Car Insurance In Montana 2026: Laws, Costs, Requirements & Companies

Having thoroughly researched the insurance market in Montana, I have seen how car insurance requirements can impact drivers. This guide will cover the laws, costs, and ways that you can save money on your Montana car insurance policy.

Does Montana Require Car Insurance?

Yes, Montana requires all drivers to have state minimum liability coverage. Not maintaining the right level of insurance and keeping proof of that insurance handy can be a misdemeanor.

Minimum Required Coverage In Montana

Montana has a 25/50/20 requirement for bodily injury per person, per accident, and property damage. This means you have to carry:

• Bodily Injury Liability ($25,000 per person) for the medical expenses or death of a single person in an accident where you are the driver at fault.
• Bodily Injury Liability ($50,000 per accident), which is the total limit your insurance company will pay for injuries or deaths for multiple people per at-fault accident.
• Property Damage Liability ($20,000 per accident) for the damages to another person’s property, like damage to their car or home.

How Much Insurance Should You Get In Montana?

It is often recommended to go beyond the legal minimum, especially for drivers in Montana. Montana has some of the highest rates of wildlife vehicle collisions, which means that you are very likely to hit large game, including deer, moose, or elk, on rural highways. Equally important is the risk of extreme weather, including heavy snow and hail, which can cause cracked windshields and other damage.

For either of these, state-mandated minimums will typically be insufficient, which is why it’s smart to consider investing in comprehensive coverage.

Winter storms also lead to what are called slide-offs or single-vehicle accidents, where cars slide on icy roads into trees, guardrails, or ditches, which is typically only covered if you invest in collision coverage on top of your state minimums. Otherwise, in such accidents, you have to pay for all the repairs to your vehicle out of pocket.

It is estimated that upwards of 15% of drivers in Montana don’t have insurance, so even if you are not at fault in an accident, if you get into an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance, your state minimums won’t be sufficient. For this reason, some drivers invest in uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.

How Much Is Car Insurance In Montana?

The average cost for minimum coverage in 2025 is between $350 and $604 annually, but for full coverage in Montana is between $2,057 and $2,714 per year.

Your costs are heavily contingent on several factors, like the length of your policy, your age, and your risk. Below are some of the other categories of coverage options and their respective costs in Montana:

• Low-Income / Minimum Coverage: Drivers with the state minimum pay an average of $35 per month ($422/year).
• Non-Owner Car Insurance: If you drive but do not own a vehicle, you can keep personal coverage at around $27 per month ($326/year).
• Temporary / Short-Term Insurance: If you get a policy on a month-to-month basis, it can be $11 per month on average.
• Senior Car Insurance (Age 60+): Seniors pay an average of $118 per month for full coverage in Montana.
• Teen Car Insurance (Age 16): 16-year-olds face high rates, averaging $221 per month for full coverage.
• SR-22 / High-Risk Filing: If you are a high-risk driver or have to keep an SR-22 form on file, your costs for minimum coverage can average $87 per month or $216 for full coverage in Montana.
• College Students / Young Adults (Age 25): 25-year-olds pay an average of $75 per month for minimum coverage or $234 per month for full coverage.
• Bad Credit: The average increase for having bad credit is between $30 and $70 per month.
• With a Speeding Ticket: If you have a speeding ticket, it typically increases your monthly costs by an average of $52 in Montana.

These figures are general estimates and can vary depending on the insurer and your personal driving profile.

Which Car Insurance Companies Operate In Montana?

Montana has many national and regional providers for car insurance policies, with companies that provide discounts to Montana drivers and offer many customizable policy options. Some of those companies include the following:

• State Farm
• Progressive
• GEICO
• Allstate
• USAA
• Farmers
• Liberty Mutual
• Nationwide
• American Family
• Travelers
• Safeco
• Amica
• Kemper
• Bristol West
• ROOT
• The Hartford
• Auto-Owners Insurance
• Mountain West Farm Bureau
• Western National
• SFI (Sublimity Financial)

With Insuranceopedia, you can compare policies from these companies to find the one that fits best with your needs.

How To Get Lower Insurance Premiums In Montana

Drivers in Montana can utilize several ways to reduce their premiums.

Take A Mandatory Mature Driver Course

For starters, drivers who are over the age of 55 can participate in an approved highway traffic safety program. Completing these programs voluntarily can provide discounts averaging 10% for 2 or 3 years in a row.

Leverage National Guard Status

Members of the Montana National Guard can also take advantage of defensive driving courses and the subsequent discounts these provide, regardless of age.

Improve Your Credit Score

As Montana uses credit-based scores to set premiums, working to maintain or achieve a higher credit score can lead to lower rates, especially if you achieve a higher credit score and then shop around for a new policy once yours comes to an end.

Use a Professional Or Academic Membership

There are several organizations and institutions, like alumni groups and professional organizations, that offer discounts with many Regional insurance providers.

Compare Annually

Insurance providers can change your premiums every time your policy is up for renewal, so if you have a policy that is set to expire in the next few months, check what other offers you might qualify for, especially if other companies, like regional providers, have more favorable discounts for things like being a good driver or paying annually.

Drop Coverage For Older Cars

If you have an older car, you must check the value of that car. A second vehicle that is 15 years old might be important to you, but its current market value could be less than the deductible plus annual premiums you are paying. If that’s the case, bring your coverage down to the basic minimum instead of full comp and collision.

Proof Of Insurance In Montana

In Montana, all drivers are required to carry insurance and proof of that insurance; otherwise, they can face a misdemeanor that includes legal and administrative penalties. You can carry a physical insurance card or an electronic image on your mobile device. If you are stopped by an officer, they will electronically verify your insurance coverage using the Montana Insurance Verification System.

