Car insurance in Montana costs an average of $146 per month for a full-coverage policy and $68 for a liability policy. That’s noticeably lower than the U.S. averages of $182 and $103, respectively.
Montana drivers enjoy relatively cheap car insurance because of the Big Sky Country’s low population density. It has the lowest population density of all 50 states, according to U.S. Census Bureau data, which typically means fewer accidents and claims. But the state’s harsh winters can drive rates up.
Over the past few years, car insurance premiums in Montana have increased, reflecting increasing national repair costs and inflation trends, but they remain lower than the national average.
Here’s what you need to know to find cheap car insurance in Montana.
How much is car insurance in Montana?
On average, the rate for full-coverage car insurance in Montana is $146 per month, or $1,753 per year. If you opt for liability coverage, the average monthly rate drops to roughly $68, and the annual rate is $816, according to Insurify data.
Full-coverage car insurance typically includes bodily injury and property damage liability coverage, comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage. Liability insurance policies cover only the damage and injuries you cause to others. Liability policies meet the state’s minimum coverage requirements but offer no protection for your vehicle.1
Your actual premiums will vary based on your driving history, vehicle type, and location within the state.
Average Montana car insurance rates by city
Car insurance rates vary widely from city to city, even ZIP code to ZIP code. Factors like local traffic patterns, population density, crime rates, and weather conditions influence your premiums. For example, drivers in Billings, Montana’s largest city, pay higher average rates than drivers in smaller towns like Bozeman because of the higher chance of accidents.
The table below shows the average monthly premiums for liability-only and full-coverage car insurance policies in several Montana cities.
Average Montana car insurance rates by age and gender
Your age and gender play a big part in your car insurance rates. Young drivers in Montana, especially teens and drivers younger than 25, pay higher rates because of their lack of experience and high risk of accidents. Rates generally decrease as drivers age and gain experience.
Gender also affects rates. Male drivers, particularly young men, usually pay higher rates because they’re statistically more likely to engage in risky driving behavior that can lead to an accident. Over time, these differences tend to level out.
Average cost to insure popular vehicles in Montana
The cost of insuring your vehicle also depends on the make and model. In Montana, popular vehicles include pickups and sport utility vehicles (SUVs). Montana residents favor models like Ford F-Series trucks and Chevy Silverados because they’re durable and can handle Montana’s rough weather, rural roads, and outdoor lifestyles.
Insurance costs for pickups and SUVs may be higher due to their size and repair costs, but their safety features can help offset premiums.
How your driving record affects car insurance rates in Montana
Your driving record is one of the biggest factors insurance companies consider when setting your rates. A clean driving record typically leads to lower rates because it shows you’re a lower-risk driver. Drivers with a clean record pay $121 per month, on average.
On the other hand, tickets, accidents, driving under the influence (DUI), and other violations can cause your rates to rise — sometimes substantially. Insurance companies view these incidents as indicators of risky behavior that increase the likelihood of future claims.
Below is a table showing the rates for a sample driver profile with an incident on their record.
Montana allows insurance companies to use credit history when setting car insurance premiums. Drivers with good or excellent credit usually pay lower rates because insurance companies view them as less likely to file claims. On the other hand, people with poor credit pay higher rates.2
The table below shows how average monthly premiums vary by credit tier and coverage amount.
How to lower your insurance costs in Montana
While Montana’s car insurance rates are lower than the national average, you probably want to pay as little as possible for the coverage you need. Whether you’re a new driver or looking to renew your insurance policy, here are a few strategies for saving money:3
Montana average car insurance cost FAQs
If you’re shopping for car insurance in Montana, the additional information below can help you make an informed decision while you research your coverage options.
The average annual rate for full-coverage car insurance is $1,753 in Montana. For liability-only coverage, the average annual rate is $816. Your rates may vary based on your driving history, age, ZIP code, and vehicle type.
Rates vary depending on your personal rating factors, but some of the cheapest car insurance companies in Montana often include Safeco, Root Insurance, and The General. Comparing quotes from multiple companies is the best way to find the lowest rate.
On average, Montana drivers pay a monthly rate of $146 for full-coverage car insurance and $68 for liability insurance. These rates are lower than the national average.
Some of the top-rated car insurance companies in Montana include State Farm, USAA, Progressive, Allstate, and GEICO. These companies are known for competitive rates, good customer service, and a variety of coverage options and discounts.
Montana requires all vehicles registered in the state to carry liability insurance at the following minimum limits:4
$25,000 per person in bodily injury liability
$50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability
$20,000 in property damage liability