Montana Auto Insurance Requirements, Costs & Coverage Guide 2026
✓ Updated January 2026 – Based on Real Montana Quotes
Montana Auto Insurance Requirements & Costs
Complete guide to Montana car insurance requirements, average rates, and coverage options with current 2026 data. We’re a licensed insurance broker serving 34 states, not an insurance carrier—we help you compare multiple providers to find the best rates.
Data Source: All rates and statistics on this page are based on real first-party auto insurance quotes collected by our licensed agents in Montana. This is not national average data or advertised rates—these numbers reflect actual consumer quote activity in Montana during 2026.
Average Monthly Rate in AL
TBD
Based on real quotes from our licensed agents — update when AL quote data is available
Liability vs Full Coverage
TBD
Montana liability-only vs full coverage comparison — update when AL quote data is available
Price Range Across Carriers
TBD
Carrier spread comparison for Montana drivers — update when AL quote data is available
State Minimum Coverage
25/50/25
Montana’s minimum liability requirements protect you and others on the road
Montana Auto Insurance Requirements
Montana law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. Understanding these requirements is essential for legal compliance and financial protection.
Medical expenses and lost wages for one person injured in an accident you cause
Bodily Injury (per accident)
$50,000
Total medical expenses and lost wages for all people injured in an accident you cause
Property Damage
$25,000
Damage to another person’s vehicle or property in an accident you cause
Important: These are legal minimums. Most drivers benefit from higher coverage limits to protect against serious accidents. Consider 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 for better protection.
Optional but Recommended Coverage
While not legally required, these coverages provide crucial protection:
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Protects you if hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage
Collision: Covers damage to your vehicle from accidents, regardless of fault
Source: A Plus Insurance analysis of first party insurance quotes collected by licensed agents across multiple U.S. states. Data reflects real consumer quote activity and pricing for auto insurance, home insurance, and related policies, not advertised rates or national averages.
Evidence (records used)
This table lists underlying records used for the chart above.
record_id
call_id
call_date
state
city
zip
year
make
model
age
sex
marital
coverage
carrier
monthly
violations
accidents
dui
No matching records yet.
How Violations & Risk Factors Affect Your Montana Rates
Your driving record and risk profile significantly impact insurance costs in Montana. Understanding these factors helps you anticipate rate changes and make informed decisions.
Understanding SR-22 Insurance in Montana
An SR-22 is not insurance itself, but a certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurance company with the Montana Department of Public Safety. You may need an SR-22 if you have:
DUI or DWI conviction
Multiple traffic violations in a short period
At-fault accident without insurance
License suspension or revocation
Conviction for driving without insurance
SR-22 Cost Impact: Drivers requiring SR-22 certification typically pay 50-80% more for auto insurance. The SR-22 filing itself costs $15-50, but the underlying violation causes the major rate increase. SR-22 is usually required for 3 years in Montana.
Need SR-22 insurance? Learn more about SR-22 insurance in Montana and get quotes from providers who specialize in high-risk coverage.
SR22 vs non SR22 rate comparison
Filters: Geo_mode state, _show_summary , State MT
Source ... A Plus Insurance Quote Dataset
Liability only
Filters: Geo_mode state, _show_summary , State MT, Coverage liability_only
Source: A Plus Insurance analysis of first party insurance quotes collected by licensed agents across multiple U.S. states. Data reflects real consumer quote activity and pricing for auto insurance, home insurance, and related policies, not advertised rates or national averages.
Evidence (records used)
Record ID
Agent
Agent NPN
State
City
ZIP
Age
Sex
Marital Status
Currently Insured
Prior Carrier
Vehicle Year
Vehicle Make
Vehicle Model
Coverage Package
Carrier Quoted
Monthly Premium
SR22 Required
DUI Flag
DUI Count
Accidents Count
Violations Count
Created At
How DUI Affects Your Montana Insurance Rates
A DUI conviction has severe consequences for auto insurance in Montana:
Rate Increase: Average increase of 60-100% for 3-5 years
SR-22 Requirement: Mandatory filing for minimum 3 years
Limited Options: Many standard insurers will not cover DUI drivers
Long-term Impact: DUI stays on your record for 10 years in Montana
After a DUI, you’ll need to obtain coverage from high-risk or non-standard insurance providers. Rates gradually decrease as time passes without additional violations, but expect elevated premiums for several years.
Common Traffic Violations and Rate Impacts in Montana
Violation Type
Typical Rate Increase
Duration of Impact
Speeding (15+ mph over)
20-30%
3 years
At-fault accident
30-50%
3-5 years
Reckless driving
40-70%
3-5 years
DUI/DWI
60-100%
5-10 years
Driving without insurance
50-80%
3 years
Good News: Maintaining a clean driving record for 3-5 years can significantly reduce rates. Many insurers offer accident forgiveness and safe driver discounts.
Why Montana Auto Insurance Rates Change Over Time
Auto insurance rates in Montana fluctuate based on multiple factors. Understanding what drives these changes helps you make informed decisions about when to shop for coverage and how to manage your insurance costs effectively.
Key Factors That Affect Your Montana Insurance Rates
Inflation and Repair Costs: Vehicle repair costs and medical expenses increase annually, driving up premiums
Accident Frequency: Higher accident rates in your area lead to increased premiums
Market Competition: New insurers entering Montana or existing ones adjusting pricing strategies
Your Personal Profile: As your driving record, age, and credit change, your rates adjust accordingly
Best Practice: Compare quotes from at least 3-5 insurance providers every 6-12 months. The average Montana driver who shops around saves $400+ annually. Your current insurer may gradually increase rates, banking on you not noticing. Shopping around ensures competitive pricing. Learn more about Progressive insurance in Montana and other top carriers.
