Cheapest Car Insurance in Montana (Dec 2024)

Written by R.E. Fulton and 2 others
Dec 18, 2024
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Cheapest Car Insurance in Montana (Dec 2024)

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How to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in Montana

Montana drivers pay an average of $1,661 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 Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Car
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
Bristol West $511 Nannie, 19, Helena, MT Nissan Sentra S State Minimum Yes
Progressive $51 Jeremy, 38, West Yellowstone, MT Chevrolet Traverse Ltz State Minimum No
Progressive $157 Johanna, 57, Kalispell, MT Chevrolet C1500 Suburban Lt State Minimum Yes
Progressive $103 Leah, 44, Lincoln, MT Chevrolet Silverado K2500Hd Lt State Minimum Yes
Progressive $259 Estella, 21, Belgrade, MT Ford F350 Super Duty State Minimum Yes
Last Updated Dec 24, 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:
ProgressiveOctober 31, 20244“For someone under 25 i am very pleased with what Jerry found and it was so easy!”
-Ralph
Main Street AmericaOctober 31, 20243“They just reduced $9 after tracking my driving and stating I would get 35% discount. Terrible. “
-Erik
State FarmOctober 24, 20243“They have great covered on renters insurance for cheap! I recommend them if you want good renters insurance that cove…(read more)
-Stella
State FarmOctober 18, 20245“Excellent customer service insured me for almost all vehicles except the last car. “
-Elsie
GEICOOctober 18, 20244“Working with GEICO during the time my husband hit 2 Deer in 10 days, the insurance adjuster was very curtious and ver…(read more)
-Adele

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.

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.

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 Coverage
Has Full Coverage
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Car
State Minimum Yes Bristol West $511 Nannie, 19, Helena, MT Nissan Sentra S
State Minimum Yes Progressive $157 Johanna, 57, Kalispell, MT Chevrolet C1500 Suburban Lt
State Minimum Yes Progressive $103 Leah, 44, Lincoln, MT Chevrolet Silverado K2500Hd Lt
State Minimum Yes Progressive $259 Estella, 21, Belgrade, MT Ford F350 Super Duty
State Minimum Yes Progressive $49 Marc, 58, Helena, MT Mercury Mountaineer
Last Updated Dec 24, 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 $1,119, or $93 per month. On the other hand, full coverage insurance in Montana costs an average of $1,661 per year, or $138 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:

  • Medical payments (MedPay)
  • Personal injury protection (PIP)
  • Rental reimbursement
  • Roadside assistance
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM)

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.


Learn more: Types of insurance


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.

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 Type
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Car
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
Speeding Violation-Minor Progressive $54 Christian, 30, Kalispell, MT Chevrolet Silverado K2500Hd State Minimum Yes
Speeding Violation-Minor Progressive $216 Helena, 32, Bonner, MT Kia Sportage Sx Prestige 50/100 Yes
Speeding Violation-Minor Bristol West $343 Eric, 22, Belgrade, MT Gmc Yukon Slt 50/100 Yes
Speeding 1-5 Progressive $105 Danny, 27, Billings, MT Chevrolet Trailblazer Ls State Minimum Yes
Speeding Violation-Minor Progressive $48 Caroline, 45, Great Falls, MT Mini Cooper 100/300 Yes
Last Updated Dec 24, 2024

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:

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 Type
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Car
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
At Fault With No Injury Progressive $49 Marc, 58, Helena, MT Mercury Mountaineer State Minimum Yes
At Fault With Injury Bristol West $283 Charlotte, 29, Whitefish, MT Honda Pilot Ex State Minimum Yes
At Fault With No Injury Bristol West $470 Maggie, 22, Kalispell, MT Acura Rdx 100/300 Yes
Not At Fault Progressive $123 Flora, 61, Billings, MT Toyota Camry Hybrid State Minimum Yes
Not At Fault Progressive $158 Shawn, 19, Butte, MT Ford Fusion Se State Minimum No
Last Updated Dec 24, 2024
  • Is Montana an “at-fault” state?

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.

