Montana Auto Insurance (2024)
Montana auto insurance laws require 25/50/20 in liability coverage. Minimum car insurance in Montana averages $33/mo, so we'll help you find the cheapest liability car insurance in Montana. Below, you can learn more about Montana auto insurance requirements and how to buy cheap car insurance in Montana.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Oct 2, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.
UPDATED: Oct 2, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident auto insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one auto insurance provider and cannot guarantee quotes from any single provider. Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from many different companies please enter your ZIP code on this page to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
On This Page
- All drivers must carry bodily injury and property damage liability insurance to drive legally in Montana
- Drivers with severe infractions on their records, such as DUIs, will find it harder to find cheap insurance
- Shopping around at different Montana insurance companies is the best way to find cheaper car insurance rates
Montana auto insurance costs around $134 monthly for full coverage or $33 monthly if you’re looking for the cheapest liability car insurance in Montana. There are various factors that affect auto insurance rates in Montana, but you can find the most affordable premiums at the best auto insurance companies by shopping around.
You should also familiarize yourself with the most affordable Montana car insurance companies for certain driving records or coverages, such as Montana’s insurance requirements, to find the best fit for you. Read more about the best auto insurance for drivers with a bad driving record in Montana.
We’ll also help you learn how to find a cheap Montana auto insurance policy, including the best companies for at-fault accidents, and explain how SR-22 laws can affect Montana auto insurance rates.
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Finding Cheap Auto Insurance in Montana
Knowing what to look for in terms of coverages and other rate factors can help you find the cheapest car insurance company for your needs. Below, we’ve covered in detail which companies sell the cheapest coverages, which companies are cheapest for different driving records, and more.
Cheapest Liability Auto Insurance Rates in Montana
Every driver in Montana must carry minimum liability auto insurance to drive legally. However, how much drivers pay depends partially on their choice of insurance company. The annual cost of minimum liability insurance can range anywhere from $200 to well over $500.
Take a look at the average rates below to see which company sells the cheapest liability car insurance in Montana.
Liability Auto Insurance Average Rates From Top Providers
| Insurance Company | Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $160 |
| American Family | $117 |
| Auto-Owners | $87 |
| Farmers | $139 |
| Geico | $80 |
| Liberty Mutual | $174 |
| Nationwide | $115 |
| Progressive | $105 |
| State Farm | $86 |
| Travelers | $99 |
| USAA | $59 |
| U.S. Average | $119 |
USAA is one of the cheapest companies in Montana for minimum liability insurance, but keep in mind it is only for military members and veterans. Check out our USAA auto insurance review for more information. If you aren’t military or a veteran, then other good choices based on cost might be Progressive or State Farm.
It’s important to note that we recommend carrying more than minimum liability insurance if you can. Not carrying full coverage could leave you financially bankrupt after an accident, as minimum liability insurance only covers damages to others’ cars and others’ injuries if you cause an accident.
Cheapest Full Coverage Auto Insurance Rates in Montana
Full coverage auto insurance may cost more, but you will be better protected after an accident. The comprehensive and collision insurance included in full coverage will pay for repairs to your car if you cause an accident. By shopping around at different insurance companies, you can find a more affordable rate for full coverage.
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Rates From Top Providers
| Insurance Company | Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $160 |
| American Family | $117 |
| Auto-Owners | $33 |
| Farmers | $87 |
| Geico | $80 |
| Liberty Mutual | $174 |
| Nationwide | $115 |
| Progressive | $105 |
| State Farm | $86 |
| Travelers | $99 |
| USAA | $59 |
| U.S. Average | $119 |
USAA, Progressive, and State Farm offer some of the cheapest rates for full coverage in Montana, saving customers more than $1,000 compared to companies like Allstate.
Cheapest Montana Auto Insurance Rates for Bad Credit
Montana insurance companies can use credit scores as a factor when determining a driver’s rates. Drivers with poor credit scores are seen as higher risk because they are more likely to miss payments and therefore risk their insurance being canceled. The best auto insurance companies for drivers with bad credit are companies that penalize drivers less based on credit.
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Credit Score
| Insurance Company | Poor Credit | Fair Credit | Good Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| AAA | $245 | $165 | $135 |
| Allstate | $296 | $197 | $166 |
| American Family | $203 | $136 | $116 |
| Farmers | $269 | $161 | $140 |
| Geico | $148 | $100 | $82 |
| Hartford | $230 | $155 | $120 |
| Liberty Mutual | $355 | $226 | $177 |
| Nationwide | $166 | $133 | $120 |
| Progressive | $206 | $138 | $109 |
| State Farm | $200 | $118 | $91 |
| Travelers | $194 | $128 | $107 |
| U.S. Average | $226 | $148 | $123 |
Once again, the cheapest Montana car insurance company for bad credit is USAA. Progressive and Geico are also good choices. If you find your Montana insurance rates increased due to poor credit, improving your credit score can reduce your premiums over time.
