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Cheapest Car Insurance in Montana (Mar 2024)

Compare 50+ top insurance companies including Progressive, Travelers, AAA, Nationwide (and more!) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Montana.
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R.E. Fulton
Licensed Insurance Agent —Senior Content Writer
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Reviewed by Josh Damico, Vice President Insurance Operations
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Edited by Lina Zhang, Licensed Insurance Agent, VP of Operations

How to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in Montana

Montana drivers pay an average of $1,677 per year for car insurance coverage. That’s lower than the national average—but when it comes to finding the best
car insurance
in Montana, drivers will be best served by
comparing auto insurance quotes
from multiple companies. 
Jerry is a no-brainer for smart drivers looking to save money while
shopping for car insurance
. Our
insurance comparison app
makes it easy for customers to compare their car insurance options and choose the perfect policy.
Insurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
Progressive
$82
Toyota Corolla L
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Allstate
$105
Chevrolet Cruze LT
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Safeco
$68
Toyota 4runner SR5
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Travelers
$130
RAM 1500 BIG Horn/lone Star
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
National General
$164
Chevrolet Suburban C1500 LTZ
• 15,000/30,000 Liability
coverageLast Updated Mar 14, 2024

Cheapest car insurance companies in Montana

Jerry conducted the industry’s largest nationwide survey to determine which car insurance companies offer the best rates in Montana.
The only way to know for sure what you’ll pay from a certain insurance company is to get a personalized quote—and ideally, to find the lowest rates, you should compare quotes from at least 3–5 insurers. 
You might be surprised who offers you the lowest rates. For instance, our survey showed that Montana drivers rated GEICO a 5/5 for both claims satisfaction and customer service, but they only rated it a 3/5 when it came to policy costs.
Insurance companyDateCost rating (out of 5)What our customer said:
Plymouth Rock
March 11, 2024
3
"They just reduced $9 after tracking my driving and stating I would get 35% discount. Terrible. "
-Zachary
Progressive
March 9, 2024
5
"I’ve had a policy through progressive for almost 20 years. I’ve always been one to look for something better and have...(read more)"
-Johnny
State Farm
March 4, 2024
5
"Excellent customer service insured me for almost all vehicles except the last car. "
-Frances
Trexis Insurance
March 2, 2024
4
"Working with GEICO during the time my husband hit 2 Deer in 10 days, the insurance adjuster was very curtious and ver...(read more)"
-Francis
State Farm
February 29, 2024
4
"I had only been paying about $70-75 a month when I lived in Tennessee. (I drive a 2015 Mitsubishi Mirage and needed ...(read more)"
-Delia
coverageLast Updated Mar 19, 2024
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How'd we get these scores?

Jerry's experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.
Jerry's free
quote comparison app
streamlines the process of comparing car insurance rates from multiple companies. With a network of over 100+ licensed insurance agents, Jerry goes beyond collecting quotes by providing personalized service alongside our user-friendly platform.

Minimum car insurance requirements for liability and full coverage in Montana

In Montana, all drivers must carry
minimum liability coverage
However, depending on your circumstance and preference, you may opt to carry higher liability limits or full coverage car insurance, which can offer greater protection for you and your vehicle.

Cheapest minimum liability coverage in Montana

To drive legally in Big Sky Country, you must meet
Montana’s minimum liability insurance requirements
. Those include: 
  • $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
  • $20,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage
Liability coverage is designed to cover medical expenses and property damages for other drivers if you are responsible for an accident. However, it does not cover your personal medical expenses or damages if you are at fault.
card cover
Myrtie (40 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
$353
per month
card cover
Claudia (48 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carChevrolet Cruze LT
$105
per month
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Cordelia (67 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBynum, MT
carFord F150 Super Cab
$86
per month
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Mattie (27 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
$210
per month
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Clearcover
Scott (33 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carJeep Grand Cherokee Overland
$68
per month

Do you need more than the minimum liability insurance coverage in Montana? 

