Car Insurance in Montana

  • State Farm offers the cheapest full coverage and The General the cheapest liability auto insurance in MT
  • Compare the cheapest car insurance quotes in MT from Progressive, Allstate, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide (+ other top companies)
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The Zebra partners with some of the companies we write about. However, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of editors and licensed agents. Reference our data methodology and learn more about how we make money.

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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 5+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Car insurance quotes in Montana

The average cost of a six-month full coverage policy in Montana is $1,103, which is 1% in premium difference versus the U.S. average.[1] While rates can vary based on factors like age, driving record, and location, Montanans looking to keep costs low will find that --  offers some of the most affordable quotes for both liability and full coverage.

Our research shows 29% of Montanans feel their premiums are too high. However, many drivers are willing to pay a bit more for access to excellent customer service, additional perks, or specialized policy options.[2] If that aligns with what you're looking for, start your search with State Farm or, if eligible, USAA — both companies are known for balancing strong customer satisfaction with reliable coverage options.

State Farm logo
Cheapest full coverage in MT
State Farm logo
Cheapest liability coverage in MT
State Farm logo
Best customer service in MT
The Zebra's Recommendation for best car insurer - State Farm logo
Best car insurance in MT — overall

*Note: USAA offers the cheapest rates in Montana, but it's excluded from our list due to their strict eligibility guidelines. The Zebra focuses on providers accessible to most consumers. If you're eligible for USAA, it's an excellent choice.


Cheap liability insurance in Montana

The average cost for a six-month liability policy in Montana is $234. If you're looking for budget-friendly coverage State Farm, USAA, and GEICO consistently offer some of the cheapest rates.[1]

Since liability insurance only covers damages to others, it’s much cheaper than full coverage, which protects your own vehicle too. It’s important to choose a policy that works for your budget without leaving you underinsured — even if liability is all you need right now.

To make your search easier, the table below shows monthly and six-month quotes from some of the most popular insurance companies in Montana, giving you a clearer idea of what each offers at a glance.

Cheapest liability coverage in MT

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $116 $19
State Farm $143 $24
GEICO $210 $35
Progressive $273 $46
Farmers $346 $58
Allstate $407 $68

Source: The Zebra

According to our data, 37% of Montana drivers choose liability-only insurance for their vehicles. Montana law requires minimum liability limits of 25/50/20, which means $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, along with $20,000 for property damage per accident.

Renata Balasco, licensed insurance writer at The Zebra
For Montanans, is the liability insurance enough?

Montana’s minimum liability requirements may not offer enough protection in a serious accident. With rising costs for medical care, new cars, and repairs, an accident you cause could easily exceed the state’s coverage limits — leaving you personally responsible for the remaining expenses.

Here's what we recommend:

  • Increase your liability limits to at least 50/100/50
  • Add uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage — this protects you against those who illegally don't carry insurance, only carry the minimum limits, or commit hit-and-runs
  • Add comprehensive and collision coverage if your vehicle is newer, high-value or if paying for repairs out of pocket would be difficult.

Renata Balasco, licensed insurance writer at The Zebra

Cheapest Liability & Full Coverage Quotes in Montana

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Company Liability Coverage Full Coverage
General Casualty $109 $738
USAA $116 $642
State Farm $143 $692
GEICO $210 $1,194
Progressive $273 $1,181
Farmers $346 $1,399
Allstate $407 $1,542

Source: The Zebra


Cheap full coverage insurance in Montana

In 2024, full coverage insurance in Montana costs an average of $1,103 for a six-month policy. Full coverage is a popular option, with 63% of The Zebra’s Montana customers receiving quotes for it.

While it costs more than liability-only insurance, Montanans searching for the most affordable full coverage should start by comparing quotes from USAA (if you're eligable) and State Farm. These companies consistently offer competitive rates, making them great starting points for drivers who want added protection without breaking the bank.

Full coverage quotes in MT

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $642 $107
State Farm $692 $115
Progressive $1,181 $197
GEICO $1,194 $199
Farmers $1,399 $233
Allstate $1,542 $257

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra’s auto insurance data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.

Find the best coverage and price in Montana with The Zebra.

