance premiums by rating factor
Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Montana.
Cheap auto insurance in Montana for minimum coverage
Getting the bare minimum coverage is certain to make your car insurance costs lower, with average yearly costs coming in at just $399. However, remember that forgoing higher levels of coverage also means going without the protection it provides. Most insurance professionals recommend adding higher coverage levels to keep yourself fully protected. Have a look at the tables below to get an idea of the costs for minimum coverage.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $197 |
| General Casualty | $218 |
| Progressive | $229 |
| State Farm | $285 |
| GEICO | $334 |
| Farmers | $534 |
| Allstate | $546 |
Cheap auto insurance in Montana with bad credit
Your credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many carriers see those with a poor credit score as being higher risk, meaning you could pay more for your policy. On average, Montana drivers with exceptional credit pay 47% less per year than those with poor credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $2,005 |
| Progressive | $2,131 |
| General Casualty | $2,169 |
| GEICO | $2,640 |
| State Farm | $2,773 |
| Farmers | $3,224 |
| Allstate | $4,085 |
Cheap auto insurance in Montana with an at-fault accident
Your driving history plays a big part in how much you pay. Insurance companies look for previous accidents for which you have been at fault to gauge the level of risk you pose as a customer. An at-fault accident in recent years could see your car insurance rates increase by as much as 35%.
Safe driver discounts
In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a safe driving discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.
Montana at-fault accident costs
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $1,349 |
| State Farm | $1,633 |
| General Casualty | $1,977 |
| Progressive | $2,010 |
| GEICO | $2,533 |
| Farmers | $2,942 |
| Allstate | $3,330 |
Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Montana
Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Montana, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $4,476 per year — a nearly 192% increase over what the typical Montana driver pays.
Teen car insurance rates in Montana
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $3,048 |
| General Casualty | $3,134 |
| State Farm | $3,867 |
| Progressive | $3,954 |
| GEICO | $4,637 |
| Farmers | $6,735 |
| Allstate | $7,944 |
Montana auto insurance rate by violation
In Montana, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer’s pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That’s why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.
Below you can see the average auto insurance rates in Montana after a few common citations.
| Accident/Violation | Avg. Annual Premium | % Rate Increase | $ Rate Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| None | $1,798 | 0% | $0 |
| One Med/PIP claim | $1,798 | 0% | $0 |
| Two Med/PIP claims | $1,847 | 3% | $49 |
| One comp claim | $1,847 | 3% | $49 |
| Not-at-fault accident | $1,852 | 3% | $55 |
| Two comp claims | $1,889 | 5% | $91 |
| Failure to wear a seat belt | $2,005 | 12% | $208 |
| Child safety restraint | $2,010 | 12% | $212 |
| Driving without lights | $2,010 | 12% | $212 |
| Speeding 6 – 10 MPH over limit | $2,019 | 12% | $221 |
| Failure to show documents | $2,078 | 16% | $280 |
| Speeding 11 – 15 MPH over limit | $2,115 | 18% | $317 |
| Texting while driving | $2,136 | 19% | $339 |
| Cell phone violation | $2,136 | 19% | $339 |
| Driving with expired registration | $2,141 | 19% | $344 |
| Speeding 16 – 20 MPH over limit | $2,147 | 19% | $350 |
| Improper passing | $2,156 | 20% | $359 |
| Following too closely | $2,156 | 20% | $359 |
| Failure to stop at a red light | $2,156 | 20% | $359 |
| Failure to yield | $2,156 | 20% | $359 |
| Illegal turn | $2,157 | 20% | $360 |
| Driving too slowly | $2,158 | 20% | $360 |
| Wrong way/wrong lane | $2,199 | 22% | $401 |
| Passing school bus | $2,255 | 25% | $458 |
| At-fault accident – less than $1000 | $2,295 | 28% | $498 |
| Speeding in school zone | $2,300 | 28% | $502 |
| Speeding 21 – 25 MPH over limit | $2,323 | 29% | $526 |
| In 65 MPH zone | $2,323 | 29% | $526 |
| Operating a vehicle without permission | $2,333 | 30% | $536 |
| At-fault accident – $1000-$2000 | $2,439 | 36% | $641 |
| Open container | $2,448 | 36% | $650 |
| At-fault accident – greater than $2000 | $2,462 | 37% | $665 |
| Driving with a suspended license | $2,697 | 50% | $899 |
| Reckless driving | $2,697 | 50% | $899 |
| Refusal to submit to a chemical test | $2,754 | 53% | $957 |
| DUI | $2,874 | 60% | $1,077 |
| Racing | $2,978 | 66% | $1,181 |
| Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run | $3,007 | 67% | $1,209 |
Montana DUI laws
In Montana, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of 60%. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Montana
If you’re convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Montana, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Montana, Progressive advertises annual rates 49% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Montana is State Farm, while the priciest firm is GEICO, with prices 18% above average.
