Cheap Auto Insurance in Montana 2025 (Save Big With These 10 Companies!)

Whether you’re exploring Glacier National Park or driving through the Rocky Mountains, finding cheap auto insurance in Montana is essential. As the fourth largest state in the U.S., Montana’s rugged landscape demands reliable car insurance coverage.

Montana Auto Insurance Guide

Whether you’re a Montana native or just passing through, this guide will help you understand auto insurance laws, find affordable policies, and save money. Residents of Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, and other cities can compare quotes from top providers to get the best rates.

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Our Top 3 Company Picks for cheap auto insurance in Montana include low rates and trustworthy coverage alternatives to meet your needs and budget.

Liberty Mutual ranks as the best supplier, offering discounts and affordable policies for Montana drivers seeking excellent coverage at affordable prices.

Our Top 10 Company Picks: Cheap Auto Insurance in Montana

#1 – Liberty Mutual: Top Overall Pick

Pros

• Customized Coverage: Liberty Mutual provides adaptable plans that can be customized to meet specific requirements, such as new car replacement and accident forgiveness.
• Many Discounts: Provides a number of discounts, such as those for students, military personnel, and holders of several policies.
• Robust Digital Tools: Offers a user-friendly smartphone application for managing policies and submitting claims.
• Financial Stability: Liberty Mutual’s sound financial standing guarantees regular claims payouts.

Cons

• Higher rates: Some clients claim their rates are higher than other carriers.
• Conflicting Claims Reviews: A few policyholders have expressed displeasure with the claims procedure.
• Limited Agent Support: Depends mainly on digital tools, which might not provide individualized agent support.

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#2 – State Farm: Best For Financial Strength

Pros

• Outstanding Customer Attention: State Farm is renowned for its robust local agent network and individualized attention.
• Competitive Rates: Provides some of the lowest prices in the sector.
• Strong Financial Strength: Strong financial standing guarantees dependable and timely claims handling.
• Safe Driver Discounts: Provides substantial savings on safe driving through initiatives like Drive Safe & Save.

Cons

• Restricted Discounts: State Farm offers fewer discounts than its rivals.
• Average Digital Tools: Both the website and mobile apps could improve.
• High Rates for High-Risk Drivers: Individuals with a bad driving record may see a considerable increase in premiums.

#3 – Geico: Employee Discounts

Pros

• Low Rates: Geico is renowned for providing some of the market’s lowest rates.
• Strong web Presence: Provides an easy-to-use web platform and mobile app for managing policies.
• Discounts: Geico offers a variety of discounts, such as multi-policy and military discounts.
• Reliable Claims Process: Its claims procedure typically garners favorable comments.

Cons

• Restricted Agent Network: Mainly depends on internet resources, which might not provide individualized agent assistance.
• Higher Rates for High-Risk Drivers: Drivers with a history of accidents or bad credit may pay higher premiums.
• Poor Customer Service: A few clients have had conflicting experiences with customer service

#4 – Nationwide: Best For Accident Forgiveness

Pros 

• Variety of Coverage: Provides a wide range of coverage choices, such as vanishing deductibles and accident forgiveness.
• On Your Side Review: Offers yearly policy evaluations to make sure clients are receiving the most competitive prices.
• Fantastic Bundling Discounts: Provides significant discounts when combining many plans, such as auto and home insurance.
• Robust Financial Foundation: Nationwide’s solid financial base guarantees dependable claims payments.

Cons

• Average Rates: Nationwide offers reasonable rates, although they are not the cheapest.
• Availability: Some states do not offer it.
• Claims Processing: A few clients have complained about claims processing being slower than anticipated.

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#5 – Safeco: Best For Customizable Policies

Pros

• Customized Coverage: Customers can customize insurance to meet their needs with Safeco’s array of coverage options, which include accident forgiveness, new car replacement, and decreasing deductibles.
• Reasonably priced rates: Safeco is renowned for providing competitive and reasonably priced premiums, particularly for drivers with spotless records.
• Bundling Discounts: By combining auto insurance with other plans, including renters’ or homeowners’ insurance, customers can save a lot of money.
• Roadside Assistance: Safeco offers customers peace of mind during crises by offering complete roadside assistance as an add-on.

Cons

• Restricted Availability: Some prospective clients may find Safeco’s services less accessible because they aren’t offered in every state.
• Average Customer Service: Safeco’s customer service has received mixed ratings, with some consumers complaining about unsatisfactory claim procedures.
• Discount possibilities: Safeco may have less discount

#6 – Travelers: Best For Unique Coverage

Pros

• Competitive prices: Provides reasonable prices, particularly for drivers with spotless records.
• Numerous Coverage Choices: Travelers offer a range of coverage choices, such as collision and comprehensive coverage.
• Homeowner Discounts: Bundling is appealing, allowing clients to select their own flexible payment plans.
• Flexible Payment Options: Gives clients the option to select flexible payment plans.

Cons

• Claims Satisfaction Below Average: A few clients express frustration with the claims procedure.

• Limited Support for Local Agents: Mostly digital tools that might not be as personable.

• Higher Premiums for High-Risk Drivers: Travelers’ premiums may increase significantly for high-risk drivers.

