6 years experience in the personal financial industry
Theresa is a writer and former financial advisor with experience helping clients solve money challenges. She uses her expertise to clarify complex personal finance concepts.
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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Full-coverage car insurance costs an average of $192 per month in Montana, according to Insurify data. Liability-only coverage averages $93 per month.
With iconic attractions such as Glacier National Park and the Rocky Mountains within its borders, the state’s rocky terrain and snowy weather may contribute to its comparatively higher car insurance costs. Here’s what you should know about finding the cheapest car insurance in Montana, so you can explore the natural wonders of the Treasure State with confidence.
Quick Facts
An incident on your motor vehicle record can push full-coverage car insurance to $242 per month.
Montana is an at-fault state, meaning the driver at fault for an accident is responsible for covering the damages of the other people involved.
Montana requires all drivers to carry liability insurance.
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Best car insurance companies in Montana
Montana’s best car insurance companies offer competitive rates and various coverage options. The auto insurance company for you will depend on your individual situation and needs. For example, if you drive a brand-new vehicle, you may want a company that offers new-car replacement insurance.
Insurify has broken down some of the best car insurance companies for Montana drivers.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4.3
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
829
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$89/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$196/mo
In business for more than 165 years and one of the largest insurance companies in the U.S., Travelers offers a wide variety of coverage options, making it easy to fulfill your insurance needs in one place. Highlights include accident forgiveness plans and gap insurance.
Travelers has about 13,500 independent agents and brokers throughout the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Ireland.
Pros
A.M. Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior)
Accident forgiveness available with Responsible Driver Plan or Premier Responsible Driver Plan
Cons
Rideshare coverage only available in Colorado and Illinois
Below-average Better Business Bureau (BBB) customer rating
They have the lowest rates I could find.
Elise - September 11, 2023
Verified
They are one of the few companies writing policies for a full year. All these "discount companies " miss lead you by quoting 6 month policies.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
3.7
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
825
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$52/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$115/mo
Safeco is backed by the financial strength of its parent company, Liberty Mutual, and is the sixth-largest personal lines insurer in the country. The company offers many different coverage types, such as new-vehicle replacement and rental car reimbursement. It also offers safe driver perks, like accident forgiveness and cash back if you’re claims-free over a six-month review period.
Safeco insurance is only sold through independent agents, which may be a hassle if you prefer purchasing insurance online or directly through an insurer.
Pros
Savings of up to 30% possible via RightTrack telematics program
Diminishing collision deductible
Cons
Can only purchase policies through an independent agent
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction ranking in Northwest region
Good company but still kind of expensive
Pennie - February 8, 2023
Verified
No issues with them, but I do wish it was less expensive.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4.1
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
815
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Founded in 1926 as Farm Bureau Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, Nationwide is now one of the largest insurance companies in the United States. Nationwide is particularly beneficial for people who don’t drive frequently. Nationwide’s SmartMiles is a pay-per-mile program that helps low-mileage drivers save money on auto insurance. Under the program, you receive a base rate and variable rate, which changes based on the number of miles you drive.
Pros
Accident forgiveness available
A.M. Best financial strength rating of A+ (Superior)
Cons
Doesn’t operate in every state
Coverage options vary by state
Reliable when needed; will fight for you; good discounts for being a loyal customer. They’re on your side.
Alexander - December 4, 2022
Verified
Premiums are high and they dropped us after two claims.
Every state except New Hampshire and Virginia requires drivers to carry liability insurance. This coverage helps pay the costs of property damage and injuries sustained by the other driver if you’re found at fault in an accident. Keep in mind that liability coverage doesn’t apply to your own injuries or vehicle damage.
Though liability insurance is usually the most affordable option, many drivers purchase comprehensive and collision coverage for more robust protection. Liability insurance may make sense if you have an older vehicle or if affordable premiums are your top priority.
On average, liability-only coverage costs $93 per month in Montana. The table below shows some of the best rates for liability-only car insurance in the state.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Montana
Full-coverage car insurance offers the most protection on the road. Full-coverage policies include liability protection and comprehensive and collision coverage. Full-coverage insurance helps cover your own expenses if you’re in an accident — not just those of the other party.
Full-coverage policies make sense if you lease or finance your vehicle, have a high-value vehicle, or live in an area prone to accidents and theft.
Montana drivers pay a monthly average of $192 for full coverage. Here are some of the cheapest options for full-coverage auto insurance in Montana.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Car insurance requirements in Montana
All Montana drivers are required to carry liability insurance on their vehicles. Under Montana law, drivers must show proof of insurance if requested by a law enforcement officer. Driving without car insurance in Montana is a misdemeanor.
A first offense can result in a penalty between $250 and $500 or up to 10 days in jail.[1] Montana follows a traditional “fault-based” system, meaning the person at-fault in an accident is financially responsible for any injuries and damage.
