Car Insurance in Montana

Here's what you need to know when driving in Montana

Across the Treasure State, there are 151,209 miles of road just waiting to be driven. The average car insurance rate in Montana is $1,534 per year — a mere $5 more than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Montana car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.

Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Montana based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive personalized quotes from top insurers.

The best car insurance companies in Montana

Based on data from J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Satisfaction Study and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, we have compiled a list of the best car insurance companies in Montana.

The cheapest car insurance companies in Montana

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

Montana auto insurance laws

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including Montana. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in Montana, expect to pay an average of $399 annually. This expenditure is less expensive than the nationwide average by 26%. However, it's worth noting that minimum liability insurance leaves you and your vehicle exposed to risk.

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of Montana, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:

• Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
• Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage $20,000 per accident

If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in Montana, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,254, 214% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay around $1,604.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

There is no car insurer in particular that offers cheap DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Montana SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Montana to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Montana might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

How to acquire an SR-22 in Montana

For currently insured drivers

If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.

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.

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.

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.

Montana car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Montana auto insurance.