#7 –  American Family: Best For Loyalty Savings

Pros

• Personalized Service: Well-known for providing excellent customer service via a network of local agents.
• Flexible Coverage: Provides a selection of insurance tailored to meet specific requirements.
• Safe Driving Program: offers possible savings to encourage safe driving practices.
• Bundling Discounts: Provides savings when combining several plans, such as auto and home insurance.

Cons

• Restricted Availability: Accessibility is limited because it is unavailable in all states.
• Higher Premiums for Riskier Drivers: Drivers with bad credit or those who pose a greater risk may pay higher premiums.
• Average Claims Process: A few clients have complained about delays in processing their claims or problems.

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#8 – Allstate: Best For Detailed Coverage

Pros

• Large Discounts: Allstate provides a number of discounts, such as safe driver and excellent student discounts.
• Local Agents: Tailored support is offered by a vast network of agents.
• Claim Satisfaction Guarantee: Customers who are unhappy with the claims process can receive a refund.
• Accident Forgiveness: Drivers are shielded from rate hikes following an accident.

Cons

• Higher Rates: Compared to other businesses, premiums are typically more costly.
• Average Customer Satisfaction: A few clients have expressed conflicting feelings on the handling of their claims.
• Limited Digital Tools: Management on mobile and online platforms might be easier.

#9 – Farmers: Best For Comprehensive Coverage

Pros

• Outstanding Customer Service: Farmers offers outstanding customer service, including individualized local agent support and round-the-clock claims assistance.
• Numerous coverage options:  are available, including special add-ons like rideshare and new car replacement insurance.
• Accident Forgiveness: Farmers offers programs to stop premium increases following your first accident.
• Bundling Discounts: Combining house and vehicle insurance can result in significant discounts.

Cons

• Greater Premiums: Farmers pay greater premiums than some of their rivals.
• Limited Discounts: In comparison to other providers, there are fewer opportunities for discounts.
• State Availability: Not all states offer it.

#10 – Progressive: Best For Coverage Options

Pros

• Reasonably priced rates: Progressive is renowned for providing affordable rates, particularly for high-risk drivers.
• Snapshot Program: This usage-based program offers possible discounts as a reward for safe driving practices.
• Discounts for several policies: Progressive provides substantial savings when combining house and vehicle insurance in Montana can result in significant discounts.
• Robust Digital Tools: A user-friendly smartphone app and web platform for managing policies and submitting claims.

Cons

• Claims Satisfaction: A few clients express discontent with the claims procedure.
• High Rates for Some Drivers: Low-risk drivers are not eligible for the best rates.
• Limited Agent Support: Mostly dependent on digital technologies, which might not provide one-on-one agent assistance.

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 Coverage and Rates for cheap auto insurance in Montana

You might be wondering about what kind of coverage you need and the answer to that question is sort of a complicated one. But let’s start with the basics: Montana requires every driver to have auto insurance. But how much auto insurance is required?

You might be looking for the cheapest auto insurance in Montana, and that’s okay, but we’re here to tell you that having more coverage will benefit you and your wallet in the long run. It’s important to strike a balance between affordable premiums and adequate protection.

Before we get into minimum liability insurance requirements, let’s go over Montana’s car culture. This will help you better understand Montana’s laws and regulations, as well as how cheap auto insurance in Montana fits into the overall driving experience in the state.

We’ve partnered with the Insurance Information Institute, Nolo.com, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Census.gov to bring you the following information.

According to Hartford, the most common vehicles on Montana’s roads are big pickups like Chevy Silverado 1500s and beyond with the Z71 package, which fully equips the vehicle to go off-road.

After all, Montana residents are known for having jobs that entail farming, ranching, and really anything that has to do with the outdoors.

But it’s not all trucks on Montana roads. “In larger cities like Billings and Bozeman, you will see more cars and import brands”, says Mike Satterfield, an automotive writer who runs the site The Gentleman Racer and has taken road trips through Montana, including one in a Fiat 500.

“While many drive their trucks every day, a surprising amount of sports cars are kept for the summer driving season,” he says.

Minimum Requirements  for cheap auto insurance in Montana

The first thing you should know about cheap auto insurance in Montana is that Montana is one of 38 states classified as a traditional at-fault car accident state. This means the driver responsible for an accident is liable for covering the damages.

In at-fault car accident states like Montana, if you cause an accident, you are responsible for covering any incurred costs from that accident.

These costs could include damages to your vehicle as well as anyone else’s and medical bills.

The at-fault driver is also responsible for filing a claim with his or her insurance company. Ideally, the insurance company will inform the driver that the policy provides enough coverage to handle all costs, which is why considering cheap auto insurance in Montana with adequate coverage is crucial.

If the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance, he or she will have to cover these costs with personal assets.

In short, the scenario above explains why it is a good idea to carry more insurance than what is required. But what type of insurance is actually required by the state of Montana?

