Best Car Insurance in Montana

Last Updated on May 26, 2021

Montana has some of the highest car insurance premiums in the United States. The average driver in Montana pays nearly $200 more per year for car insurance than the average American.

On average, drivers in Montana pay $1,643 per year for full coverage car insurance, higher than the nationwide average of around $1,450.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways for drivers in Montana to save money on car insurance. Insurers cater to different drivers and demographics. By choosing the insurer that matches your unique needs, you could save hundreds per year on auto insurance.Best Car Insurance in Montana

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Top 10 Auto Insurance Companies in Montana

Montana is one of the largest states in America. Although it may not have the population of other large states, Montana has plenty of options for car insurance. Drivers can choose local insurers or independent agents. Drivers can also shop from nationwide providers and larger companies.

The top 10 best auto insurance companies in Montana include:

  1. USAA: If you are a member of the military or a qualifying family member, then USAA may be your best choice for car insurance in Montana. Our model driver profiles received an average quote of around $1,245 per year from USAA for full coverage car insurance in Montana, hundreds of dollars less than the statewide average.
  2. GEICO: GEICO is the second-largest insurance company in the United States, GEICO insures thousands of drivers across Montana. GEICO is known for cheap rates for all types of drivers. Whether you live in an urban or rural area of Montana, are a young or old driver, or have a clean or problematic driving record, GEICO may be the best choice for you. GEICO charges rates of around, $1,341 per year for full coverage car insurance in Montana.
  3. State Farm: State Farm insures millions of policyholders across the country, and they’re the largest property insurance company in the nation. State Farm charges competitive rates throughout all corners of Montana. Policyholders can also bundle multiple State Farm policies together to save money. On average, State Farm charges drivers around $1,349 per year for full coverage car insurance in Montana.
  4. Farmers Union: Farmers Union is a mutual insurance company headquartered in Great Falls, Montana. The company is the largest domiciled property and casualty insurance company in Montana, covering thousands of policyholders across the state. Founded in 1915, Farmers Union Mutual Insurance (FUMICO) charges rates of around $1,414 per year for full coverage car insurance in Montana.
  5. Farmers: Not to be confused with Montana-based Farmers Union, Farmers is one of the top ten largest car insurance companies in the United States. Known for its extensive discounts and bundling opportunities, Farmers charges competitive prices throughout Montana. Farmers and non-farmers alike can pay average rates of approximately $1,432 per year with Farmers in Montana.
  6. Nationwide: Nationwide offers the amenities of a large insurance company with competitive prices. Available in all corners of Montana, Nationwide charges average rates of roughly $1,448 per year, according to our model driver profiles.
  7. Progressive: Progressive is America’s third-largest property and casualty insurance company. Known for competitive prices in Montana and elsewhere, Progressive has competitive rates on minimum liability insurance policies and full coverage policies throughout the state, charging drivers around $1,456 per year.
  8. Allstate: Allstate is priced at around $1,469 per year for full coverage car insurance in Montana. Allstate is one of America’s largest insurance companies, covering all types of drivers and vehicles throughout the country.
  9. The Hartford: The Hartford is not the cheapest insurer in any state, but the company distinguishes itself from the competition with strong customer service and excellent claims satisfaction. The Hartford also scores top ratings from J.D. Power and other organizations. Expect to pay around $1,502 per year with The Hartford in Montana.
  10. Liberty Mutual: Liberty Mutual occupies a niche similar to The Hartford, charging higher prices for significantly better service. Liberty Mutual’s rates are around $1,543 per year in Montana, with further discounts available for safe drivers, bundling, and more.

Montana Insurance Requirements

Montana requires drivers to carry a certain minimum amount of car insurance to legally drive on public roads. Any motor vehicle operated on public roads must have minimum liability insurance of 25/50/20, which includes:

  • $25,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person
  • $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
  • $20,000 of property damage liability coverage

According to Montana law, motorists must show proof of insurance to law enforcement when stopped for a traffic violation or involved in a motor vehicle collision.

Montana also uses the Montana Insurance Verification System (MTIVS) to verify insurance coverage across Montana. Montana Highway Patrol has used MTIVS to automatically verify liability insurance coverage of drivers during traffic stops. Because of this system, drivers may be able to prove they have insurance even without insurance paperwork in their vehicle.

Driving Without Insurance in Montana

Driving without insurance is illegal in Montana. You must have insurance to drive on public roads. If you fail to comply with Montana’s Motor Vehicle Insurance Responsibility and Verification Act, then you may receive a misdemeanor and additional fines.

