Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers in Montana


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Updated: May 20, 2024

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Insurance companies tend to give expensive quotes to high-risk drivers because they consider them risky to insure. Drivers with bad driving records looking for the most affordable policy should shop around and compare quotes from different companies.

In Montana, State Farm offers the best high-risk auto insurance and at the lowest price: around $826 per year for a policy for a high-risk driver.

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Best Companies for High-Risk Drivers in 2023

High-risk drivers are those who have caused accidents in the past, are young or have violations like reckless driving or a DUI conviction on their record. Insurance companies charge higher rates to insure such drivers because they are seen as more likely to file a claim.

In Montana, a high-risk driver could pay around 27% more for a policy than a driver with a clean record.

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WHAT EXACTLY IS A HIGH-RISK DRIVER?

If your driving record demonstrates reckless or dangerous driving habits, insurance companies will consider you a high-risk driver. For instance, drivers who frequently get into at-fault accidents will be considered risky to insure as they may file more claims. Based on MoneyGeek’s research, examples of high-risk drivers include:

  • Drivers with a history of traffic violations or at-fault accidents
  • Drivers with a DUI conviction
  • Drivers caught driving with a suspended or revoked license
  • Young drivers with a lack of driving experience
  • Drivers who drive sports cars or participate in drag racing
  • Drivers with bad credit or lapses in insurance coverage

Cheapest Car Insurance in Montana for High-Risk Drivers

Drivers looking for affordable high-risk car insurance quotes in Montana can find them through State Farm. It’s the cheapest insurer in the state for high-risk drivers, charging an average of $826 annually. MoneyGeek’s State Farm auto insurance review can give you an idea of its pros and cons, helping you decide if it suits your needs.

State FarmAnnual Premium$826
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,298
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,739
FarmersAnnual Premium$1,817
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,953
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SR-22 INSURANCE

Some states, Montana included, require high-risk drivers to file an SR-22 form after major driving violations like a DUI conviction or driving with a suspended license. Your insurer files an SR-22 in Montana on your behalf to prove that your policy meets the state’s minimum insurance requirements.

Best Car Insurance in Montana for High-Risk Drivers

State Farm provides the best high-risk auto insurance in Montana, earning a 91 out of 100 on MoneyGeek's scoring system. Our review of its auto insurance further analyzes its coverage details and available discounts.

The state's runner-up for high-risk auto insurance is Allstate, scoring 69 out of 100. MoneyGeek's Allstate auto insurance review can help you decide if it offers suitable coverage for your needs.


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State FarmBest for High-Risk Drivers
Score:96

5/5

Affordability Rating

5/5

Satisfaction Rating

4.5/5

Claims Rating

5/5

Financial Stability Rating

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

State Farm’s average cost in Montana for high-risk drivers is $826 per year, around 9% more than for drivers with a clean record.

More About State Farm

State Farm provides auto insurance policies nationwide. It offers add-on rideshare insurance, roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement coverages.

Policyholders may also get discounts that could help lower the cost of high-risk car insurance, such as good student, airbag, anti-theft system and new vehicle.

But State Farm does not offer gap insurance or new/better car replacement add-on coverages like other insurers.

2
Allstate
Score:49

0.8/5

Affordability Rating

4.5/5

Satisfaction Rating

5/5

Claims Rating

4.5/5

Financial Stability Rating

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

With Allstate, high-risk drivers pay around $1,298 annually for a policy in Montana, around 22% more than clean-record drivers.

More About Allstate

Allstate offers unique add-on coverages like sound system, custom parts and portable electronics and media.

It also offers many common add-on coverages, including roadside assistance and accident forgiveness.

As for discounts, high-risk drivers may save with many options, such as having airbags, anti-lock brakes, using automatic payment, or, if a student, having good grades.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Opting for a high-quality insurer and policy will often cost more, as quality doesn’t always come cheap. However, MoneyGeek analyzed how low-income drivers in Montana can get affordable insurance policies with good service quality that fits their needs.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Montana for Drivers With a DUI

Getting an affordable policy after a DUI on your record can be challenging. However, MoneyGeek's research shows State Farm offers cheap insurance for drivers with a DUI conviction in Montana. On average, a policy costs $807 per year. Our review of its auto insurance analyzes its coverage details.

However, USAA's auto insurance policies may suit you best if you're a veteran or active military. The company often offers affordable policies for drivers with a military background and a DUI conviction.