Montana Code Annotated section 61-6-103 requires that any motor vehicle operated on public roads be insured by a liability insurance policy that meets the following minimum coverage limits:

• $25,000 liability coverage for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident caused by the owner/driver of the insured vehicle
• $50,000 liability coverage for total bodily injury or death liability in an accident caused by the owner/driver of the insured vehicle
• $20,000 liability coverage for property damage per accident caused by the owner/driver of the insured vehicle

Liability coverage pays the medical bills, property damage bills, and other costs of drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who are injured or have their vehicle damaged in a car accident you cause, up to coverage limits.

Forms of Financial Responsibility in Montana

A form of financial responsibility is just a fancy term for proof of insurance. Every driver in Montana is required to carry their proof of insurance (insurance card) on their person or in their car at all times, even when opting for cheap auto insurance in Montana to ensure compliance with state laws.

If a law enforcement officer pulls you over, you must be ready to show proof of insurance, registration and your license.

Here some acceptable forms of proof of insurance:

• Valid liability insurance ID cards
• Copy of your current car’s insurance policy
• Valid insurance binder (a temporary form of car insurance)
• Electronic insurance card (or picture proof of your insurance card)

If you’re pulled over and cannot show proof of insurance, you may be facing some serious penalties.

Even if you have cheap auto insurance in Montana, you must be able to show proof of your insurance policy. In this case, a police officer might give you a warning, or he or she may deem you as a driver without insurance.

Driving without insurance in Montana is considered a misdemeanor. A first-time offender could be punished with a fine between $250 and $500, or up to 10 days in jail.

It’s kind of silly to go to jail for a crime that could’ve easily been prevented. If you’ve opted for cheap auto insurance in Montana, make sure to take a photo of your insurance card if you’re bad with loose papers, and always have it with you or on your phone to avoid any issues.

Premiums as a Percentage of Income

Montana’s average per capita disposable income in 2014 was $36,041.

A person’s per capita income is the amount of money they take home after paying taxes. In 2014, Montana drivers paid $868.55 on average for a full coverage car insurance policy. This means drivers pay an average of 2.41 percent per year on car insurance alone.

From 2012-2014, Montana auto insurance increased by about $50 and the average per capita income increased by about $400.

When we look at surrounding states’ averages, Idaho had a per capita income of $33,600 in 2014 and paid an average of $673.13 a year for a full coverage car insurance policy.

Wyoming had a much higher average per capita income of $49,918 and paid an average of $844.33 for a full coverage insurance policy.

Countrywide, Americans have an average per income capita of $40,859 and pay $981.77 a year for auto insurance.

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Core Car Insurance Coverage in Montana

Core Auto Insurance Coverage in Montana

The data from the table above is brought to you by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Since this data is from 2015, you can expect rates to be a little higher today.

Keep in mind that these rates reflect cheap auto insurance in Montana based on the state’s minimum coverage laws, which may vary depending on individual factors.

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Additional Liability Coverage in Montana

Imported from Manual Input

While the additional types of liability coverage listed above aren’t required by the state of Montana, it still might be a good idea to carry them.

Because Montana is an at-fault state, a driver who causes an accident is required by law to pay for any damages associated with that accident; hopefully, the driver carries a big enough insurance policy so they don’t have to pay out of pocket to help cover damages.

But what happens if a driver is uninsured?

9.90 percent of Montana drivers are uninsured. Montana is ranked 33rd in the U.S. for uninsured drivers.

If an uninsured driver hits you and you don’t have cheap auto insurance in Montana with underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage, you may be forced to cover the repair costs yourself. This coverage is crucial to avoid paying out of pocket in such scenarios.

More than likely, the uninsured driver will go bankrupt trying to pay for damages done to his vehicle, and you’ll never be paid.

This is where uninsured motorist coverage steps in to help.

But what about the loss ratio?

When you’re looking for a new Montana auto insurance company, it’s important to look at that company’s loss ratio percentage.

If the loss ratio percentage is too high, (over 100 percent) the company could be at risk of going bankrupt because they are paying too many claims.

When you get into a car accident, you need to file a claim with your insurance company stating what damage was done to your vehicle and what medical bills need to be paid.

On the other hand, if a loss ratio percentage is too low, (under 50 percent) the insurance company could be scamming its clients because it’s not paying enough of filed claims.

As you can see in the table above, Montana auto insurance companies have great average loss ratio percentages — they all fall between 50-100 percent. This reflects well on the average car insurance costs in Montana, as it indicates a balance between premiums collected and claims paid out.

Add-ons, Endorsements, and Riders in Montana

With so many extra insurance coverage options, it can be difficult to understand which ones could work well with your lifestyle.

Your Montana auto insurance policy should be as unique as you are. Click on the links below to learn more about each policy.

• Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP)
• Personal Umbrella Policy (PUP)
• Rental Reimbursement
• Emergency Roadside Assistance
• Mechanical Breakdown Insurance
• Non-Owner Car Insurance
• Modified Car Insurance Coverage
• Classic Car Insurance
• Pay-As-You-Drive or Usage-Based Insurance

More coverage is always better coverage, even when searching for cheap auto insurance in Montana. Choose one add-on or choose them all to ensure you’re fully protected—the choice is completely up to you.

