In Billings, Nationwide offers the lowest rates for full and minimum coverage policies. Progressive is the cheapest for families with teens. For customer service, State Farm also ranks first, paralleling its position as best overall. Your ideal choice depends on your personal preferences and coverage requirements.
Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Billings, MT (2024)
Nationwide offers the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Billings, Montana, at $222 annually. State Farm is rated best overall, with a MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100.
Updated: December 19, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
In Billings, Nationwide offers the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance at $222 per year, substantially less than Allstate's most expensive option at $802 annually, highlighting a potential savings of $580 per year by simply comparing providers and choosing the most cost-effective policy.
By comparing full coverage car insurance premiums in Billings, you can save up to $861 annually by choosing Nationwide's $670 plan over Kemper's $1,531 offering, highlighting the financial advantage of researching and selecting the best rates.
In Billings, military drivers can secure the most affordable full coverage car insurance from Nationwide for $670 per year, offering a competitive option compared to State Farm at $706 and USAA at $727, underscoring the importance of evaluating different providers to ensure the best value for comprehensive coverage.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed 11,976 quotes in Montana, including the city of Billings, from eight companies. We used six sources and original research to rate the cheapest companies and develop a scoring system for Billings insurance providers based on ZIP codes in the city only. Our scores are based on affordability, customer satisfaction, claims experience, coverages offered and financial stability.
These rates reflect the cheapest car insurance quotes in Billings, MT, as of June 2024.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Billings
MoneyGeek found that the following companies offer the cheapest car insurance in Billings:
- Nationwide: $222 per year
- State Farm: $264 per year
Allstate has the most expensive minimum coverage policy in Billings, costing $802 annually. This is $580 more per year compared to Nationwide's offer. Such a stark price difference underscores the importance of comparing rates to ensure you're not overpaying for your car insurance coverage.
Nationwide | $222 | $19 |
State Farm | $264 | $22 |
Progressive | $460 | $38 |
Farmers | $474 | $39 |
GEICO | $507 | $42 |
Kemper | $650 | $54 |
Allstate | $802 | $67 |
State Minimum Liability Requirements
For all cities in Montana, including Billings, the minimum required car insurance coverage is set by state law.
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $20,000 property damage liability per accident
Imagine you're in an at-fault accident and cause $30,000 in bodily injury to one person. Your minimum coverage policy would cover up to $25,000; you would be responsible for the remaining $5,000 out of pocket. Similarly, if the total bodily injury for the accident is $60,000 and your policy covers $50,000, you would have to cover the additional $10,000 yourself.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Billings
MoneyGeek found that Nationwide offers the most affordable option for cheapest full coverage car insurance in Billings.
- Nationwide: $670 per year
- State Farm: $706 per year
Kemper has the most expensive full coverage policy in Billings, with an annual premium of $1,531, demonstrating the significance of comparing rates to save money. Full coverage policies are pricier than minimum coverage due to the comprehensive protection they offer, including liability, collision and comprehensive coverage.
Nationwide | $670 | $56 |
State Farm | $706 | $59 |
Farmers | $1,141 | $95 |
Progressive | $1,226 | $102 |
Allstate | $1,383 | $115 |
GEICO | $1,391 | $116 |
Kemper | $1,531 | $128 |
Do You Need Full Coverage in Montana?
A full coverage policy in Billings includes $100,000 for bodily injury liability per individual, $300,000 for bodily injury per accident and $100,000 for property damage liability per incident. This level of coverage is commonly referred to as a 100/300/100 policy.
In addition to bolstered liability limits, a full coverage policy incorporates comprehensive and collision insurance:
Collision Insurance: This provides coverage for your vehicle in the event of a collision, whether with another vehicle or or a stationary object like a tree or light pole. It also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.
Comprehensive Insurance: This coverage insures your vehicle against various types of damage not caused by collisions, including theft, vandalism, fires, natural disasters and being struck by an animal like a deer.
For those with new automobiles, securing a full coverage insurance policy is a prudent approach to protect your investment. On the other hand, if you own an older vehicle, the cost of added protection may not justify the expenditure, potentially amounting to hundreds more dollars.
When it comes to deciding how much car insurance you need, it is important to weigh the benefits of greater coverage against the higher premiums it incurs, and to consider the risk that less extensive coverage could leave you inadequately insured.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Billings After a Driving Offense
MoneyGeek found that State Farm offers the most affordable coverage in Billings for drivers with a poor driving record, regardless of the specific violation on their record.