Montana car insurance rates after a DUI
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Progressive | $1,478 |
| State Farm | $1,816 |
| USAA | $2,081 |
| General Casualty | $2,637 |
| Farmers | $2,827 |
| Allstate | $3,285 |
| GEICO | $3,392 |
Rates by city
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. Among Montana’s largest cities, the cheapest car insurance is found in Missoula, Montana, and the most expensive in Billings, Montana.
Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Montana’s biggest cities.
Montana car insurance rates by city
| City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Missoula | $1,524 |
| Helena | $1,543 |
| Great Falls | $1,665 |
| Bozeman | $1,666 |
| Billings | $1,737 |
Car insurance price trends in Montana
In Montana, average annual auto insurance costs decreased by $15 in the past year. A typical Montana driver pays an average of $1,534 per year.
The recent pricing trend in Montana leans toward slightly pricier car insurance costs and remains higher than the national average. The steepest decrease occurred from 2017 to 2018, while the highest surge took place from 2016 to 2017. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.
MONTANA CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS
| Year | Avg. Annual Premium — Montana | Yearly Change — Montana | Avg. Annual Premium — US | Yearly Change — US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $1,534 | -$15 | $1,529 | $46 |
| 2020 | $1,549 | $14 | $1,483 | $61 |
| 2019 | $1,535 | $90 | $1,544 | $23 |
| 2018 | $1,445 | -$351 | $1,521 | $84 |
| 2017 | $1,796 | $234 | $1,437 | $69 |
| 2016 | $1,562 | -$323 | $1,368 | $88 |
| 2015 | $1,885 | $216 | $1,280 | $51 |
| 2014 | $1,669 | $155 | $1,229 | $34 |
| 2013 | $1,514 | -$63 | $1,195 | -$80 |
| 2012 | $1,577 | $323 | $1,276 | $82 |
How to Get a Free Car Insurance Quote in Montana
Getting a free car insurance quote in Montana is easy:
Online Quote Tools
Most insurers have online quote tools where you can enter your information and get a free estimate in minutes.
Phone Consultations
Prefer talking to a person? Call an insurance company and speak with an agent to get a personalized quote.
In-person Agents
If you like face-to-face service, visit a local agent who can provide a detailed breakdown of your options and pricing.
How to Compare Car Insurance Quotes Effectively
When comparing quotes, make sure you’re not just looking at the price. Consider:
Coverage Limits
Ensure the coverage limits meet your needs. Higher limits provide more protection but can cost more.
Deductibles
A lower deductible means you’ll pay less out of pocket in case of an accident, but it usually comes with a higher premium.
Additional Perks and Features
Some insurers offer perks like accident forgiveness or roadside assistance. These can add value to your policy.
Common Discounts Available for Montana Drivers
Here are some common discounts you might qualify for:
- Safe Driver Discounts
- Good Student Discounts
- Multi-Vehicle Discounts
- Low Mileage Discounts
High-Risk Drivers in Montana and Insurance Options
If you have a poor driving record, you may be considered a high-risk driver. This can make finding affordable insurance difficult, but there are options.
What Is a High-Risk Driver?
Drivers with multiple accidents, DUIs, or traffic violations typically fall into this category.
SR-22 Insurance in Montana
If you’ve had serious driving violations, you may need SR-22 insurance to reinstate your license.
How to Lower Premiums as a High-Risk Driver
Take a defensive driving course, maintain a clean record, and shop around for the best rates.
Special Considerations for Rural Drivers in Montana
Montana’s rural roads pose unique risks, such as collisions with wildlife. Having comprehensive coverage can be a lifesaver in these situations.
Tips for Reducing Your Car Insurance Premiums
You can reduce your premiums by:
- Driving safely
- Improving your credit score
- Using telematics programs that monitor your driving habits
What to Do After a Car Accident in Montana
If you’re in an accident, follow these steps:
- Check for injuries and seek medical help.
- Exchange information with the other driver.
- File a claim with your insurance company.
