Car Insurance Requirements in Montana (2024)

When buying car insurance, one size definitely doesn’t fit all. Montana drivers must buy both bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage to drive legally in the state. Insurance companies must offer uninsured motorist coverage as well, but it’s not a legal requirement in Montana.

Understanding the requirements in your state can help you comply with local laws and provide peace of mind when you’re on the road. Regardless of what kind of coverage you end up buying, always compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurers before choosing a policy.

Montana car insurance requirements

Montana state law requires all vehicles registered in the state to carry specific liability insurance coverages to ensure all drivers have financial responsibility in case of an accident. Those minimum requirements are:

• $25,000 per person in bodily injury

• $50,000 per accident in bodily injury

• $20,000 in property damage^[1]

Bodily injury liability

Bodily injury liability coverage pays for injuries you cause to someone else when you cause a car accident. In Big Sky Country, you must carry minimum bodily injury limits of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

For example, imagine you cause an accident that results in $30,000 in medical bills for the other driver and $30,000 in medical bills for their passenger. If you have the state minimum policy limits, your insurance policy will only cover up to $25,000 for each injured party but only up to $50,000 for all injuries in the accident, leaving you with $10,000 in out-of-pocket expenses.

Property damage liability

Property damage liability coverage applies to damages you cause to someone else’s property with your vehicle. This could include another car, a fence, or even a building. The minimum limit for property damage liability in Montana is $20,000 per accident.

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Do you need more than the state-minimum coverage in Montana?

No, you don’t typically need more than the state-minimum coverage in Montana. However, if you have a loan on your car, your lender may require you to carry full-coverage car insurance. Full coverage typically includes liability coverage along with collision and comprehensive insurance.

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  Collision coverage

  Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision, regardless of who was at fault.

• 

  Comprehensive coverage

  Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your car caused by events other than collisions, such as theft, vandalism, fire, or hail damage.

Even if you own your car outright, it might be a good idea to opt for full coverage if you have a new or expensive car or can’t afford to pay for the damage if you get into an accident. Expenses can add up very quickly, so the extra few bucks per month may be well worth it.

The cost of liability-only car insurance in Montana

Liability-only car insurance covers only the expenses related to injuries of other people or damage to their property — not your own damage or injuries. In Montana, liability-only coverage averages $94 per month, or $1,126 per year.

The table below shows the companies offering the cheapest auto insurance quotes for liability-only policies in Montana.

The cost of full-coverage car insurance in Montana

Full-coverage car insurance provides liability, comprehensive, and collision coverages. Full-coverage car insurance in Montana costs an average of $191 per month, or $2,295 per year.

The table below shows the companies offering the cheapest quotes for full-coverage car insurance in the state.

Penalties for driving without proof of insurance in Montana

Getting caught driving a motor vehicle without proof of insurance in Montana can lead to severe penalties:

• Fines: If law enforcement catches you driving without insurance, a first offense typically results in a fine of $250 to $500. Subsequent offenses can lead to higher fines.

• Registration suspension: Law enforcement may suspend your registration. You’ll need to show proof of insurance and pay a fee to get it reinstated.

• Jail time: If a police officer catches you driving without insurance three or more times, you may spend up to 10 days in county jail.

• License suspension: If you get caught driving without insurance four or more times, law enforcement may suspend your driver’s license.^[3]

Optional car insurance coverages to consider

The following aren’t required in Montana, but you may be able to purchase these add-on coverages to get greater protection and peace of mind on the road.

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  Medical payments coverage

  Medical payments coverage pays for medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who was at fault in the accident.

• 

  Roadside assistance coverage

  Roadside assistance coverage pays for services like towing, flat tire changes, and jump-starts if your car breaks down.

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  Rental reimbursement coverage

  If your car is in the shop due to a covered accident, rental reimbursement coverage helps pay for your rental car costs.

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  Gap insurance

  Helpful for anyone who finances their vehicle, gap insurance covers the difference between what you owe on your car loan and its current market value if it’s stolen or totaled.

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  Rideshare coverage

  Rideshare coverage protects your vehicle if you use it for a rideshare service, such as Uber or Lyft.

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Montana car insurance requirements FAQs