How Much Is Car Insurance in Montana? (October 2024)
Updated: October 16, 2024
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In Montana, the average annual cost of full coverage car insurance is about $1,164, while minimum coverage costs around $442.
Your premium can vary based on several factors, including age, preferred coverage level, location, driving record and credit history. To find the right policy, balance these factors to match your needs and budget.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed Montana auto insurance rates using data from the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance and Quadrant Information Services.
These rates reflect the average cost of car insurance in Montana as of October 2024.
Montana's full coverage car insurance costs an average of $1,164 yearly or $97 monthly. Knowing your state's average cost helps you see if you have a reasonable quote. By comparing car insurance quotes, you can explore your options.
The table below shows what you might pay for minimum or full coverage each month and year.
| 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $1,164 | $97 |
| 100/300/100 Liability Only | $527 | $44 |
| State Minimum Liability Only | $442 | $37 |
Car insurance in Montana is generally affordable compared to the national average. The average annual premium for minimum coverage is $442 ($37 per month), lower than the national average of $619 a year ($52 a month). Montana's average premium for full coverage is $1,164 annually ($97 monthly), also lower than the national average of $1,337 a year ($111 a month).
Montana's rural nature, lower traffic density and possibly fewer insurance claims may contribute to this affordability.
Car insurance premiums vary widely among companies, even within a state. In Montana, State Farm offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance at $688 annually, while Kemper is the most expensive at $1,559.
Compare car insurance quotes from different providers to ensure you find the cheapest car insurance in Montana that matches your needs.
| State Farm | $688 | $57 |
| Farmers | $1,031 | $86 |
| Nationwide | $1,095 | $91 |
| Allstate | $1,208 | $101 |
| Progressive | $1,231 | $103 |
| GEICO | $1,341 | $112 |
| Kemper | $1,559 | $130 |
The cost of car insurance in Montana depends on the level of coverage you choose. The average monthly cost for minimum coverage is $37, while full coverage with a $1,000 deductible averages $97. Getting full coverage insurance because it offers more comprehensive financial protection in case of accidents or damage.
While adding comprehensive and collision coverages raises premiums, selecting a higher deductible can make this protection more affordable. The deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket per comprehensive or collision claim.
| State Minimum Liability Only | $442 | $37 |
| 100/300/100 Liability Only | $527 | $44 |
| 300/500/300 Liability Only | $605 | $50 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $1,018 | $85 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $1,080 | $90 |
| 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $1,103 | $92 |
| 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $1,164 | $97 |
| 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $1,181 | $98 |
| 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded | $1,243 | $104 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$500 Ded. | $1,282 | $107 |
| 100/300/1000,000 - 500 comp_coll | $1,367 | $114 |
| 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$500 Ded. | $1,446 | $120 |
In Montana, the minimum car insurance requirements include $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident and $20,000 for property damage per accident.
$25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
This amount covers expenses for an individual's injuries in an accident where you're at fault in Montana.
$50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
This coverage pays for injuries to all persons injured in an accident, with the limit set for the entire accident in Montana.
$20,000 for property damage liability per accident
This amount covers the damage caused to someone else's property when you're responsible for an accident in Montana.
Age significantly affects car insurance costs in Montana. Younger drivers typically pay higher premiums. For example, drivers aged 22 to 29 pay an average of $115 per month, as insurers view this group as higher risk.
As drivers age, their premiums generally decrease. Drivers aged 30 to 59 pay about $97 per month, while those 60 and older pay the least at $90 monthly. This reflects a downward trend in premiums as drivers get older.
| 22-29 | $1,382 | $115 |
| 30-59 | $1,164 | $97 |
| 60 + | $1,085 | $90 |
In Montana, age and gender play a crucial role in determining car insurance rates. Sixteen-year-old male drivers added to a family policy have the highest premium, averaging $2,895 annually.
Teen drivers under 18 usually cannot purchase car insurance without a co-signer. If they get an individual policy, the average premium rises to $6,102.
The average annual cost of full coverage car insurance is $961 for a 2012 model and $1,413 for a 2022 model. Newer cars typically have higher premiums due to their increased actual cash value, repair costs and theft risk.
Drivers with newer models should opt for comprehensive and collision coverages for better financial protection against accidents, natural disasters and theft.
| 2012 Vehicle | $961 | $80 |
| 2022 Vehicle | $1,413 | $118 |
Your vehicle's actual cash value (ACV) is the amount your insurance company will use to determine the payout for your comprehensive or collision claim. It reflects your car's market value, considering depreciation at the time of loss, ensuring that you receive fair compensation based on the vehicle's worth before the incident.
Car insurance costs in Montana vary based on your driving history. Here’s how different violations can impact premiums:
Violations can greatly increase your car insurance premiums. How much more you pay depends on the severity of the offense. These records stay on your driving history for different durations and affect your insurance costs. For example, a DUI can impact your rates for up to 10 years. Based on state law, other violations might stay on your record for a shorter time.
Check the table by coverage type and age group to see average insurance costs in Montana for different driving records.
| Clean | $1,164 | $97 |
| Ticket | $1,370 | $114 |
| At-fault Accident | $1,741 | $145 |
| DUI | $1,900 | $158 |
Credit scores greatly affect car insurance rates in Montana. Rates range from $1,379 yearly for poor credit to $750 for excellent credit. Your credit score is a key factor in setting car insurance premiums, as insurers see it as a measure of reliability. A good credit score falls between 670 and 739; higher scores usually lead to lower rates.
| Excellent | $750 | $62 |
| Good | $887 | $74 |
| Fair | $1,022 | $85 |
| Below Fair | $1,178 | $98 |
| Poor | $1,379 | $115 |
Various factors influence car insurance rates in Montana:
Every insurer weighs these factors differently, so compare quotes to find the best rates.
To secure affordable car insurance in Montana, compare rates from multiple insurers, increase your deductible and take advantage of all available discounts.
Shop around
Comparing rates from various insurers can help you find the cheapest car insurance in Montana. Review your options regularly to ensure you get the best deal.
Increase your deductibles
Opting for higher deductibles can lower your premiums. Ensure you can afford the deductible in case of a claim.
Maintain a clean driving record
A clean driving record with no accidents or violations can lower your insurance costs. Safe driving habits help you get lower premiums.
Bundle policies
Bundling car insurance with other policies, such as homeowners or renters insurance, can lead to discounts. Insurers often offer better rates for multiple policies.
Use discounts
Ask insurers about discounts for being a good student, having a safe driving record or installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle.
Drive a car with safety features
Vehicles equipped with safety features may qualify for lower insurance rates. Features like anti-lock brakes and airbags can lead to savings.
Consider usage-based insurance
If you drive less, consider usage-based insurance programs that offer rates based on your actual driving patterns and mileage.
We answer common questions about the average cost of car insurance in Montana, offering insights into factors that influence premiums and how to reduce your premium.
In Montana, the minimum car insurance requirements in Montana include bodily injury liability with at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident and property damage liability coverage of at least $20,000 per accident.
Montana drivers can expect to pay around $1,164 annually or about $97 monthly for full coverage auto insurance. For minimum coverage, the yearly cost is about $442 or about $37 monthly.
The average cost of car insurance for a 22-year-old in Montana depends on the type of coverage. For a policy with 100/300/100 full coverage and a $1,000 deductible, the average annual premium is $1,382 ($115 per month), while 100/300/100 liability-only coverage costs $607 annually ($51 monthly). For minimum coverage, the average annual premium is $510 ($42 per month).
State Farm and GEICO are the cheapest car insurance options in Montana at $164 and $371 per year, respectively, for minimum coverage.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