Montana follows a 25/50/20 pattern for required liability insurance. But that may not be enough to adequately cover the costs of an at-fault accident.
For example, the minimum amount of property damage coverage—that is, $20,000—can quickly get exhausted in a multiple-vehicle collision, or of you cause damage to a new or luxury vehicle. Similarly, an accident that injures multiple drivers can quickly deplete your minimum $50,000 limit for bodily injury coverage. 
Put simply, once your insurance limits have been exhausted, your provider won’t offer additional assistance for accident-related expenses. This means that you may be responsible for covering any remaining costs out-of-pocket—so it’s worth investing in extra coverage.
Lower my car insurance too!

Cheapest full coverage Montana auto insurance quotes

To protect yourself against expenses associated with repairing or replacing your vehicle,
full coverage car insurance
is the only option.
Full coverage typically includes
comprehensive
and
collision coverage
, in addition to your state's minimum liability limits. Collision coverage helps cover the costs of repairs to your vehicle following an accident, while comprehensive coverage handles costs associated with non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, or weather damage.
Insurance CoverageInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCar
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Nationwide
$92
Toyota Highlander XLE
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Travelers
$186
Jeep Renegade Sport
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Allstate
$162
Chevrolet Silverado K1500 LTZ
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Safeco
$162
RAM 2500 Laramie
• 30,000/60,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Clearcover
$109
Toyota Corolla L
coverageLast Updated Mar 18, 2024

Average rates for minimum liability coverage and full coverage car insurance in Montana

Based on experience working with policyholders across Montana, Jerry has uncovered the average annual cost of minimum liability insurance is $1,108, or $92 per month. On the other hand, full coverage insurance in Montana costs an average of $1,677 per year, or $140 per month.
While insurance averages can help you predict your personal costs, they should be understood more as a general guideline than hard facts. Each driver’s premium is calculated uniquely based on factors like demographics, discount eligibility, driving history, and more.

Montana car insurance: Additional coverages

Drivers can choose to enhance their insurance protection by purchasing additional coverages for an extra premium. Popular insurance add-ons in Montana include: 
For leased or financed vehicles: You should purchase
gap insurance coverage
. This type of coverage helps to bridge the financial “gap” between the remaining balance on your car loan, and the actual cash value of the vehicle in case of loss or theft. 
For frequent renters or borrowers: A
non-owner car insurance
policy may be a better choice. Non-owner car insurance can provide you with liability coverage regardless of the vehicle you are driving, although it does not cover costs associated with vehicle repairs.

Car insurance premium by rating factors

Auto insurance companies consider a variety of rating factors when determining your individual premium. Rating factors are commonly rooted in risk-related characteristics such as: 
  • Your driving record / claims history: Drivers with a track record of accidents or violations generally face higher premiums than those with a clean record.
  • Your demographics: Your age, gender, and marital status can all influence the cost of your insurance rates.
  • Your location: City dwellers often encounter higher premiums compared to rural residents, due to factors like increased crime rates and higher population density. 
  • Your mileage: High annual mileage can result in higher insurance costs.
  • The make / model of your car: Luxury, sport, and high-performance vehicles typically cost more to insure, as replacement parts are more expensive.
  • Your credit score: Good credit scores are generally associated with lower insurance rates, even for identical coverage.
In the sections below, we break down how these rating factors and others can impact your car insurance rates in Montana.

How Do Different Factors Impact Your Car Insurance Costs in Montana?

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Allowed (with applicable limitations): Age, driving experience, credit history, occupation, employment Status, zip code, insurance history
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Prohibited (or effectively prohibited): Gender, education, marital status
Learn more abut the car insurance rating factors in Montana:

Cheapest Montana car insurance after a driving violation

Your
Montana driving record
can impact the price you pay for auto insurance. If insurance companies detect a record of violations, they will consider you a higher risk to insure—and charge you a higher rate.

