Looking for Cheap Car Insurance in Montana?
In Montana, you'll find a combination of breathtaking mountainscapes and fascinating roadways. However, you'll also find some of the highest car insurance rates in the nation. Crash and fatality rates are higher on mountainous roads, so insurance companies take this into account when setting premiums.
But there are many factors, such as the location of your residence, that play into the amount you pay for insurance. Whether you're looking for the best deal in Billings, Missoula, or Great Falls, you can always start with comparing rates.
Carlay is an insurance brokerage that helps you save on your auto insurance premiums by collecting quotes from multiple insurers and helping you switch to the best one.
Want some proof? Here are some quotes from Carlay customers:
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Montana?
The average Montana driver pays $1,729 a year to cover the state's basic liability car insurance requirements. If you opt for full coverage car insurance in Montana, you could pay an average of $2,268 a year.
For comparative purposes, the average American spends $1,783 per year on liability coverage and $2,485 per year on full coverage.
What contributes to the insurance rates in Montana?
Montana's car insurance rates are among the highest in the nation due, in part, to:
- Dangerous Mountain Road
Montana is a beautiful state with incredible vistas and opportunities to get off the beaten path by car. Unfortunately, this also means that dangerous mountain roads contribute to high car insurance rates and vehicle fatality rates in the state—the highest in the nation.
- Severe weather
Montana has some of the most beautiful weather in the country, but because it's so far north, severe weather isn't uncommon. From snowy winters to spring and summer thunderstorms, Montana drivers need reliable car insurance.
Here's an overview of how the cost of auto insurance in Montana compares to the rest of the nation:
| All Coverage Before Carlay | All Coverage After Carlay | Minimum Coverage Before Carlay | Minimum Coverage After Carlay | Full Coverage Before Carlay | Full Coverage After Carlay | |
| MT | $2,329 | $1,254 | - | - | $1,796 | $1,440 |
| National Average | $2,489 | $1,671 | $2,360 | $1,390 | $2,761 | $1,963 |
| MT | National Average | |
| All Coverage Before Carlay | $2,329 | $2,489 |
| All Coverage After Carlay | $1,254 | $1,671 |
| Minimum Coverage Before Carlay | - | $2,360 |
| Minimum Coverage After Carlay | - | $1,390 |
| Full Coverage Before Carlay | $1,796 | $2,761 |
| Full Coverage After Carlay | $1,440 | $1,963 |
Top auto insurance providers in Montana
Montana motorists who need car insurance can look to familiar names like State Farm, GEICO, and Progressive for comprehensive coverage and excellent customer service. But finding the right insurance company for you is not simply a matter of choosing one arbitrarily.
It can take a lot of patience to drive the process. Insurance companies set their rates based on a number of factors, but they don't weigh all of those factors equally. That's why even though two people may have the exact same coverage, one company may offer them a better rate than another.
Auto insurance premiums vary depending on a number of factors, including your age, driving record, and where you live. And your car also makes a difference. For example, if you own a Honda Civic, your insurance costs are likely to be lower than if you own an Acura TLX because it's more expensive to insure expensive cars.
Carlay customers in Montana can save money on auto insurance by getting quotes from various companies:
| Insurance Company | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Carlay | |
| National General | $6,000 | $4,109 | Compare Prices |
| Nationwide | $3,371 | $1,694 | Compare Prices |
| Kemper | $3,053 | $1,653 | Compare Prices |
| Travelers | $2,752 | $1,249 | Compare Prices |
| Safeco | $2,879 | $1,207 | Compare Prices |
| Allstate | $3,360 | $1,041 | Compare Prices |
What Car Insurance Do You Need in Montana?
To legally operate a motor vehicle in the state of Montana, you need at least the following insurance:
| Coverage | Amount | Description |
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident | Covers the costs associated with injuries you cause to others |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 per accident | Covers the costs associated with damage you cause to other people's vehicles or property |
For all drivers, these requirements are fairly low, and it could result in some serious penalties if you don't have them:
- Fine of up to $500
- Up to 10 days in jail
- Up to 5 points on your license
- Driver's license suspension for up to 90 days
- Financial liability in the event of an accident
As you know, liability insurance isn't enough to protect you and your vehicle in the event of an accident. You usually want to purchase additional coverage. Here are some coverages to consider:
| Coverage | Description |
| Collision insurance | Covers damages that are the result of a collision with a vehicle or stationary object |
| Comprehensive insurance | Covers damages that aren't the result of a collision, such as vandalism, theft, or a natural disaster |
| Uninsured motorist coverage | Reimburses you for your expenses from an accident caused by an uninsured driver |
| Personal injury protection | Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs after an accident |
| Rental reimbursement | Reimburses you for your rental car expenses while your car is being repaired after a claimable accident |
When you know what you need, why not let Carlay help find the right provider?
Carlay saves you money on car insurance by providing the best rates available in your area. It compares quotes from top carriers, such as Nationwide and Travelers, helps you switch to a new carrier, and monitors your policy before renewal, so you always get the best price. Carlay customers save, on average, $879 each year.
Now that you've selected the insurance plan that suits your needs let's review the factors that impact the cost.
How is Your Cost of Car Insurance Determined in Montana?
When you buy car insurance, you take into account your age, driving record, the location where you live, and the type of vehicle you drive.
- Cost to insure your car in Montana by age
Insurance companies consider experience to be a key factor in calculating risk. As a result, young drivers tend to pay more for auto insurance than drivers who have years of experience behind the wheel.
What young drivers in Montana need to know
Young drivers in Montana need to follow a three-step graduate licensing program. By following these steps, drivers under 18 years of age can reduce their risk while they develop and improve their driving skills. Also, taking a defensive driving course will help reinforce safe driving behaviors and secure lower insurance premiums. That's not all; maintaining a good grade average can qualify student drivers for a good student discount on their auto insurance.
