Here's what you need to know when driving in Montana
Across the Treasure State, there are 151,209 miles of road just waiting to be driven. The average car insurance rate in Montana is $1,534 per year — a mere $5 more than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Montana car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.
Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Montana based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive personalized quotes from top insurers.
The best car insurance companies in Montana
Based on data from J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Satisfaction Study and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, we have compiled a list of the best car insurance companies in Montana.
Along with topping The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, USAA received a score of 884 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Powers' 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the Northwest region.
As a highly-rated regional carrier, State Farm scored an 844 on J.D. Power's 2021 auto study and placed third in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey with 4.4 stars out of 5.
Farmers Insurance placed third in this region with a score of 835 in J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Insurance Study.
- Montana drivers only pay about $5 more for car insurance than the national average
- The cheapest major car insurance company is USAA at $1,025 per year
The cheapest car insurance companies in Montana
These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.
The cheapest rates are from USAA at $1,025 annually, or $85 per month.
For teens in Montana, USAA is the cheapest on average, followed closely by General Casualty.
If you have a DUI on your record, check out Progressive for the cheapest average rates.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $1,025 |
| Progressive | $1,280 |
| State Farm | $1,335 |
| General Casualty | $1,430 |
| GEICO | $1,908 |
| Farmers | $2,099 |
| Allstate | $2,690 |
Dynamic auto insurance data methodology
Methodology: The auto insurance rates displayed above and throughout this page are dynamic, meaning the data will refresh when the most recent information is made available. Rates are based on a sample driver profile — a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord and full coverage. This profile was adjusted based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies, like age, coverage level, driving record and others.
Montana auto insurance laws
Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including Montana. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in Montana, expect to pay an average of $399 annually. This expenditure is less expensive than the nationwide average by 26%. However, it's worth noting that minimum liability insurance leaves you and your vehicle exposed to risk.
For the legal minimum coverage level in Montana, expect to pay about $399 per year.
State minimum coverage
In order to drive legally in the state of Montana, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:
- Bodily Injury $25,000 per person
- Bodily Injury $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage $20,000 per accident
Optional coverage in Montana (varies by carrier):
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Medical Payments
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury
- Additional Liability
If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in Montana, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,254, 214% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay around $1,604.
In Montana, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,254, 214% more than liability-only car insurance.
The Zebra's guide to Montana car insurance laws
Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Montana with our helpful guide.
Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Montana.
Montana car insurance premiums by rating factor
Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Montana.
Cheap auto insurance in Montana for minimum coverage
Getting the bare minimum coverage is certain to make your car insurance costs lower, with average yearly costs coming in at just $399. However, remember that forgoing higher levels of coverage also means going without the protection it provides. Most insurance professionals recommend adding higher coverage levels to keep yourself fully protected. Have a look at the tables below to get an idea of the costs for minimum coverage.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $197 |
| General Casualty | $218 |
| Progressive | $229 |
| State Farm | $285 |
| GEICO | $334 |
| Farmers | $534 |
| Allstate | $546 |
Cheap auto insurance in Montana with bad credit
Your credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many carriers see those with a poor credit score as being higher risk, meaning you could pay more for your policy. On average, Montana drivers with exceptional credit pay 47% less per year than those with poor credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $2,005 |
| Progressive | $2,131 |
| General Casualty | $2,169 |
| GEICO | $2,640 |
| State Farm | $2,773 |
| Farmers | $3,224 |
| Allstate | $4,085 |
Cheap auto insurance in Montana with an at-fault accident
Your driving history plays a big part in how much you pay. Insurance companies look for previous accidents for which you have been at fault to gauge the level of risk you pose as a customer. An at-fault accident in recent years could see your car insurance rates increase by as much as 35%.
Safe driver discounts
In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a safe driving discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $1,349 |
| State Farm | $1,633 |
| General Casualty | $1,977 |
| Progressive | $2,010 |
| GEICO | $2,533 |
| Farmers | $2,942 |
| Allstate | $3,330 |
Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Montana
Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Montana, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $4,476 per year — a nearly 192% increase over what the typical Montana driver pays.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $3,048 |
| General Casualty | $3,134 |
| State Farm | $3,867 |
| Progressive | $3,954 |
| GEICO | $4,637 |
| Farmers | $6,735 |
| Allstate | $7,944 |
Montana auto insurance rate by violation
In Montana, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.
Below you can see the average auto insurance rates in Montana after a few common citations.
Montana DUI laws
In Montana, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of 60%. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Montana
If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Montana, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Montana, Progressive advertises annual rates 49% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Montana is State Farm, while the priciest firm is GEICO, with prices 18% above average.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Progressive | $1,478 |
| State Farm | $1,816 |
| USAA | $2,081 |
| General Casualty | $2,637 |
| Farmers | $2,827 |
| Allstate | $3,285 |
| GEICO | $3,392 |
There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.
Compare and buy car insurance online or reach out to an insurance agent to assess your choices and find a cost-effective policy.
Montana SR-22 insurance
An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Montana to ensure that you remain insured.
Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Montana might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.
How to acquire an SR-22 in Montana
For currently insured drivers
If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.
For uninsured drivers
When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.
For drivers without a vehicle
Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.
Learn more about SR-22 certificate requirements and how they impact insurance premiums.
Find an affordable policy in Montana in minutes!
Rates by city
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. Among Montana's largest cities, the cheapest car insurance is found in Missoula, Montana, and the most expensive in Billings, Montana.
Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Montana's biggest cities.
| City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Missoula | $1,524 |
| Helena | $1,543 |
| Great Falls | $1,665 |
| Bozeman | $1,666 |
| Billings | $1,737 |
Car insurance price trends in Montana
In Montana, average annual auto insurance costs decreased by $15 in the past year. A typical Montana driver pays an average of $1,534 per year.
The recent pricing trend in Montana leans toward slightly pricier car insurance costs and remains higher than the national average. The steepest decrease occurred from 2017 to 2018, while the highest surge took place from 2016 to 2017. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.
| Year | Avg. Annual Premium — Montana | Yearly Change — Montana | Avg. Annual Premium — US | Yearly Change — US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $1,534 | -$15 | $1,529 | $46 |
| 2020 | $1,549 | $14 | $1,483 | $61 |
| 2019 | $1,535 | $90 | $1,544 | $23 |
| 2018 | $1,445 | -$351 | $1,521 | $84 |
| 2017 | $1,796 | $234 | $1,437 | $69 |
| 2016 | $1,562 | -$323 | $1,368 | $88 |
| 2015 | $1,885 | $216 | $1,280 | $51 |
| 2014 | $1,669 | $155 | $1,229 | $34 |
| 2013 | $1,514 | -$63 | $1,195 | -$80 |
| 2012 | $1,577 | $323 | $1,276 | $82 |
If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.
Montana car insurance FAQs
Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Montana auto insurance.
Save money on your next car insurance policy!
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
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The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
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The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
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The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
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The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.