Cheapest car insurance for Montana drivers with a speeding ticket

Speeding tickets are among the most common road violations, and they can have a big impact on your car insurance. In Montana, car insurance costs can increase as much as 22% following a speeding violation.
Speeding TypeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerInsurance Coverage
Speeding 1-5
Allstate
$66
• State Minimum Liability
Speeding 6-10
Travelers
$68
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
coverageLast Updated Mar 19, 2024

Over 4,000,000 customers and counting

We love saving our customers money. Turns out, they love it too! Here's what they have to say about their switch with Jerry:
National General
Switching to National General was SO easy and it saved me over $100/month!
Courtney
Travelers
Got a decent rate for my Tesla Model S from Travelers.
Kishore
Progressive
Good coverage, great rates.
Dee
Safeco
Safeco has provided great service as my current carrier.
Marcus

How to find cheap Montana auto insurance after a DUI

A
DUI conviction in Montana
can affect your insurance rates more than any other violation. Having a DUI on your driving record will likely result in insurance carriers charging significantly higher rates, or potentially refusing to cover you altogether.
Drivers with DUI convictions may need to compare rates from multiple companies to find affordable coverage. That’s where Jerry can help: 
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Robert (43 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
$74
per month
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Tillie (28 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$240
per month
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Harvey (34 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationLivingston, MT
$186
per month
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Nellie (23 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationWhitehall, MT
carChevrolet Cruze LT
$71
per month

Montana SR-22 insurance

Serious driving violations, such as a DUI, can result in more than just high insurance rates. Drivers may also be required to fulfill a
Montana SR-22 filing
following a driving violation, which is a legal document issued by insurance companies to prove you have purchased the state’s car insurance requirements. 
SR-22 filing may also be required if:
  • You are caught driving without insurance coverage/proof of insurance
  • You are caught driving with a suspended license
  • You are convicted of a
    reckless driving
    charge
  • You have a history of repeated driving violations
In Montana, drivers must carry SR-22 insurance for a minimum of three years. 

Cheapest Montana auto Insurance after an at-fault accident

Insurance companies also consider your claims history, including whether you have a history of at-fault accidents. Drivers with recent at-fault accidents could face seriously steep rates. 
Accident TypeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerInsurance Coverage
At Fault With Injury
Progressive
$339
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
At Fault With No Injury
Safeco
$162
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Not At Fault
Travelers
$147
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
At Fault With No Injury
Allstate
$79
• State Minimum Liability
At Fault With Injury
Progressive
$339
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Mar 16, 2024

FAQs

According to
Montana’s car accident laws
, it’s a modified comparative negligence state. That means that you can only collect damages from an accident if you’re found to be less than 51% responsible for the incident.

Cheapest auto insurance after other violations in Montana

Aside from speeding tickets and DUIs, other types of driving violations can also raise your car insurance rates in Montana. 
Below is a list of various driving violations, along with examples of how Jerry assisted drivers in reducing their car insurance costs despite these violations.
ViolationInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
Careless Driving
Progressive
$303
RAM 2500 Laramie
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Driving on Sus. License
Progressive
$74
Mercury Cougar XR7
• State Minimum Liability
DUI
Travelers
$186
Jeep Renegade Sport
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Failure to Yield
Safeco
$175
Nissan Titan XE
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Leaving scene of an Accident/Hit and Run
Progressive
$208
Jeep Compass Sport
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding Violation-Major
Progressive
$149
GMC Sierra K1500 SLE
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding Violation-Minor
Safeco
$68
Toyota 4runner SR5
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Suspension
Progressive
$100
Ford Explorer
• State Minimum Liability
Other Minor
Nationwide
$289
KIA Forte FE
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Mar 19, 2024

Cheapest Montana auto insurance based on insurance history

Like your driving record and claims history, your insurance history is a significant rating factor in the eyes of insurance companies. Specifically, insurers will consider how long you have been insured and whether you’ve experienced any
lapses in coverage
Drivers who have had recent or past lapses in coverage may face higher auto insurance rates. The good news is, Jerry can help customers find savings on car insurance coverage regardless of their insured status: 
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Sallie (40 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
$353
per month
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Jared (46 years old)
Not Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$101
per month
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Jeff (41 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationGallatin Gateway, MT
carAcura RDX
$86
per month
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Clearcover
Virginia (33 years old)
Not Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carJeep Grand Cherokee Overland
$68
per month
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John (30 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$103
per month
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Jordan (46 years old)
Not Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carFord Edge SEL
$151
per month

