The least expensive option for most riders is a policy that meets only the state minimum liability coverage limits. While choosing the cheapest motorcycle insurance in Montana helps you save money, it may not always be the best choice. A liability-only policy just covers bodily injury and property damage liability. If you want to have better protection and higher liability limits, comprehensive and collision coverage may be right for you. In evaluating insurance carriers in Montana, MoneyGeek compared average rates for a rider with a good riding record and 50/100/25 liability-only coverage policy.
Motorcycle Insurance in Montana: The Cheapest Quotes and Best Companies
Having motorcycle insurance in Montana will help keep you safe on the road and protect you against certain expenses related to accidents. At the same time, it will protect your bike against damage or theft. MoneyGeek analyzed the average cost of motorcycle insurance in Montana across coverage levels and evaluated insurance providers using a unique rating system, including affordability, products and services offered and financial stability. You can compare the average premiums on the list and find the best and cheapest motorcycle insurance companies in Montana based on your needs.
Updated: October 16, 2024
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The Cheapest Motorcycle Insurance in Montana
Cheapest Liability-Only Motorcycle Insurance Quotes in Montana
On average, the most affordable companies for liability-only motorcycle insurance in Montana are:
- Markel: $50 per year
- Progressive: $75 per year
Based on average rates, the most expensive option in Montana for liability-only motorcycle insurance is Nationwide. The company charges $100 per year on average, which means Markel policyholders can save up to 50%.
Company | Annual Premium | |
---|---|---|
1. | Markel | $50 |
2. | Progressive | $75 |
3. | Harley-Davidson | $95 |
4. | Dairyland | $99 |
5. | GEICO | $99 |
6. | Nationwide | $100 |
Cheapest Full Coverage Motorcycle Insurance Quotes in Montana
A full-coverage policy with comprehensive and collision insurance does a much better job protecting your assets. Aside from the basic coverage, it also protects policyholders against damages caused by collisions with another vehicle or other structures. It also pays for damages or bike loss due to non-collision incidents, including fire, theft and vandalism. Thus, it may be the best motorcycle insurance in Montana for most riders. Full coverage will likely be necessary if you are making payments on your bike.
For this analysis, MoneyGeek used a good rider with 50/100/25 coverage and a $500 deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage. On average, the most affordable companies for this type of policy are:
- GEICO: $115 per year
- Progressive: $119 per year
Meanwhile, the most expensive insurance provider for full coverage motorcycle insurance in Montana is Nationwide. The company’s average rate is $288 per year, making GEICO 59.9% cheaper.
Company | Annual Premium | |
---|---|---|
1. | GEICO | $115 |
2. | Progressive | $119 |
3. | Harley-Davidson | $129 |
4. | Dairyland | $136 |
5. | Markel | $235 |
6. | Nationwide | $288 |
What Is the Average Motorcycle Insurance Cost in Montana?
Motorcycle insurance rates in Montana depend on various factors, such as coverage levels, age, years of riding experience, riding record and motorcycle model. MoneyGeek evaluated quotes from companies offering motorcycle insurance in Montana.
The average cost to insure a motorcycle in Montana is $170 per 12-month period or approximately $14 monthly for a full coverage policy. That is 47% or $193 less than the national average.
Motorcycle insurance in Montana with liability-only coverage costs an average of $86 per year or approximately $7 per month, $55 less than the national average of $141. However, this type of coverage does not cover your bike or the injuries you get in an accident where you are at fault.
All prices used in this study are based on the average premiums for a good rider with a policy that has $50,000/$100,000 of bodily injury liability coverage, $25,000 in property damage liability insurance and a $500 deductible.
Type | Cost | National Average | Delta vs National Average |
---|---|---|---|
Full Coverage | 170 | 364 | -193 |
Liability | 86 | 141 | -55 |
The Best Motorcycle Insurance Companies in Montana
MoneyGeek rated insurance providers to find the best motorcycle insurance in Montana. The final scores are based on a unique scoring system that considers affordability, product offerings and selection, service and financial stability. For more details, check out our methodology section. Based on the study, the highest-scoring company in Montana is Progressive.
Based on MoneyGeek’s analysis, the top motorcycle insurance carriers in Montana are:
5/5
Affordability
4.7/5
User Satisfaction
4.5/5
Financial Stability
Pros
- Mobile app
- Free quotes online
- Various coverage options
Cons
- Coverages may vary by state
- Not all discounts are available in all states
- Large Accident Forgiveness is only for customers of at least four years
Progressive is MoneyGeek’s top pick in Montana. The company has a MoneyGeek score of 90.76 out of 100 based on its high ratings across all categories. On average, a liability-only motorcycle insurance policy from Progressive costs $75 annually. A full-coverage policy, on the other hand, costs $119 on average.
Progressive offers a wide range of coverage options to various types of motorcycles, including custom bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, sports bikes, vintage bikes, touring bikes, scooters and mopeds. The company’s insurance policies are also customizable to fit the needs of the rider. Additionally, Progressive policies automatically include coverage for custom parts and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts. If your claim costs less than $500, you may be eligible for accident forgiveness that will ensure your premiums will not increase. If you remain accident-free for three years, you may get large accident forgiveness. It will cover the first accident of the year. Progressive also offers multiple discounts to help policyholders save money.