Cheapest Montana Auto Insurance Rates for At-Fault Accidents
An at-fault accident can increase your rates by hundreds of dollars because you are seen as a higher risk by your insurance company. The best way to reduce your rates is to keep a clean driving record after an accident, but shopping around can help you find cheap rates in Montana on auto insurance for drivers with accidents.
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates: One Accident vs. Clean Record
| Insurance Company | One Accident | Clean Record |
|---|---|---|
| AAA | $220 | $180 |
| Allstate | $225 | $166 |
| American Family | $176 | $116 |
| Farmers | $198 | $140 |
| Geico | $132 | $95 |
| Hartford | $230 | $175 |
| Liberty Mutual | $234 | $177 |
| Nationwide | $161 | $140 |
| Progressive | $186 | $120 |
| State Farm | $150 | $105 |
| Travelers | $200 | $160 |
| U.S. Average | $172 | $123 |
Keep in mind that your car insurance rates in Montana will increase with each claim if you have multiple at-fault accident claims. One way to avoid rate increases with your first at-fault insurance claim is to pick one of the best accident forgiveness auto insurance companies, where your rates won’t increase with your first at-fault claim with the company if you have a prior clean driving record.
Cheapest Montana Auto Insurance Rates for DUIs
A DUI is often worse than an at-fault accident if you’re looking for the best car insurance rates in Montana. If you get a DUI, you should shop around to find the best auto insurance for drivers with a DUI.
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Driving Record
| Insurance Company | One Accident | One DUI | One Ticket | Clean Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AAA | $220 | $240 | $220 | $180 |
| Allstate | $225 | $225 | $195 | $166 |
| American Family | $176 | $176 | $131 | $116 |
| Farmers | $198 | $198 | $176 | $140 |
| Geico | $132 | $132 | $125 | $95 |
| Hartford | $230 | $250 | $215 | $175 |
| Liberty Mutual | $234 | $234 | $217 | $177 |
| Nationwide | $161 | $161 | $175 | $140 |
| Progressive | $186 | $186 | $160 | $120 |
| State Farm | $150 | $102 | $138 | $105 |
| Travelers | $200 | $139 | $205 | $160 |
| U.S. Average | $172 | $173 | $152 | $123 |
Progressive auto insurance is one of the insurance companies that raise Montana insurance rates the least for a DUI, followed by companies like State Farm auto insurance. On the other hand, Geico and Allstate may be some of the more expensive companies to stay with if you get a DUI. Either way, you should compare quotes from various companies to get cheap car insurance in Montana.
Cheapest Montana Auto Insurance Rates for Teenagers
It’s no secret that young drivers pay more than older drivers due to young drivers’ lack of driving experience. It is often cheapest for teenagers and young drivers to join their parent’s insurance policy, but if young drivers must purchase their own policy, choosing the best auto insurance for teens is vital.
Full Coverage Auto Insurance Monthly Rates for Teen Drivers
| Insurance Company | 16-Year-Old Female | 16-Year-Old Male | 18-Year-Old Female | 18-Year-Old Male |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $608 | $638 | $448 | $519 |
| American Family | $390 | $480 | $288 | $390 |
| Farmers | $778 | $742 | $573 | $603 |
| Geico | $298 | $312 | $220 | $254 |
| Liberty Mutual | $716 | $778 | $528 | $633 |
| Nationwide | $411 | $476 | $303 | $387 |
| Progressive | $801 | $814 | $591 | $662 |
| State Farm | $311 | $349 | $229 | $284 |
| Travelers | $709 | $897 | $523 | $729 |
| U.S. Average | $558 | $610 | $411 | $496 |
If you’re a young driver, avoid companies like Allstate or Farmers, where an auto insurance policy could cost you well over $7,000 annually. Choosing a cheaper company like USAA or State Farm could save you thousands of dollars each year in auto insurance costs.
Cheapest Montana Auto Insurance Rates by City
Just as states vary in average insurance rates due to location factors, your insurance rates will change from city to city as you move around in Montana.
Billings, Montana, has some of the most expensive average insurance costs, costing a few hundred dollars more on average than other cities. Since you’ll find car insurance companies in Billings more expensive, it can be helpful to get multiple car insurance quotes to find the cheapest Billings, MT auto insurance. You can also find affordable rates in other populated cities in Montana, including with Great Falls, MT auto insurance.
Montana Auto Insurance Requirements and Laws
Following Montana’s auto insurance laws and requirements is the best way to ensure you don’t end up fined and with higher insurance rates. Read on to learn more about the required Montana auto insurance, common DUI penalties, and more.
Montana Minimum Auto Insurance Coverages Required
All Montana drivers must carry minimum liability insurance to drive. Finding the cheapest liability car insurance in Montana isn’t difficult, since rates average $33 monthly. Drivers must carry the limits below to meet Montana’s auto insurance requirements:
- Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $20,000 per accident
These limits are fairly low, so we recommend carrying a higher Montana insurance limit if you can afford it. For example, if you crash into a car worth $40,000 and total it, your insurance will only cover $20,000, leaving you on the hook for the rest. Shopping around for cheap auto insurance in Montana can make it easier to afford higher limits.
