How Much Is Car Insurance in Montana? (July 2024)


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Updated: July 25, 2024

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In Montana, the average annual cost of car insurance for a full coverage policy is around $995. If you choose a minimum coverage policy, the annual cost drops significantly to approximately $383. Several factors influence your specific car insurance premium. These include your age, the level of coverage you choose, where you live, your driving record, and your credit history.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed Montana auto insurance rates using data and information from the Montana Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services.

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These rates reflect the average cost of car insurance in Montana as of July 2024.

11,976Quotes Analyzed
 
8Companies Compared
 
12ZIP Codes

Average Car Insurance Costs in Montana

Montana's average full coverage car insurance cost is $1,079 annually and $90 monthly. Knowing your state's average car insurance cost helps determine if you're getting a competitive quote. By comparing car insurance quotes, you can see what options you have.

Below is a table that gives you an idea of what you might pay for minimum coverage or full coverage each month and year.

100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.Average Annual Premium$1,079Average Monthly Premium$90
100/300/100 Liability OnlyAverage Annual Premium$468Average Monthly Premium$39
State Minimum Liability OnlyAverage Annual Premium$383Average Monthly Premium$32

Why Are Car Insurance Rates Moderate in Montana?

Car insurance in Montana is generally affordable compared to the national average. The average annual premium for full coverage in Montana is $1,079, which is less expensive than the national average cost of car insurance at $1,296 annually. Even for state minimum coverage, Montana's average is $383, lower than the national average of $595.

Factors that might contribute to this affordability include Montana's lower population density, which can lead to fewer accidents and claims and potentially less auto theft and vandalism. Rural areas, like large parts of Montana, might also have lower crime rates affecting insurance costs.

Average Car Insurance Costs in Montana by Company

Car insurance premiums can vary widely from company to company, even within the same state. For instance, in Montana, State Farm offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance at an annual rate of $561, while Kemper presents the most expensive average premium at $1,559.

It is crucial to compare car insurance quotes from different providers to ensure you find the cheapest car insurance in Montana that matches your needs.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
State FarmAnnual Premium$561Monthly Premium$47
NationwideAnnual Premium$658Monthly Premium$55
FarmersAnnual Premium$1,031Monthly Premium$86
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,200Monthly Premium$100
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,204Monthly Premium$100
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,341Monthly Premium$112
KemperAnnual Premium$1,559Monthly Premium$130
Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

Average Car Insurance Costs in Montana by Coverage Level

The cost of car insurance in Montana is also impacted by the specific coverage options you opt for. For instance, the monthly cost for minimum coverage is approximately $32, whereas a full coverage policy with a $1,000 deductible averages around $83 per month. Despite being pricier, a full coverage policy full coverage insurance is frequently recommended for its more comprehensive protection against financial losses.

In addition to the base premium, integrating comprehensive and collision coverage will raise the overall cost, but this can be mitigated by choosing higher deductibles. It's important to note that the deductible represents the outlay for each comprehensive or collision claim made under a policy.

State Minimum Liability OnlyAverage Annual Premium$383Average Monthly Premium$32
100/300/100 Liability OnlyAverage Annual Premium$468Average Monthly Premium$39
300/500/300 Liability OnlyAverage Annual Premium$534Average Monthly Premium$44
State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded.Average Annual Premium$936Average Monthly Premium$78
State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.Average Annual Premium$995Average Monthly Premium$83
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded.Average Annual Premium$1,021Average Monthly Premium$85
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.Average Annual Premium$1,079Average Monthly Premium$90
300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded.Average Annual Premium$1,087Average Monthly Premium$91

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Montana

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.

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    $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person

    This is the amount that covers expenses for an individual's injuries in an accident where you're at fault in Montana.

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    $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.

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    $20,000 for property damage liability per accident

    This amount covers the damage caused to someone else's property when you are responsible for the accident in Montana.

Average Car Insurance Costs in Montana by City

Where you live affects your car insurance premiums. Cities that have a high population density and more traffic tend to have more accidents and insurance claims, resulting in higher rates to offset the increased risk. For example, Billings is more expensive than most areas. Drivers in Billings pay an annual average rate of $992 for full coverage car insurance.

BillingsFull Coverage Annual Premium$992Minimum Coverage Annual Premium$394

Average Car Insurance Costs in Montana by Age

Age significantly influences car insurance costs in Montana, with younger drivers typically paying higher premiums. Drivers aged 22 to 29 pay the most for car insurance at $107 per month becasue insurers consider this group to carry a higher risk. As drivers mature, their car insurance premiums tend to decrease. Drivers aged 30 to 59 and those 60 and above experience more affordable car insurance rates, reflecting a downward trend in premiums with advancing age.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
22-29Average Annual Premium$1,278Average Monthly Premium$107
30-59Average Annual Premium$1,079Average Monthly Premium$90
60 +Average Annual Premium$1,007Average Monthly Premium$84

Average Car Insurance Costs in Montana for Teens

In Montana, age and gender are influential factors in determining car insurance rates. Notably, 16-year-old male drivers see the highest premium when added to a family policy, with an annual cost of $2,895. Teen drivers under 18 typically cannot purchase car insurance without a co-signer. If they acquire an individual policy, the premium increases to $6,102.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Gender:
Gender:Male
16Added to Family Policy Premium$2,895Individual Premium$6,102
17Added to Family Policy Premium$2,703Individual Premium$4,509
18Added to Family Policy Premium$2,278Individual Premium$3,796
19Added to Family Policy Premium$2,213Individual Premium$2,927
20Added to Family Policy Premium$2,306Individual Premium$2,616
21Added to Family Policy Premium$1,750Individual Premium$1,992
22Added to Family Policy Premium$1,714Individual Premium$1,827
23Added to Family Policy Premium$1,752Individual Premium$1,583