Montana Auto Insurance Rates by Provider

Montana Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider & Coverage Level

Montana auto insurance rates can vary significantly based on the provider and coverage level, with some offering more affordable options than others. For cheap auto insurance in Montana, comparing quotes from multiple providers is essential to finding the best coverage at the lowest rates available.

Enter your ZIP code to compare rates from the top providers near you.

Male vs. Female Annual Car Insurance Rates in Montana

Did you know factors like gender, marital status, and age can affect your auto insurance rate?

In Montana, it is illegal to base an insurance rate on gender or marital status.

Montana Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Age & Gender

Are you worried about your age affecting your rate? Car insurance companies know teenage drivers have little experience on the road, which is exactly why they hike their rates for young drivers.

If you keep a clean record, your rates are likely to decrease significantly once you turn 25.

Keep in mind that our data is based on actual purchased coverage by the state population and includes rates for high-risk drivers and for drivers who choose to purchase more than the state minimum as well as other types of coverage not required such as uninsured/underinsured motorist, PIP, and MedPay.

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Cheapest Rates by City in Montana

If you’re wondering how much cheap auto insurance in Montana costs in your city, check out the table below for average rates. Comparing rates by location can help you find the most affordable coverage tailored to your area, ensuring you get the best deal.

Montana Cheapest Monthly Rates by City

Rates in Montana’s Ten Largest Cities

What are Montana’s most populated cities?

Montana Monthly Rates by City

Best Montana Car Insurance Companies

With literally hundreds of car insurance companies out there, it can be a tough choice to pick just one, especially when you don’t know what to look for in a company.

In this next section, we’ve answered all of the difficult questions and pulled valuable info on some of the very best car insurance in Montana companies for you.

Keep reading to learn more about AM Best ratings, customer service satisfaction rankings, company complaints, and more about cheap auto insurance in Montana. Understanding these factors can help you choose the best insurance provider and secure the most affordable coverage for your vehicle.

Ratings of the Largest Car Insurance Companies in Montana

We can determine a company’s financial strength by studying its AM Best Rating. As we previously discussed, generally, a company should not have a loss ratio percentage over 100 percent or under 50 percent.

As you can see from the table above, Allstate and Farmer’s both have loss ratio percentages under 50 percent.

In both of these cases, the percentage is still in the 40 percent range, and both companies have a great AM Best rating, so it isn’t a huge deal that the loss ratio percentage is on the lower side.

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Montana’s Car Insurance Companies with the Best Ratings

When you’re standing on the side of the road while trying to get a hold of your car insurance company after you’ve just been in a car accident, the last thing you want to hear over the phone is a nasty voice.

Customer service is very important, especially when it comes to your auto insurance provider. J.D. Power agrees, and that’s exactly why they rank auto insurance companies every year based on customer satisfaction.

The 2019 U.S. Auto Insurance Study, now in its 20th year, examines customer satisfaction in five factors (in order of importance): interaction; policy offerings; price; billing process and policy information; and claims.

Except USAA, (a company that only serves military members and their families) PEMCO Insurance was ranked number one for customer service in the Northwest region of the U.S.

The study is based on responses from 42,759 auto insurance customers and was fielded from February through April 2019.

Companies with the Most Complaints in Montana

All companies receive complaints. How a company handles a mistake is what matters.

Below are some numbers on company complaints in Montana.

Don’t let the numbers intimidate you—many cheap auto insurance in Montana options are available, even from top-rated providers on this list. It’s all about comparing quotes to find the best deal for your coverage needs.

Cheapest Companies in Montana

Take a look at some of the companies offering cheap auto insurance in Montana to help you find the best and most affordable coverage. Comparing rates from these providers can save you money while ensuring you meet the state’s insurance requirements.

Cheapest Providers in Montana

Commute Rates by Companies

Did you know that your rate can be affected by how many miles you drive per year?

Montana Commute Monthly Rates by Providers

According to the table above, whether you drive 6,000 miles per year or 12,000 miles per year, Liberty Mutual has the cheapest insurance in Montana.

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Coverage Level Rates by Companies

Insurance can be costly, but opting for cheap auto insurance in Montana can still provide sufficient protection while saving you money in the long term.

A good insurance company might offer discounts or benefits when you choose to carry more coverage than Montana’s minimum requirements.

To get a better picture of what we mean, take a look at the table below.

Montana Monthly Rates Coverage Level by Providers

Liberty Mutual only charges about $200 more per year for high-coverage car insurance.

Credit History Rates by Companies

Your credit score can also affect your car insurance rate.

Montana Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Credit Score

According to Experian, Montana has an average credit score of 689.

The average American has a credit score of 675, so Montana residents often have a higher-than-average credit score.

A poor credit score can significantly raise your premiums, often by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. To find cheap auto insurance in Montana, maintain a high credit score and minimize your credit card usage to keep your rates affordable.

Driving Record Rates by Companies

The biggest factor that affects a car insurance rate is your driving record. Check out the table below to see what we mean.

Montana Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider & Driving Record

If you’re involved in an accident, your annual premium could increase by over a thousand dollars. For those caught drinking and driving with a DUI, expect rates to rise by thousands of dollars. Maintaining a clean record is essential for securing cheap auto insurance in Montana.