The penalties for driving without insurance raise in severity based on the number of incidents:

  • First Offense: $250 to $500 fine, SR-22 requirement for 3 years, and a $35 court surcharge fee.
  • Second Offense: $350 fine, up to 10 days in prison, 90-day registration revocation, SR-22 requirement for 3 years, and a $35 court surcharge.
  • Third Offense: $500 fine, up to 10 days in prison, 180-day registration revocation, SR-22 requirement for 3 years, and a $35 court surcharge.
  • Fourth & Subsequent Offenses: $500 fine, up to 6 months in prison, registration suspended until proof of insurance is submitted, driver’s license suspended until proof of insurance is submitted, SR-22 requirement for 3 years, and a $35 court surcharge.

If you are caught driving without insurance but are later able to provide proof of insurance, then you should be able to avoid the penalties above. You may also be able to provide proof of insurance to law enforcement through the electronic verification system, even if you don’t have proof of insurance paperwork with you.

Car Insurance in Montana with DUI

Getting car insurance with a DUI will always be expensive in every state. However, some companies continue to charge relatively cheap rates for car insurance even after a DUI. If you have a DUI in Montana, then consider requesting a quote from any of the following insurers:

  1. USAA: $1,693 per year
  2. State Farm: $1,704
  3. GEICO: $1,791 per year
  4. Progressive: $1,810 per year
  5. Farmers: $1,817 per year

Car Insurance in Montana with At-Fault Accidents

If you have one or more at-fault accidents on your driving record, then you will pay higher rates for car insurance. Drivers who cause accidents pay higher rates for car insurance than drivers with a clean record.

Fortunately, some insurers continue to charge competitive prices after one or more at-fault accidents. Request a quote from the following Montana insurers:

  1. USAA: $1,588 per year
  2. State Farm: $1,632
  3. GEICO: $1,637 per year
  4. Progressive: $1,710 per year
  5. Farmers: $1,716 per year

Car Insurance in Montana with Speeding Tickets

Speeding tickets remain on your driving record for three to five years in Montana. Most insurers consider speeding tickets when calculating rates. Although insurers may ignore a single minor speeding ticket, they could charge higher premiums for more serious violations or multiple speeding tickets.

The best insurance companies in Montana for drivers with speeding tickets include:

  1. USAA: $1,393 per year
  2. State Farm: $1,404
  3. GEICO: $1,422 per year
  4. Progressive: $1,423 per year
  5. Farmers: $1,457 per year

Car Insurance in Montana for Young Drivers

Statewide, young drivers in Montana cause more accidents than drivers in any other demographic. As a young driver in Montana, you’ll pay significantly higher rates for car insurance than drivers in any other age group. Even if you have a clean record, car insurance rates can be costly for drivers under age 25.

Fortunately, some insurers welcome young drivers as a way to balance their insurance pool. The best insurance companies in Montana for young drivers include:

  1. USAA: $1,543 per year
  2. State Farm: $1,704
  3. GEICO: $1,891 per year
  4. Farmers Union: $1,901 per year
  5. Farmers: $1,910 per year

Car Insurance in Montana with Poor Credit

If you have a bad credit score, you’ll pay more for car insurance in Montana and most other states. Montana, like virtually every other state, allows insurers to use your credit score to calculate premiums. Drivers with a bad credit score or no credit score will pay higher rates for car insurance. In fact, some drivers pay $1,000 more per year for car insurance specifically because of their credit score.

If you have a bad credit score, consider requesting a quote from the following Montana insurers:

  1. USAA: $1,711 per year
  2. State Farm: $1,815
  3. Farmers Union: $1,863 per year
  4. Progressive: $1,910 per year
  5. GEICO: $2,017 per year

SR-22 Insurance in Montana

Montana uses the SR-22 system to manage high-risk drivers. If you have multiple driving violations in Montana, or if you have a history of letting car insurance lapse, then you may need to submit an SR-22 certificate to the state to reinstate driving privileges.

It costs $15 to $25 to file an SR-22 form in Montana, depending on your insurance company. Most insurance companies can submit an SR-22 form upon request. However, certain high-risk drivers may need to work with specialty insurers to get valid coverage.

SR-22 is not insurance. It’s a form verifying you meet Montana’s minimum car insurance requirements. The Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) may suspend your license and registration until you provide proof of insurance via the SR-22 certificate.

Contact your insurance company and request an SR-22 certificate. Most drivers must submit an SR-22 form for three years, although rules vary depending on the violation.

Conclusion: How to Find the Best Auto Insurance in Montana

Finding the best auto insurance company in Montana is easier today than ever before. Instead of calling companies to compare rates, you can compare rates in seconds online just by submitting your ZIP code.

From Whitefish to Billings and from Great Falls to Bozeman, drivers in Montana have plenty of options for car insurance. Shop around and compare quotes today to first the best Montana auto insurance for your unique needs.