Don't lose heart! As a young driver, you will probably pay higher rates for car insurance than your parents. However, it pays to shop around and make comparisons, and keeping a clean driving record can help you find lower rates.
Whether you are 16 or 60, Carlay drivers are in your age bracket. Use the table below to compare rates offered by Carlay drivers to those of other insurance companies:
| Age Group | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Carlay |
| 18-20 | $2,934 | $889 |
| 21-24 | $2,111 | $688 |
| 25-34 | $2,566 | $921 |
| 35-44 | $2,039 | $784 |
| 45-54 | $1,994 | $615 |
| 55-64 | $3,396 | $2,238 |
| 65+ | $1,584 | $452 |
- Cost to insure your car in Montana with a poor driving record
While your age helps insurers gauge experience, your driving record helps them gauge your risk level. If you accumulate speeding tickets, accidents, or serious offenses like reckless driving, Montana auto insurance companies will increase your Montana car insurance premiums for up to 10 years.
With an app like Carlay, you can find low-cost car insurance if you have a few violations on your record.
Here are some of the discounts we offer customers with poor driving histories:
| Driving Violation | Average Cost | Annual Savings with Carlay |
| Clean Record | $2,617 | $1,118 |
| Driving on Sus. License | $6,000 | $4,072 |
| DUI | $3,105 | $1,252 |
| Leaving scene of an Accident/Hit and Run | $3,912 | $1,248 |
| Failure to Obey Traffic Sign | $2,078 | $812 |
| Speeding under 15 | $3,924 | $803 |
| Illegal Turn | $2,790 | $678 |
| Suspension | $1,800 | $410 |
| Defective Equipment | $3,324 | $228 |
| Other | $2,371 | $563 |
- Cost to insure your car in Montana based on where you live
Despite its vastness, Montana has a relatively small population. It's one of the least densely populated states in the country, with just 6.8 people per square mile. That said, your location does have an impact on the cost of your insurance.
Urban drivers pay higher auto insurance premiums than people who live in rural areas. This is because they are more likely to be involved in accidents, have their cars stolen, or make insurance claims.
As a result, if you are living in a suburban city like Great Falls, your insurance premiums will be higher than if you live in a small town like Dixon.
Check out these 10 cities in Montana where it will cost you the least to insure your car:
- Cost to insure your car in Montana based on the type of car you drive
It's important to know that your car plays a role in calculating your insurance rate. Buick Lacrosse and Ford F-150 pickup trucks rank high for affordable, reliable vehicles that will help keep your costs at a minimum.
On average, you're likely to pay less for auto insurance if you have a car that costs less to repair or replace in the event of an accident. You'll be able to save even more money if you stop driving so much because you have less risk of being in an accident.
But if you're driving a GMC Yukon XL or Ford Excursion XLT, you'll most likely pay more for the vehicle since it's priced higher.
Let's have a look at the cost of insuring some popular makes and models with and without Carlay:
How to Save Money On Car Insurance in Montana?
It's always good to save a buck, so even if you've already purchased insurance at a reasonable rate, take a look at how easy it is to reduce your costs a little more.
- Shop around for quotes
If you want to save money on car insurance, comparison-shop with several companies to see what's available. Although the process of getting a car loan is certainly more streamlined than it used to be, it's still not always a piece of cake. If you use Carlay, then you don't have to worry about a thing.
Carlay is an easy-to-use insurance app that lets you compare car insurance quotes among several providers so you can find the best coverage at the best price. It takes less than a minute to sign up and answer a few questions, and then Carlay will get to work finding you a policy that meets your coverage needs. Moreover, Carlay takes care of the paperwork and phone calls for you, so you don't have to.
- Look for discounts
Most Montana insurance companies offer discounts that, taken together, can save you a significant amount on your yearly car insurance bill. Here are some of the most popular discounts:
| Discount | Who is eligible? |
| Good driver discounts | Good driver discounts are for Texas drivers who have had a valid driver's license for the past three consecutive years, have no more than one point on their driving record, and have no serious driving-related convictions. This discount is mandated by state law and saves drivers 20% on their car insurance premium. |
| Green vehicle discount | If you drive a hybrid or electric vehicle, you could be eligible for a good discount on your car insurance premium. |
| Bundling discounts | Insuring multiple products (like auto and home) with the same company is an easy way to get a bundling discount, which can result in savings of around 18%. |
| Paperless billing and automatic payments discounts | Enroll in paperless billing and you could qualify for a discount between 2 and 25%. |
| Defensive driver discounts | Most insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who complete a state-approved defensive driving course. This can be particularly helpful for young drivers that typically face high premiums. |
| Good student discounts | Good student discounts can help reduce insurance premiums for young drivers, who typically have sky-high rates until they turn 25. Full-time students who maintain a B average may qualify for savings up to 25% through their insurer. |
| Telematics discounts | In exchange for installing a free telematics device in your vehicle, you could get a discount on your premium. The device passively tracks your driving behavior and allows the company to reward you for safe driving. |
- Increase your deductible
Your deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket for a claim before your insurance covers the rest. Increasing your deductible can reduce your monthly payment on insurance, but if you have a costly accident, you'll end up paying a lot more. But, be sure you can pay off your deductible in full each time you make a claim. Otherwise, you could find yourself in financial trouble.
Registering Your Car in Montana
When registering your car in Montana, here's what you'll need to bring with you to the DMV:
- Valid driver's license or ID card
- Proof of insurance
- Proof of sales tax payment
- Car title or signed lease agreement
Montana residents renewing their vehicle registrations must do so annually. They can renew online or in person at their local DMV office.