Montana Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (2024)


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Montana requires drivers to have minimum car insurance, including $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $20,000 per accident for property damage. As an at-fault state, the driver responsible for the accident is financially liable for any damage.

Meeting these minimum car insurance requirements is relatively affordable, with the cheapest car insurance in Montana starting at around $37 per month. However, this rate covers only the damage you cause to others and doesn't include protection for your own vehicle.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance to get the most accurate cost data for various Montana drivers.

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These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Montana as of December 2024.

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Montana Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

In Montana, the law requires drivers to have minimum coverage auto insurance to operate a vehicle legally. This coverage includes:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
  • $20,000 for property damage liability per accident

Montana follows a fault-based insurance system, meaning the driver at fault for an accident is responsible for covering the other party's damage and injuries. Carry more than the minimum coverage to protect yourself from financial risks that may exceed the coverage limits, as accidents can lead to costs that surpass basic insurance limits.

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DOES MONTANA REQUIRE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGES?

Montana doesn't mandate collision and comprehensive coverages as part of its minimum auto insurance requirements. However, if you're financing or leasing a vehicle, lenders usually require these coverages to protect their investment against accidents, theft or natural disasters. Carry collision and comprehensive coverage for added protection if you want to safeguard your vehicle from various types of damage.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?
What Liability Insurance Covers
What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover

Injuries to others if you're at fault in an accident

Your injuries

Damage to another person’s property if you're at fault in an accident

Damage to your car

Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy

Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal

Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, unless additional coverage is purchased

The table reflects Montana's minimum car insurance requirements, including liability coverage. Coverage specifics depend on your policy's terms and conditions.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Montana

Montana drivers between the ages of 22 and 29 have the highest premiums due to their higher risk of accidents and lower driving experience.

The table below highlights the average minimum coverage cost per age group in Montana.

22-29$515$43
30-59$446$37
60 +$434$36

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Montana

In Montana, the most affordable options for minimum coverage auto insurance are:

  • State Farm: $164 per year; $14 per month
  • GEICO: $371 per year; $31 per month

While finding a cost-effective minimum coverage insurance is important, consider the best car insurance in Montana that aligns with your needs.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
State Farm$164$14
GEICO$371$31
Farmers$409$34
Progressive$433$36
Nationwide$534$44
Kemper$564$47
Allstate$651$54

Optional Add-On Coverages in Montana

In Montana, optional coverages include uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, comprehensive, collision, medical payments and rental reimbursement. These add-ons offer financial safeguards against common risks beyond minimum coverage. Determine how much car insurance you need to tailor coverage to your needs.

Add-On Coverage
What It Covers
What It Doesn't Cover

Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage

Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance

Damage to your vehicle if you're at fault or damage that exceeds policy limits

Personal injury protection (PIP)

Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers, regardless of who's at fault

Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver

Roadside assistance

Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down

Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow

Gap insurance

Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen

Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments

Rental car reimbursement

The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event

Fuel, insurance or other rental extras

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Montana

In Montana, the cost of a ticket for driving without insurance depends on your history with this offense. First-time offenders may face a lighter penalty than those with prior incidents, while subsequent offenses could lead to more severe consequences.

Penalties for driving uninsured in Montana include:

  • Fines: The fines for driving without insurance may increase with repeated offenses.
  • License suspension: Your driving privilege may be temporarily revoked, and you must pay a fee to reinstate it.
  • SR-22 filing requirement: You might need to file an SR-22, a document your insurer files on your behalf to prove future financial responsibility.
  • Jail time: You may be jailed if you're uninsured during an accident.

Following Montana's laws by maintaining at least state minimum coverage on your vehicle is crucial. It ensures legal compliance and protects you from potential financial hardship if you're involved in an accident. The required insurance provides a safety net for you and others on the road.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

When your car insurance policy is canceled in Montana, immediately seek new coverage to avoid driving uninsured. Contact an insurance agent to discuss your options. The Montana Motor Vehicle Division will likely be notified of the cancellation, which could result in legal penalties if you drive without insurance.

You can find new coverage through other insurers or agents by comparing policies to find the best fit. The Montana Automobile Insurance Plan is available for high-risk drivers if you struggle to get insured.

Ensure you have at least the state's minimum coverage to drive legally and avoid serious consequences.

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WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in Montana may have been canceled for a few reasons:

  • Non-payment: If you miss paying your insurance premiums, your provider can cancel your coverage.
  • License suspension: Losing your driving privileges also means losing your insurance.
  • Fraud: Any deceitful activity, such as lying on your application, can lead to cancelation.
  • High risk: If you're involved in multiple accidents or violations, you might be considered too risky to insure.

FAQ: Montana Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

We answered common questions about minimum coverage in Montana to help you understand the car insurance needed to comply with state laws.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Montana?

Why does Montana require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?

Do you need comprehensive insurance in Montana?

What happens if you drive uninsured in Montana?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

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.