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The average cost of basic liability car insurance in Montana is $1,656 per year. Opting for full-coverage car insurance in Montana will leave you with an average cost of $2,003 per year. In comparison, the national average is $1,627 per year to buy basic liability car insurance and $2,297 per year to buy full-coverage car insurance.
The average cost of basic liability car insurance in Montana is $1,656 per year. Opting for full-coverage car insurance in Montana will leave you with an average cost of $2,003 per year. In comparison, the national average is $1,627 per year to buy basic liability car insurance and $2,297 per year to buy full-coverage car insurance.
Compare best car insurance quotes in Montana
The cost of car insurance depends on a host of individual factors, from your ZIP code and age to your driving history, vehicle type, and even your credit score and marital status.
Here’s what real customers had to say about the process (and the actual quotes they got through Jerry!):
| Quote Date | Car | Before Jerry | After Jerry | City | Name | Age | Insurance Company |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 11, 2023 | Gmc Canyon SLE | $233/mo. | $221/mo. | Kalispell | Blake T. | 23 | Progressive |
| March 11, 2023 | Honda Pilot EXL | $170/mo. | $62/mo. | Missoula | Frances S. | 36 | Progressive |
| March 6, 2023 | Land Rover Range Rover Sport Supercharged | $208/mo. | $94/mo. | Joliet | Lucile A. | 37 | Progressive |
| March 6, 2023 | Gmc Sierra K1500 SLE | $210/mo. | $207/mo. | Plains | Pauline M. | 23 | Progressive |
| February 28, 2023 | Buick Encore Preferred | $162/mo. | $114/mo. | Miles City | Ruth E. | 31 | Progressive |
Best car insurance companies in Montana
The best auto insurance companies in Montana include State Farm, GEICO, and Progressive—but those “big three” companies don’t have the best rates for all Montana drivers!
That’s because every company uses a slightly different methodology to set your annual rate, and they don’t all weigh your profile equally. High-risk drivers or anyone with a poor credit history might find competitive rates from Progressive, but families with teen drivers are likely to get better rates from Nationwide or Allstate. Military members and their families generally find the cheapest rates with USAA—but not always!
| Insurance Company | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Jerry | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dairyland | $3,000 | $1,309 | |
| Kemper | $2,786 | $1,175 | |
| Nationwide | $2,590 | $1,007 | |
| Safeco | $2,417 | $838 | |
| Progressive | $2,326 | $758 | |
| Travelers | $2,223 | $556 | |
| National General | $3,000 | $516 | |
| Allstate | $1,752 | $305 | |
| Clearcover | $1,032 | $220 | |
| Compare Prices | |||
Montana car insurance FAQs
What is the minimum insurance policy in Montana?
All car owners in Montana are required by law to carry the following minimum levels of insurance:
- Bodily injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
- Property damage: $20,000 per accident.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
What type of insurance is required in Montana?
All car owners in Montana are required by law to carry the following minimum levels of insurance:
- Bodily injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
- Property damage: $20,000 per accident.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
At what age is car insurance cheapest?
Experienced drivers are less likely to have accident claims, which means they cost less to insure. Drivers between the ages of 40 and 60 tend to pay the lowest average premiums for insurance coverage.
Is insurance cheaper if you pay every 6 months?
Some car insurance providers offer paid-in-full discounts for drivers who choose to pay all six months in one lump sum, rather than in monthly installments. Paying upfront could save you as much as 20% on your policy.
How much does car insurance cost in Montana?
Montana insurance rates come in below the national average in most cases, but that doesn’t mean all Montana drivers pay low rates. If you’re seeing high quotes for your auto insurance policy in Montana, these factors might be the reason.
First, Montana’s treacherous mountain roads contribute to higher-than-average vehicle fatality rates across the state. Severe weather is also common throughout Montana, adding to the risks that drivers here face. Finally, Montana has the third highest DUI arrest rate of any state, according to 2020 data from Insurify. All of these factors can raise the cost of car insurance for drivers in Montana.
On the other hand, you can count on Montana’s minimal car insurance requirements and low population density to reduce your rates—especially if you live outside of major cities like Missoula and Helena.
Here’s a rundown of what you need to know about car insurance in Montana:
Montana car insurance requirements
In order to legally operate a motor vehicle in Montana, you must have a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance that includes at least $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage and $10,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage.
How much insurance do I need in Montana?
Montana requires $25,000 per person for bodily injury liability, $50,000 of bodily injury liability per accident, and $10,000 of property damage liability per accident.
What do you need if you’re pulled over?
If you get pulled over in Montana, you’re required to show your driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance.
Is Montana a no-fault state?
No, Montana is not a no-fault state—Montana is an at-fault state. Police and insurance companies assign fault to the responsible driver in an accident, and they are financially liable for damages to property and other drivers—which comes out of liability insurance.
Only liability insurance is required by Montana state law. Sticking to those state minimum coverage limits will keep your costs low, but it also leaves you open to financial and legal trouble.
