Car Insurance in Montana
Montana requires drivers to carry at least 25/50/20 in liability coverage. As an at-fault state, the driver who causes an accident is responsible for the other party’s injuries and property damage.
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Montana at a glance
Data as of 2023Average cost
$975/yr
≈ $81/mo
vs U.S. average
-24%
below the national avg of $1,282/yr
Required minimums
25/50/20
BI / BI per accident / PD ($K)
Source: NAIC (2023). Annual average expenditure per insured vehicle.
Montana requires drivers to carry at least 25/50/20 in liability coverage. As an at-fault state, the driver who causes an accident is responsible for the other party’s injuries and property damage.
Montana’s long rural roads and higher claim severity push rates up despite low traffic density. Comparing quotes across insurers is the simplest way to find an affordable policy.
Montana minimum car insurance requirements
Montana requires $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 in property damage liability. Uninsured motorist coverage is included by default and can be waived in writing. Lenders require collision and comprehensive on financed vehicles.
Uninsured motorist coverage is required at 25/50 unless rejected in writing.
How much does car insurance cost in Montana?
The average driver in Montana pays $975 per year for auto insurance — that's 24% below the U.S. national average of $1,282/yr. Lower-than-average rates often reflect lower traffic density, fewer claims per insured vehicle, or less stringent coverage requirements.
Montana vs the national average
24% below the national average of $1,282/yr.
Source: NAIC (2023). Annual average expenditure per insured vehicle.
How Montana premiums have changed since 2019
Auto insurance costs in Montana have risen 17% over the past five years. The 2022–2023 jump mirrors a national trend: rising repair costs (vehicle complexity and parts inflation), more frequent severe accidents, and higher litigation costs pushed premiums up faster than overall inflation.
5-year trend: Montana vs national average
Montana is up 17% from $836 in 2019 to $975 in 2023.
Source: NAIC Auto Insurance Database Report (2022/2023), Table 4 — Average Expenditure.
Types of car insurance coverage
A Montana policy is built from a few core coverages. Liability is required; the rest are optional but often worth it.
| Coverage | What it covers | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | Injuries and property damage you cause to others | Required (state minimum) |
| Collision | Repairs to your own car after a crash | Optional* |
| Comprehensive | Theft, fire, weather, vandalism, animal strikes | Optional* |
| Uninsured motorist | Your costs if the at-fault driver has no insurance | Varies by state |
*Collision and comprehensive are usually required by your lender if you lease or finance your vehicle.
Driving without car insurance in Montana
Driving uninsured in Montana can be costly. Penalties typically include fines, suspension of your license and registration, and reinstatement fees. If you cause an accident while uninsured, you can also be held personally responsible for the other party's injuries and damage. You may also be required to file an SR-22 certificate to reinstate your license.
How to find cheaper car insurance in Montana
Rates for the same driver can vary widely between insurers in Montana, so comparing several quotes is the most effective way to save. A few other ways to lower your premium:
- Raise your deductible if you can cover it in a claim
- Ask about every discount you qualify for
- Keep a clean driving record and good credit (where the state allows it as a rating factor)
- Reconsider collision and comprehensive on an older vehicle
For more, see our guides on how to lower your premium and what affects your rate.
Coverage requirements last verified May 29, 2026. Always confirm current minimums with your state’s Department of Insurance.
Montana car insurance FAQs
Common questions about auto insurance in Montana
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