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Compare car insurance in Montana
Get the cheapest car insurance in Montana for 2022
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 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.
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 25/50/20. 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
- $20,000 for property damage liability
For property damage, you’ll need at least $20,000 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 25/50/20 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.
In Montana, the driver at fault pays for damage
Montana is an at-fault state, which means that the driver who causes the car accident pays for the damage. Your insurance company and legal authorities will determine who’s at fault, based on the accident details.
However, Montana also considers whether both drivers are partially at fault under its modified comparative fault law, according to the legal website Nolo. Under this law, drivers can get reimbursed for their damages as long as their share of fault isn’t greater than the other driver’s share.
For example, if you’re 80% responsible for an accident, your insurance will pay for the other driver’s damages. However, since your level of fault is greater than the other driver’s, that driver isn’t required to pay for your damages.
Sample rates in Montana from major car insurance companies
Geico lays out the cheapest insurance cost by far, costing as much as $50 cheaper than Allstate. We based this information on sample quotes from Savvy.
| Company | Allstate | Progressive | Geico | USAA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate | $158.32 | $131.07 | $107.49 | $140.71 |
Best car insurance in Montana
Your best bets in Montana are big car insurance brands like Progressive and State Farm.
Check out all of our top picks that we vetted for coverage, perks, discounts and ratings from organizations like J.D. Power, Better Business Bureau and AM Best.
Best for safe drivers: Progressive
Progressive
Finder rating 4 / 5 ★★★★★
Progressive is a sought-after choice because the company covers all your bases for car insurance and throws in perks to boot. You automatically get grace after your first minor accident and can earn or buy accident forgiveness for more costly accidents.
We've also found Progressive to be one of the cheapest national brands for many drivers. The cost of car insurance averages 31% less for safe drivers, and nearly everyone will qualify for at least one of its many discounts.
Pros
- Save 30%+ by tracking driving or staying claim free
- Popular choice as the third-largest car insurance company
- Competitive rates for many drivers
- Pricing tool helps you buy within your budget
Cons
- Slow to respond to complaints
- Must be a 5-year customer to qualify for accident forgiveness
| Telematics | Snapshot |
|---|---|
| Gap insurance | loan/lease coverage |
Best customer service: American Family
American Family
Finder rating 4 / 5 ★★★★★
American Family makes its mark for customer service, ranking high on J.D. Power's auto insurance study. It also sees a below-average number of complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
In short, American Family offers the service and coverage that keeps its customers happy. You'll save the most money by having a vehicle well-equipped for safety or by signing up for its KnowYourDrive program. KnowYourDrive tracks your driving and offers discounts up to 20% for staying safe.
Pros
- No. 4 for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power in Northwest
- Personalized service through local agents
- Few customer complaints, which is a hard achievement
- Discounts up to 30% for car safety features
Cons
- Lengthy application
- Website not user-friendly
Best for low mileage: Nationwide SmartMiles
Nationwide
Finder rating 4 / 5 ★★★★★
If you drive less than 10,000 miles each year, SmartMiles could save you hundreds of dollars on car insurance by charging you per mile. Your quote will include a flat rate and a per-mile rate such as five to seven cents per mile. You could save over $400 per year off the national average rate for driving 6,000 miles, according to Nationwide.
This unique policy is backed by a reputable brand with decades of experience. Nationwide is the eighth-largest car insurance company in the US, showing that many people trust it for their insurance needs.
Pros
- Experienced brand with nearly 100 years in industry
- Extra 10% discount for safe driving
- Miles over 250 per day are free
- Doesn't use your cell phone data
Cons
- Rates may go up if you don't drive safely
- Not compatible with every vehicle
- Mileage tracked through plugin device, not app
| Telematics | Yes |
|---|---|
| Gap insurance | Yes |
Best value for coverage: State Farm
State Farm
Finder rating 3.5 / 5 ★★★★★
State Farm continues to stand at the top as the largest US car insurer, even while the market trends toward self-service, fintech companies. Customers trust State Farm because it focuses on customer experience, wide coverage options and online features that don't disappoint.
You'll see nearly 5 stars out of 5 in app stores for the company's main app. It also offers options like rideshare coverage that you won't find everywhere. Plus, if you join its Drive Safe and Save program and track your driving, you could save up to a third off your insurance bill for driving safely.
Pros
- Largest US auto insurance company, making it a top choice
- Highly rated for customer satisfaction
- Save up to 30% with Drive Safe and Save program
- User-friendly app offers ID cards, claims and texting your agent
Cons
- Not always the cheapest rates
- Expect upselling from agents
- No live chat
| Telematics | Drive Safe and Save |
|---|---|
| Gap insurance | No |
7 factors that affect car insurance rates in Montana
Factors are characteristics specific to you that car insurance companies use to set how much you’ll pay for car insurance. The less risky each of your factors is the less you pay, the riskier you are the more you’ll pay. We’ll break down Montanan’s rating factors to keep in mind.
