Missoula Car Insurance

(Don't pay more than you have to for your auto insurance coverage)

Written by Rachel Morey
Written by Rachel Morey

Rachel Morey is a journalist specializing in making complicated personal finance and insurance subjects easy to understand. She has been writing professionally for nearly a decade and has projects in print, broadcasting, and online. A native Iowan, Rachel has a special fondness for the open roads of rural America.

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If you are shopping for the best rates on auto insurance in Missoula, there are a few things you should know. There are strict laws in Montana about the types of insurance you must carry. Even with car insurance, drivers can still face large financial losses after an accident. 

When you work with an independent insurance agent in Missoula, you'll get the one-on-one support you need to make sure your auto policies cover your investment and protect your financial stability. Your agent can get multiple insurance quotes for you so you can start comparing customized quotes right away. 

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Missoula, MT?

Montana drivers pay 13.1% more, on average, for auto insurance than drivers across the country. Shopping around for the best coverage and lowest premiums will help you understand your options and get the best deal on your car insurance. 

  • National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
  • Montana average annual car insurance cost: $1,615

Your car insurance quotes may differ from one company to the next, but your agent can help you understand the policy differences and how one company may be better or worse than another. Each insurance company uses its own algorithms to calculate auto insurance premiums. Your rates may be based on the following:

  • The make, model, and year of every vehicle you are insuring
  • Your age, gender, occupation, and marital status
  • Your driving record and credit score
  • Information about other licensed drivers in your household
  • Whether you own or rent your home
  • The amount of your deductible
  • The amount of liability insurance you are purchasing
  • The coverage options you are including in your policy

If you bundle your auto insurance and renters insurance or home insurance, you may get discounts across all of your policies. Talk with your agent about any other discounts that could help you reduce the amount of money you spend on insurance. 

Your agent will walk you through your quotes and make sure you get the coverage you need at a price that works for you. 

What Does Missoula Car Insurance Cover?

You can choose to add optional insurance to the required policies in Montana. As a Missoula resident, you'll need to follow Montana's rules about carrying liability insurance. If you are still paying for your vehicle, your lender or dealership may require you to carry additional coverages, above Montana's minimum liability limits. 

You can expect your insurance provider to offer the following types of coverage:

  • Liability insurance: (Required)  This policy pays for injuries and damage resulting from an accident you cause. 
    • Bodily injury liability coverage: At least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
    • Property damage liability coverage: At least $10,000 per accident.
  • Personal injury protection (PIP): (Optional) This policy pays for medical expenses that are the result of a covered accident, no matter who is at fault. 
  • Uninsured motorist insurance: (Optional) This coverage pays for damage caused by someone else if they don't have the right amounts or types of car insurance.
  • Collision insurance: (Partially optional) This coverage replaces or repairs your car if it's damaged in a covered crash. 
  • Comprehensive insurance: (Partially optional) This coverage replaces or repairs your car if it's damaged or lost due to flooding, fire, or theft. 
  • Roadside assistance and towing: (Optional) This coverage pays for help if you run out of gas, lock your keys in the car, or get a flat tire. 
  • Rental reimbursement coverage: (Optional) This coverage pays to rent a car if yours is being repaired after a covered accident.

Your agent can help you determine exactly which insurance types best fit your situation. They'll help you weigh the pros and cons of each policy and work through the cost with you so you'll get a policy that fits your lifestyle and budget. 

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What Is the Penalty for Driving without Insurance in Missoula?

If you drive without insurance in Montana, you are breaking the law. Here are the penalties for failing to have the right auto insurance:

Misdemeanor charge

First offense: Minimum $250 fine or up to 10 days in jail

Second offense: Minimum $350 fine or 10 days in jail, driver license revoked for 90 days, 5 points on your driving record

Third offense: Fine of $500 or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or both

There are fewer uninsured drivers in Montana than there are (on average) across the country. Even so, there's nearly a one-in-ten chance that if someone causes an accident, they are uninsured or underinsured. 

  • Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13%
  • Percentage of Montana drivers who are uninsured: 9.9%

If you choose uninsured motorist coverage, you won't have to take the other driver to court to get your medical bills paid and your car fixed. This type of insurance policy pays out if you are involved in a hit-and-run too. 

How High Is the Auto Theft Rate in Missoula?

The auto theft rate in Montana is slightly higher than the national average.

  • National auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 2.37%
  • Montana auto theft rate per 1,000 vehicles: 2.63%

Your risk of having your car stolen in Missoula is still low, though. Comprehensive coverage pays to replace your vehicle if it's stolen. You won't receive compensation for a stolen car without a comprehensive insurance policy, however. 

With comprehensive insurance, you'll also get coverage for damage caused by fire and smoke, flooding, storms, and falling objects. 

If you have a loan or lease, you'll probably have to carry comprehensive coverage to satisfy your lender's requirements. Your agent can help you understand any insurance requirements imposed by your bank or dealership. 

Why Work with an Independent Insurance Agent in Missoula, MT?

When you choose a Missoula independent insurance agent, you'll get specialized help deciding which insurance policies work best for your situation. Your agent can assist you when it's time to choose an insurance company too. 

Discover the benefits of working with an independent agent and get started designing your perfect auto insurance policy today. 

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www.city-data.com

www.naic.org/prod_serv/AUT-PB-14.pdf

https://dojmt.gov/driving/insurance-and-verification/#:~:text=Driving%20without%20car%20insurance%20in,jail%20for%20a%20first%20offense.