Cheapest Car Insurance for Low-Income Drivers in Montana (October 2024)


The cheapest car insurance for low-income individual drivers with poor credit in Montana is provided by State Farm at $30 per month. For low-income families, the most affordable option is also State Farm at $37 per month.

Montana does not offer state-backed car insurance programs for low-income families and individuals. Therefore, finding the provider with the most affordable rate is one of their options to manage costs. There are also ways to get discounts to help alleviate the cost of car insurance.

While minimum coverage will help you drive legally, it has its downsides. For example, in an at-fault accident, minimum coverage may not cover all expenses, leaving you with significant out-of-pocket costs.

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Cheapest for Individuals With Low Income

State Farm is the cheapest car insurance provider for individual drivers with low-income and poor credit history in Montana with an average minimum coverage premium of $30 per month or $354 per year.

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Cheapest for Families With Low Income

State Farm is the cheapest car insurance provider for families with low-income in Montana with an average minimum coverage premium of $37 per month or $440 per year.

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Cheapest for Senior Drivers With Low Income

State Farm is the cheapest car insurance provider for seniors with low-income and poor credit score in Montana with an average minimum coverage premium of $27 per month or $328 per year.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed thousands of data points and quotes from Quadrant Information Services and the Montana Department of Insurance to get the cheapest average costs for low-income drivers of Montana.

11,976Quotes Analyzed
 
8Companies Compared
 
12ZIP Codes

Does Montana Offer Low-Income Insurance?

Car insurance companies in Montana do not consider your income when calculating rates. They look at factors like your age, driving record, credit history, and the type of car you drive. At-fault accidents and moving violations can increase your rates significantly. To find the cheapest rates, it's best to compare quotes from several insurance companies.

If your budget is tight, a basic minimum coverage policy is often the cheapest way to stay legal on the road. For drivers who rarely drive, pay-per-mile insurance is a great option to save money. MoneyGeek rounded up the cheapest insurers for low-income drivers in Montana to help you save.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Montana

To legally operate a vehicle in Montana, you're required to have minimum car insurance requirements that include the following liability coverage amounts:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person.
  • $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident.
  • $20,000 for property damage liability per accident.

Choosing a liability-only car insurance policy can help cover expenses you cause to others in an accident, but it won't cover your own vehicle. To protect your vehicle against various damages, consider a full coverage car insurance policy, which includes collision and comprehensive coverages.

In Montana's unpredictable weather, a full coverage policy is ideal if you're driving a newer car or one with high value. It's designed to safeguard against non-collision events like hail damage or theft, which are not uncommon. Understanding the risks and benefits of each coverage type is crucial to selecting the right policy for your needs.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Individuals With Low Income in Montana

Your credit record can affect your car insurance rates in Montana. A lower credit-based insurance score may signal to insurers that you're a higher risk, which can lead to more expensive premiums.

Montana drivers with poor credit records can find affordable rates with:

  • State Farm: $354 per year; $30 per month
  • Farmers: $568 per year; $47 per month

The cheapest car insurance in Montana for low-income drivers with a good credit history are:

  • State Farm: $164 per year; $14 per month
  • GEICO: $371 per year; $31 per month

Driving without insurance in Montana is considered a misdemeanor and can lead to suspension of your driver's license and vehicle registration, fines ranging from $175 to $1,000 and other penalties. Make sure you're covered to drive legally and safely.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Credit Score:
Credit Score:Poor
State Farm$354$30
Farmers$568$47
GEICO$579$48
Nationwide$669$56
Kemper$676$56
Progressive$742$62
Allstate$1,102$92
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Cheapest Car Insurance for Families With Low Income in Montana

Car insurance premiums are not directly influenced by income, yet family circumstances do play a role in determining costs. In Montana, a single parent with a teen faces an annual premium that's $276 higher than a married couple with a teen, who can secure rates cheaper by $276 per year.

The most affordable car insurance companies for a married couple with a teen in Montana are:

  • State Farm: $440 per year; $37 per month
  • Progressive: $526 per year; $44 per month

For a single parent with a teen, the cheapest options are:

  • State Farm: $716 per year; $60 per month
  • Progressive: $938 per year; $78 per month

Married couples with a teen can often find lower car insurance rates than single parents with a teen due to different risk assessments by insurers. Keeping a strong credit score is also key for anyone looking to get more affordable minimum coverage auto insurance rates.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Family Type:
Family Type:Married Couple with Teen
State Farm$440$37
Progressive$526$44
GEICO$533$44
Nationwide$567$47
Allstate$653$54
Farmers$989$82
Kemper$1,824$152

Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors With Low Income in Montana

Car insurance premiums generally decrease as you reach the early senior years, typically around age 55 to 65, especially if you have a clean driving record.