Important: Even a single day without insurance can have serious consequences in Montana. If your policy lapses, you face fines, potential SR-22 requirements, and significantly higher rates when you reinstate coverage.
Source: A Plus Insurance analysis of first party insurance quotes collected by licensed agents across multiple U.S. states. Data reflects real consumer quote activity and pricing for auto insurance, home insurance, and related policies, not advertised rates or national averages.
Evidence (records used)
This table lists underlying records used for the chart above.
record_id
call_id
call_date
state
city
zip
year
make
model
age
sex
marital
coverage
carrier
monthly
violations
accidents
dui
No matching records yet.
Cheapest auto insurance companies
Filters: Filters: State MT
Source ... A Plus Insurance Quote Dataset
No matching records yet.
Source: A Plus Insurance analysis of first party insurance quotes collected by licensed agents across multiple U.S. states. Data reflects real consumer quote activity and pricing for auto insurance, home insurance, and related policies, not advertised rates or national averages.
Evidence (records used)
This table lists underlying records used for the chart above.
record_id
call_id
call_date
state
city
zip
year
make
model
age
sex
marital
coverage
carrier
monthly
violations
accidents
dui
No matching records yet.
Driver age average monthly by area
Filters: Filters: State MT
Source ... A Plus Insurance Quote Dataset
No matching records yet.
Source: A Plus Insurance analysis of first party insurance quotes collected by licensed agents across multiple U.S. states. Data reflects real consumer quote activity and pricing for auto insurance, home insurance, and related policies, not advertised rates or national averages.
Evidence (records used)
This table lists underlying records used for the chart above.
record_id
call_id
call_date
state
city
zip
year
make
model
age
sex
marital
coverage
carrier
monthly
violations
accidents
dui
No matching records yet.
Driver sex average monthly by area
Filters: Filters: State MT
Source ... A Plus Insurance Quote Dataset
No matching records yet.
Source: A Plus Insurance analysis of first party insurance quotes collected by licensed agents across multiple U.S. states. Data reflects real consumer quote activity and pricing for auto insurance, home insurance, and related policies, not advertised rates or national averages.
Evidence (records used)
This table lists underlying records used for the chart above.
record_id
call_id
call_date
state
city
zip
year
make
model
age
sex
marital
coverage
carrier
monthly
violations
accidents
dui
No matching records yet.
Auto Insurance Coverage Across Montana Counties
Find detailed auto insurance information, rates, and requirements specific to your Montana county.
This was made easy compared to many others. Made getting insurance easy and I shopped around. Camron Moss is a gentleman and helped me efficiently with positivity. Thank you
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Jeff M.
8/14/2025
Alexis was amazing at answering my questions and her wealth of information was important in choosing what I needed.
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MJC
2/25/2025
Sweet girl and good deal!
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Ava
9/12/2025
Great customer service. I forgot to ask for his name. Great job. Every step of the way was an unbelievably effortless experience
read moreread less
Colin B.
11/25/2024
Zee was informative, fast and helpful.
read moreread less
James K.
9/30/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Montana requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage. This is the legal minimum to drive in Montana, though most financial advisors recommend higher limits for better protection.
Auto insurance costs in Montana vary widely based on location, driving record, age, vehicle, and coverage level. On average, liability-only coverage costs significantly less than full coverage. Urban areas like Billings and Great Falls typically have higher rates than rural counties due to accident frequency and theft rates. The best way to find your actual cost is to compare quotes from multiple providers.
No, Montana is an at-fault state. This means the driver who causes an accident is responsible for damages through their liability insurance. The at-fault driver’s insurance pays for injuries and property damage to other parties. This is why adequate liability coverage is crucial in Montana.
Driving without insurance in Montana results in serious penalties: fines, suspension of your driver’s license and vehicle registration, potential SR-22 requirement for future coverage, and significantly higher insurance rates when you reinstate coverage. Montana takes uninsured driving very seriously, and penalties increase for repeat offenses.
You need SR-22 insurance in Montana if you’ve had a DUI/DWI, multiple serious traffic violations, an at-fault accident without insurance, or your license was suspended or revoked. The SR-22 is a certificate your insurance company files with the Montana Department of Public Safety proving you carry the required minimum coverage. It’s typically required for 3 years and increases your insurance rates by 50-80%.
A DUI in Montana typically increases your insurance rates by 60-100% and remains on your driving record for 10 years. You’ll need to file an SR-22 for at least 3 years, and many standard insurance companies won’t cover you, forcing you to seek high-risk insurers. Rates gradually decrease over time if you maintain a clean record, but expect elevated premiums for 5-10 years.
Yes, most insurance experts recommend purchasing more than Montana’s minimum 25/50/25 coverage. These minimums may not cover all damages in a serious accident, leaving you personally liable for the difference. Consider at least 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 coverage, plus uninsured motorist coverage, to protect your assets. The additional cost is usually modest compared to the increased protection.
You should compare car insurance quotes every 6-12 months, even if you’re satisfied with your current provider. Insurance rates change frequently based on market conditions, and you may qualify for new discounts or find better rates elsewhere. Life changes like marriage, moving, or buying a home can also significantly affect your rates. Shopping around regularly can save Montana drivers $400 or more annually.
Jayleen Ridgeway
Marketing Manager
Data-driven marketing strategist specializing in insurance rate analysis, pricing trends, and consumer insights derived from real-world first-party data.
With a background in SaaS technology, Jayleen leads all marketing and social media efforts while uncovering actionable trends from monthly, quarterly, and yearly insurance data.
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