Montana Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (November 2024)

Name: Montana Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (November 2024)
Item: Montana Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (November 2024)
Author: Mark Fitzpatrick

Montana's state minimum car insurance coverage is 25/50/20. The average cost is about $446 annually or $37 monthly.

By Mark Fitzpatrick

Reviewed by Mark Friedlander

Edited by Rae Osborn

Updated: October 29, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Montana mandates that drivers carry minimum car insurance with coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $20,000 per accident for property damage. As Montana operates under an at-fault insurance system, the person responsible for the accident is also financially responsible for any resulting damages.

The cost of meeting these minimum car insurance requirements can be more manageable than many might assume. The monthly price for the cheapest car insurance in Montana starts at around $37, making it possible to drive legally without breaking the bank. Remember, the rate is for state minimum coverage that only covers the damages you cause to others and does not include coverage for your own vehicle.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Montana Minimum Coverage Requirements
Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Montana
Cheapest Companies in Montana for Minimum Coverage
Add-On Coverages in Montana
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Montana
FAQ

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance to give you the most accurate cost data for a range of Montana drivers.

These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Montana as of November 2024.

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Montana Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

In Montana, the law requires drivers to have minimum coverage auto insurance to legally operate a vehicle on the roads. This coverage includes:

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

Montana operates under a fault-based insurance system. This means that the driver found at fault for causing an accident is responsible for paying the damage and injury expenses incurred by the other party. Carrying more than the minimum coverage is often recommended to protect oneself against potential financial risks exceeding the baseline coverage limits.

DOES MONTANA REQUIRE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE?

Montana does not mandate collision and comprehensive coverage as part of its state minimum auto insurance requirements. However, lenders typically require you to carry both coverages if you're financing or leasing a vehicle. This protects their investment against damage in the event of an accident or other damaging occurrences like theft or natural disasters. In Montana, carrying collision and/or comprehensive coverage is advisable if you want financial protection for your vehicle against various damages.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?

What Liability Insurance Covers	What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover
Injuries to others if you are at fault in an accident	Your injuries
Damage to another person’s property if you are at fault in an accident	Damages to your car
Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy	Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal
	Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, unless additional coverage is purchased

The table reflects Montana's minimum car insurance requirements, including liability coverage. Coverage specifics depend on your policy's terms and conditions.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Montana

The table below presents the average cost of minimum coverage car insurance in Montana broken down by age group, demonstrating how rates vary for different age brackets. In Montana, drivers between the ages of 22 and 29 face the highest premiums. This reflects the higher risk associated with younger, less experienced drivers.


22-29	$515	$43
30-59	$446	$37
60 +	$434	$36

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Montana

In Montana, the most affordable options for state minimum coverage auto insurance are from:

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

While finding a cost-effective minimum coverage insurance is important, you should also consider the best car insurance in Montana that aligns with your needs.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:

Age Group:

Age Group:30-59


State Farm	$164	$14
GEICO	$371	$31
Farmers	$409	$34
Progressive	$433	$36
Nationwide	$534	$44
Kemper	$564	$47
Allstate	$651	$54

Optional Add-On Coverages in Montana

In Montana, optional add-on coverages include uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, comprehensive, collision, medical payments and rental reimbursement. These options offer financial safeguards against common risks beyond state minimum coverage, providing drivers with protection for various incidents. Determine how much car insurance you need to help tailor coverage to your needs.

Add-On Coverage	What It Covers	What It Doesn't Cover
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage	Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance.	Damage to your vehicle if you are at fault or damages that exceed policy limits.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)	Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers, regardless of who's at fault.	Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver.
Roadside Assistance	Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down.	Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow.
Gap Insurance	Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen.	Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments.
Rental Car Reimbursement	The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event.	Fuel, insurance or other rental extras.
Collision Coverage	Repairs to your car after an accident, regardless of fault.	Damage due to theft, vandalism or natural disasters.
Comprehensive Coverage	Repairs to non-collision damages from events like theft, fire or hail.	Damages from a collision or personal injuries.
Towing and Labor Coverage	Towing and basic roadside assistance labor costs at the site of your vehicle's breakdown.	More extensive repairs needed at a garage.
Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage	Safeguards aftermarket enhancements like custom wheels or stereo systems.	Original parts that came with your vehicle.
Accidental Death Coverage	Offers a payout if you or a passenger dies or experiences certain injuries in a car accident.	Non-accidental death or injuries.
Classic Car Insurance	Agreed-upon values for your unique vehicle, tailored for vintage or collector cars.	Regular use like your daily commute.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Montana