Optional Auto Insurance Coverages in Montana
Besides bodily injury and property damage liability insurance, all other auto insurance coverages are optional in Montana. The exception is if you have a lease or loan on your car, in which case your lender will require you to carry collision and comprehensive insurance. For the most part, however, you can choose whether you want to carry the following Montana auto insurance coverages:
- Comprehensive auto insurance
- Collision auto insurance
- Gap insurance
- Modified car insurance
- Non-owner auto insurance
- Rental car reimbursement coverage
- Roadside assistance coverage
- Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage
- Umbrella insurance
While adding some of these coverages raises your Montana auto insurance rates, you have better protection against financial losses after an accident.
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— AutoInsurance.org (@AutoInsurance) September 19, 2023
So, compare rates from the best car insurance companies in Montana to get cheap rates on the coverages listed above.
Montana DUI Auto Insurance Laws
DUIs will raise auto insurance rates in Montana, costing drivers hundreds or thousands of dollars more each year. However, Montana’s DUI penalties will also result in a host of other possible consequences, such as the following:
- Driving record points
- Fines
- Ignition interlock device (IID)
- License suspension
- Possible jail time
- Restricted driver’s license
- Sobriety programs
- SR-22 certificate
The severity of penalties depends on whether there were previous offenses and how many. A first DUI offense will have much lighter charges than a third DUI.
Montana SR-22 Auto Insurance Laws
High-risk drivers may be ordered to apply for an SR-22 auto insurance certificate, which is a form of high-risk auto insurance proving you meet Montana auto insurance requirements. DUIs, suspended licenses, and similar offenses will result in drivers having to request an SR-22 certificate. Read more about the best auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers.
We’ve outlined how different drivers can obtain an SR-22 certificate below.
How to Get Montana SR-22 Auto Insurance Coverage
You must contact your insurance company if you already have an insurance policy. Your insurance company will apply for the SR-22 insurance certificate. If your insurance company won’t do this for you or drops you as a customer, you’ll need to find a new insurance company.
If you don’t currently have an insurance company, you may have to pay a fee when you apply for the new company to file your SR-22 form. Some insurance companies may also refuse to sell you insurance because you’re a high-risk driver.
Read More:
Finally, you must purchase non-owner’s car insurance to qualify for an SR-22 certificate if you don’t own a car. After all, SR-22 certificates prove you have the right insurance, so you’ll need to learn more about how to get non-owner SR-22 auto insurance.
Get the Cheapest Montana Auto Insurance Policy and Save
Finding cheap car insurance in Montana doesn’t have to be complicated. Knowing what affects your insurance rates, such as the types of auto insurance you buy, and shopping around goes a long way to keeping your Montana auto insurance rates down.
If you have a serious infraction on your driving record, such as a DUI, shopping around is the best way get the most affordable rates. Wondering how to lower your auto insurance? Enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool below to get compare cheap car insurance rates in Montana.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much is car insurance per month in Montana?
Full coverage car insurance rates in Montana cost around $134 monthly, a bit higher than the national average. However, your Montana auto insurance premiums depend on your personal driving record, area, vehicle, and more.
Why is Montana auto insurance so high?
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Montana had 21.6 vehicle fatalities per 100,000 residents in 2021, which is higher than average. So, Montana auto insurance rates are higher to offset the additional risk.
Still, you can find cheap car insurance in Montana by entering your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool.
How much is liability insurance in Montana?
You’ll pay around $33 monthly for the cheapest liability car insurance policy in Montana.
What is the most affordable auto insurance in Montana?
Some of the insurance companies in Montana that have cheaper rates consistently include USAA, Progressive, and State Farm.
What are the requirements for auto insurance in Montana?
In Montana, the minimum car insurance requirements include the following coverages:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $20,000 property damage liability coverage per accident
Read more about Montana minimum auto insurance requirements.
What does bodily injury liability coverage mean?
Bodily injury liability (BIL) auto insurance coverage is a type of insurance that covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages for injuries caused to others in an accident for which you are at fault. In Montana, the minimum bodily injury liability coverage ensures that there is financial protection of up to $25,000 per person and up to $50,000 per accident.
What is property damage liability coverage?
Property damage liability coverage provides insurance protection for damages caused to someone else’s property in an accident for which you are at fault. In Montana, the minimum property damage liability coverage requirement is $20,000 per accident. Read more about the best property damage liability auto insurance companies.
Is it illegal to not have car insurance in Montana?
Yes, driving without auto insurance is illegal in Montana, so you must carry coverage on your car.
Is Montana a no-fault state?
No, Montana is an at-fault auto insurance state. So, you’re liable for damages in Montana if you cause an at-fault accident.
Does auto insurance follow the car or the driver in Montana?
Montana auto insurance follows the car in Montana.
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Enter your ZIP code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.
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Daniel Walker
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about auto insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything auto insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by auto insurance experts.