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Find the Cheapest Insurance in Montana Cities

This section is dedicated to helping residents of Montana cities, including Billings, Bozeman, Butte, and Great Falls, find the most affordable insurance options. Securing cost-effective insurance coverage is essential for residents seeking optimal protection.

By comparing rates, individuals in Montana can find cheap auto insurance in Montana, ensuring they secure the most economical options in cities like Billings, Bozeman, Butte, and Great Falls. This allows drivers to obtain the right coverage at competitive rates tailored to their specific needs and location.

Number of Insurers in Montana

The primary difference between foreign and domestic insurers lies in their governing laws. Domestic insurers are regulated by the laws of Montana, whereas foreign insurers operate under U.S. federal insurance laws.

While Montana has its own insurance rules, foreign insurers typically provide more coverage options and flexibility for those seeking cheap auto insurance in Montana.

Montana State Laws

It’s important to know your state laws, but we don’t expect you to know every single one of them. However, being aware of Montana state driving laws can help keep you safe while on the road and help you avoid accidents and traffic fines.

In this section, we’ll cover topics like teen driver laws, statute of limitations laws, vehicle licensing, Real ID laws, and much more.

We’ve partnered with the NAIC, the IIHS, Carwindshields.info, the DMV, and Responsibility.org to bring you the following information.

Montana Car Insurance Laws

By now you should know that Montana requires every driver to have car insurance. But have you ever wondered how state car insurance rate laws are formed?

According to the NAIC, car insurance rates must be filed prior to use with supporting data.

For more info on Montana state insurance laws, visit the Montana Motor Vehicle Division.

If you’re just looking for coverage to drive legally, enter your ZIP code to compare cheap auto insurance quotes near you

Windshield Coverage

Unfortunately for drivers in Montana, there aren’t any mandatory windshield coverage laws. This means that, unlike some states, Montana insurance companies are not obligated to pay for a broken or cracked windshield if it needs to be replaced.

Most likely, you’ll have to pay a hefty deductible first, before having your windshield repaired or replaced.

Not a fan of paying a deductible every single time you get a crack in your windshield?

Some insurance companies may offer deductible-free windshield coverage with a comprehensive plan.

High-Risk Insurance

Have you ever heard of high-risk insurance?

Montana SR22 car insurance is one way the state of Montana is able to keep track of drivers who have not continuously proven financial responsibility by having car insurance. It is also required for “high-risk” drivers.

But what might qualify you as a high-risk driver?

• Conviction of DUI
• Driving while uninsured
• Having too many points on your license
• Causing a car accident
• Driving a high-risk car
• Being over a certain age

The cost of SR22 insurance is determined by your state’s minimum liability requirements. The SR22 insurance minimum in Montana is $25,000 for injury to one person, $50,000 for injury to two or more people, and $10,000 for property damage.

Keep in mind that an SR22 verifies your fulfillment of Montana’s minimum liability requirements for the next three years.

Low-Cost Insurance Program

Currently, Montana does not have a program to help families pay for car insurance if they have a low income. Car insurance for low-income families is available in states like California, New Jersey, and Hawaii, which offer government-assisted insurance programs.

Don’t be discouraged by this — are you still looking for more ways to save on your insurance policy?

Ask your insurance provider if you qualify for any of the following discounts:

• Homeowner’s discount
• Multi-car discount
• Student Discount
• Military Discount
• Good driver discount

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Discounts for cheap auto insurance in Montana

Looking for cheap auto insurance in Montana? You can save big by taking advantage of discounts from top providers like Liberty Mutual, State Farm, and Geico.

Whether it’s bundling policies, maintaining a good driving record, or using other discounts, these savings can help you lower your premiums and get affordable coverage.

Auto Insurance Discounts From the Top Providers in Montana

If you’re looking to lower your auto insurance premiums, enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool to compare your rates against the top insurers.

Automobile Insurance Fraud in Montana

How can you get busted for insurance fraud?

According to the IIHS, insurance fraud can be “hard” or “soft.” Hard fraud occurs when someone deliberately fabricates claims or fakes an accident.

Soft insurance fraud, or opportunistic fraud, happens when individuals or businesses inflate legitimate claims to receive more money. In the case of business owners, they might underreport the number of employees or misrepresent their roles to reduce worker’s compensation premiums, which can also impact overall costs, including cheap auto insurance in Montana.

The IIHS also says that the Insurance Research Council reported that “Auto insurance fraud and claim buildup added between $4.9 billion and $6.8 billion to closed auto injury claim payments in 2007.”

If you or someone you know would like to report a fraudulent insurance claim, please contact the Office of the Montana State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance.

840 Helena Ave. Helena, Montana 59601
Phone: (800) 332-6148 or (406) 444-2040

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations law exists to protect both the insurance company as well as the claimant.

If you get into a car accident, you can’t wait 20 years to file a claim. If this were possible, insurance companies would go out of business. On the other hand, the statute of limitations law does give a driver ample time to file a claim for cheap auto insurance in Montana without rushing through the process.

According to Montana state law, a driver has three years to file a personal injury claim and two years to file a property damage claim.

