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Montana Auto Insurance Requirements & Rates

Montana requires 25/50/20 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

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Montana at a Glance

25/50/20

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Optional

PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

State Requirements

Montana operates under a traditional tort (at-fault) system, meaning the driver who causes an accident is financially responsible for damages. The state requires all drivers to carry proof of insurance and will verify coverage electronically through the Motor Vehicle Division. Montana does not require personal injury protection or medical payments coverage, unlike no-fault states.

Bodily Injury Liability

Covers medical expenses, lost wages, and legal costs when you injure someone in an at-fault accident.

Property Damage Liability

Pays for damage to another driver's vehicle or property when you're at fault. Collision with livestock on open-range highways can also create multi-vehicle property damage exceeding state minimums.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay your damages. Montana insurers must offer UM/UIM at the same limits as your liability coverage, but you can decline it in writing.

Medical Payments Coverage

Pays medical expenses for you and your passengers regardless of fault, up to policy limits. While optional in Montana, it fills a critical gap given the state's lack of mandatory PIP and the reality that rural crash victims may face long ambulance transport times and limited nearby trauma centers.

Cost Overview

about $81/mo

Average car insurance spending in Montana

Rate data: NAIC Auto Insurance Database, 2023

What Affects Your Rate

  • Wildlife collision frequency in Montana is among the highest nationally, with over 2,000 reported deer and elk crashes annually, making comprehensive coverage particularly valuable for rural drivers.
  • Winter weather severity impacts rates statewide, with mountain passes like Homestake and MacDonald experiencing prolonged closures and ice-related crashes that drive up collision claim costs.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Montana a no-fault state for car insurance?

No, Montana is a traditional at-fault (tort) state. The driver who causes an accident is financially responsible for all resulting damages, and injured parties can file claims against the at-fault driver's liability insurance or sue directly for damages exceeding policy limits. Montana does not require personal injury protection (PIP) coverage like no-fault states.