Cheap SR-22 Insurance in Montana from $84
The average cost of SR-22 insurance for Montana drivers is $84 per month for liability and $179 for full coverage.
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Excellent
)
Written byJanet Berry-Johnson
)
8+ years writing about insurance, taxes, and personal finance
Certified public accountant
Janet applies her experience in personal finance, taxes, and accounting to make complex financial topics accessible. Her byline has appeared on numerous web media.
Featured in
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=logo}
){kind=small}
)
Edited bySara Getman
)
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
Updated
Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.
Advertiser Disclosure
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Table of contents
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility. Some states, including Montana, require an SR-22 to reinstate the driving privileges of high-risk drivers after certain violations, like driving under the influence (DUI), driving without insurance, or driving with a suspended license.
It’s not an insurance policy but rather a form an insurance company files with the state to confirm you have the minimum coverage required by law.
Here’s what you need to know about SR-22 insurance in Montana.
Quick Facts
Montana may order drivers to carry an SR-22 for three years after a serious driving offense.
Needing an SR-22 can result in higher car insurance premiums, but maintaining a clean record going forward can help reduce your rates over time.
You must maintain the SR-22 for the required period, even if you move out of the state.
Cheapest companies for SR-22 insurance in Montana
When looking for affordable SR-22 insurance in Big Sky Country, it’s a good idea to compare rates from different insurers. To help you get started, the table below shows some companies offering competitive premiums for SR-22 coverage in Montana.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Saturday, March 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Insurance Company  | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Safeco | $67 | $137 |
| Root | $74 | $146 |
| Bristol West | $92 | $243 |
| The General | $104 | $202 |
| Foremost | $127 | $319 |
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.
What is SR-22 insurance in Montana?
An SR-22 is a certificate from your insurance company proving you have coverage that meets your state’s minimum requirements. Your insurance company also promises to inform the state if your insurance coverage lapses for any reason.
Montana may require an SR-22 after a major driving violation, like a DUI, driving without insurance, an at-fault accident, or repeated traffic violations. You’ll need an SR-22 form to reinstate your driving privileges.[1]
An SR-22 isn’t a special type of car insurance policy. It’s just a form your insurance company issues to the state. But not all insurance companies issue SR-22s.
Difference between SR-22 and FR-44
In Florida and Virginia, another form called an FR-44 serves a similar purpose. Those states require an FR-44 after a DUI conviction or other serious traffic violations.
The difference between an SR-22 and an FR-44 is the level of coverage required. If your state requires an SR-22, you only need to carry the state-mandated minimum liability coverage. An FR-44 requires liability insurance beyond the minimum limits.
Montana doesn’t use FR-44 forms, so you don’t need to worry about them unless you move to Virginia or Florida.
Find Cheap Car Insurance in Montana
Check quotes from 100+ top insurance companies
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
When you need SR-22 insurance
You may need an SR-22 if you’re convicted of certain traffic violations in Montana that signal you’re a high-risk driver. Here are a few reasons Montana might require you to get an SR-22:
Driving under the influence: If you’re convicted of driving under the influence in Montana, the state will likely require you to carry an SR-22 to reinstate your driver’s license.
Driving without insurance: Being caught driving without the state’s minimum insurance coverage usually leads to an SR-22 requirement if it’s your second offense.
Causing a car accident: A minor fender bender typically won’t lead to an SR-22 requirement, but reckless driving or excessive speeding that results in serious property damage, injury, or death might.
Getting several traffic violations on your record within a short period: Montana may suspend your driver’s license if you accumulate too many traffic violations, and you’ll require an SR-22 to reinstate it.
How to get SR-22 insurance in Montana
Getting an SR-22 form is fairly straightforward, especially if your current insurer offers them. Here’s the process for getting SR-22 insurance in Montana:[2]
1. Contact your insurance company
Notify your insurance company that you need an SR-22 filing. Not all insurance companies issue SR-22s, so you’ll need to switch companies if yours doesn’t.
2. Get a quote for SR-22 coverage
If you need to switch, compare several companies and request insurance quotes that include the SR-22. Insurance companies may charge you higher rates because they’ll consider you a high-risk driver.
3. Submit the SR-22 form
Once you select a policy and pay your premium, your insurer will complete the SR-22 form and send it directly to the Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) on your behalf. You may need to pay a fee for the SR-22 filing, and the cost varies by insurance company.