State FarmAnnual Premium$807
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,405
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,780
FarmersAnnual Premium$1,847
GEICOAnnual Premium$2,998
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LOOK-BACK PERIODS

Your state’s look-back period is the length of time a DUI conviction will stay on your driving record. Every state has a different look-back period for DUI convictions. In Montana, a DUI stays on your record for 10 years. A longer look-back period is essential to penalize repeat offenders.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Montana for Teenage Drivers

Although insurance companies charge higher rates to insure teen drivers, low-priced insurance is available. Based on MoneyGeek’s analysis, State Farm offers the cheapest policy in Montana for teens and students, charging an average of $2,770 per year. We reviewed its auto insurance to help you analyze if it suits your situation.

State FarmAnnual Premium$2,770
AllstateAnnual Premium$4,997
GEICOAnnual Premium$5,593
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$6,553
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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Since auto insurance policies for young drivers are expensive, you might consider buying a policy that meets Montana’s minimum coverage requirements. However, MoneyGeek advises against it as it won’t provide complete protection like full coverage does. We researched companies offering affordable policies for students and young drivers to help you explore cheap options.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Montana for Drivers With Bad Credit

MoneyGeek analyzed companies offering high-risk car insurance to drivers in Montana with bad credit. Our analysis shows State Farm provides the cheapest insurance policies for drivers with bad credit, charging an average of $1,426 per year. Read MoneyGeek’s State Farm auto insurance review for more information about its coverages and discounts.

State FarmAnnual Premium1,426Percent Change51%
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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Although getting affordable auto insurance with bad credit might be challenging, it’s not impossible. The best way to save money on a policy is by shopping around and comparing rates before choosing an insurer. MoneyGeek’s guide to obtaining car insurance with bad credit details the ways to find cheap insurance, even when you don’t have a strong credit history.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost for High-Risk Drivers in Montana?

When you apply for a policy, insurance companies analyze your driving record, credit score and other vital details before determining your rate. If you’re a high-risk driver, insurers will charge you more since they think you are more likely to file a claim.

In Montana, drivers with a clean record pay an average of $1,073 per year. However, insurers charge high-risk drivers an average of $1,527 annually, around $454 more.

Annual Car Insurance Cost in MT for Low-Risk vs. High-Risk Drivers

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Annual Premium

Low-Risk Driver

$1,073
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Annual Premium

High-Risk Driver

$1,527
In Montana, high-risk drivers pay:$454 more

This is 42% more expensive.

An easy way of estimating your auto insurance costs is with MoneyGeek’s Montana car insurance calculator. You will need to enter essential information like your age, driving record, coverage requirements and other details to know how much you may pay for a policy in Montana. It can also show you what is affecting the cost of your policy the most.

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Rates updated:

Jul 26, 2024

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Can You Still Get Car Insurance in Montana if Insurers Refuse to Insure You?

When you apply for a policy, getting approval from the insurer is not guaranteed. Since insurance is a voluntary market, insurance companies can reject your application if they consider you too risky to insure.

If you cannot buy a policy from the insurance market, you can still get a residual market plan from the Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office (AIPSO). Formed over 45 years ago, the organization helps high-risk drivers get a policy that’s the right option based on their needs.

Montana Automobile Insurance Plan

The Montana Automobile Insurance Plan helps high-risk drivers unable to get insurance from the voluntary market buy a suitable plan based on their needs. Montana is part of the Western Association of Automobile Insurance Plans (WAAIP). It helps connect high-risk drivers with insurance companies willing to provide them with insurance.

    building icon

    Office Hours

    Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. PT

    subscribe icon

    Email

    waaip@aipso.com

    smartphone icon

    Phone

    (800) 227-4659

    other icon

    Fax

    (800) 827-6260

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    Mailing Address

    Western Association of Automobile Insurance Plans, P.O. Box 6530, Providence, RI 02940-6530

Compare Auto Insurance Rates

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

Frequently Asked Questions

MoneyGeek gathered the following frequently asked questions about high-risk car insurance in Montana to help you understand important details and determine the best option based on your situation.

Which car insurance company is best for high-risk drivers in Montana?
How much does car insurance in Montana cost for high-risk drivers?
Who do insurers classify as a high-risk driver?
Where do I get car insurance coverage in Montana if insurers reject my application?

Methodology

MoneyGeek calculated average rates using full coverage car insurance policies with 100/300/100 liability insurance and comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. Minimum coverage car insurance policy rates were calculated based on each state’s minimum car insurance requirement.

To calculate rates for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek averaged the premiums insurance companies charge for three of the most common driving violations: speeding, at-fault accident and DUI.

To determine the best car insurance company for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek scored companies based on affordability, customer satisfaction and complaints — obtained from J.D. Power surveys and NAIC complaint scores — and financial strength ratings as calculated by AM Best. Affordability received the greatest weighting in our calculations.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

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.


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