- Cooperate with law enforcement.
FAQs about Car Insurance in Montana
1. Is car insurance required in Montana?
Yes, car insurance is required in Montana. Drivers must carry a minimum level of liability insurance to cover potential damages or injuries from an accident. The state-mandated minimum coverage includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $20,000 for property damage.
2. What is the average cost of car insurance in Montana?
The average cost of car insurance in Montana is around $1,300 per year, which is slightly higher than the national average. Your rate will depend on factors like your driving record, age, vehicle type, and the coverage options you choose.
3. Can I get cheap car insurance in Montana?
Yes, there are ways to find affordable car insurance in Montana. Shopping around, comparing quotes from different insurers, and bundling your policies (like home and auto insurance) can help lower your premiums. Additionally, maintaining a good driving record and taking advantage of discounts can help reduce costs.
4. What happens if I drive without car insurance in Montana?
Driving without car insurance in Montana can lead to serious penalties. If you’re caught, you may face fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Additionally, you could be held personally responsible for any damages or injuries caused in an accident.
5. How can I lower my car insurance rates in Montana?
To lower your car insurance rates in Montana, consider raising your deductible, maintaining a clean driving record, and asking about available discounts, such as safe driver or multi-policy discounts. You can also save by driving a vehicle with good safety features or by completing defensive driving courses.
6. What factors affect car insurance rates in Montana?
Several factors can affect car insurance rates in Montana, including your age, driving history, location, the type of vehicle you drive, and the coverage you choose. Other factors like your credit score and whether you’ve had any recent claims can also influence your premium.
7. Are there special car insurance requirements for high-risk drivers in Montana?
Yes, high-risk drivers in Montana may need to purchase SR-22 insurance, which is a certificate of financial responsibility. This is typically required after a serious driving offense, like a DUI, and guarantees that you have the necessary insurance coverage.
8. Can I drive in Montana with out-of-state insurance?
Yes, as long as your policy meets Montana’s minimum liability requirements, you can legally drive in the state with out-of-state insurance. However, if you become a Montana resident, you’ll need to update your registration and insurance to comply with local laws.
9. What is no-fault insurance, and does Montana require it?
Montana is not a no-fault insurance state. This means that in the event of an accident, the at-fault driver is responsible for covering damages. Some states require no-fault insurance, but Montana follows the traditional liability system.
10. How do I file a car insurance claim in Montana?
If you’re involved in an accident, start by notifying your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with details of the accident, including the other driver’s information, any police reports, and any photos or evidence you collected at the scene. Your insurance company will guide you through the claims process from there.
Conclusion
Finding the right car insurance in Montana is crucial for both your financial security and peace of mind. With the vast array of options available, selecting a policy that meets your coverage needs while staying within your budget can seem overwhelming. However, by comparing different providers, understanding the types of coverage, and considering factors like your driving habits and vehicle type, you can make an informed decision that protects you and your loved ones on the road.
Ready to start saving? Get a free car insurance quote today and find the best coverage at a price that works for you. Don’t wait – take the first step towards affordable car insurance in Montana!
References
For further reading and to validate the information provided in this article about car insurance in Montana, the following reputable sources have been cited. These sources offer valuable insights into the specifics of car insurance policies, requirements, and tips for finding affordable coverage in the state:
- Montana State Auditor’s Office – This official government site provides up-to-date information on car insurance laws and regulations in Montana. It’s a reliable source for understanding the minimum coverage requirements and consumer protections in the state.
Visit Montana State Auditor’s Office - Insurance Information Institute (III) – III offers comprehensive guides on car insurance across the U.S., including Montana. Their resources cover key aspects of coverage types, how premiums are calculated, and tips for reducing insurance costs.
Visit the Insurance Information Institute - Montana Department of Justice – Motor Vehicle Division – This site provides important information about vehicle registration and insurance requirements in Montana. It’s an excellent resource for understanding how insurance ties into vehicle ownership and driving laws in the state.
Visit Montana Department of Justice - National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) – The NAIC provides tools and resources for comparing car insurance rates across states, helping you make an informed decision when shopping for coverage in Montana.
Visit NAIC - ValuePenguin – Montana Car Insurance Guide – A trusted consumer information website that offers in-depth research on car insurance providers in Montana, their average rates, and strategies to save on premiums.
Visit ValuePenguin
By referring to these authoritative sources, you can ensure that you are well-informed when making decisions about your car insurance in Montana.