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with poor credit

While having a low credit score doesn't necessarily make you a bad driver, it can still result in higher insurance costs. That’s because insurance providers have observed a correlation between lower credit scores and a higher probability of filing claims.
As a result, individuals with “bad credit” may face increased premiums. According to our data, drivers with credit scores below 550 typically encounter car insurance rates approximately 20% higher compared to those with credit scores above 750.
Credit RangeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
> 750
Progressive
$82
Toyota Corolla L
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
660 - 750
Safeco
$105
Dodge RAM 3500
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
550 - 659
Progressive
$353
Chevrolet Traverse LT
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
< 550
National General
$164
Chevrolet Suburban C1500 LTZ
• 15,000/30,000 Liability
coverageLast Updated Mar 19, 2024

Cheapest Montana car insurance by age

Teenage and senior drivers pay some of the highest insurance rates compared to the national average.

Cheapest Montana car insurance for young drivers

Insurance for new drivers
is typically higher than any other age group, in large part due to their limited driving experience and insurance history. However, as teenage drivers mature into young adults, their rates tend to gradually drop off.
Despite their already elevated insurance costs, young drivers would benefit from a full coverage policy and/or higher coverage limits. Full coverage insurance can give novice drivers added protection and an extra boost of confidence, while helping parents maintain peace of mind.
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Ruth (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationThompson Falls, MT
$222
per month
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Caleb (21 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$188
per month
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Sarah (19 years old)
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$248
per month
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Elizabeth (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationRoundup, MT
carHonda Pilot EX
$79
per month
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Lewis (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
$68
per month
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Ophelia (23 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationWhitehall, MT
carChevrolet Cruze LT
$71
per month

Cheapest Montana car insurance for senior drivers

Similar to teen drivers,
car insurance for senior drivers
tends to be expensive because they are considered a high-risk age group:
  • Senior drivers have a higher probability of being involved in car accidents
  • Accidents involving senior drivers often lead to more severe injuries and higher medical expenses
As a result, drivers may notice an increase in their car insurance premiums once they reach age 75.
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Lizzie (77 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$63
per month
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Howard (65 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationLaurel, MT
$117
per month
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Margaret (71 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationEmigrant, MT
carToyota Corolla
$78
per month
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Robert (69 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationHavre, MT
$93
per month
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Rebecca (73 years old)
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$119
per month
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Linnie (67 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBynum, MT
carFord F150 Super Cab
$86
per month

Over 4,000,000 customers and counting

We love saving our customers money. Turns out, they love it too! Here's what they have to say about their switch with Jerry:
National General
I like this insurance a lot
Krista
AAA
I love this. I'm not paying and arm and a leg to keep my vehicle on the road
Eason
Safeco
Great price. Quick and easy.
Mike
Progressive
Good price good coverage
Katie

How to find car insurance discounts in Montana for your motor vehicle

The type of vehicle you drive influences the price you pay for car insurance. Popular models can incur higher rates—but there are a variety of rating factors that your insurance provider considers, including the average cost of replacement parts and repairs, the likelihood of theft, and the overall safety rating of the vehicle.  
The most popular car models for Montana drivers include:
  • Honda Accord
  • Ford Explorer
  • Ford F-Series
  • Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Toyota Corolla
Popular CarInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerInsurance Coverage
Honda Accord EXLProgressive
$266
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Ford Explorer XLTSafeco
$123
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Chevrolet Silverado K1500 LTZAllstate
$162
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Toyota CorollaNationwide
$78
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Mar 18, 2024

Is it cheaper to insure a new car or a used car?