Liability insurance only covers costs for other drivers in an at-fault accident. If you’re in a car accident where one of Montana’s many uninsured drivers—or, worse, a hit-and-run—you’ll be unable to file a claim unless you’ve got uninsured motorist coverage. And if your car is damaged by anything other than a collision, good luck getting coverage unless your policy includes comprehensive!
Experts recommend purchasing all three types of insurance for what’s often called a “full-coverage policy.” The added protection is usually worth the extra cost.
Cheap car insurance with a DUI or speeding ticket in Montana
Car insurance premiums go up after a violation, and they’ll stay high as long as your bad decision (or bad luck) stays on your record. Even the cheapest car insurance companies charge elevated rates for drivers with violations.
If you’re in this situation—and so are thousands of Montana drivers—you can find the lowest rates with Jerry. We’re not here to judge you, just to find you the lowest possible rates without sacrificing the coverage you need.
Here’s just a sample of the savings that Jerry customers with spotty driving records have found:
| Driving Violation | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Jerry |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Record | $1,898 | $608 |
| Driving on Sus. License | $3,095 | $1,338 |
| Speeding under 15 | $2,566 | $1,170 |
| DUI | $2,542 | $1,037 |
| Leaving scene of an Accident/Hit and Run | $2,636 | $904 |
| Speeding over 15 | $2,127 | $785 |
| Failure to Obey Traffic Sign | $1,648 | $529 |
| Careless Driving | $2,394 | $453 |
| Suspension | $1,530 | $433 |
| Improper Passing | $3,333 | $49 |
Insurance Cost With a DUI in Montana
If you get a DUI in Montana, you can expect your car insurance to increase by an average of $98.16 per month.
Read Montana DUI Information:
Insurance Cost With a Reckless Driving Citation in Montana
If you have a reckless driving citation, you should expect your insurance to increase to an average of $56.3 per month.
Read Montana Reckless Driving Information:
Montana car insurance rates by age
Young drivers are another major high-risk category. Insurance companies charge more to insure drivers under 25 years old because they lack experience, which drastically increases the statistical risk of both accidents and violations.
Those elevated annual premiums are especially high in Montana, which has the unfortunate distinction of ranking last out of all 50 states for teen driver safety. That’s right, Montana’s teen drivers are the riskiest in the nation—and you can bet insurance companies are taking notes.
Even though young drivers see sky-high insurance premiums, it’s possible to keep costs down by applying for car insurance discounts, shopping around, and maintaining a clean driving record. Here’s how:
How can young drivers save money on car insurance in Montana?
- Practice safe driving behaviors to achieve a clean driving record. While you might have to wait a few years to qualify for a discount, some companies offer telematics discounts that reward you in real time for safe driving.
- Maintain a B average or better in school. While your grades don’t necessarily have anything to do with how you drive, high grades tend to correlate with responsible on-road behavior, so many companies offer good student discounts.
- Build your credit. Again, this is a bit of a long game, but a bad credit score can raise your average car insurance cost—not to mention making it harder to buy a car or refinance an auto loan.
- Practice safe driving behaviors to achieve a clean driving record. While you might have to wait a few years to qualify for a discount, some companies offer telematics discounts that reward you in real time for safe driving.
- Maintain a B average or better in school. While your grades don’t necessarily have anything to do with how you drive, high grades tend to correlate with responsible on-road behavior, so many companies offer good student discounts.
- Build your credit. Again, this is a bit of a long game, but a bad credit score can raise your average car insurance cost—not to mention making it harder to buy a car or refinance an auto loan.
Montana car insurance rates by city
One great advantage of shopping for car insurance in Montana: with a population density of just 6.8 people per square mile, it’s one of the least densely populated states in the country.
That tends to make insurance cheaper—but it’s not equally inexpensive everywhere. For instance, Bozeman, MT has the fourth-highest DUI arrest rate in the country, making Bozeman insurance costs higher than in many other areas of the state. And Whitefish car insurance costs are elevated by the high concentration of tourists in the area.
Here’s a more specific breakdown of insurance prices for Jerry across Montana:
| City | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Jerry |
|---|---|---|
| Billings | $1,833 | $609 |
| Bozeman | $1,760 | $792 |
| Butte | $2,326 | $699 |
| Great Falls | $2,013 | $872 |
| Hardin | $3,060 | $805 |
| Helena | $1,926 | $651 |
| Kalispell | $2,027 | $858 |
| Missoula | $1,788 | $687 |
| Plains | $1,960 | $449 |
| Whitefish | $2,226 | $835 |
Least Expensive Cities in Montana
Drivers in Glendive can get the cheapest insurance rates in Montana, averaging an annual insurance rate of $644.
City With Highest Rates of Accidents in Montana
13.72% of drivers in Missoula have an at-fault accident on their record, making Missoula’s drivers the riskiest in the state—which is sure to affect premiums.