| Factor | How it affects your rates |
|---|---|
 Age | How old you are is a top factor in determining your car insurance rates. With each passing year, you earn more experience on the road. More experience can equal cheaper rates. Teen drivers pay the most, but rates begin to level off around your 20’s with drivers over 50 paying the least. |
 Gender | Montana is one of seven states that bans the use of gender in calculating car insurance premiums. Insurers rely on factors such as age, location, driving record and what type of car you drive. |
 Location | Where you live affects your rates, including where you park your car. High theft rates, high traffic and a high number of uninsured drivers could mean higher rates. Montana vehicle theft rates stand at 247.6 vehicle thefts per 100,000 inhabitants, according to the FBI’s most recent report on vehicle theft rates. That’s slightly above the national average of 246 vehicle thefts per 100,000 inhabitants. As for uninsured drivers, 8.5% of Montanans on the road are uninsured. That’s less than average for the percent of uninsured drivers in a state according to Insurance Information Institute, with the national average standing at 12.6%. |
 Driving Record | The better your driving record, the lower your premium. If you’re in an at-fault accident you could see rates increases from 20% to 50%. And DUI’s in Montana can increase your rate by around 39%. These types of violations typically stay on your record for about three years. |
 Vehicle and mileage | Your car’s make, model and trim directly affect how much you’ll pay for car insurance. Things like its cost, safety ratings, the likelihood of theft and sportiness all help insurers determine its cost to insure. Safer and cheaper vehicles score the lowest rates, with luxury vehicles with higher repair costs resulting in higher premiums. And, the more you’re on the road, the more at-risk you are to get in an accident, which means higher premiums. However, according to the Bureau of Transportation, Montanans drive an average of 28.2 miles per day, that’s below the average across the US of 36.1 miles per day. |
 Credit score | Your credit score is included in your credit-based insurance score which insurers use to help calculate rates. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there is a strong correlation between your insurance score and claims filings. A good credit-based insurance score could mean lower rates. Montana drivers have protections under state laws that regulate the use of your credit history when issuing car insurance policies. Credit score can’t be the only factor used to determine your rates. |
 Coverage | The more coverage you get and the higher limits you choose, the more protection you’ll have and the more you’ll pay in monthly premiums. And, if you opt for full coverage car insurance that includes comprehensive and collision, the amount of your deductible weighs into your costs too, higher deductibles mean lower monthly premiums. |
Coverage that we recommend in Montana
The purpose of car insurance is to help you recover financially after a car accident. Since Montana requires a low amount of coverage, consider add-ons that offer you wellrounded protection on the road.
Higher liability limits
Since Montana requires a 25/50/20 for liability coverage, think about raising your liability limits. You may need higher protection after an accident, especially if another driver or passenger takes you to court. Go over how much liability coverage makes sense for you with your insurance agent or financial adviser.
Collision
After an at-fault accident, liability coverage doesn’t pay for your car damage. It pays for damage to someone else’s property.
Instead, your collision coverage pays for your own car’s damage, but only if you add this optional coverage to your policy.
Consider collision coverage if . . .
- Your car loan requires it.
- It costs less than your car’s value.
- You can’t pay for car repairs or another car out of pocket.
- You drive your car regularly, such as for commuting.
Comprehensive
Montana drivers experience an average number of thefts compared to the nation’s average. Comprehensive coverage helps you recover after vehicle theft or other noncollision damage, like weather events, windshield cracks or hitting an animal.
Consider this coverage if . . .
- It’s required for your car loan.
- You can’t repair or replace your car out of pocket.
- Your area has a high risk of theft or serious storms.
Personal injury protection (PIP)
An optional coverage in Montana, think about adding personal injury protection to help if you or your passengers get injured. PIP kicks in no matter who’s at fault in an accident. It pays for medical expenses as well as lost income and home services during your recovery.
Consider this coverage if . . .
- You don’t have health insurance or have a high deductible.
- You want peace of mind that your medical bills are covered.
- You want coverage for lost income.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist
Montanans keep the proper car insurance more often than not. However, consider adding uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage in case you get in an accident with an uninsured driver. This coverage pays for your car damage or medical expenses in place of the other driver’s liability coverage.
Consider this coverage if . . .
- You can’t pay for car repairs or another car on your own.
- You don’t have health insurance.
- Your health insurance has high out-of-pocket costs.
Top 10 auto insurance companies in USA that serve Montana
Compare the top car insurers by market share that serve in Montana, according to S&P Global. To help you decide on the right insurer, we list each company’s ratings side by side from top rating agencies, including:
- The Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating scores how a business interacts with its customers, rating insurers as high as A++.
- J.D. Power scores companies based on customer satisfaction with their price, billing, claims and customer support. The agency rates each insurer out of 1,000 points.
- The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) complaint index shows how a company’s number of complaints compares to similar companies. Scores lower than 1.00 show that the company sees fewer than the average number of complaints. Scores above 1.00 show more complaints than average.
- Finder’s score rates companies based on their coverage, discounts as well as the BBB, J.D. Power and NAIC ratings.
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 ; | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 | |||||
 | ★★★★★ 4/5 |
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 |
Compare car insurance providers in Montana
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.
- Average Premiums and Expenditures, NAIC, 2018
- Automobile Financial Responsibility Limits By State, III, October 2021
- Montana Car Accident Laws, Nolo
- Motor vehicle theft rate in the United States in 2020, by state, Statista, 08 October 2021
- Top 10 Highest And Lowest States By Estimated Percentage Of Uninsured Motorists, 2019, III
- State Transportation by the Numbers, BTS
- Largest private auto insurers posted combined ratios under 100% in 2020, Spglobal, May 4 2021
Common questions about Montana auto insurance
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