Montana State-Specific Laws

Did you know it’s illegal to drive in Montana with a sheep in the cab of your truck unless you have a chaperone?

As far as we know, this is one of the only weird driving laws in Montana. If you’d like to read up on more Montana car insurance laws, click here.

Vehicle Licensing Laws

In the state of Montana, every driver must be a licensed driver. We will get into licensing laws further down, but first, we want to cover Real ID laws.

What does a Montana Real ID look like?

After October 2020, drivers will not be able to board a domestic flight or enter a federally secured building without a Real ID.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance

We get it – car insurance isn’t an exciting thing to pay for, but every driver must carry their car insurance policy.

If a law enforcement officer pulls you over, you must be ready and willing to show proof of insurance, you license and registration.

What are some of the penalties for driving without insurance?

If you’re caught driving without insurance just one time, your license could be suspended. What happens if you drive without insurance? Even if you have insurance, you can still be penalized for driving without proof of insurance.

Let’s review acceptable forms of proof of insurance.

• Valid liability insurance ID cards
• Copy of your current car’s insurance policy
• Valid insurance binder (a temporary form of car insurance)
• Picture of proof of insurance on your smartphone
• Electronic proof of insurance

If you’re not great at carrying around papers and insurance forms, take a photo of your insurance card as soon as you receive it, and that way (if you carry your phone on you all of the time) you should have it on you at all times.

This Reddit post below raises concerns about registering vehicles in Montana for tax savings, as insurance companies like Safeco emphasize vehicles must be insured where they are garaged. While cheap auto insurance in Montana may appeal, it’s crucial to ensure coverage aligns with state regulations to avoid potential issues with claims.

Teen Driver Laws

In the state of Montana, teens can start driver’s education as early as 14 years and nine months old.

Take a look at the table below for more info about how to get a license in the state of Montana.

In Montana, license applicants younger than 16 must have completed driver’s education.

Check out the table below for restricted licensing laws in Montana.

License Renewal Procedures

If you are under the age of 75, you must have your license every eight years. If you are 75 or over, you must renew your license every four years.

IMPORTANT: If you are turning 75, you must renew your license even if you have previously renewed it within the last eight years.

Keep in mind that proof of adequate vision is required at every renewal and mail or online renewal is permitted by any driver regardless of age.

New Residents

Are you thinking about moving to Montana?

New residents are required to transfer their out-of-state license to Montana within 60 days of living in the state.

Do you remember Montana’s minimum liability insurance requirements?

• $25,000 liability coverage for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident caused by the owner/driver of the insured vehicle
• $50,000 liability coverage for total bodily injury or death liability in an accident caused by the owner/driver of the insured vehicle
• $20,000 liability coverage for property damage per accident caused by the owner/driver of the insured vehicle

If you are getting ready to move, or have already moved to Montana, make sure you give your current insurance company a call so that they can switch your out-of-state insurance to meet Montana’s insurance requirements.

Some insurance companies do not provide insurance in every state.

Negligent Operator Treatment System

According to Driving Laws by Nolo, Montana has a law that prohibits negligent or “careless driving.” The law requires all motorists to drive “carefully and prudently that does not unduly or unreasonably endanger the life, limb, property, or other rights of a person.”

The difference between reckless and careless driving might be subtle in some cases. But generally, the distinction has to do with the driver’s level of culpability.

Unlike reckless driving—which requires proof that the driver intentionally or knowingly did something risky behind the wheel—a motorist can be convicted of careless driving without realizing the dangerousness of the driving.

Careless driving is a misdemeanor, but the consequences are less serious than those for reckless driving. The possible penalties for a careless driving conviction are:

• First offense: For a first careless driving violation, there’s a $10 to $100 fine.
• Second offense: For a second careless driving conviction within a year, the driver is looking at fines of $25 to $200.
• Third offense: For a third or subsequent offense within a year, the driver is facing $50 to $500 in fines.
• Offenses involving death or injuries: A careless driving offender who causes death or “serious bodily injury” to another person faces up to six months in jail and/or a maximum of $5,000 in fines.

A careless driving conviction adds four points to the motorist’s driving record.

Montana Rules of the Road

In this next section, we’ll discuss Montana’s at-fault law and the important rules of the road. Understanding these guidelines can help you avoid accidents, fines, points on your license, or even suspension. If you’re looking to lower costs with cheap auto insurance in Montana, staying informed and following these rules will also help you maintain better insurance rates.

Fault vs No-Fault

As we previously discussed, Montana is an at-fault car accident state. This means that anyone who causes an accident is responsible for covering the costs of damages and/or medical bills incurred from that accident.

It’s a great thing to have more insurance than what is required because, with cheap auto insurance in Montana, you may run out of insurance funds quickly, leaving significant bills unpaid. Having additional coverage ensures better protection and financial security in the event of costly accidents.

Keep in mind that at-fault drivers are also responsible for filing a claim for other drivers if they were involved in the accident as well.

Seat Belt and Car Seat Laws

Click it or ticket! Are you aware of Montana’s car seat and seat belt laws?

Avoid a fine (and injuries) by following these Montana safety belt laws below.

If you break one of these laws, you’re looking at a $20 fine plus fees.

