Average Car Insurance Cost for Montana
- State minimum liability on average in Montana costs $49 a month or $583 a year.
- Full coverage auto policies costs around $242 a month or $2,909 a year in MT.
InsuranceQuotes cost rates are pulled from our real-time auto insurance database from recent quotes in Montana – Rates are based on a used car driver who is single, middle aged & has a clean driving record. Read on to learn about the cheapest local rates filtered by insurance providers, new cars, vehicle types and age.
Who Has the Cheapest Car Insurance Policy Rates in Montana?
- In Montana the cheapest car insurance companies on average are Progressive, State Farm, and Berkshire Hathaway. State minimum liability car insurance starts at $37 a month or $445 a year. Full coverage car insurance starts at $190 a month or $2,276 a year with Progressive.
Here is the average costs from the cheapest local insurance providers in Montana from our cost data set of used-car drivers who are single, middle aged and have a clean driving record:
| Insurance Provider: | State Minimum Liability: | Monthly: | Full Coverage: | Monthly” |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $445 | $37 | $2,276 | $190 |
| State Farm | $530 | $44 | $3,140 | $262 |
| Berkshire Hathaway | $600 | $50 | $5,617 | $468 |
| Farmers | $1,139 | $95 | $5,627 | $469 |
Average Auto Policy Costs for Popular MT Cities
| Montana City: | State Minimum Liability: | SM Monthly: | Full Coverage: | FC Monthly: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | $583 | $49 | $2,909 | $242 |
| Bozeman | $471 | $39 | $2,677 | $223 |
| Butte | $508 | $42 | $2,776 | $231 |
| Great Falls | $547 | $46 | $2,736 | $228 |
| Helena | $516 | $43 | $2,636 | $220 |
| Missoula | $539 | $45 | $2,657 | $221 |
SEE OUR LIST OF POPULAR MT CITY COST GUIDES:
State Minimum Liability Coverage in MT
Like all states, Montana requires that you are financially responsible for any vehicles that you drive. You must have the minimum insurance coverages on your vehicle:
- $25,000 per person involved, typically $50,000 per accident.
- $10,000 for property damage.
Driving without insurance can result in a fine and even potential jail time. If you drive without insurance a second time, you can lose your license for even longer and face even harsher penalties. The Montana Code Annotated Title 61 Chapter 6 forces insurance agencies to report new policies to the state. You also have to tell the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) when you change your policy.
How Are Auto Insurance Rates Calculated?
The price of auto insurance depends on a range of factors. These include your driving record, location, and the people driving your vehicle. Your premiums can also change depending on how much you insure for, and what coverage you want. Here are a few factors to keep in mind:
1. Your age: Younger people are statistically more likely to be involved in accidents. Adding a teen to your policy can potentially raise your premium.
2. Your chosen deductible: A higher deductible may seem like a good idea when signing your policy, as it equates to a lower monthly payment. However, it may be a burden when you need to file a claim. Weigh your risk factors before choosing a deductible.
3. Your car’s age and value: Insurance companies factor the age and value of your car in different ways. One company may charge more to insure an older vehicle because it does not have updated safety features. Another may charge more for a newer car of greater value because it represents a high theft risk. It’s best to get quotes based on your specific vehicle and make a decision from there.
How Credit Scores and DUIs Affect Montana Car Insurance Rates
A DUI conviction raises Montana full coverage premiums from around $124 to $187 per month — an increase of roughly 57% — pushing annual premiums past $3,400 and requiring an SR-22 filing for three to five years.
Credit history carries even more weight. Montana drivers with poor credit pay around $340 per month for full coverage, compared to roughly $111 per month for drivers with good credit — a difference of more than $2,700 a year. Improving your credit score before you shop is one of the fastest ways to lower your Montana premium.
Montana Car Insurance Rates by County & Vehicle Types
| Auto Insurance Costs by County: | Sedan: | SUV: | Coupe: | Truck: | Hybrid: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beaverhead | $944 | $772 | $856 | $991 | $1,058 |
| Big Horn | $926 | $753 | $826 | $986 | $1,054 |
| Blaine | $966 | $784 | $858 | $1,033 | $1,105 |
| Broadwater | $957 | $788 | $873 | $1,000 | $1,066 |
| Carbon | $966 | $784 | $858 | $1,033 | $1,105 |
| Carter | $966 | $784 | $858 | $1,033 | $1,105 |
| Cascade | $1,017 | $842 | $935 | $1,053 | $1,120 |
| Chouteau | $966 | $784 | $858 | $1,033 | $1,105 |
| Custer | $966 | $784 | $858 | $1,033 | $1,105 |
| Daniels | $966 | $784 | $858 | $1,033 | $1,105 |
Getting Affordable Auto Insurance in Montana
You can usually lower your insurance rates if you qualify for discounts. For example, you often get a discount on your car insurance if the drive between your home and work is very short. Montana also has a competitive insurance law. This means that you can get different prices if you shop around. You can use the following tips to get a discount from some insurers.
- Start looking for insurance 6 to 12 weeks in advance.
- Install anti-theft devices in your vehicle.
- Carpool and drive to work less than 3 times per week.
- Mention the age and condition of the vehicle.
- Ask for a senior discount, if applicable.
A clean driving record often qualifies you for a reduced rate as well. For example, if you haven’t been in an accident within a three-year period, you may qualify. Teens can sometimes lower their rates by taking a Driver‘s Education or Safety program from the DMV.
The Western Association of Automobile Insurance Plans (WAAIP) is an option if you cannot find insurance elsewhere. The WAAIP is expensive but offers insurance to everyone who can pay.