Newer vehicles often come with pricier repair costs—which may be reflected in higher insurance costs. For this reason, older or used vehicles are typically cheaper to insure.
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Loretta (34 years old)
2002 Dodge RAM 1500
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationLibby, MT
$120
per month
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Martin (65 years old)
2002 GMC Envoy
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationWolf Point, MT
$75
per month
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Amelia (50 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$68
per month
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Cecilia (34 years old)
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$113
per month
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Alta (46 years old)
2002 Chevrolet Avalanche K1500
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
$115
per month

How to find cheap car insurance in Montana in your city

Where you live can also impact your insurance premium—right down to your zip code. Insurance companies consider factors like population density, accident rates, crime statistics, and local weather conditions when calculating your premium.
CityCustomerInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CarInsurance coverage
Billings, MT
Myrtie, 40
Progressive
$353
Chevrolet Traverse LT
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Kalispell, MT
Devin, 47
Safeco
$105
Dodge RAM 3500
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Missoula, MT
Claudia, 48
Allstate
$105
Chevrolet Cruze LT
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Butte, MT
Laura, 37
Travelers
$130
RAM 1500 BIG Horn/lone Star
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Billings, MT
Tillie, 34
Nationwide
$113
Honda Pilot EXL
• 100,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Great Falls, MT
Sam, 46
National General
$164
Chevrolet Suburban C1500 LTZ
• 15,000/30,000 Liability
Missoula, MT
Scott, 33
Clearcover
$68
Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland
• State Minimum Liability
Whitefish, MT
Douglas, 25
The General
$91
Hyundai Veloster
• State Minimum Liability
Kalispell, MT
Alta, 46
Kemper
$115
Chevrolet Avalanche K1500
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Mar 19, 2024

How to lower the cost of car insurance in Montana

Montana residents typically enjoy car insurance rates that are notably lower compared to the national average. But if you're looking for additional ways to save on your Montana auto insurance, consider the following tips: 
  1. Compare insurance quotes from three to five separate insurance companies
  2. Consider bundling your auto insurance with other types of coverage (such as your
    homeowner’s insurance
    ) to receive a discounted rate on each policy
  3. Work on improving/maintaining a good credit score (650+)
  4. Consider increasing the deductible on your collision and comprehensive coverages
  5. Ask your provider whether you qualify for any car insurance discounts
  6. Take an approved defensive driving course to earn a discount on your annual premium
  7. Consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage on older or rarely driven vehicles

Why is car insurance so expensive in Montana?

Your car insurance costs in Montana may feel expensive due to: 
  • High population density cities (drivers in Billings and Helena face the highest rates)
  • Many uninsured drivers
  • Expensive healthcare costs
  • Increased repair costs
  • Rate of car thefts
  • Severe weather/climate conditions

FAQs

Montana insurance costs can vary significantly from driver to driver, since carriers consider numerous factors when determining your rates. When it comes to estimating your personal insurance costs, it’s best to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies.
The average monthly cost for minimum liability coverage in Montana is $X, or $X per year. For full coverage, the average monthly cost is $X, or $X per year.
There’s no single insurance company in Montana that can offer the cheapest rates to everyone. As shown by Jerry’s survey of 15,000+ policyholders nationwide—the largest survey in the industry—every insurance company calculates its rates differently based on factors like your driving record, credit score, location, and more. 
That’s why it’s so important for drivers to shop around and obtain quotes from multiple carriers. Comparing quotes using a comparison tool like Jerry can help you find the lowest price.
Yes—if you own a vehicle, Montana law requires you to maintain liability insurance on it.
The minimum required coverage levels in Montana are $25,000 per person in bodily injury liability, $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, and $20,000 per accident in property damage liability insurance. This amount of coverage is commonly expressed as 25/50/20.
No, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) is not a requirement—although it’s usually a good idea to add it to your policy.
Yes. To
register a vehicle in Montana
, you’ll need to provide proof of insurance, along with the vehicle's title, and (if you have recently relocated) the registration certificate from your previous state.
If you don’t already have a policy, it’s best to
purchase insurance before buying a vehicle
.
Full coverage includes at least the state’s 25/50/20 minimum liability requirements, plus collision and comprehensive coverages.
PIP, or personal injury protection, is not a required coverage in Montana. Generally, this type of coverage is only mandatory in no-fault states. That being said, PIP coverage provides additional support for medical expenses and lost wages that may arise as a result of an accident—so it may still be a worthwhile protection to have.
Most car insurance policies are attached to the vehicle as opposed to the driver, although insurance companies usually prefer the vehicle owner is also the person taking out the policy. 
While it’s possible to insure a vehicle that’s not in your name, it’s not always necessary—after all, most insurance companies extend coverage to other members in the policyholder’s household. If, however, you’re seeking liability coverage that can protect you regardless of the vehicle you’re driving, you may want to talk to your insurance agent about non-owner car insurance.
In Montana,
car insurance follows the vehicle
—not the driver. Your liability coverage, along with add-ons like comprehensive coverage and collision coverage, are all attached to the vehicle listed on your policy. There are certain types of insurance coverage that can follow the driver—such as personal injury protection—but they’re not required by the state.
There’s no state-mandated grace period for buying car insurance—you must have a valid insurance policy to drive a vehicle in Montana, even if you’ve just purchased it. That said, if you have an insurance policy already, your insurer may offer a grace period during which time your new-to-you car will be covered by your existing policy.
Generally, it’s less expensive to insure a vehicle that’s driven for personal use than one that’s used for business purposes.