Average Car Insurance Costs in Montana for New Cars

On average, full coverage car insurance for a 2012 vehicle model runs about $961 annually. In contrast, a full coverage policy for a comparable 2022 is $1,413. This increase often reflects the higher actual cash value of newer cars, alongside the greater cost to repair advanced features and the added risk of theft. Drivers with newer vehicle models, like those from 2022, should secure both comprehensive and collision coverage. This combination not only protects against a broader range of incidents.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
2012 VehicleAnnual Premium$961Monthly Premium$80
2022 VehicleAnnual Premium$1,413Monthly Premium$118
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ACTUAL CASH VALUE

The actual cash value (ACV) of your vehicle is the basis for how much your insurance company will pay out in the event of a comprehensive or collision claim. It reflects your car's market value, considering factors such as age, condition, and depreciation, which ultimately determines the affordable and fair reimbursement amount in case of damage or loss.

Average Car Insurance Costs in Montana by Driving Record

Car insurance costs in Montana fluctuate based on one's driving history. Here's the potential impact on your insurance expenses:

  • With a ticket: $1,266 annually; $106 monthly
  • With an at-fault accident: $1,610 annually; $134 monthly
  • With a DUI: $1,747 annually; $146 monthly

Violations can significantly influence your car insurance premiums in Montana. The severity of the offense dictates how much more you'll end up paying. These infractions remain on your record for varying durations and will affect your insurance costs for that period.

For instance, a DUI in Montana may stay on a driver's record indefinitely, continually affecting insurance premiums. In contrast, other violations like speeding tickets might only impact your record for a limited time. Explore the table by coverage type and age group to see average insurance costs in Montana for different driving records.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
CleanAverage Annual Premium$1,079Average Monthly Premium$90
TicketAverage Annual Premium$1,266Average Monthly Premium$106
At-fault AccidentAverage Annual Premium$1,610Average Monthly Premium$134
DUIAverage Annual Premium$1,747Average Monthly Premium$146

Average Car Insurance Costs in Montana by Credit Score

On average, car insurance in Montana costs $1,171 annually, with rates heavily influenced by credit scores ranging from $1,379 (with poor credit) to $750 (with excellent credit). Your credit score is a critical factor in determining car insurance premiums, with insurers considering it a measure of your reliability. A good credit score falls between 670 and 739, with higher scores often leading to more affordable rates.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Coverage:
Coverage:100/300/100 w/ $1000 Deductible
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
ExcellentAnnual Premium$750Monthly Premium$62
GoodAnnual Premium$887Monthly Premium$74
FairAnnual Premium$1,022Monthly Premium$85
Below FairAnnual Premium$1,178Monthly Premium$98
PoorAnnual Premium$1,379Monthly Premium$115
Compare Auto Insurance Rates

Ensure you're getting the best rate for your auto insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.

Factors Affecting Car Insurance Rates in Montana

Discover how various factors uniquely influence your car insurance rates in Montana, dictating whether you'll edge closer to affordable premiums or require a heftier budget for your policy.

  • Driving Record: A pristine driving record can lead to more affordable rates, as insurers see fewer violations or accidents as indicators of a lower risk driver in Montana.
  • Credit Score: Montana drivers with higher credit scores may find more favorable insurance rates, as a strong credit history suggests responsible behavior that insurers reward.
  • Age and Experience: Younger, less experienced drivers often face higher premiums due to a perceived increase in risk on Montana roads.
  • Vehicle Type: The make, model and age of your vehicle can impact your insurance costs, with higher-end or newer models typically incurring greater premiums.
  • Location and Theft Rates: Urban areas with higher theft rates may drive up insurance costs for Montana residents due to increased risk.
  • Coverages Selected: Opting for higher limits and additional policies like comprehensive insurance or collision insurance will affect your premium.
  • Annual Mileage: The more you drive in Montana, the higher the likelihood of filing a claim, which can lead to increased insurance rates.
  • State Minimum Requirements: Choosing state minimum coverage can offer the most affordable rates but may provide less protection than opting for higher limits.

Each factor influences your premium in Montana, reinforcing the necessity to compare quotes for a policy that aligns with your needs and budget.

How to Save Money on Car Insurance in Montana

To secure affordable car insurance in Montana, compare rates from multiple insurers, increase your deductible and exploit all available discounts to minimize costs.

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    Shop around for insurance rates

    Comparing rates from various insurers can lead to finding the cheapest car insurance in Montana. Regularly review your options to ensure you're getting the best deal.

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    Increase your deductibles

    Opting for higher deductibles can lower your premiums. Ensure you can afford the deductible in case of a claim.

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    Maintain a clean driving record

    A clean driving record without accidents or violations can significantly reduce your insurance costs. Safe driving habits are rewarded with lower premiums.

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    Bundle policies

    Bundling car insurance with other policies like homeowners or renters insurance can lead to discounts. Insurers often offer better rates for multiple policies.

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    Take advantage of discounts

    Ask insurers about discounts for things like being a good student, having a safe driving record, or installing anti-theft devices in your vehicle.

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    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.

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    Consider usage-based insurance

    If you drive less, consider usage-based insurance programs that offer rates based on your actual driving patterns and mileage.

FAQ: Car Insurance Costs in Montana

Here we provide clear answers on what drivers can typically expect to pay for their car insurance coverage.

What are the minimum car insurance requirements in Montana?
What is the average cost of full coverage and minimum coverage auto insurance in Montana?
What is the average cost of car insurance for a 22-year-old in Montana?
What are the cheapest car insurance companies in Montana?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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Mark Fitzpatrick has analyzed the property and casualty insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. Currently, he leads P&C insurance content production at MoneyGeek. Fitzpatrick 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.