Help keep your little ones safe by making sure they are in the right type of car seat while traveling in a moving vehicle.

Have you ever wondered if riding in the cargo area of a pick-up truck is illegal?

In Montana, there are no state laws about riding in the back of a pick-up truck, however, you should always use caution while riding in an area of a vehicle that does not have a seat belt.

Keep Right or Move Over Laws

In Montana, drivers must keep right if they choose to drive slower than the average speed of traffic. Passing on the right is allowed under certain circumstances.

According to the Montana Code, the operator of a vehicle may overtake and pass on the right of another vehicle only under the following conditions:

1. When the vehicle overtaken is making or about to make a left turn; or
2. on a roadway with unobstructed pavement of sufficient width for two or more lanes of vehicles moving lawfully in the direction being traveled by the overtaking vehicle.
3. The operator of a vehicle may overtake and pass another vehicle on the right only under conditions permitting safe movement. The movement may not be made by driving off the pavement or the main-traveled portion of the roadway.

AAA says Montana law requires drivers approaching a stationary emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights, including towing and recovery vehicles, traveling in the same direction, to vacate the lane closest if safe and possible to do so, or slow to a safe speed.

If on a highway with a speed limit of 50mph or greater, the driver must slow by at least 20mph below the posted speed limit.

Speed Limit Laws

The number one traffic violation in Montana is speeding. Knowing Montana’s speed limit laws can keep your wallet full and your driving record clean.

See the table below for the maximum speed limits in Montana.

Remember that these are the maximum limits allowed on the roads in Montana.

Ridesharing

If you work for a company like Uber or Lyft, you must have ridesharing insurance. Insurance companies know that the more you drive, the more likely you are to get into an accident.

Are you looking for ridesharing insurance?

Check out these companies below for more information.

• Farmer’s Insurance
• State Farm

Automation on the Road

Have you ever heard of vehicle automation?

The IIHS says that in driving, automation involves using radar, cameras, and other sensors to perform parts or all of the driving task on a sustained basis instead of the driver.

One example is adaptive cruise control, which continually adjusts the vehicle’s speed to maintain a set minimum following distance.

Features such as automatic braking, which acts as a backup if the human driver fails to brake, or blind-spot detection, which provides additional information to the driver, aren’t considered automation under this definition.

At this time, Montana has not deployed or tested complete vehicle automation.

Safety Laws

In this next section, we will go over three very important safety laws: DUI laws, impaired driving laws and distracted driving laws.

If you are unsure of theses safety laws, it might benefit you to scan over them so you can avoid penalties, fines, and accidents.

DUI Laws

From 2008-2017, there were 796 alcohol-impaired traffic deaths in the state of Montana. But if you’re going to spend a night out on the town, what are some important drinking and driving laws to follow?

What are some of the penalties involved with these DUI offenses?

In 2017, there were 56 alcohol-related fatalities in Montana. Please don’t drink and drive – it’s an action that can be easily avoided.

Marijuana-Impaired Driving Laws

According to Responsibility.org, if you are caught driving with more than THC per se (5 nanograms) of marijuana on your person, you will be charged with impaired driving.

If you are convicted of drugged-driving, you could be facing fines and/or jail time.

For states without a marijuana-specific per se drugged driving law, an impairment-based statute exists that requires law enforcement to prove the impairment of the driver. Successful prosecution depends on documented behavioral evidence and recent drug use.

Distracted Driving Laws

Technology has come a long way in the last few years, but just like any other tool, texting has become both a convenience and a curse.

Studies have shown that the effects of texting and driving can be worse than drinking and driving. Look at the table below to find out more about distracted driving laws.

While there aren’t any laws about using your cell phone while driving in Montana, it still might be a good idea to use discretion if you choose to use your phone in a moving vehicle.

You can find affordable auto insurance, no matter your driving record, by entering your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool.

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Driving in Montana

Now that we’ve covered Montana’s driving and safety laws, it’s time to get into Montana’s can’t-miss facts.

What are some of the risks of owning and operating a vehicle in Montana? What about vehicle theft? What causes traffic fatality rates in Montana?

From crash statistics to traffic congestion, we will cover all this and more up next. The following info is brought to you by the NHTSA, Responsibility.org, Data USA, Census.gov, the FBI and Inrix.

Vehicle Theft in Montana

Is your vehicle on Montana’s most stolen list?

The year with the vehicle is just the most popular model year stolen. The number listed as stolen for that make and model includes all model years of it. The Chevy pick-up truck is the most stolen vehicle in Montana.

Did you know that some cities have more vehicle theft than others? The data from the list below is pulled directly from the FBI.

Find your city below.

Road Fatalities in Montana

Accidents happen and sometimes they result in deaths. Many of these traffic fatalities have resulted from specific scenarios. In this section, we want to discuss why they happen and what causes them, as well as how having cheap auto insurance in Montana can help protect you in such situations.

In 2017, there were 186 traffic fatalities in the state of Montana. Before we get into the causes of these fatal accidents, let’s first talk about the most dangerous roads in Montana and how cheap auto insurance in Montana can provide necessary coverage for drivers on risky roads.

