Montana drivers pay an average of $68 per month for liability coverage and $146 for full coverage. This is lower than the national monthly averages of $103 and $182, respectively.
The state’s high crash fatality rate, severe winter weather, and challenging terrain all contribute to its car insurance costs. Here’s what you should know about finding cheap car insurance in the Treasure State.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Montana
Montana’s best car insurance companies offer competitive rates and various coverage options. The best company for you will depend on your individual situation and needs. For example, if you drive a brand-new vehicle, you may want a company that offers new-car replacement insurance.
Check out some of the best and cheapest car insurance companies for Montana drivers below.
Travelers
Safeco
Nationwide
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Montana
Finding cheap car insurance depends on various factors, such as your driving record, location, and coverage needs. Here are some ways you can lower your rates:3
Shop around. Rates and coverage options can vary widely between insurers, so obtaining quotes from at least three different companies is essential.
Raise your deductible. Raising your comprehensive or collision deductible may lower your monthly insurance costs. But increasing your deductible means higher out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim. Take an honest look at your financial situation before going this route. If you have a large cash cushion, raising your deductible may make sense.
Look for discounts. Many insurers offer multiple discounts that can lower your insurance rates, such as safe driver or good student discounts. Ask your insurance agent what discounts you may qualify for.
Boost your credit. Paying all your bills on time can improve your credit, which could potentially score you lower car insurance rates.
Practice safe driving habits. Maintaining a clean driving record and avoiding incidents can help keep your rates down.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance quotes in Montana
Every state except New Hampshire requires drivers to carry liability insurance. This coverage helps pay the costs of property damage and injuries sustained by the other driver if you’re found at fault in an accident. Keep in mind that liability coverage doesn’t apply to your injuries or vehicle damage.
Though liability insurance is usually the most affordable option, many drivers purchase comprehensive and collision coverage for more robust financial protection. Liability insurance may make sense if you have an older vehicle or if affordable premiums are your top priority. But if you lease or finance your vehicle, your leasing company or lender will require you to carry full coverage.
On average, liability-only coverage costs $68 per month in Montana. The table below shows some of the best rates for liability-only car insurance in the state.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance quotes in Montana
Full-coverage car insurance offers the most protection. Full-coverage policies include liability coverage and comprehensive and collision coverage. Full-coverage insurance helps cover your expenses if you’re in an accident — not just those of the other party.
Full-coverage policies make sense if you lease or finance your vehicle, have a high-value vehicle, or live in an area prone to accidents and theft.
Montana drivers pay a monthly average of $146 for full coverage. Here are some of the cheapest options for full-coverage auto insurance in Montana.
Car insurance rates fluctuate with age. Teens and young drivers have less experience on the road and higher accident rates, so insurers consider them risky and charge them higher premiums. As teenagers gain more driving experience and maintain a clean driving record over time, their insurance rates typically go down around age 25.
Car insurance prices start increasing again around age 70. Though senior drivers are some of the most experienced drivers on the road, their age poses risks — such as diminished reflexes and mobility and vision challenges — that lead to a higher risk of accidents.
Car insurance requirements in Montana
Montana requires all drivers to carry liability insurance on their vehicles. Under Montana law, drivers must show proof of insurance if requested by a law enforcement officer. Driving without car insurance in Montana is a misdemeanor.
A first offense can result in a penalty between $250 and $500 or up to 10 days in jail.3 Montana follows a traditional “fault-based” system, meaning the person at fault in an accident is financially responsible for any injuries and damage.
Here are Montana’s minimum requirements for car insurance:
If you want to be better protected on the roads, consider adding these optional coverages to your car insurance policy:
Cheapest car insurance in Montana by driving record
Incidents on the road include at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, and other moving violations. Incidents can increase car insurance rates, as they indicate a higher risk to the insurer.
Generally, when you file an insurance claim for an incident that’s primarily your fault, an insurer will increase your premium by a certain percentage, according to the Insurance Information Institute.4 The increase varies by insurance company, and the surcharge typically stays on your premium for three to five years following a claim.
Your location is one of many factors that affect your car insurance rates. In the table below, you can see average monthly liability and full-coverage rates in some Montana cities.
Montana car insurance FAQs
If you’re shopping for car insurance in the Treasure State, this additional information may help as you research your coverage options. You can also check out Insurify’s guide on how to shop for car insurance.
Car insurance in Montana costs an average of $146 per month for full coverage and $68 per month for liability-only coverage, according to Insurify data.
With a Superior financial strength rating from AM Best, an Insurify Quality (IQ) Score of 8.5, and low rates, Travelers is the best car insurance company in Montana. Other top insurers in the state include Nationwide and Safeco.
Although Montana’s average car insurance rates are lower than the national average, they’re comparatively high for a state with a smaller population and less traffic congestion. This is likely due to Montana’s high rate of fatal accidents, severe weather, and challenging terrain.
Yes. It’s illegal to drive without car insurance in Montana. Driving without car insurance in Montana is a misdemeanor. If you’re caught driving without insurance, you could face a fine of up to $500 or up to 10 days in jail.