- Speeding Ticket: State Farm ($780 per year)
- At-Fault Accident: State Farm ($847 per year)
- DUI: State Farm ($780 per year)
On the opposite end, GEICO has the highest rates for drivers who have committed a DUI and an at-fault accident, while Kemper is the most expensive for those with speeding tickets. In comparing these rates, the disparity in annual premiums is evident, illustrating the impact of different violations on insurance costs.
State Farm | $780 | $65 |
Nationwide | $841 | $70 |
Farmers | $1,204 | $100 |
Allstate | $1,570 | $131 |
Progressive | $1,638 | $137 |
GEICO | $1,645 | $137 |
Kemper | $1,787 | $149 |
Insurance premiums in Billings and other cities increase with the severity of driving offenses as insurers adjust rates based on the risk profile of the driver. For instance, drivers in Billings with a speeding ticket pay an average annual rate of approximately $1,713, but those with a DUI offense face an average annual rate of about $2,321, indicating a significant financial impact. This disparity underscores the importance for individuals with driving offenses to diligently compare insurance rates, ensuring they secure the most cost-effective coverage for their specific situation.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Billings for Teens and Their Families
MoneyGeek found that Progressive offers the cheapest car insurance for teens in Billings. Here are the top two insurers:
- Progressive: $1,658 per year for female teens and $1,658 for male teens
- Allstate: $1,793 per year for female and male teens
These rates reflect a policy that covers a combination of two parents and a teenager. In Billings, Kemper has the most expensive policy for teen drivers, with an annual premium of $7,532. The difference between the most affordable and the most expensive policies highlights the need for parents to diligently shop around to mitigate the high costs associated with insuring higher-risk teen drivers.
Progressive | $1,658 | $3,664 |
Allstate | $1,793 | $6,932 |
State Farm | $1,975 | $2,559 |
Nationwide | $1,990 | $5,527 |
GEICO | $2,643 | $6,833 |
Farmers | $3,147 | $8,823 |
Kemper | $7,532 | $9,660 |
In cities like Billings, teens seeking car insurance face a stark choice between affordability and independence. On average, a teen securing an individual policy could pay an annual premium of approximately $6,285, significantly more than the $2,963 average when added to a family plan. This substantial difference in rates is due to insurers viewing teens as high-risk drivers when on their own, increasing premiums to reflect the greater likelihood of filing a claim.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Billings for Military Drivers
MoneyGeek found that the following companies offer the cheapest car insurance for those with military backgrounds in Billings:
- Nationwide: $670 per year
- State Farm: $706 per year
Although USAA is not the cheapest on the list, with an annual premium of $727, it is a competitive option that's worth considering due to its specialized services tailored to active-duty military members.
Nationwide | $670 | $56 |
State Farm | $706 | $59 |
USAA | $727 | $61 |
Farmers | $1,141 | $95 |
Progressive | $1,226 | $102 |
Allstate | $1,383 | $115 |
GEICO | $1,391 | $116 |
Kemper | $1,531 | $128 |
How to Compare Cheap Billings Car Insurance Quotes Online
Shopping for car insurance in Billings can be an exhaustive process, often requiring more than 15 minutes per company, with a recommended minimum of three companies to compare, potentially totaling more than an hour of research to find the best rates. MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator is a time-saving tool that swiftly assesses the most impactful factors determining car insurance rates in Billings. By inputting details such as age, driving record, credit score and coverage preferences, Billings residents can obtain an instant rate estimate.
Car Insurance Calculator
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
Rates updated:
Dec 24, 2024
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Best Car Insurance in Billings: Overview
Choosing the best auto insurance for you hinges on factors like service, cost and coverage. MoneyGeek's distinct scoring metrics reveal that in Billings, State Farm shines across the board with impressive scores in various categories:
- Best overall: State Farm (MoneyGeek score 95 out of 100)
- Best for service: State Farm (MoneyGeek score 92 out of 100)
- Best cheap: State Farm (MoneyGeek score 94 out of 100)
State Farm stands out as the leading provider in Billings, offering the best value, top-notch customer service and budget-friendly options without compromising on service quality.