4. Get confirmation from the state
Verify the MVD received your SR-22 and that you can legally drive again before you get behind the wheel.
5. Maintain continuous coverage
Montana typically requires you to maintain an SR-22 for three years. Avoid lapses in coverage during this time, as the insurance company will notify the state, leading to further fines and penalties.
How long Montana requires SR-22 insurance
Montana typically requires drivers to maintain their SR-22 for three years. This period allows the state to monitor high-risk drivers and ensure they maintain the required insurance coverage.
If your coverage lapses during this time, the insurance company will notify the MVD, and the state will suspend your license immediately. To get your license back, you’ll need to reinstate your coverage, at which point the state may restart the clock on your SR-22 requirement.
You may face a few barriers when looking for SR-22 insurance in Montana. Many car insurance companies don’t offer SR-22 filings, so you may need to shop around to find one that does. Plus, the higher premiums associated with high-risk drivers can make the coverage you need difficult to afford.
Compare Car Insurance Quotes in Montana
Monthly liability rates average $100 for drivers with an incident
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
How SR-22 insurance affects driving record and future rates in Montana
Since only high-risk drivers need an SR-22, insurance companies usually charge them higher rates. These higher rates can remain in effect throughout the three-year requirement and even for some time after.
Here are some tips for improving your driving record and working toward lower insurance rates:[3]
Drive carefully and follow traffic laws
Maintaining a clean driving record while you have an SR-22 shows insurance companies you’re committed to safer driving.
Take a defensive driving course
Some states allow drivers to remove points from their driving record by taking a defensive driving course. Unfortunately, Montana doesn’t offer this option. But your insurance company might offer a discount for completing an approved course.
Maintain continuous coverage
Gaps in your car insurance coverage can lead to higher rates. Stay insured to meet the state’s requirements without interruption.
Consider a higher deductible
Choosing a higher deductible for your comprehensive and collision coverage can lower your monthly premiums, which can help offset the increased cost of SR-22 insurance.
Montana SR-22 insurance FAQs
Montana’s SR-22 requirements can be confusing, especially for drivers unfamiliar with these forms. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about SR-22s to help you understand the purpose, cost, and requirements.
How do you know if you need an SR-22 or an FR-44?
The Montana MVD will notify you if you need an SR-22 to reinstate your driving privileges after a DUI or other violation. Montana law doesn’t require an FR-44. This form is only used in Florida and Virginia for drivers who need higher coverage limits after a severe offense.
Are there any fees with SR-22 insurance?
Yes, your insurance company may charge a filing fee to issue an SR-22 form. That fee varies by insurance company but can be as high as $200. This fee is separate from your regular insurance premium, which might also increase due to the higher-risk status associated with the violation leading to the SR-22 requirement.
How much do car insurance rates increase after filing an SR-22?
Expect to pay more money for car insurance if you need an SR-22. For example, Montana drivers with a clean record pay an average of $76 per month, while drivers with a DUI pay an average of $129 per month, according to Insurify data. The exact increase depends on several factors, including the violation that led to the SR-22, your driving history, your ZIP code, and the insurance company.
How long do you have to hold an SR-22 in Montana?
Montana generally requires drivers to maintain an SR-22 for three years, but the duration can vary depending on the nature and severity of the offense. Any lapse in your coverage can extend the SR-22 period or lead to additional penalties.
How do you get rid of an SR-22 in Montana?
Once you’ve maintained the state’s requirements for three years, you can contact your insurance agency and ask it to send an SR-26 to the Montana MVD. This form removes your SR-22. Before getting rid of your SR-22, confirm with the state that you no longer need it.
What happens to your SR-22 in Montana if you move?
If you move out of Montana, you must maintain your SR-22 until the state-mandated period is complete. Even if you move to another state, your insurer must continue filing the SR-22 certificate with Montana to avoid penalties.
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
- 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.
Sources
- Montana Legislative Services. "INTRODUCTION TO MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY INSURANCE LAWS."
- Montana MDV. "Getting You on The Road."
- III. "Understanding your insurance deductibles."
)
Janet Berry-Johnson
Janet Berry-Johnson, CPA is a freelance writer with a background in accounting and income tax planning and preparation. She's passionate about making complicated financial topics accessible to readers. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and son and their rescue dog, Dexter. Visit her website at www.jberryjohnson.com.
Janet has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.