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The Treasure State features curvy, mountainous roads and weather that can change at any moment. Take a look at our recommendations for the best car insurance in Montana so you drive safely among its picturesque scenery.
The Best Car Insurance in Montana
- Best Overall: AAA
- Best for Multiple Cars: State Farm
- Best for Military Families: USAA
Montana Car Insurance Overview
Here are some quick facts about driving in Montana:
- You’ll find an average of 2 vehicles per household in Montana.
- The minimum state-required car insurance in Montana includes bodily injury liability coverage at $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $20,000 for property damage liability coverage.
- You can expect state minimum coverage to cost $1,100 in yearly premiums.
Montana Car Insurance Law Explained
The law requires you to have car insurance to drive in Big Sky Country. To operate a vehicle in the state, you must have:
- Bodily injury liability coverage: Bodily injury liability coverage pays for any person you injure in an accident. The state requires you to have $25,000 in coverage per person and $50,000 in coverage per accident.
- Property damage liability coverage: Property damage liability coverage pays for any property that you damage in an accident. You must have a minimum of $20,000 in coverage per accident.
These 2 coverages do not protect your vehicle. It only covers liability if you injure someone or damage that person’s property. Here are some optional coverages to protect your property:
- Collision coverage: Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle from an accident.
- Comprehensive coverage: Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your vehicle that is not the result of an accident. A few covered examples are hail damage, animals or theft.
Montana requires you to drive with proof of insurance and the state’s electronic system will also verify your active coverage. Montana has a zero-tolerance policy on driving without insurance. The penalties for a citation can be a $500 fine and up to 10 days in jail for the first offense.
Montana Traffic Laws You Should Know
Montana puts the sole responsibility on all drivers to follow and understand local traffic laws. Even new residents or those just visiting the state must know the rules of the road. Keep these traffic violations on your radar so you can avoid tickets:
- Seat belt: You must ensure that each passenger is buckled in or in a child safety restraint. It is illegal to drive without all passengers buckled up.
- Cellphones: Most Montana cities have passed laws against texting and talking on cellphones while driving. It’s not a statewide law yet, but many of the most populous cities have this ordinance, including Billings, Missoula and Great Falls.
- Child restraint: A child under the age of 6 who weighs less than 60 pounds must be in a child safety restraint. The restraint must have proper height and weight standards.
- Studded tires: Studded tires help drivers navigate Montana’s icy roads in the winter. These tires are only allowed from October 1 until May 31.
Montana Car Insurance Rates per Vehicle
Many people don’t realize that the car you drive can considerably change how much you pay for car insurance. Insurers use statistics to determine how much they’ll charge for specific makes and models. Those factors include:
- Repair cost: Vehicles that are newer or those that cost more to repair will require higher premiums. You can expect to pay more for a new car even if you’re comparing against an older version of the same model.
- Theft risk: Some cars have higher premiums because they’re more likely to be stolen. However, you can receive bonuses or discounts for adding equipment like anti-theft devices.
- Safety features: You can save on your premiums when your vehicle has advanced safety features such as a rearview camera, blind-spot detection or automatic emergency braking.
Do you own an expensive vehicle? An excellent strategy to offset some added cost is to keep a spotless driving record, stay on top of scheduled maintenance and install anti-theft equipment.
Car Insurance Rates by Insurance Credit Score
Insurance companies can use your insurance credit score to determine your premium. Your insurance credit score and credit score generally run in tandem with each other. The data proves that you’re less likely to file a claim if you have a higher credit score. In contrast, you’re more likely to file a claim if you have a low score. Here are just a few ways to raise your credit score: You can budget, pay down debt and avoid high credit utilization.
Here’s a quick summary of how your credit score can alter what you pay.
| Credit Score | Cheapest Provider | Rate for State Minimum Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Poor 300–579 | Allstate | $2,009 |
| Fair 580–669 | GEICO | $1,872 |
| Good 670–739 | AAA | $1,553 |
| Excellent 740+ | State Farm | $1,073 |
Insurance for Drivers with a Clean Record
Keeping a clean driving record is the best way to get cheap car insurance, particularly if you haven’t had an accident or traffic violation in several years.
The insurance company will try to keep you as a customer by giving its best rates. Drive defensively, observe traffic laws and avoid distractions — these are all helpful habits that keep you safe and save you money.
Your premiums will change depending on what coverage you choose.