Overall Best Car Insurance in Billings
According to MoneyGeek's study, the following companies offer the overall best car insurance in Billings:
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 ($706 per year)
- Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100 ($670 per year)
State Farm stands out due to its outstanding balance of service and value with industry-leading satisfaction and competitive affordability, offering a comprehensive full coverage policy.
State Farm's high MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 is bolstered by its outstanding customer satisfaction and impressive affordability. It offers both common coverages: roadside assistance and rental car and/or travel reimbursement. State Farm also provides reasonably common coverages, such as accident forgiveness.
State Farm stands out with valuable coverages for drivers seeking robust insurance. Accident forgiveness can mitigate the rate increase typically following your first at-fault accident. Car replacement assistance helps reimburse toward a newer car model in case your vehicle is totaled, which is a practical benefit for frequent drivers.
In addition, with its new car replacement coverage, drivers with the latest models can get their car replaced without a depreciation deduction after a total loss, a significant perk for those with new vehicles.
- Ranks 1st for customer satisfaction
- Ranks 2nd for claims satisfaction
- Offers competitive pricing
- Offers common coverages
MoneyGeek ranks Billings car insurers with a focus on customer satisfaction and cost, factoring in claims, coverage and financial health as well.
Best Car Insurance in Billings for Customer Service
MoneyGeek found that the following companies are the best options in Billings for consumers seeking top-notch customer service, regardless of cost:
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100 ($706 per year)
- Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 79 out of 100 ($670 per year)
State Farm stands out in Billings as the top car insurance provider, achieving the highest marks in customer satisfaction, which is a significant contributor to its overall MoneyGeek score.
State Farm achieves an impressive MoneyGeek score due to its standout claims and satisfaction ratings. It offers both common coverages of rental car and/or travel reimbursement and roadside assistance. In addition, its reasonably common coverages, like gap insurance, provide added protection for customers facing a total loss of their financed or leased vehicles by covering the difference between the car's value and the amount owed.
State Farm excels by providing a range of valuable coverages for drivers. For instance, its roadside assistance coverage is a reliable safeguard against common vehicle troubles, offering mechanical labor, towing and essential fluid delivery. Additionally, its rental car and/or travel reimbursement coverage ensures that the inconvenience of vehicle repairs doesn't immobilize customers, covering car rental expenses and even travel costs if accidents happen far from home.
- Ranks 1st for general customer satisfaction
- Ranks 2nd for claims satisfaction
- Offers common coverages
- Does not offer OEM coverage
MoneyGeek evaluates Billings car insurance, focusing on customer satisfaction and claims efficiency, alongside coverage options and insurer solvency.
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Billings
MoneyGeek found the best options in Billings for cheap car insurance. Here are the top two providers:
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($263 per year)
- Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($222 per year)
State Farm stands out as it offers an exceptional combination of low cost and high-quality service. The greatest contributors to its MoneyGeek score are customer satisfaction and financial stability, which are especially important for a minimum coverage policy.
State Farm earned high marks in satisfaction (25 out of 25) and claims handling (19 out of 20), making it a top choice for discerning drivers. With an average annual premium of just $263, State Farm customers pay a modest amount for minimum coverage. Drivers benefit from reasonably rare discounts, such as anti-lock brakes and new vehicle discounts, which enhance safety and reward investing in newer vehicles.
State Farm demonstrates a comprehensive range of discounts, including bundling, multiple car and safe driving. These discounts reflect the insurer's commitment to providing value through various savings opportunities. Additionally, drivers can avail themselves of the anti-theft system discount, highly beneficial for theft prevention, and the driver's education discount, encouraging driver preparedness, especially for those under 21.
- Offers bundling, multiple car and safe driving discounts
- Ranks 2nd for cost
- Ranks 1st for general customer satisfaction
- Ranks 2nd for claims satisfaction
MoneyGeek ranks Billings' best car insurance, valuing affordability in basic plans and customer satisfaction with consideration for claims, coverage options and financial health.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in Billings
In Billings, the average car insurance cost is $1,158 per year. This figure is slightly above the average car insurance cost in Montana, which stands at $1,124, making Billings $33 higher than the state average.
Moreover, when compared to the national average premium of $1,720, Montana's average cost is significantly lower. Meanwhile, location plays a pivotal role in car insurance rates, as it directly influences factors such as accident rates, crime statistics and traffic density.
Billings | $1,158 |
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.