Most Fatal Highway in Montana

According to Geotab.com, US-2 is the northernmost east-west US Route. Its Montana stretch has an average of 13 fatal crashes per year.

Over 30,000 people are killed every year in car accidents.

To determine the most dangerous highway in each US state, Geotab calculated a Fatal Crash Rate that is based on the annual number of road fatalities and fatal crashes according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, adjusted for the average daily traffic counts provided by the Federal Highway Administration.

Fatal Crashes by Weather Condition and Light Condition

Do weather and light conditions cause frequent fatal car accidents in Montana?

According to the table above, many of these accidents occurred either in broad daylight or in the dark under normal weather conditions.

Fatalities (All Crashes) by County

Below is a list showing fatal crashes by counties in Montana. Can you find your county on this list?

Traffic Fatalities: Rural vs Urban

Are traffic fatalities in Montana more likely to happen in rural areas or urban areas? Normally, more fatalities happen in rural areas because it takes longer for an emergency response team to arrive at the crash site.

When considering cheap auto insurance in Montana, it’s important to account for the potential risks in rural areas, as coverage options may vary based on location and accident likelihood.

On average, you are eight times more likely to get into a fatal accident in a rural area than you are in an urban environment. Stay tuned as we discuss EMS response times a little further down.

Fatalities by Person Type

Did person or vehicle type have anything to do with the fatal crash rate in Montana?

Fatalities by Crash Type

Does a certain type of crash cause more fatal accidents than other types of crashes?

According to the table above, crashes involving a roadway departure were most likely to result in a fatality.

Five-Year Trend For The Top 10 Counties in Montana

Below is the five-year trend for the top ten largest counties in Montana.

Fatalities Involving Speeding by County

Speeding is a huge cause of road fatalities in Montana. In 2017, there were 59 speeding-related road fatalities in Montana.

Fatalities in Crashes Involving an Alcohol-Impaired Driver (BAC = .08+) by County

In 2017, there were 56 alcohol-impaired road fatalities in Montana. Below is a list showing traffic fatalities that resulted from drunk driving by the counties they occurred in and the year they occurred. If you are seeking cheap auto insurance in Montana, consider how factors like drunk driving statistics may impact rates in certain counties, as insurers assess these risks when calculating premiums.

Drunk driving is against the law. Please don’t drink and drive.

Teen Drinking and Driving

For obvious reasons, teen drivers don’t have a lot of driving experience — but add some alcohol to the lack of experience and you’ve got yourself a deadly mix.

Montana is ranked fifth in the U.S. for teenage drinking and driving.

According to Responsibility.org, in 26 states and D.C., under-21 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities per 100,000 population were at or below the national average of 1.2 deaths per 100,000 population.

Montana has the highest teenage drunk-driving fatality rate in the country with an average is 3 deaths per 100,000 population.

EMS Response Time

Sometimes arriving seconds early to a crash site can mean the difference between saving someone’s life or sending them straight to the morgue.

Because there aren’t as many EMS services located in rural areas as there are in cities, EMS response times are generally much faster in urban environments than in rural areas.

This delay can impact accident outcomes, and for those seeking cheap auto insurance in Montana, it’s important to consider that rural areas might have higher risks due to longer emergency response times, which could influence insurance premiums.

According to the table above, urban EMS response times are much lower than they are in rural areas.

Transportation

Insurance companies will often base their rates on averages – the average number of cars owned per family, the average amount of time someone spends driving in traffic, and the average amount of miles a person drives per year.

This next section will cover transportation averages, including car ownership, commuter transportation, traffic congestion, and the most commonly used types of transportation.

For those exploring cheap auto insurance in Montana, understanding these factors can help you assess potential risks and insurance needs based on driving patterns and congestion levels in your area.

Car Ownership

How many cars do Montana drivers own on average?

According to Data USA, the following chart displays the households in Montana distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket.

The largest share of households in Montana have two cars, followed by three cars.

The orange bars represent Montana’s average, while the gray bars indicate the country’s average. For those seeking cheap auto insurance in Montana, comparing local and national averages can provide insight into potential coverage needs based on state-specific trends in traffic, accidents, and commuting habits.

Commute Time

Using averages, employees in Montana have a shorter commute time (16.9 minutes) than the normal US worker (25.5 minutes). Additionally, 1.66 percent of the workforce in Montana have “super commutes” over 90 minutes.

Commuter Transportation

In 2017, the most common method of travel for workers in Montana was driving alone, followed by carpooling and working from home.

For those looking for cheap auto insurance in Montana, these commuting patterns could influence insurance rates based on driving frequency and risk factors.

Traffic Congestion in Montana

Good news for Montana drivers! Montana doesn’t have any cities on Inrix‘s worst cities for traffic list.

In the words of Porky Pig, that’s all folks! Now that we’ve covered all you need to know about Montana auto insurance, it’s time to start shopping for your very own insurance policy. To begin, use our free tool by simply entering your zip code in the box below.

Happy shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions: Cheap Auto Insurance In Montana

#1 –How much is car insurance per month in Montana?

#2 –Who is the cheapest auto insurance carrier?