In the event that you don’t have adequate coverage or you can’t provide proof of your insurance coverage, you can face fines up to $500 for a first offense, jail time, and a hefty reinstatement process. This process can include registration reinstatement, a suspension period, replacement fees for your registration decals and license plates, or an SR-22 requirement for three years.

Montana State Driving Laws

Montana relies on a fault-based system for its insurance and accident provisions.

Insurance And Liability Coverage Requirements

• Fault State (Tort System): Montana is an at-fault, also known as a “tort” state. This means if you were the one responsible for causing an accident, you have to pay for all of the damages and injuries that result, including those from the other parties involved.
• Civil Suit Thresholds (Comparative Negligence): Montana uses a modified comparative negligence system, which means that one driver can only recover damages after an accident if they are found to be 50% or less at fault. If you are found to be 51% or more, you cannot seek damages after an accident.
• Drivers Without Insurance: Driving without proof of insurance is a misdemeanor.
• Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM): Montana does not mandate UM coverage, but drivers who don’t want it have to submit a written form to their insurance agent rejecting it, as all insurance agents have to offer it.
• Self-Insurance: Montana only allows self-insurance for government-owned vehicles or other commercial fleets that meet state financial requirements. This does not apply to regular drivers.
• SR-22s: High-risk drivers, like those who received multiple citations and convictions of driving without insurance or a DUI conviction, will have to typically file an SR-22 certificate for 3 years, providing proof of financial responsibility.

Driver Requirements

• DUI Laws: In addition to standard blood alcohol limits of 0.08% for adults, 0.04% for commercial drivers, and 0.02% for those who are under 21, refusing to take a chemical test will trigger an automatic suspension of your license for 6 months. If you cause a fatality with a blood alcohol level of twice the legal limit, it comes with a mandatory 3-year minimum prison sentence.
• Seat Belt Laws: Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory, and officers can pull you over in Montana for not wearing one.
• Teen Driving Laws: Teenagers are allowed to receive their instruction permit at age 14.5 as long as they complete driver’s ed. For the first year, teenagers have a restricted driving license and can only get full driving privileges once they turn 16 with a clean driving record for at least 6 months.

Car Accidents And Claims

• Statute of Limitations: The statute of limitations after an accident is generally 3 years to file a personal injury lawsuit and 2 years to file for property damages.
• When to Report an Accident: accidents have to be reported to the police immediately if property damage exceeds $1,000, or if there were any injuries or deaths.
• Total Loss Declaration: Vehicles are considered totaled or a total loss if the cost to repair them or salvage them is higher than the actual cash value.
• Cancellation/Non-Renewal Laws: Insurers must provide written notice before canceling or non-renewing your car insurance policy, usually 30 days’ notice, so that you have time to find a new policy.

Montana Car Insurance Contact Information

In Montana, there are several state-based organizations that oversee things like car insurance, vehicle compliance, and licensing. Knowing who to contact for which issues can save you a lot of time.

1. Commissioner Of Securities And Insurance (CSI)

The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance is the primary regulator for the insurance industry in the state. If you think your insurance company has acted unfairly, if you have any questions about current insurance laws, or if you want to check that an agent or company is legally allowed to operate in Montana, this is who you contact.

Contact Information:

• Phone (Main): (406) 444-2040
• Toll-Free (Helpline): (800) 332-6148
• Email (General): csi@mt.gov
• Insurance Consumer Services: (406) 444-3525 | Email: ics@mt.gov
• Physical Address: 840 Helena Avenue, Helena, MT 59601
• Website: gov

2. Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD)

The MVD manages driver licensing, insurance, and law enforcement. If your registration is suspended because you are caught without proper insurance, this is who you contact to have it reinstated. This is also who you contact for any questions about a license renewal or suspension.

Contact Information:

• Phone (Main Office): (406) 444-3933
• Toll-Free (Appointment Scheduling): (866) 450-8034
• Website: gov
• Physical Address: 302 N Roberts, Scott Hart Building, Helena, MT 59601

3. County Treasurer’s Offices (Registration & Titles)

All license plates and local vehicle registration get handled by the County Treasurer, so if you need to pay your annual fees, transfer ownership of a vehicle, or provide proof of insurance, this is who you contact.

Contact Information:

• Contact information varies by county. Use the County Treasurer Location Finder to find your local office.
• Yellowstone County: (406) 256-2833
• Gallatin County: (406) 582-3084
• Missoula County: (406) 258-4847
• Flathead County: (406) 758-5690

Common Montana Car-Related Crime And Fatalities

Montana drivers continue to face significant challenges concerning one of the highest traffic fatality rates in the U.S.

Traffic Fatality Data

In 2024, Montana experienced 203 traffic fatalities, with a similar figure in 2025. An estimated 90% of all fatal car accidents across the state are on rural roads in large part because of variable road conditions (especially in winter), high speeds, and long response times for emergency vehicles.

Common Accident Causes

From October to December, during the rut, wildlife collisions are much higher. In fact, 13% of all accidents in the state involve deer.

These types of single-vehicle crashes are not uncommon, as 45.9% of all accidents in 2022 were single-car accidents, involving animal accidents, running off the road, or running into a median. These figures are often due to a lack of seat belt use (seatbelts were not worn in over 50% of fatal car accidents in Montana) or impaired driving (with over 34% of fatalities involving alcohol, well above the national average).

During the winter, things don’t get better; Montana often sees historically high numbers of accidents in December because of black ice, snow, and increased holiday traffic.

Vehicle Theft Trends

Montana has seen a 14.8% decrease in 2025 compared to 2024 for vehicle theft, but despite the downward trend, car theft still represents over 10% of all Montana property crimes.