Budget Coverage Info
Get a Quote

Montana Auto Insurance — Minimums, Rates & Coverage

Montana requires 25/50/20 minimum liability coverage — $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $20,000 for property damage. State-minimum policies typically cost $90–$130/month, while full coverage averages $180–$240/month based on available industry data.

Damaged red car on crash test platform showing impact deformation to front end and wheel area

Updated March 2026

State Requirements

Montana operates under an at-fault (tort) liability system, meaning the driver responsible for a crash pays for damages through their insurance. All drivers must carry proof of insurance and provide it during traffic stops or after accidents. Montana does not offer PIP or no-fault protections — injury claims are settled through the at-fault driver's bodily injury liability coverage, according to the Montana Department of Insurance.

Cost Overview

Montana's average rates are influenced by low population density, harsh winter weather, wildlife collisions, and long rural highway stretches. Urban drivers in Billings or Missoula typically pay 15–25% more than rural drivers due to higher collision frequency, but rural drivers face elevated comprehensive claims from deer strikes and hail damage.

Minimum Coverage
State-required 25/50/20 liability only. No coverage for your own vehicle damage, medical bills, or collisions with animals or objects.
Standard Coverage
Liability increased to 50/100/50 or 100/300/100, plus uninsured motorist. Still no collision or comprehensive for your vehicle.
Full Coverage
Comprehensive and collision added with $500–$1,000 deductibles. Covers deer strikes, weather damage, theft, and at-fault crashes damaging your car.

What Affects Your Rate

  • Wildlife collisions: Montana reports over 8,000 deer-vehicle crashes annually, concentrating in rural corridors along US-93 and I-90, significantly raising comprehensive claim frequency.
  • Weather severity: Hail, ice storms, and winter road conditions from November through March increase both collision and comprehensive claims by an estimated 30–40% compared to summer months.
  • Low theft rates: Montana has one of the nation's lowest auto theft rates per capita, reducing comprehensive premiums compared to urban states.
  • Rural emergency response: Longer distances to hospitals and repair facilities in eastern Montana can increase injury severity and total loss rates, affecting bodily injury liability pricing.
  • Credit-based insurance scoring: Montana allows insurers to use credit history in rating, meaning drivers with lower credit scores may pay 20–50% more for identical coverage.

Compare Auto Insurance Rates in Montana

Coverage Options

Find Your City in Montana

Billings, Montana cityscape and street view

Billings

suburban
Missoula, Montana cityscape and street view

Missoula

suburban
Great Falls, Montana cityscape and street view

Great Falls

suburban
Dramatic mountain landscape with layered rock peaks, green valley, and evergreen trees under cloudy sky

Bozeman

urban
Aerial view of snow-covered residential neighborhood with houses and buildings in winter cityscape

Butte

urban

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

  • Montana Department of Insurance — montana.gov/insurance
  • Montana Department of Justice, Motor Vehicle Division — dojmt.gov/driving
  • State Farm Deer Collision Data (annual report)

Get Your Free Quote in Montana