Violation
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Car
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
Suspension Progressive $60 Inez, 23, Hamilton, MT Gmc Sierra K1500 State Minimum No
DUI Progressive $49 Caleb, 45, Bozeman, MT Toyota Prius State Minimum No
DUI Progressive $129 Andre, 48, Kalispell, MT Dodge Ram 3500 50/100 Yes
DUI Progressive $91 Nathan, 25, Billings, MT Jeep Wrangler Unlimited S State Minimum Yes
Ticket Violation Not Listed Progressive $50 Victoria, 41, Billings, MT Chevrolet Equinox Lt State Minimum No
Last Updated Dec 24, 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:

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 Score
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Car
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
660-750 Bristol West $511 Nannie, 19, Helena, MT Nissan Sentra S State Minimum Yes
550-659 Progressive $51 Jeremy, 38, West Yellowstone, MT Chevrolet Traverse Ltz State Minimum No
660-750 Progressive $157 Johanna, 57, Kalispell, MT Chevrolet C1500 Suburban Lt State Minimum Yes
660-750 Progressive $103 Leah, 44, Lincoln, MT Chevrolet Silverado K2500Hd Lt State Minimum Yes
660-750 Progressive $259 Estella, 21, Belgrade, MT Ford F350 Super Duty State Minimum Yes
Last Updated Dec 24, 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.


Learn more: The best cheap car insurance for teens


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.

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 Car
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
Toyota Corolla L Progressive $177 Tyler, 41, Bay City, MI State Minimum No
Ford Explorer Xlt Bristol West $765 Rosie, 26, Van Buren Twp, MI State Minimum Yes
Toyota Corolla Le Bristol West $144 Harold, 42, Brownstown, MI State Minimum Yes
Toyota Corolla L Bristol West $324 Amy, 22, Riverview, MI State Minimum No
Ford Explorer Xlt Progressive $179 Caleb, 36, Belding, MI State Minimum Yes
Last Updated Dec 24, 2024

Learn more: How to get car insurance before buying a car


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.

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.

City
Customer
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Car
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
Helena Nannie Bristol West $511 Nissan Sentra S State Minimum Yes
West Yellowstone Jeremy Progressive $51 Chevrolet Traverse Ltz State Minimum No
Kalispell Johanna Progressive $157 Chevrolet C1500 Suburban Lt State Minimum Yes
Lincoln Leah Progressive $103 Chevrolet Silverado K2500Hd Lt State Minimum Yes
Belgrade Estella Progressive $259 Ford F350 Super Duty State Minimum Yes
Last Updated Dec 24, 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

FAQ

  • How much is car insurance in Montana?
  • What is the average cost of car insurance in Montana?
  • Who has the best cheap auto insurance in Montana?
  • Is it illegal to not have car insurance in Montana?
  • What is the minimum car insurance required in Montana?
  • Does Montana require uninsured motorist protection?
  • Do you need proof of insurance to register a car in Montana?
  • What is full coverage in Montana?
  • Is Montana a PIP state?
  • Can you insure a car not in your name in Montana?
  • Does car insurance follow the car or the driver in Montana?
  • How many days do you have to insure a used car after purchase in Montana?
  • What vehicle use is cheapest to insure?
MEET OUR EXPERTS
meet-experts-thumbnail
R.E. Fulton
  • Licensed Insurance Agent

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.

meet-experts-thumbnail
Lina Zhang

Lina Zhang is co-founder and vice president of operations at Jerry, where she leads a global team responsible for operations, talent acquisition, content, legal, and compliance. Lina’s operational excellence was a critical enabler of Jerry’s 10x growth in its first year of operation.

Prior to Jerry, Lina and her Jerry co-founders, Art Agrawal and Musawir Shah, led YourMechanic, the largest on-demand car repair services provider. In one year, Lina built and scaled YourMechanic operations from 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.

Lina holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Nanjing University, a doctorate in biochemistry from Dartmouth College, and a juris doctorate from the University of California Berkeley School of Law. She’s a member of the State Bar of California and a licensed property and casualty insurance producer in all 50 states.

meet-experts-thumbnail
Josh Damico

As Vice President of Insurance Operations at Jerry, Josh Damico leads teams across product development, operations and carrier relations, integrating Jerry’s smart and fast car insurance customer experience with that of traditional carriers to help customers find savings and coverage. Josh’s nearly 20 years of insurance-industry experience and knowledge generate partnerships with more than 55 name-brand and specialty insurance partners that enable Jerry to serve customers with all types of vehicle and policy needs.

Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. In his most recent role as director of sales, servicing, and underwriting, Josh developed and executed profit and growth strategy for the New England states and New Jersey.

Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College.

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.

For illustrative purposes only, results may vary

Editorial Note: This article was written by a paid member of Jerry’s editorial team. Statements in this article represent the author’s personal opinions and do not constitute advice or recommendations. You should consult with an insurance professional about your specific circumstances and needs before making any insurance decisions.