- State minimum coverage is what Montana requires for you to legally drive on the road. It’s your cheapest choice.
- Standard coverage is the state minimum coverage with collision coverage.
- Full coverage is the state minimum coverage with collision coverage and comprehensive coverage.
| Insurance Company | State Minimum Insurance | Standard Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acuity | $1,085 | $1,200 | $2,326 |
| Liberty Mutual | $1,264 | $1,523 | $2,020 |
| Nationwide | $955 | $1,786 | $2,097 |
| Electric Auto | $985 | $1,725 | $2,222 |
| Farmers | $1,169 | $1,611 | $2,043 |
Insurance Rates with Driving Infractions
You’ll have a tough time finding affordable insurance if there are infractions on your driving record. You’ll be considered a riskier driver if you have accidents and traffic violations in your history, which means you’re more likely to file future claims. The insurer offsets this risk by charging you a higher premium.
Not all infractions are the same. Minor violations will fall off your record, while serious offenses can be on your record for 5 or more years.
Here’s how 3 different driving infractions change your premium:
- At-fault accident: An at-fault accident is one where you’re entirely or partially responsible.
- Speed violations: A speed violation results in driving too fast or too slow compared to the posted speed limit. Montana law enforcement and highway patrol can ticket you for either offense.
- DUI: A DUI involves driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It’s a criminal offense in Montana to drive while intoxicated. The legal limit for blood alcohol concentration in Montana is .08. A DUI can significantly increase your car insurance rate.
| Insurance Company | At-Fault Accident | Speed Violation | DUI |
|---|---|---|---|
| MetLife | $3,011 | $1,366 | $6,786 |
| Root | $3,230 | $1,755 | $4,801 |
| Travelers | $3,171 | $1,723 | $5,486 |
| State Farm | $3,431 | $1,323 | $6,186 |
| Progressive | $3,133 | $1,489 | $5,045 |
Best Car Insurance Providers in Montana
Here are 4 of the best car insurance companies in Montana. These companies should be at the top of your list if you need to make a switch.
- Roadside assistance
1. Best Overall: AAA
AAA has some of the highest levels of satisfaction in Montana. It topped our review with 5-star ratings for availability, policy offerings and price.
AAA offers a host of discounts that fit the finances of almost any family size. Multi-policy, new car and smart driver are popular discounts. AAA members also enjoy discounts at many restaurants, hotels and other establishments.
You’ll find competitive pricing whether you choose the state minimum protection or full coverage. You’ll even find discounts for good students and distant students alongside helpful defensive driving courses. Add in homeowners or life insurance to increase your savings as you opt for a top-rated insurance provider in the Treasure State.
- Rideshare drivers
2. Best Coverage for Multiple Cars: State Farm
State Farm is a familiar brand to many households and is a smart choice for those with multiple cars in Montana. State Farm can offer a 20% discount on a premium for those with more than 1 vehicle.
You can qualify for dozens of different discounts with State Farm — including being accident-free over the last 3 years. Teenage drivers can even get driver training and good student discounts.
Owning more than 1 car can cause your premiums to double. You may try to balance how to lower your car insurance rates without compromising coverage to protect your vehicles and family. State Farm allows you to set the coverage on each car so you're satisfied with the protection and price point.
- Active military members
3. Best for Military Personnel: USAA
J.D. Power consistently ranks USAA as a top insurance company. USAA provides policies to service members and their immediate family members nationwide.
USAA understands military families and allows you to adapt your payment plan to a fixed income or changes for deployment. Overseas customers can also manage policies through the app or online. Multi-policy discounts are available when you choose homeowners or life insurance with USAA.
Your Lowest Rate in Montana
Wondering how to lower your car insurance? The best strategy to get the deal that’s right for you is to invest in the time to research quotes and compare options.
Many people spend months selecting a dream car and only a few minutes deciding on insurance to purchase. One of the most effective ways to find the best rate involves speaking with more than one representative. Make sure you’re getting every discount your family qualifies for. You can also periodically check the competition to make sure your current provider is still giving you affordable coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
*Quotes were obtained using the following profile: base 2015 Toyota Camry, male, 40-years-old. Policies reflect state minimum coverage options. We make every effort to provide the most accurate quotes based on the profile above. Due to the many combined variables involved in insurance quotes, the only way to get an accurate quote is to enter your own information through our partners' secure websites.
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