Montana Auto Insurance: What Car Owners Need To Know

Auto insurance is mandatory in Montana, and drivers are required to carry a minimum level of insurance. The minimum requirements include bodily injury liability insurance and property damage liability insurance. Bodily injury liability insurance covers expenses when a driver is at fault in a collision that injures another person, while property damage liability insurance covers expenses when a driver is at fault in an accident that damages another person's property. Drivers in Montana must also carry proof of insurance and present it if asked by law enforcement. Failure to have insurance can result in fines and even jail time for repeat violations.

Minimum auto insurance requirements in Montana

Montana requires that every motor vehicle on the road is covered by liability insurance. Failure to carry liability insurance can result in severe penalties, including fines and jail time.

The minimum liability coverage requirements in Montana are:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death in any single accident.
• $50,000 total per accident for bodily injury or death of two or more people.
• $20,000 per accident for injury to or destruction of property.

Montana insurers must offer you uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, but you can reject it in writing. The minimum uninsured motorist coverage is:

• $25,000 per person.
• $50,000 total per accident.

Montana state law requires you to carry proof of insurance in your car and show it if a law enforcement officer asks to see it. Failure to do so can result in fines of $250 to $500 or up to 10 days in jail for a first offence. A second offence will result in the loss of driving privileges for 90 days.

Auto insurance discounts in Montana

Montana drivers can take advantage of a wide range of auto insurance discounts to save money on their premiums. Here are some of the most common discounts offered by major insurance companies in the state:

Multi-Policy Discount

GEICO and Liberty Mutual offer a discount for customers who bundle their auto insurance with another policy, such as homeowners or renters insurance.

Defensive Driving Discount

State Farm, GEICO, and Liberty Mutual all offer discounts for drivers who take an approved defensive driving course. State Farm's discount is available to drivers over 55 or members of the Montana National Guard, while GEICO and Liberty Mutual do not specify an age requirement.

Good Student Discount

State Farm offers a discount for full-time students under 25 who maintain good grades. Eligible students include those in the top 20% of their class, with a B average or above, or a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Accident-Free Discount

State Farm offers a discount to drivers who have been accident-free for three continuous years, and this discount may increase over time if the driver remains accident-free.

Drive Safe & Save Discount

State Farm's Drive Safe & Save program offers an initial discount for signing up, and drivers can save up to 30% based on their driving habits.

Good Driving Discount

State Farm offers a discount for drivers in the household who have had no moving violations or at-fault accidents in the past three years.

Multiple Automobiles Discount

State Farm provides a discount for customers who insure two or more private passenger automobiles primarily driven by residents at the same address.

Multiple Line Discount

State Farm offers a discount to customers who are named insured on one of their qualifying home, renters, condo, life, or health policies.

Passive Restraint Discount

State Farm offers a discount for vehicles equipped with factory-installed airbags or other passive restraint systems that meet federal safety standards. This discount applies to 1993 and older vehicles.

Steer Clear Safe Driver Discount

State Farm has a program for drivers under 25 who have had no at-fault accidents or moving violations in the past three years. The program includes video content and requires drivers to track their driving experiences.

Student Away at School Discount

State Farm offers a discount for vehicles where all assigned drivers under 25 reside at school more than 100 miles from home and only drive the vehicle during school vacations or holidays.

Vehicle Safety Discount

State Farm offers a discount for 1994 and newer model-year private passenger vehicles based on the claim history of the make and model of the insured vehicle.

Online Purchase Discount

Liberty Mutual provides a discount for customers who purchase their policy online.

Convenience and Savings Discount

Liberty Mutual offers a discount for combining multiple policies.

Good Driving Behavior Discount

Liberty Mutual offers a discount of up to 30% for good driving behavior.

Auto insurance for young drivers in Montana

Nationwide typically offers the cheapest coverage for 16-year-old drivers in Montana, with an average rate of $4,194 per year or $350 per month. For 17-year-olds, QBE Insurance Group offers the cheapest rates, with an average of $2,719 per year or $227 per month.

For 18-year-olds, QBE Insurance Group again offers the cheapest rates on average, at $2,409 per year or $201 per month. USAA is a good option for 21 and 25-year-olds, offering average rates of $1,304 and $1,109 per year, respectively.

It's worth noting that these rates may vary depending on factors such as driving history, credit score, and location. Additionally, young drivers can save money on their insurance by sharing a policy with an older adult, such as a parent or sibling.

Auto insurance for drivers with poor credit in Montana

Montana drivers with poor credit may face higher insurance rates than those with good credit. Insurance companies tend to view drivers with poor credit as riskier and more likely to file insurance claims. As a result, these drivers may have to pay more for their auto insurance coverage. However, there are still options for affordable insurance in Montana, even for those with poor credit.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Montana

The average cost of car insurance in Montana varies depending on the level of coverage. For minimum liability coverage, the average cost is $48 per month, or $574 per year. In contrast, full coverage insurance costs an average of $181 per month, or $1,938 per year. These rates are slightly above the national average, with full coverage costing about 10% higher than the US average.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Drivers with Poor Credit in Montana

According to ValuePenguin, Geico offers the best rates for drivers with poor credit in Montana. Their monthly rate is $244, which is $69 cheaper than the next cheapest option, Progressive. The average cost of car insurance for drivers with poor credit in Montana is $2,446 per year, a significant increase from the state average.

Other Factors Affecting Insurance Rates in Montana

In addition to credit score, several other factors can influence insurance rates in Montana. These include age, driving record, location, marital status, vehicle type, and mileage. Younger and less experienced drivers tend to pay higher rates, while married drivers often benefit from lower premiums. The type of vehicle, its age, and safety features can also impact the cost of insurance.

Montana law requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, which includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, as well as $20,000 per accident for property damage. While these are the minimum requirements, most drivers are advised to consider higher levels of coverage for more comprehensive protection.

Recommended Insurance Companies in Montana

When choosing an insurance company in Montana, it is essential to consider not only the cost but also the quality of customer service. USAA, available only to military members, veterans, and their families, consistently receives high ratings for customer satisfaction and affordable rates. For those who do not qualify for USAA, State Farm is another reputable option with competitive rates and strong customer service.

In conclusion, while drivers with poor credit in Montana may face higher insurance rates, there are still affordable options available. It is important to shop around, compare rates, and consider various factors to find the best coverage that suits your needs and budget.

Auto insurance for military families in Montana

Montana law requires drivers to have a minimum amount of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance coverage. This includes $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability coverage, and $20,000 per accident for property damage liability coverage.

Montana is one of only two states that mandate that auto insurers offer discounts to National Guard members. In this case, a discount must be given to members of the Montana National Guard who have taken a defensive driving course. The discount lasts for three years, but the law doesn't specify a percentage.

USAA is the best auto insurance company for military families in Montana, offering the cheapest rates for most driver profiles. It also provides a wide variety of coverage options and several benefits for military personnel, such as a discount for those who store their cars on base. However, USAA is only available to current and former military members and their families.

If you're not eligible for USAA, then State Farm is a good alternative. It offers the cheapest full coverage insurance quotes in Montana, costing $141 per month, which is 22% cheaper than the state average.

Geico is another option, offering the cheapest liability car insurance in Montana at $36 per month, which is 25% cheaper than the state average. Geico also provides a dedicated military support team and a discount of up to 15% for current and former military members.

Frequently asked questions