Here are Montana’s minimum requirements for car insurance:
Coverage
Minimum Requirements
Bodily injury liability
$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Property damage liability
$20,000
If you want to be better protected on the roads, consider adding these optional coverages to your car insurance policy:
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have car insurance, while underinsured motorist coverage protects you if the driver lacks adequate coverage to pay for your injuries and vehicle damage.
Comprehensive coverage
This covers damages to your car caused by non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, floods, and fires.
Personal injury protection
Also known as PIP coverage, this helps pay for injuries, lost wages, and funeral costs for you and your passengers.
Gap insurance
This covers the gap between what you owe on your car loan and the actual value of your vehicle in case of a total loss.
Cheapest car insurance for Montana drivers with an incident
Incidents can increase car insurance rates, as they indicate a higher risk for the insurer. The idea is that being involved in one incident increases the likelihood of experiencing another one in the future. Incidents on the road can include at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, and other moving violations.
Generally, when you file an insurance claim above a specific amount due to an incident that’s primarily your fault, an insurer will increase your premium by a certain percentage, according to the Insurance Information Institute.[2] The percentage increase varies by insurance company and typically stays on your premium for three years following a claim.
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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket
Though speeding tickets may not seem like a big deal at the time, they can affect your insurance rates. A single speeding violation shouldn’t have much effect, but multiple speeding tickets may increase your rate.
This is because multiple speeding tickets may indicate to your insurer that your driving habits increase the likelihood of accidents, prompting them to adjust your rates accordingly.
A speeding ticket on your driving record in Montana will push your monthly premium to $197 on average. Here are some car insurance options for drivers with speeding tickets in Montana.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident
An at-fault car accidentis when you’re found to be responsible for an incident on the road. If you’re found at fault in a car accident, your insurer will pay for the damage to the other driver’s car, up to your policy limits.
To determine who’s responsible for an accident, insurance claims adjusters typically take the following steps:
Review police reports filled out at the scene of the accident.
Talk to all parties and witnesses.
Inspect any physical evidence at the scene of the accident.
The average cost of liability coverage for a Montana driver with an at-fault accident is $126 per month. The average for full-coverage with an at-fault accident is $261. Here are a few companies that offer car insurance for Montana drivers with an at-fault accident.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI
Drivers with a DUI may have to get several quotes in order to find a cheap car insurance policy. People with a DUI on their driving record typically pay more for insurance, but the costs tend to decrease with time. A DUI can stay on your driving record for five to 10 years, depending on the laws in your state. However, the effects may lessen over time with good driving habits.
While drivers with a clean record pay a monthly average of just $192 for full coverage in Montana, those with a DUI can see rates averaging $299 or more.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for seniors
Car insurance prices decrease around age 35 but start increasing again around age 75. Finding cheap car insurance for seniors can take time. To find cheap insurance coverage, shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurers.
Though seniors are some of the most experienced drivers on the road, their age poses risks, such as diminished reflexes and potentially higher medical bills.
Montana seniors pay an average monthly rate of $102 for car insurance. Here are some of the cheapest car insurance companies for seniors in Montana to consider.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for teens
Because they’re new drivers, teens generally pay more for insurance than older drivers. Teens and young drivers have less experience on the road, so insurers consider them risky and adjust rates accordingly. As teenagers gain more driving experience and maintain a clean driving record over time, their insurance rates typically go down around age 25.
Car insurance for teen drivers averages $308 per month for full coverage and $149 for liability-only insurance in Montana. Here are a few tips to help get cheap car insurance for teens:
Stay on your parents’ insurance. Being added as an additional driver to a family policy is often more affordable than having a separate policy.
Drive a safe vehicle. Opt for a car with good safety ratings and lower incidents of theft.
Get good grades. Many insurers provide discounts for students who maintain good grades.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Montana
Finding cheap car insurance depends on various factors, such as your driving record, location, and coverage needs. Here are some ways you can lower your rates:[3]
Shop around. Rates and coverage options can vary widely between insurers, so obtaining quotes from at least three different companies is essential.
Raise your deductible. Raising your deductible may lower your monthly insurance costs. But increasing your deductible means higher out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim. Take an honest look at your financial situation before going this route. If you have a large cash cushion, raising your deductible may make sense.
Look for discounts. Many insurers offer multiple discounts that can lower your insurance rates, such as safe driver or good student discounts. Ask your insurance agent what discounts you may qualify for.
Boost your credit score. Paying all your bills on time can improve your credit score, which could potentially score you lower car insurance rates.
Practice safe driving habits. Maintaining a clean driving record and avoiding incidents can help keep your rates down.
Keep in Mind
Remember that while aiming for cheap car insurance is important, it’s equally essential to have adequate coverage to protect yourself and your assets in case of an accident. Balancing cost and coverage is the key to finding the best car insurance for your needs.