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What are the best car insurance companies in Montana?

We named State Farm the best car insurance company in Montana based on consumer reviews, third-party ratings (J.D. Power, Trustpilot, and AM Best), and details such as discount information and coverage options.

Below are the pros and cons of State Farm plus more of the best-rated companies in Montana.

 

state farm logo
Overall best car insurance company in Montana — State Farm

State Farm is a top choice for car insurance in Montana, thanks to its competitive rates, wide range of coverage options, and strong customer satisfaction. With a solid reputation supported by trusted sources like J.D. Power, it offers a reliable mix of value and service.[3] If you're searching for affordable coverage with dependable support, State Farm checks all the right boxes.

Pros
  • Competitive rates

  • High customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power in the North West

  • Consistantly ranks well on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey

  • Lower than average complaints for auto insurance according to the NAIC

  • Local agents

Cons
  • Less custom coverage options

  • Their home insurance averages pricier if you're looking to bundle

Best car insurance in Montana — honorable mentions

To decide the best companies, we looked at J.D. Power Auto ratings and consumer reviews we collected from nearly 3,000 drivers across Montana and the US.

Best car insurance companies in MT

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $642 $107
State Farm $692 $115

Source: The Zebra

How did we pick what company has the "Best Value" in Montana?

The author's recommendation for "best value" is based on:

  • The Zebra's 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey
  • J.D. Power's 2024 Regional Customer Satisfaction Study
  • Each company's average cost of car insurance in Montana
  • Available coverage options
  • The author's 5+ years of insurance industry experience

Our reviews are based on The Zebra's unbiased and impartial editorial standards. Our ratings of insurance companies are never commissioned-based nor is our content impacted by any partnerships.

For more information, see our editorial standards page.


Montana auto insurance quotes after an accident or ticket

Finding affordable car insurance in Montana after an accident or traffic ticket can be challenging. Insurers use your driving history to assess how risky you are as a customer, and any accidents or violations can cause your premium to climb. In fact, a single at-fault accident could push your yearly costs up to $2,992 or more.

Below, we’ve outlined what some of Montana’s top insurance providers might charge after an at-fault accident, giving you a clearer idea of what to expect.

Best insurance companies in MT after an accident

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $845 $141
State Farm $858 $143
GEICO $1,581 $264
Progressive $1,806 $301
Farmers $1,910 $318
Allstate $2,014 $336

Source: The Zebra

Zebra tip: Don't forget about claims satisfaction

Ideally, you'll never need your insurance, but if you do, a stress-free experience is crucial. In our 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey, we gauged satisfaction among those who filed claims. Allstate emerged as a great choice and is worth considering if you live in Montana.

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 auto insurance quotes by violation

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Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium $ Rate Increase
One Med/PIP claim $2,205 $0
None $2,205 $0
Not-at-fault accident $2,250 $45
Two Med/PIP claims $2,259 $54
One comp claim $2,259 $54
Two comp claims $2,305 $100
Driving without lights $2,407 $201
Child safety restraint $2,407 $201
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $2,408 $203
Failure to show documents $2,421 $216
Failure to wear a seat belt $2,433 $227
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $2,572 $367
Driving with expired registration $2,585 $380
Failure to stop at a red light $2,607 $402
Texting while driving $2,607 $402
Following too closely $2,607 $402
Cell phone violation $2,607 $402
Failure to yield $2,607 $402
Improper passing $2,607 $402
Illegal turn $2,609 $404
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $2,613 $408
Driving too slowly $2,626 $421
Wrong way/wrong lane $2,663 $457
Passing school bus $2,725 $520
Speeding in school zone $2,803 $598
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $2,824 $619
In 65 MPH zone $2,824 $619
Operating a vehicle without permission $2,836 $631
Open container $2,844 $639
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $2,867 $661
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $2,966 $761
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $2,992 $787
Reckless driving $3,216 $1,011
Driving with a suspended license $3,250 $1,045
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $3,296 $1,091
DUI $3,454 $1,249
Racing $3,588 $1,383
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $3,627 $1,421

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra's guide to Montana car insurance laws for high-risk drivers

Certain violations — like a DUI or driving without insurance — come with serious consequences that can make finding affordable coverage more difficult. If you’re considered a high-risk driver, it’s essential to understand Montana’s insurance rules and how they might impact you.

Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Montana with our helpful guide. 

Montana DUI laws

In Montana, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of 57%. 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, State Farm advertises annual rates significantly less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Montana is USAA, while the priciest firm is GEICO.

Montana car insurance quotes with a DUI

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
State Farm $968 $161
USAA $1,307 $218
Progressive $1,395 $233
Farmers $1,840 $307
Allstate $1,912 $319
GEICO $2,116 $353

Source: The Zebra

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.

Learn more about car insurance and DUIs.

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.

Find an affordable policy in Montana in minutes!

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Cheap auto insurance for teens and young drivers in Montana

Finding affordable car insurance as a young driver in Montana can be tough. Insurance companies see age as a reflection of driving experience, which is why teen drivers aged 16 to 19 pay the most expensive premiums, typically pay over 100% more than drivers in their 20s and nearly 200% more than those in their 30s.[1] 

In Montana, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $6,072 per year — a nearly 175% increase over what the typical Montana driver pays. If you're a teen or have a teen, consider General Casualty, State Farm, and USAA as they offer the cheapest average rates for teens. 

Teen car insurance rates in Montana

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $1,912 $319
State Farm $2,325 $387
GEICO $2,900 $483
Progressive $3,537 $590
Allstate $3,811 $635
Farmers $4,474 $746

Source: The Zebra

Top companies in MT for Teens
Filter by:

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Company Avg. Monthly Premium Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
USAA $439 $2,634
State Farm $517 $3,104
GEICO $535 $3,210
Progressive $752 $4,513
Allstate $812 $4,874
Farmers $907 $5,440

Source: The Zebra

Zebra tip: 3 ways young drivers can save on car insurance

  1. Take a defensive driving course to unlock discounts and sharpen your skills behind the wheel.
  2. Pick a budget-friendly car with solid safety ratings and low repair costs, avoiding pricey performance models.
  3. Stay on your parent’s policy to save money and take advantage of their established insurance history.

Find your best value insurance match with The Zebra.

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Car insurance in popular Montana cities

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.

Auto insurance quotes in Montana's biggest cities

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City Avg. Annual Premium
Missoula $1,524
Helena $1,543
Great Falls $1,665
Bozeman $1,666
Billings $1,737

Source: The Zebra


How have car insurance costs in Montana changed?

Montana’s car insurance rates have shown significant fluctuations over the past decade. After a major dip in 2018, when premiums dropped by $351, rates have steadily increased, with noticeable jumps in 2017, 2022, and 2024. The most recent trend shows a sharp rise, with the 2024 average premium hitting $2,024 — an increase of $221 from the previous year. This suggests that Montana drivers are now facing higher insurance costs, likely influenced by factors such as inflation, increased repair costs, and evolving risk assessments.

Car insurance costs in Montana since 2015
Year Avg. Annual Premium — Montana Yearly Change — Montana
2024 $2,024 $221
2023 $1,803 $5
2022 $1,798 $264
2021 $1,534 -$15
2020 $1,549 $14
2019 $1,535 $90
2018 $1,445 -$351
2017 $1,796 $234
2016 $1,562 -$323
2015 $1,885 $216

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.

Car insurance in Montana is similar to the national average, at $1,103 for a six-month full coverage policy (or $184/mo). You will pay less for liability-only insurance at $234 for a six-month policy ($39/mo).

Liability insurance is mandatory in Montana. This includes bodily injury and property damage.

Montana car insurance is on par with the national average, although your rates may vary based on factors like your vehicle, driving record, insurance history, and location.

State Farm and USAA offer the cheapest rates in Montana. Drivers with typical driving histories can find six-month premiums from State Farm for $138/mo for full coverage and $24/mo for liability.

Save money on your next car insurance policy!

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Sources:
  1. Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool

  2. Anonymized User Surveys. The Zebra

  3. 2024 Auto Insurance Study. J.D. Power

  4. 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey. The Zebra

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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.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • 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.