Why you can trust The Zebra

The Zebra partners with some of the companies we write about. However, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of editors and licensed agents. Reference our data methodology and learn more about how we make money.

Author profile picture

Ava Lynch

Insurance Analyst

Credentials
  • 7+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Ava joined The Zebra as a writer and licensed insurance agent in 2016. She now works as a senior insurance contributor, providing insights and data a…

Author profile picture

Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

If you want some flexibility as far as your auto insurance is concerned, you could consider a temporary car insurance policy. Truth is, short-term auto insurance is rare for a few different reasons.

Many major insurance companies don't offer contracts for fewer than half a year. As auto insurance is required by law in most places in the US, changing policies by the month can be a risky proposition. You also run the risk of creating holes in your auto insurance record by swapping policies frequently, leading to more expensive premiums down the road.

There's some good news: auto insurance agreements commonly last for just six months. This short policy period allows car insurance companies to re-rate — or re-price — the policy with your up-to-date driving profile and personal profile.

The six-month mark also stands as the perfect opportunity for you to reevaluate your insurance situation by getting quotes from a new insurer. Shopping quotes on the Internet is easy, and there’s no penalty for swapping auto insurance companies at the completion of your policy period — or even mid-term, assuming you never let your insurance lapse.

The short-term nature of auto insurance makes it relatively easy to purchase on short notice. If you need a policy to drive your new vehicle away, trying to find a policy for a relatively long-term auto rental or searching for coverage for a car you don't own but do drive regularly, consider purchasing a policy and cutting the agreement short as needed.

Find a cheap six-month policy in Montana today!

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.


Short-term insurance in Montana

See below normal car insurance prices in the state of Montana, organized by top insurance companies and the most populous cities. If your premiums exceed the rates listed below, consider shopping around.

SHORT-TERM AUTO INSURANCE RATES IN MONTANA — BY COMPANY
Insurance Company Average 6-Month Rate Average Monthly Rate
Montana State Average — All Companies $767 $128
SAFECO $427 $71
USAA $553 $92
National Farmers Union P&C $573 $95
State Farm $575 $96
Allied $681 $114
 

The most affordable option for single-month auto insurance in Montana is SAFECO, with whom you can save $21 per month, compared to the next cheapest option, USAA. In Montana, the average monthly cost of auto insurance is $128, or $767 over a six-month period.

Where you live has just as large an effect on your car insurance premiums as the insurance company you choose. Car insurance companies consider the frequency of claims in a given area when assigning rates by ZIP code. See below insurance prices in Montana's most populous cities and compare them to the amount you’re paying.

 
SHORT-TERM AUTO INSURANCE RATES IN MONTANA — BY CITY
Location Average 6-Month Rate Average Monthly Rate
Billings $735 $123
Missoula $695 $116
Great Falls $718 $120
Bozeman $712 $96
Butte $731 $122
 

Because of the myriad factors involved in setting insurance rates, your quotes may not match the totals displayed above. If your current rates exceed those listed above, take a moment to shop around. The temporary timetable of an auto insurance policy enhances the importance of remaining in-the-know and ready to shop.

Find out more about temporary car insurance or use our search function to compare policies today.

 

Compare rates now to start saving.

Location pin icon
No junk mail. No spam calls. Free quotes.

Related content

About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.