The two cheapest car insurance for senior drivers with low-income and poor credit history are:

  • State Farm: $328 per year; $27 per month
  • Farmers: $509 per year; $42 per month

After the age of 70, car insurance rates typically increase, as older drivers are statistically considered higher risk. This trend continues each year, meaning premiums generally rise as seniors age. Montana may have specific laws or guidelines for seniors getting car insurance.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Credit Score:
Credit Score:Poor
State Farm$328$27
Farmers$509$42
GEICO$604$50
Nationwide$625$52
Kemper$668$56
Progressive$713$59
Allstate$1,143$95
Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

What Factors Affect Car Insurance Rates in Montana?

Car insurance rates in Montana are influenced by various factors. While your income doesn't directly affect rates, it can impact your credit score. A poor credit record can lead to higher rates, whereas a good credit score can result in lower rates.

Understanding the factors that contribute to car insurance rates in Montana can help you make informed decisions in choosing the best car insurance for you.

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    Driving record

    A clean driving history with no at-fault accidents or moving violations usually results in lower rates.

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    Age and gender

    Younger drivers, especially males, typically pay more due to higher risk than more experienced drivers.

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    Credit history

    Your credit history can affect your rates, with lower insurance scores often leading to higher premiums.

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    Location

    Where you live plays a role, with urban areas often having higher rates than rural areas due to more congested roadways, higher accident rates and incidents of vehicle theft and vandalism.

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    Vehicle type

    The make, model and year of your car impact insurance costs. Sportier or more expensive cars generally cost more to insure.

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    Coverage levels

    The higher your level of coverage, the higher your premiums.

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    Insurance company

    Different insurers have different underwriting methodologies and discounts, so it's important to compare quotes.

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    Claims history

    A history of filing claims can lead to higher rates. If you can afford to pay for your own repairs, it might behoove you not to file a claim.

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    Extreme weather events

    Montana is prone to severe weather events like hailstorms and ice storms, which can increase insurance claims and, in turn, rates.

How to Save on Car Insurance in Montana

You don't need a state-sponsored program to cut costs — finding affordable car insurance in Montana is possible with the right strategies. Here are some tips to lower your premiums:

  1. 1
    Choose minimum coverage

    Opting for state-mandated minimum coverage can help save on car insurance costs while meeting legal requirements to drive. This basic coverage ensures you’re compliant without paying for extra protection you might not need.

  2. 2
    Comparison shop

    Getting quotes from multiple insurers allows you to compare rates and discounts. Additionally, shopping locally might yield the best rates in Montana, ensuring you pay the lowest possible premium.

  3. 3
    Look for discounts

    Insurance companies offer various discounts for factors like good student status, safe driving records, military service, or bundling your auto policy with other policies. These discounts can add up to significant savings.

  4. 4
    Increase your deductible

    If you choose collision or comprehensive coverage, opting for a higher car insurance deductible can reduce your monthly premiums. Ensure you can afford the deductible in case of an accident.

  5. 5
    Consider pay-per-mile insurance

    If you’re a low-mileage driver, pay-per-mile insurance could be a cost-effective option. You pay a base rate and a per-mile fee, only paying for the miles you drive.

  6. 6
    Bundle your policies

    Bundling your auto insurance with other policies, like homeowners or renters insurance, can lead to significant discounts. The best home and auto bundles might save you around $496 annually.

  7. 7
    Drive a cheaper car

    Your car’s make, model, and year impact insurance costs. Driving the cheapest cars to insure can save you hundreds of dollars annually in insurance costs.

FAQ: Low-Income Car Insurance in Montana

Finding affordable car insurance for low-income drivers in Montana can be tough. Get answers to common questions about low-income car insurance options in Montana.

Does Montana have a state-supported low-income car insurance program?
How can low-income families get affordable car insurance in Montana?
Does your income affect the cost of car insurance in Montana?
What are the benefits of usage-based telematics programs for drivers with low income in Montana?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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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.