When it comes to cheap car insurance, Montana drivers are at a disadvantage. Ranked in the top 15 of the most expensive states in the nation to get insurance, it’s no surprise that drivers are looking for more affordable alternatives. 

Cheap Insurance helps you get the coverage you need to drive legally while still making it affordable.

Quick Montana Car Insurance Facts

Read up on information about car insurance in Montana and some of the factors that make it so expensive: 

  • Montana ranks #12 for the cost of a car insurance policy.
  • Montana has one of the highest rates of auto fatalities in the nation. 
    • Numbers vary from year to year, but fatality rates in Montana are often twice as much as the national average. 
    • Montana has been rated #1 for auto fatalities in a number of years.
  • Severe weather is also a factor that raises insurance rates in Montana.
car insurance montana

Big Sky Country Cruising: Updates & Insurance Insights for Montana 2024

Hit the open road and explore Montana’s breathtaking landscapes with these key updates for drivers in 2024:

Montana Vehicle Code Changes:

  • Autonomous vehicle pilot program: Limited testing of autonomous vehicles on designated roads begins. (Source: Montana Senate Bill 339)
  • Increased penalties for speeding: Expect harsher fines and points for excessive speeding violations. (Source: Montana Code Annotated Title 61)
  • No major changes to distracted driving laws: Existing prohibitions on texting and holding phones while driving remain in place. (Source: Montana Code Annotated Title 61)

Remember: These are just highlights, and other changes may apply. Visit the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles website for complete information. (Source: Montana Department of Motor Vehicles)

Average Auto Insurance Rates in Montana (2024):

(Sources: The Zebra, ValuePenguin)

Company

Full Coverage

Minimum Coverage

State Farm

$1,647

$440

GEICO

$1,562

$398

Progressive

$1,725

$385

Farmers

$1,784

$425

Liberty Mutual

$1,843

$453

Remember: Individual rates in Montana can vary significantly based on driving history, location, vehicle type, and desired coverage. Consider factors like the low population density and potential for wildlife collisions when comparing options.

Minimum Montana Car Insurance Coverage

You must have car insurance coverage to drive. It’s the law. However, the amount of coverage you need varies by state. In fact, the minimum that Montana requires drivers to have is actually lower than some other states. 

According to Montana state law, you must have: 

  • Bodily injury coverage: $25,000 per individual and $50,000 per covered traffic event
  • Property damage coverage: A flat $20,000 per covered traffic event

Getting Cheap Car Insurance In Montana

There are lots of tricks to finding cheap car insurance. It’s not as hard as you think. Here are our suggestions to get you started:

  1. Begin with state minimums: To find cheap auto insurance, Montana locals will often begin with the minimum requirements for insurance (listed above). All car insurance firms are required to offer them. These minimums are lower than those of many other states, which gives you the chance to save on car insurance. 
  2. Shop for the best rates: Check out car insurance quotes from different providers, and never settle for the first figures you find. Also, it’s wise to compare car insurance quotes online every year.
  3. Drive more carefully: When you speed or drive aggressively, distracted, or under the influence, you are putting yourself at risk. You’re also less likely to get good insurance rates if you don’t have a clean driving record.

Montana Car Insurance Discounts

Montana car insurance providers have the power to offer discounts to their customers. Luckily, there are many discounts for drivers in Montana. See what discounts you qualify for: 

Good Driver: This is for drivers with clean driving records and no recent insurance claims.

Good Student: Young drivers who have good grades can receive discounts on their insurance. 

Safety Features: Discounts for maintaining your car or updating safety features.

Defensive Driving: Discounts for taking and passing a defensive driving course.

Affiliation Discounts: Discounts for service members, police, and others.

Insurance companies may not always tell you about their discounts in advance. Once you find a car insurance quote you like, be sure to contact the insurer directly and find out about any savings you might be eligible for.

FAQ

What is the average car insurance cost in Montana?

Average minimum liability policy: $466 per year. Average full coverage policy: $2,297 per year.

How much is car insurance per month in Montana?

Average minimum liability policy: $39 per month. Average full coverage policy: $191 per month.

What is the penalty for driving without insurance in Montana?

Driving without car insurance coverage in Montana is a misdemeanor offense. You could pay a fine of up to $500 on your first offense and spend up to 10 days in jail. Subsequent offenses lead to harsher penalties. Your license and vehicle registration may be suspended. You’ll need to pay fines and get insurance before you can drive.

What is driving like in Montana?

Montana ranks among the most dangerous states to drive in because of the high rate of auto fatalities. Our state can be dangerous to drive in during severe storms. Montana does have one advantage when it comes to cheap car insurance. Major cities with high population densities raise car insurance costs in other states. If you move to a suburban or rural area, you will often pay less—and in Montana, you have plenty of options to choose from.

How can I save money on my car insurance policy in Montana?

To cut back on car insurance in Montana, start with the best insurance deal you can find. Remember, you can always switch car insurance providers if you find a better deal! Below are a few more ideas to help you save on your policy:

  • Put two or more cars onto your policy to get multi-car discounts. 
  • Avoid distracted driving, DUIs, and speeding tickets to keep rates low.  
  • Explore the possibility of paying with an installment plan. 
  • Talk to your car insurance provider about increasing your deductible to pay less monthly.

What do I need to know about registering my vehicle in Montana?

  • Vehicle registrations are conducted by Montana’s Title and Registration Bureau within the Department of Justice’s Motor Vehicle Division.
  • New registrations may be done in person at your local county treasurer’s motor vehicle office. 
  • New residents must transfer a vehicle registration within 60 days of becoming a resident.

Other Types of Coverage

Auto insurance coverage in Montana must meet certain basic standards to be legal. You will need to show proof of at least this minimum insurance level before you can register a vehicle or drive. 

However, based on your situation, you may want more coverage than just the state minimum requirement. Though not required in Montana, many different coverage types are good to have.

Consider adding these coverages to your policy: 

Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UMC)/Underinsured Motorist coverage (UIM)

Medical Payments Coverage

Physical Damage Coverage 

Additional kinds of coverage 

  • Towing and road service
  • Rental car reimbursement 
  • Gap insurance 
  •  

We Have Your Town Covered!

Cheap Insurance makes it easier than ever for you to find the best cheap car insurance rates in Montana. If you live in one of the following places, let us help!