Methodology

The Insurance Research Team analyzes insurance products and services to drive insights and help consumers make informed purchase decisions. 
Insurance research: We analyzed over 25 million car insurance quotes; conducted the largest insurance shopping survey (over 15,000 customers surveyed and 85 carriers reviewed in the past 18 months). 
We surveyed insurance policyholders for their experience with their insurers in the following areas: (1) insurance cost (2) customer service (3) insurance buying experience (4) insurance renewal experience (5) claim experience. In addition, we asked people what they like about their insurers and what areas in which their insurers could improve. The driver characteristics used in calculating average rates for auto insurance include: single driver, single car, currently insured, clean driving record.  
For the quotes and sold policies included in this article, please note that personal information has been hidden. Not all customers find savings. 
Team: The team consists of licensed insurance agents, insurance industry veterans, and data scientists.

Meet our Experts

avatar
R.E. Fulton
badge icon
Licensed Insurance Agent —Senior Content Writer
R.E. Fulton is an expert insurance writer specializing in car ownership topics from car shopping and loan advice to insurance and repair guides. R.E.’s mission is to create unique and accessible content that helps readers to become more successful and independent car owners. R.E. has written and edited over 900 high-performing articles for Jerry, with an average of 1 million+ views.
As a senior writer on Jerry’s editorial team, R.E. draws on over 10 years of experience as a professional writer and digital publishing specialist. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2021, R.E. worked as a writing coach at Columbia University, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and the University of Rochester. They serve as a managing editor for peer-reviewed history publication Nursing Clio, where their work has appeared regularly since 2015.
avatar
Lina Zhang
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Licensed Insurance Agent
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Licensed in 50 states and Washington DC
Lina Zhang is Vice President of Operations at Jerry. She helped to found Jerry in order to take the confusion and mystery expenses out of car ownership and help drivers achieve financial success. Leading a global team responsible for operations, talent acquisition, legal, and content, Lina has been a key contributor to the AllCar™ app’s 10x growth in its first year of operation. Prior to Jerry, Lina and her Jerry co-founders, Art Agrawal and Musawir Shah, created YourMechanic, the largest on-demand car repair services provider. In one year, Lina built and scaled YourMechanic operations from just five markets to more than 50. The trio left YourMechanic to incubate Jerry at Y Combinator in 2017. Lina’s previous roles include intellectual property attorney at Morrison & Foerster LLP and a biomedical researcher at Stanford University.
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Josh Damico
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Head Of Insurance Operations
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18+ Years Experience in Insurance
Josh Damico is Jerry’s vice president of insurance operations and a licensed insurance professional with nearly two decades of experience in the industry. Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College, and has appeared on news channels including FOX and CBS to offer insurance expertise and tips to drivers across the country. His work has appeared in Business Insider, Kelley Blue Book, and Digital Insurance and been quoted in The Balance, GOBankingRates, and Inspiring Workplaces.
*Illustration only. For all the pricing information presented in this article (including various tables), please note that not all customers find savings and the information is for illustrative purposes only. Savings depend on type of car, location, policy features, driving history and other factors. Drivers who switch through Jerry save over $70/month on average.