4/5
Affordability
5/5
User Satisfaction
4.5/5
Financial Stability
Pros
- Get a quote or pay your bill online
- 24/7 customer service for claims
- Multiple discounts available
Cons
- Can be more expensive than other insurers
- Cannot bundle with your car insurance
- No mobile app
With a MoneyGeek score of 87.13 out of 100, Harley-Davidson ranked as the second-best motorcycle insurer in Montana. The company charges an average of $95 per year for liability-only motorcycle insurance in the state. Its full coverage policy costs $129 on average.
Harley-Davidson motorcycle insurance is a good option for Montana riders no matter what type and model of bike you have. The company has rewards programs and discounts. For instance, you can get a discount if you add a newer bike to your policy. If you have safety features like anti-theft, you may also get a discount. All Harley-Davidson base policies also have accident forgiveness, which ensures that the insurance rate does not increase if the accident occurs at least 12 months after the start of the policy.
4.3/5
Affordability
4.3/5
User Satisfaction
4/5
Financial Stability
Pros
- Different discounts available
- 24/7 claims support
- Online quoting, payment and claim filing
Cons
- Not available in all states
- Cannot be bundled with auto insurance
- No mobile app
Markel got a MoneyGeek score of 85.68 out of 100, putting it in third place. The average rate of a Markel motorcycle insurance in Montana is $50 per year for liability-only coverage and $235 per year for full coverage.
Markel offers motorcycle insurance for almost any type of bike. The company also allows riders to easily add extra coverage to their policies. You can have roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage for an additional $25 per year per bike. Markel has an optional mechanical breakdown coverage that covers the cost of specific components if you experience a mechanical breakdown. Additionally, the insurer rewards safe drivers. Having no more than one minor violation for the past three years makes you eligible for a safe driver discount. Remaining accident-free for four consecutive years makes you qualified for the accident forgiveness program, which waives the premium surcharge for your first at-fault accident.
How to Get a Motorcycle Insurance Quote in Montana
Generally, getting motorcycle insurance in Montana is easy. Most companies offer online quotes. Shop around and compare personalized quotes to make sure you are getting the most accurate policy. Here is what you will need:
- ZIP code and Montana address where the bike will be located
- Vehicle year, make and model
- Your birthdate
- Riding record and experience level
- Insurance coverage elections (for more information, see below)
How Much Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Do You Need in Montana?
Motorcycle insurance in Montana is a state requirement. Riders should have a policy with at least the minimum liability-only coverage limits, which include:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $20,000 property damage liability
How Much Insurance Coverage Is Required in Montana?
The state minimum liability-only coverage requirement for motorcycle insurance in Montana is 25/50/20. The liability limits of your policy should be at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, with a total of $50,000 per accident and $20,000 for property damage liability coverage. These refer to the amount your insurance provider will pay for damages in an at-fault accident.
Do You Need Uninsured Motorist, Underinsured Motorist or PIP Coverage in Montana?
Uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist and PIP coverage are not required in Montana. Riders who want more protection in addition to bodily injury and property damage coverage can get these as optional coverages. Evaluate your needs and situation to ensure you are getting the right level of coverage.
For most riders in Montana, MoneyGeek recommends a full coverage policy of at least 50/100/25 and preferably 100/300/100 because of the small incremental cost for a large increase in coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Insurance in Montana
There are various factors to consider when looking for the best motorcycle insurance in Montana. Here are some frequently asked questions about motorcycle insurance in the state.
Which company has the cheapest car insurance in Montana?
The most affordable company for Montana riders who have a good riding record and liability-only policy is Markel, which has an average rate of $50 per year. For a full coverage policy, GEICO is the cheapest option at $115 per year on average.
How much does motorcycle insurance cost for most riders in Montana?
The average cost of motorcycle insurance in Montana for most riders is $86 per year or approximately $7 per month for a liability-only policy. A full-coverage policy costs an average of $170 annually.
Which company is the best motorcycle insurance provider in Montana?
MoneyGeek’s study found that the best motorcycle insurance carrier in Montana is Progressive.
Do you need motorcycle insurance in Montana?
Yes, state law requires all riders to have motorcycle insurance in Montana.
Methodology
MoneyGeek gathered motorcycle insurance rates directly from insurance providers based on varying coverage amounts and driver profiles to help riders determine which is the cheapest provider in Montana. To determine the best motorcycle insurance companies in Montana, three factors were used. These included policy costs in Montana (60% weighting), product offerings and service (30% weighting) and financial stability metrics from AM Best (10% weighting). The most recent license laws and insurance coverage requirements in Montana were gathered from the Motor Vehicle Division of the Montana Department of Justice to ensure accurate and up-to-date information.
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.
sources
- Harley-Davidson Insurance. "The Right Motorcycle Insurance Coverage For You." Accessed May 6, 2021.
- Insurance Information Institute. "2020 Insurance Fact Book." Accessed May 6, 2021.
- J.D. Power. "2020 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study." Accessed May 6, 2021.
- Markel Insurance. "Motorcycle Insurance." Accessed May 6, 2021.
- Motor Vehicle Division – Montana Department of Justice. "Vehicle Insurance and Verification." Accessed May 6, 2021.
- Progressive. "Motorcycle Insurance." Accessed May 6, 2021.