Auto Insurance: Washington Vs Montana - Who Pays More?

Car insurance rates vary drastically from state to state, and Washington and Montana are no exception. The national average for full-coverage car insurance is $1,895, but Washington's average is $1,371 per year, while Montana's is $1,692.

The cost of car insurance is determined by a multitude of factors, including the number of licensed drivers, traffic density, cost of living, and the percentage of uninsured drivers. Washington's low population density and mild weather patterns contribute to its relatively affordable car insurance rates. Montana's low population density and low rate of uninsured motorists also help keep its rates low.

Population density

Montana is the fourth-largest state by area but the eighth-least populous state and the third-least densely populated state. Its population density is lower than other states. About half of Montana's population lives in the Anchorage metropolitan area.

Washington, on the other hand, has a low population density and mild weather patterns, which could contribute to relatively affordable car insurance in the state.

Number of licensed drivers

When it comes to the number of licensed drivers, both Washington and Montana have specific requirements that individuals must meet to obtain a driver's license. Here is a detailed overview of the process and requirements for each state:

Washington:

In Washington, individuals must obtain a Washington Driver License to drive on the state's roads. The process begins with obtaining a learner's permit, which has several requirements:

• Applicants must be at least 16 years old.
• They must be a Washington State resident, proven by their residence address.
• Schedule an appointment and visit the local licensing office.
• Pass a medical check-up and a knowledge test.
• Pay an application fee of $25.

After holding the learner's permit for six months, individuals can apply for an intermediate driver's license if they are under 18. Intermediate drivers have certain restrictions, such as not driving between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. and not using a cell phone while driving.

To obtain a full driver's license in Washington, individuals must:

• Submit a Driver License Application.
• Pass a knowledge test.
• Successfully complete a driving course.
• Pass a vision and color recognition test.

The cost of obtaining a driver's license in Washington includes a $35 application fee and a $45 fee for the license itself.

Montana:

In Montana, the process of obtaining a driver's license is similar to Washington. The state offers a standard driver's license and a commercial driver's license. The specific requirements for obtaining a license in Montana include:

• Individuals must pass written and driving tests.
• They must provide proof of identity and residency.
• Pass a vision screening.
• Provide their Social Security number.

Montana also offers the option to obtain a REAL ID, which has different requirements that individuals must meet. Additionally, Montana has a reciprocity agreement with Taiwan, allowing residents of either jurisdiction to transfer their valid driver's license without taking a driving skills test.

While the exact number of licensed drivers in Washington and Montana may not be readily available, the requirements and processes for obtaining a driver's license in each state are comprehensive and involve multiple steps to ensure that drivers are properly trained and qualified.

Cost of living

The cost of living in Montana is slightly higher than in Washington. While Montana is only 0.3% more expensive overall, there are some notable differences in the cost of specific items and services. For example, restaurants in Montana are 5% more expensive than in Washington, and groceries are 3.4% more expensive. Housing is also 5.2% more costly in Montana. On the other hand, transportation is 17.3% cheaper in Montana, and childcare is 3.7% less expensive. Entertainment and sports are also more affordable in Montana, with an average of 8.6% savings.

When it comes to auto insurance, Montana and Washington have relatively low rates compared to other states. The average annual cost of full-coverage auto insurance in Montana is 1% lower than the national average, while Washington's rates are 28% lower. The low rates in these states can be attributed to several factors, including low population density, mild weather patterns, and a low number of uninsured motorists.

While the cost of living in Montana is slightly higher than in Washington, the difference is minimal, and both states offer a relatively affordable standard of living compared to other parts of the country.

Weather conditions

Montana experiences a semi-arid climate, with low humidity and minimal rainfall throughout the year. Winters can be extremely cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing, while summers are generally warm and pleasant. The state is also prone to severe thunderstorms, as indicated by the numerous thunderstorm warnings issued in August 2024. Additionally, Montana's beautiful summers come with an increased risk of wildfires, which can lead to road closures and detours if they pose a threat to travellers' safety.

In contrast, Washington is known for its mild and relatively stable weather patterns. While the state experiences occasional rainfall, it rarely sees extreme weather conditions. Winters are typically mild, with temperatures rarely dipping too low, and summers are comfortable, with plenty of sunny days.

The mild weather in both states contributes to lower accident rates and fewer weather-related insurance claims, which can result in more affordable auto insurance rates compared to states with more severe weather conditions.

Local claims history

When it comes to auto insurance, local claims history is a significant factor that influences the cost of coverage. Let's delve into the local claims history of Washington and Montana and how it impacts insurance rates.

Washington

Washington state's auto insurance rates are relatively affordable compared to the national average. One contributing factor to this is the state's low number of fatal crashes. In addition, Washington has a low population density and generally mild weather patterns, which can lead to fewer accidents and less severe weather-related damage. These factors collectively result in a positive local claims history, contributing to more affordable auto insurance rates for residents.

Montana

Montana's local claims history is likely influenced by the state's unique characteristics. Montana is known for its vast expanses of rural areas and a low population density, which generally equates to fewer accidents and claims. The state also has a low rate of uninsured motorists, which is a positive factor in determining insurance rates. Montana's local claims history is likely to be favourable due to these factors, contributing to slightly lower-than-average insurance costs for its residents.

Comparison

When comparing Washington and Montana, both states benefit from a lower population density and a reduced number of accidents, which positively impacts their local claims history. However, Washington's mild weather and Montana's rural areas also play a role in reducing weather-related and accident-related claims, respectively. As a result, both states offer auto insurance rates that are slightly lower than the national average, with Washington being slightly more affordable between the two.

Frequently asked questions