Read Montana Accident Information:
Cities With the Longest Commute Times in Montana
With an average commute of 30.8 minutes, the city of Lolo has the longest commute in Montana. Commuters in Lolo will have to share busier roads while also increasing their mileage—both of which raise premiums.
Read Commuting Insurance Information:
Cost to insure your car in Montana
Let’s not forget the outsized role your ride plays in setting your insurance rates.
On a basic level, the effect is clear: it costs more to insure expensive, large, or rare vehicles. If your vehicle costs a lot to repair, you’ll pay more for insurance coverage due to the higher risk of claims. That’s why Cadillac Escalade Luxury insurance costs tend to be higher than Subaru Forester insurance costs.
But it’s not just size and cost that impact insurance rates—safety and reliability ratings, engine size, and security tech can all raise or lower your premiums. Take a look at the features below to see how your vehicle might be influencing the rates you pay:
| Car | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Jerry |
|---|---|---|
| Jeep Cherokee Sport | $3,060 | $1,803 |
| Toyota 4Runner SR5 | $1,795 | $1,025 |
| Chevrolet Silverado K1500 | $2,158 | $853 |
| Honda Ridgeline Rts | $1,683 | $706 |
| Chevrolet Silverado K1500 LTZ | $1,969 | $428 |
Most Popular Car in Montana
The most popular vehicle in Montana is the Ford F-150. F-150 owners pay around $1,180 annually in car insurance, which is lower than average for trucks. To lower car insurance rates even more, drivers can find affordable quotes with Jerry.
Read more about your Ford F-150:
Do you need more than the minimum car insurance in Montana?
Most states have minimum car insurance requirements that you must meet to hit the road.
But keep in mind that those minimum requirements are just that—the minimum required to legally drive in Montana, not the minimum you need for financial protection. In fact, most experts recommend going beyond minimum liability insurance and adding extra coverage to your car insurance policy. Even if you’re legally in compliance, you could still be underinsured!
Full-coverage car insurance is a good purchase for most Montana drivers, and you may even want to include additional coverage depending on your needs. Check out the features below or talk to one of Jerry’s insurance agents to figure out your personalized coverage requirements:
Montana ranks well for traffic and infrastructure, but accidents can still happen when you least expect it. Drivers should get collision coverage to help them pay for necessary car repairs caused by collisions.
Damage that occurs from non-collision based incidents requires comprehensive coverage. This is especially useful in Montana, where hail and storms can deal some serious damage to your vehicle.
8.50% of drivers in Montana are uninsured, which poses a financial risk to other drivers. If you get into an accident with an uninsured driver, you probably want uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to help pay for expenses.
Read information about uninsured drivers:
Montana drivers rate their road quality a low 4.67 out of 10. Between the dismal road conditions and large swathes of rural areas, drivers in Montana should buy roadside assistance to help them out if the stray pothole leaves them stranded with a flat.
How to save money on car insurance in Montana
Even if you’re paying a low rate already, Jerry may be able to help you put extra money back in your pocket and free up cash to deal with other expenses (or just to treat yourself—you do you!).
Shop around for quotes
This is the tried-and-true, #1 way to find car insurance savings—but can be a lot of work to call different providers and gather rates. Your best bet is to use a car insurance comparison app or speak with a broker who can help you.
Look for discounts
Discounts can save you a surprising amount on insurance coverage, especially if you qualify for more than one. But insurance companies don’t always advertise the full range of discounts they offer, so it may be up to you to ask about the ones you’re eligible for.
Not sure where to start? We’ve got a few ideas below.
Clean Driving Record Discounts
Clean Driving Record Discounts
Safe drivers are less likely to file claims, which saves carriers money. If you can prove you’re a safe driver by keeping a clean driving record, you can score a nice discount.
Bundling Discounts
Bundling Discounts
Drivers who bundle home, auto, and/or renters insurance will qualify for a discount at most carriers.
Defensive Driving Discount
Defensive Driving Discount
Drivers ages 55+ are eligible for defensive driving discounts in Montana if they complete a state-approved defensive driving course.
Increase your deductible
If your insurance policy includes collision or comprehensive insurance, you’ve got a deductible you need to pay out of pocket before your coverage kicks in on a claim. In general, that deductible is between $500 and $1,000, but the higher it is, the less you’ll pay month to month to maintain the policy.
Raising your deductible is an easy way to free up a bigger monthly cash flow. Just be careful: never select a deductible that’s higher than what you could reasonably pay out of pocket in the event of an accident.
By R.E. Fulton
Updated on Mar 19, 2023
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content.
Compare best car insurance quotes in Montana
Best car insurance companies in Montana
Montana car insurance FAQs
How much does car insurance cost in Montana?
Montana car insurance requirements
Cheap car insurance with a DUI or speeding ticket in Montana
Montana car insurance rates by age
Montana car insurance rates by city
Cost to insure your car in Montana
Do you need more than the minimum car insurance in Montana?
How to save money on car insurance in Montana
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