Montana Car Insurance FAQ - Quick Answers
On average, Montana drivers pay $2,476 a year for car insurance. This is significantly more expensive than the national average cost of $1,311 annually. Shopping around for the lowest rates has the potential to save you premium dollars.
Your Montana car insurance policy comes with automatic and optional coverages, and the most commonly used are listed below:
- Bodily injury liability: Pays for medical expenses of others.
- Property damage liability: Pays for property damage of others.
- Medical payments: Pays for your medical expenses.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Pays for an accident involving an uninsured/underinsured motorist.
- Comprehensive: Pays for a collision with an unavoidable object such as an animal.
- Collision: Pays for a collision with another vehicle, animal, or property.
Montana is what is known as an “at-fault,” or “tort,” state. This means that the driver who caused the accident is responsible for covering the cost of repairing damage and treating injuries. As a Montana driver, you are required to have the following minimum liability limits in order to use the roadways:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $20,000 in property damage liability
In Montana, 9.9% of the driving force is currently uninsured. Fortunately, if you include uninsured motorist coverage in your auto insurance policy, you can have the protection you need right away if an uninsured driver hits you. This optional insurance pays for your medical expenses and property damage if you are in an accident and the at-fault driver is uninsured or underinsured.
When you're searching for the best car insurance in your area, it can be confusing with all the options. In Montana, Nationwide, Travelers, Safeco, and Progressive are often chosen for their high ratings. These markets are superior in claims service and coverage offerings when it comes to auto protection.
In Montana, car insurance typically follows the car, not the driver. Your bodily injury, property damage, medical payments, and any optional coverages will follow your vehicle. This means that if you give permission for someone else to use your car and they get into an accident, your insurance will pick up the expense, not theirs.
No, Montana is an at-fault state. This means the driver who is responsible for the accident uses their insurance to pay for damage and injuries of the other party.
Do You Know What Your Montana Car Insurance Covers?
Find the Best Insurance in Your City
How does your city measure up to the national average?
National average time spent commuting 26.9 Min
National average car thefts per 1,000 2.3 Year
National average car insurance cost $1,311 Year
| City | Commute time (min) | Auto theft rate per 1,000 | Annual insurance cost |
| Belgrade | 19 | 1.52 | $1,585 |
| Billings | 17.6 | 5.67 | $1,904 |
| Bozeman | 14.4 | 0.9 | $1,421 |
| Great Falls | 14.1 | 4.45 | $1,586 |
| Havre | 10.5 | 4.83 | $1,535 |
| Helena | 12.7 | 2.26 | $1,670 |
| Kalispell | 15 | 2.25 | $1,460 |
| Laurel | 20.8 | 1.03 | $1,504 |
| Livingston | 21.1 | 1.58 | $1,562 |
| Miles City | 10.3 | 0.36 | $1,381 |
| Missoula | 16.7 | 2.32 | $1,569 |
| Whitefish | 17.3 | 0.51 | $1,385 |
Bodily Injury Requirements in Montana
When you're at fault for an accident, you'll be liable for the other driver's medical expenses. Bodily injury liability can help pay for those medical bills due to an accident you caused.
In Montana, you need to have $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability to legally use the roads. Even though the minimum coverage is all that is required, you may want more protection to be properly covered.
Property Damage Requirements in Montana
Property damage liability will pay for the damage you caused to another driver's property. In Montana, you are required to carry the minimum limits of coverage in order to use the roadways.
You must have at least $20,000 in property damage liability to lawfully drive on the street in Montana. If you're found without the proper protection, you could face serious fines or worse.
Medical Payments Coverage Requirements in Montana
In Montana, you are not required to carry personal injury protection under your car insurance policy. You can, however, obtain medical payments coverage that does a similar thing.
Medical payments coverage pays for injuries you sustain when you're at fault for an accident. Without this coverage, you would be responsible for your own medical bills out of pocket.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Montana
Uninsured motorist coverage helps pay for your medical payments or property damage when you're involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. Unfortunately, this is not a required coverage under your auto policy in Montana.
While car insurance is mandated by state law, 9.9% of Montana drivers are without proper protection. This puts you and your family at risk anytime you get on the road. Uninsured motorist coverage can help protect you and your loved ones.
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Optional Car Coverage in Montana
Your Montana auto policy will come with standard and optional coverages. Collision insurance and comprehensive insurance are both considered full protection when added to your policy and provide replacement or repair of your vehicles.
Another option is roadside assistance for those flat tires or tows needed. When you get into an accident you could need a replacement vehicle while yours is in the shop, and rental car coverage can help. Check with a licensed professional about all your optional auto insurance.
Car Insurance Discounts to Consider in Montana
Some of the best discounts on car insurance come effortlessly. In Montana, there are several savings you could qualify for when obtaining a car insurance policy. When you're with one insurance company for a certain period of time, you'll get a discount just for being loyal.
If you have more than one policy with your carrier, you'll get a multiple policy discount of 30% or more. And bonus, if you're part of an association like a teachers union, attorney group, or government agency, you can save 10% on coverage.
How to File a Car Insurance Claim in Montana
When you're involved in a car accident, you may need to jog your memory on what to do next. It's easy to remember these 4 steps for filing a car insurance claim in Montana.
First, get to a safe place and make sure medical attention is sought when necessary. Second, get your independent agent on the phone to report the claim. Third, ask your agent for your claim number and a rental replacement vehicle if your policy allows. Last, meet with your adjuster to assess damage and collect payment for the loss.