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Montana car insurance quotes by credit tier
Your credit score can affect how much you pay for insurance. Some states, such as Hawaii and Massachusetts, ban insurers from using credit scores to determine auto insurance rates.[4] But Montana allows insurers to consider credit scores when determining insurance rates.
Some studies have shown that people with higher credit scores are less likely to file a claim. Therefore, people with excellent or good credit scores tend to receive lower rates, while people with bad credit scores may face higher premiums.
Here are the average monthly quotes for different credit tiers in Montana:
Rates by Credit Tier
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Montana car insurance FAQs
If you’re shopping for car insurance in the Treasure State, this additional information may help as you research your coverage options. You can also check out Insurify’s guide on how to shop for car insurance.
How much is car insurance in Montana?
Car insurance in Montana costs an average of $192 per month for full coverage and $93 per month for liability-only coverage, according to Insurify data.
What are the best car insurance companies in Montana?
With a Superior financial strength rating from A.M. Best, an Insurify Quality (IQ) Score of 4.2 out of 5, and low rates, Travelers is the best car insurance company in Montana. Other top insurers in the state include Nationwide and Safeco.
Is car insurance in Montana expensive?
Car insurance in Montana is more expensive than the U.S. average. Drivers in Montana pay $168 per month for car insurance, on average, compared to the monthly U.S. average of $139.
Is it illegal to not have car insurance in Montana?
Yes. It’s illegal to drive without car insurance in Montana. Driving without car insurance in Montana is a misdemeanor. If you’re caught driving without insurance, you could face a fine of up to $500 or up to 10 days in jail.
Insurify Insights
How Montana Drivers Measure Up
While most drivers know that car insurance quotes are determined in part by your personal driving history, many may be unaware that rates are also impacted by the average risk of the drivers around you as well. Check out Insurify's latest analysis of driving records in Montana below:
Methodology
Drawing from an internal database of over 4 million car insurance applications, the research team at Insurify analyzes patterns in car ownership and driver behavior - including how Montana drivers measure up to their fellow motorists across the United States in areas including speeding, DUIs, and more. Insurify Insights publishes data-driven articles, trend analyses, and national rankings each week on all factors related to cars and those who drive them.
Ford F-Series Pickup
Most Popular Car in Montana
#32
State with the Most Speeding Tickets Rank
#30
State with the Moving Violations Rank
#13
State with the Most DUIs Rank
#28
State with the most Suspended Licenses
While car accidents are a sadly unavoidable feature of time spent on the road, rates of accidents do vary from city to city and from state to state. Montana is the #34 state in the country for drivers with an at-fault accident on their driving record.
Rank among states: #34
Percent of drivers in Montana with an accident: 7.9%
While driving while intoxicated is never acceptable, it’s a more common offense than many assume. Montana is the #13 state in the country for drivers with a prior drunk driving conviction.
Rank among states: #13
Percent of drivers in Montana with a DUI: 1.9%
Reckless driving refers to a specific traffic violation: when drivers willfully act dangerously in spite of the risks they’re imposing on both themselves and others. Montana is the #9 state in the country for drivers with a reckless driving offense on record.
Rank among states: #9
Percent of drivers in Montana with a reckless driving offense: 1.9%
The Insurify team classifies rude drivers as those who commit one or more of the following driving offenses: failure to yield or failure to stop, improper backing, passing where prohibited, tailgating, street racing, or hit-and-run. Montana is the #8 state in the country for drivers with a rude driving violation on record.
Rank among states: #8
Percent of drivers in Montana with a rude driving violation: 2.1%
Exceeding the speed limit can endanger others and have a serious impact on your insurance costs. Montana is the #32 state in the country for drivers with a speeding ticket on record.
Rank among states: #32
Percent of drivers in Montana with a speeding ticket: 7.8%
Failing to yield the right of way isn’t just frustrating for other drivers; it’s dangerous, too. Montana is the #6 state in the country for drivers with a failure to yield violation on record.
Rank among states: #6
Percent of drivers in Montana with a failure to yield violation: 0.3%
Insurify Insights
Insurify's team of data scientists and content specialists presents Insurify Insights, a series of automotive, home, and health studies focusing on the topics that impact us all. through expert analysis of over 4 million car insurance applications and an array of top data sources, the Insurify Insights team produces new data-driven articles, trend analyses, regional superlatives, and national rankings every week. See Insurify Insights as featured in Forbes, Fox News, USA Today, NPR, and more.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
No additional coverage
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Theresa Stevens is a personal finance writer based in Boston, Massachusetts. Her work has been featured in Forbes Advisor, Bankrate, and more. As a former financial advisor, she has first-hand experience helping people solve their money challenges. When she's not writing, you'll find her trying out new karaoke spots or planning her next trip abroad.
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Travelers
Safeco
Nationwide
