Montana car insurance quick facts
Minimum liability requirements
25/50/20
Average annual car insurance cost according to the NAIC
$1,025.46
At-fault state
In at fault states, the driver who caused the accident pays for damages.
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Compare car insurance in Montana
Get the cheapest car insurance in Montana for 2021
The average annual cost of car insurance in Montana is $1,025.46. Narrow down car insurers offering coverage in Montana by roadside assistance, accident forgiveness and more to get a quote.
Drivers in Montana pay $1,025.46 annually or about $85 monthly for car insurance, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). This means that driving in Big Sky Country costs 14% less for insurance than the national average, which is $1,190 per year.
That said, the NAIC includes both state minimum car insurance policies alongside those with higher coverage added, like comprehensive and collision. You could end up paying less than Montana’s average depending on your exact car, driving record, ZIP code and other factors.
Montana state minimum car insurance requirements
Every Montana driver is required to carry a minimum level of liability coverage. You’ll see this coverage written as 25/50/10. Though Montana doesn’t require it, uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage could protect you from someone who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the damages in an accident.
Let’s take a closer look at what’s covered by Montana’s state minimum requirements.
Bodily injury liability
- $25,000 for bodily injuries per person
- $50,000 for injuries to more than one person
Montana requires you to keep at least 25/50 for bodily injuries, which pays up to $25,000 if you cause injuries to one person and up to $50,000 total if you injure more than one person. You’ll see this as a common requirement in other states too.
Bodily injury liability kicks in for other drivers, passengers or pedestrians in accidents that you cause. Because it protects you from paying for someone else’s medical bills or pain and suffering, consider buying plenty of bodily injury coverage — above what Montana requires.
Property damage liability
- $10,000 for property damage liability
For property damage, you’ll need at least $10,000 in coverage. This type of liability pays if you damage someone else’s car or other property, like custom car accessories, poles or fencing. Montana falls on the low end of what other states require for property damage liability.
Finder tip: Montana’s state minimum coverage isn’t enough
Like most states, Montana’s barebones liability requirements won’t pay for damage that costs more than the 25/50/10 coverage limits. It also won’t pay for your car’s damage or medical expenses when you’re at fault or when you’re hit by an underinsured driver. Try balancing higher liability and adding more coverage as your budget allows.
Most popular Montana auto insurance companies list
| Company | Direct premiums written (billions) | Market share |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $170,796 | 22.0% |
| Progressive | $105,918 | 13.7% |
| Liberty Mutual | $96,151 | 12.4% |
| Farmers | $65,872 | 8.5% |
| USAA | $58,064 | 7.5% |
| Geico | $45,755 | 5.9% |
| Mountain West Farm Bureau | $42,260 | 5.5% |
| Allstate | $30,736 | 4.0% |
| Travelers | $30,210 | 3.9% |
| QBE | $23,740 | 3.1% |
Which city has the cheapest car insurance in Montana?
Of Montana’s largest cities, Great Falls has the cheapest rates and Billings has the most expensive car insurance rates. Billings drivers could face rates 2 times more than Great Falls drivers.
Car insurance quotes in Billings
| Company | Annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $922 |
| 21st Century | $929 |
| Farmers | $424 |
| Metromile | $811 |
| Geico | $638 |
Car insurance quotes in Kalispell
| Company | Annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $852 |
| 21st Century | $857 |
| Farmers | $440 |
| Metromile | $754 |
| Geico | $543 |
Car insurance quotes in Billings
| Company | Annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $922 |
| 21st Century | $932 |
| Farmers | $424 |
| Metromile | $754 |
| Geico | $638 |
Car insurance quotes in Great Falls
| Company | Annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $927 |
| 21st Century | $844 |
| Farmers | $434 |
| Metromile | $800 |
| Geico | $558 |
Car insurance quotes in Butte
| Company | Annual car insurance rate |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $739 |
| 21st Century | $811 |
| Farmers | $454 |
| Metromile | $805 |
| Geico | $592 |
Car insurance for high-risk drivers in Montana
If you have trouble finding cheap car insurance or were rejected because you’re considered a high-risk driver, you can find coverage with Western Association of Automobile Insurance Plans (WAAIP). WAAIP assigns you an affordable provider in its network of insurance companies to guarantee coverage for any driver.
SR-22 insurance in Montana
You won’t need to file for SR-22 insurance in Montana unless you have an out-of-state SR-22 and you’re moving to Montana. You might need this special type of coverage if you’ve been convicted of a DUI, if you’ve accumulated too many violation points on your driving record or if you were caught driving without the legal minimums for car insurance.
Bottom line
Insurance protects you, your passengers and the drivers around you. If you plan to drive in Montana, be sure to carry the minimum liability required. To find the best coverage for the best prices, compare your options.
Common questions about Montana auto insurance
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