In Montana, the cost of a ticket for driving without insurance can vary based on your history with this offense. First-time offenders may face a lighter penalty than those with prior incidents, while subsequent offenses could lead to more severe consequences.

Penalties for driving uninsured in Montana include:

Fines escalating: The fines for driving without insurance may increase with repeated offenses.
License suspension: Your driving privilege may be temporarily revoked, and you have to pay a fee to get it reinstated.
Requirement to file an SR-22: You might need to file an SR-22, which is a document your insurer files on your behalf to prove future financial responsibility.
Jail time: You may face jail time if you're uninsured during an accident.

It's essential to understand the importance of following Montana's laws, including maintaining at least state minimum coverage on your vehicle. Adhering to these rules keeps you compliant with the law and also protects you from potential financial hardship in the event of an accident.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

When a car insurance policy is canceled in Montana, drivers should immediately seek a new policy to remain legally insured and avoid driving uninsured. Contacting an insurance agent to discuss options or secure a new policy is a crucial step. The Montana Motor Vehicle Division will likely be notified about the cancellation, which could lead to legal penalties if you continue driving without insurance.

Montana drivers whose insurance has been canceled can find new coverage through other insurance companies or agents. Compare policies to find the right fit for your needs. If you face difficulties getting insured, the Montana Automobile Insurance Plan is available for high-risk drivers.

To drive legally in Montana, ensure you have at least the state's minimum coverage, as driving without it can lead to serious consequences.

WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in Montana may have been canceled for a few reasons:

Non-Payment: If you miss paying your insurance premiums, your provider can cancel your coverage.
License Suspension: Losing your driving privileges also means losing your insurance.
Fraud: Any deceitful activity, such as lying on your application, can lead to cancellation.
High Risk: If you're involved in multiple accidents or violations, you might be considered too risky to insure.

FAQ: Montana Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

We provide you with essential information about Montana's state minimum car insurance requirements to ensure your vehicle is legally covered while driving in the Big Sky Country.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Montana?

In Montana, the minimum car insurance coverage required is $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident and $20,000 for property damage per accident. This basic coverage is designed to protect motorists against the costs of damages and injuries to others in case they are at fault in an accident. Remember that minimum coverage may not fully cover all expenses if you're involved in a serious accident.

Why does Montana require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?

Montana mandates minimum coverage auto insurance to ensure motorists are financially responsible for damages and injuries they may cause to others in an auto accident. This protection covers the expenses of the affected party and helps prevent the at-fault driver from facing potentially extensive out-of-pocket costs. Consistent coverage across drivers aids in the smooth handling of claims and promotes legal driving practices within Montana.

Do you need comprehensive insurance in Montana?

Comprehensive insurance is not mandated by law in Montana, but it is recommended for drivers who want protection against non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism or environmental damage. Opting for comprehensive insurance can provide financial security, especially since Montana can experience harsh weather conditions that might put vehicles at risk beyond standard traffic accidents. Remember, carrying only the state minimum coverage may not cover these types of damages to your vehicle.

What happens if you drive uninsured in Montana?

Driving uninsured in Montana carries significant risks, including fines starting at $250 for a first offense, up to $500 for subsequent offenses and possible imprisonment for up to 10 days. Additionally, your license and registration could be suspended until proof of insurance is provided. Repeat offenses can lead to increased penalties, and you may be required to carry SR-22 insurance to regain your driving privileges.

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.

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