Moving to Montana: Important Information
The State of Montana gives you a 60-day grace period to change your vehicle registration and driver’s license. The Montana Insurance Verification System does not check out of state insurance, so you should let your insurance company know your new address.
The State of Montana requires that you take an eye test before giving you a driver’s license. The examiner may also require that you take a driving test, even if you already have an out of state license. You will have to pay a fee for your new license. You can make an appointment online using the DMV Appointment Scheduler.
Understanding Driving Laws in Montana
Montana has numerous driving laws for you to learn. The easiest way to learn local rules is to read the Montana Vehicle Code. The book is 13 chapters long and covers information about vehicles, registration, and insurance.
1. It is illegal to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol according to the Montana Code Annotated section 61-8-401.
2. Any vehicle being driven in the state must be registered and have a license plate.
3. The Montana Seatbelt Act states that the fine for not using a seatbelt is $20 for an adult and $100 and up for a child, payable by the adult or guardian in the vehicle.
4. During the day, state highways and interstates in Montana fall under the “reasonable and prudent rule.” Under this rule, speeding is at the discretion of the officer. This generally comes into play between 70 and 85 mph, but as a rule, if you are passing most of the other cars on the road, you are not driving safely, and you face a violation of $70 to over $500.
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana Auto Insurance
How much is car insurance in Montana per month?
Car insurance in Montana averages approximately $38 per month for minimum coverage and $138 per month for full coverage in 2026. Montana rates have risen significantly — approximately 20 percent or more since 2022 — driven by wildfire claims, severe hailstorms, and rising vehicle repair costs. State Farm is the most affordable carrier in Montana at approximately $32 per month for minimum coverage. GEICO and Progressive are competitive alternatives. Despite recent increases, Montana remains below the national average for full coverage, reflecting its rural driving environment and low traffic density.
Why did Montana car insurance rates go up so much recently?
Montana car insurance rates rose approximately 20 percent or more between 2022 and 2024 due to converging factors: wildfire seasons have become increasingly severe across Montana, with multiple large fires causing significant vehicle losses; severe hailstorms along the I-90 and I-15 corridors have driven comprehensive claims; and vehicle repair cost inflation has increased the cost of every collision claim. Wildlife collisions — which Montana experiences in very high volumes — have also increased as elk, deer, and moose populations and vehicle traffic both grow. Montana drivers who have not shopped their policy in 24 months may be significantly overpaying versus available 2026 market rates.
What are the minimum car insurance requirements in Montana?
Montana requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/20 — $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, plus $20,000 in property damage liability. Montana is a tort state with no mandatory PIP requirement. Montana does not require uninsured motorist coverage, though an estimated 10 to 15 percent of Montana drivers are uninsured — making UM/UIM an important add-on for most Montana drivers. Driving without insurance in Montana can result in fines up to $500 and license suspension.
Who has the cheapest car insurance in Montana?
State Farm is consistently the most affordable car insurance option in Montana at approximately $32 per month for minimum coverage and $90 per month for full coverage. GEICO is competitive at $35 per month for minimum coverage. Progressive offers the best rates for Montana drivers with violations. Montana’s large geographic footprint means rates vary between the Billings metro, the Missoula area, the Flathead Valley, and Great Plains counties — with Billings and Missoula typically carrying the highest in-state rates due to their relative urban density compared to the rest of Montana.
Is comprehensive coverage essential in Montana?
Yes — comprehensive coverage is essential for Montana drivers for two main reasons. First, Montana has extremely high wildlife collision rates. Deer, elk, antelope, and moose crossings are common on Montana highways, particularly at dawn and dusk. A single elk collision can cause $10,000 to $25,000 in vehicle damage. Comprehensive is the only coverage type that pays for wildlife strikes. Second, Montana experiences significant hailstorm activity along the I-90 and I-15 corridors that can cause widespread vehicle roof and hood damage in a single storm. Wildfire smoke and ash can also cause paint and surface damage covered under comprehensive. At $20 to $35 per month added to your policy, comprehensive is one of the highest-value insurance decisions a Montana driver can make.
How much does a DUI raise car insurance rates in Montana?
A DUI conviction raises Montana full coverage premiums from around $124 to $187 per month — an increase of roughly 57% — pushing annual premiums past $3,400 and requiring an SR-22 filing for three to five years.
How does credit score affect car insurance rates in Montana?
Significantly. Montana drivers with poor credit pay around $340 per month for full coverage, compared to roughly $111 per month for drivers with good credit — a difference of more than $2,700 a year.
Montana Wildlife Collisions: Why Comprehensive Coverage Is Non-Negotiable
Montana consistently ranks among the top five states for wildlife vehicle collisions, with deer, elk, antelope, and moose strikes causing thousands of accidents annually on Montana highways. The most dangerous stretches include US-2 across the Hi-Line, US-93 through the Flathead Valley, I-90 through the Rockies, and virtually every secondary highway that crosses agricultural and forest land at dawn or dusk. A single elk collision — the most common large-animal strike in Montana — can cause $10,000 to $25,000 or more in vehicle damage. Comprehensive insurance is the only auto policy type that covers wildlife strikes. It does not fall under collision coverage. Montana drivers who carry only liability and collision, without comprehensive, are fully exposed to one of the state’s most predictable and costly hazards. Comprehensive coverage typically adds $20 to $35 per month to a Montana policy — a fraction of the cost of a single wildlife claim.
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Michael Giusti is a senior insurance analyst, business journalist, and university professor with over 20 years of experience. He serves as department chair at Loyola University New Orleans and contributes to Insurance Thought Leadership, U.S. News, and other leading financial outlets.
