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Montana Auto Insurance Requirements & Rates

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. Average full coverage costs $140–$180/month, while minimum coverage runs $45–$65/month based on available industry data.

Teen Drivers — insurance-related stock photo

Updated March 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.

Cost Overview

Montana rates reflect the state's rural geography, severe winter weather, and high wildlife collision frequency. Drivers in cities like Billings and Missoula pay less than those in remote areas where claims severity increases due to limited emergency services and long transport distances. The state's relatively low population density keeps average rates below the national median.

Minimum Coverage
Meets Montana's 25/50/20 liability requirement only. Provides no coverage for your own vehicle damage or medical expenses, and leaves you financially exposed in serious accidents.
Standard Coverage
Includes 100/300/100 liability limits, uninsured motorist protection, and medical payments coverage. Does not include collision or comprehensive for your vehicle.
Full Coverage
Comprehensive liability limits plus collision and comprehensive with $500–$1,000 deductibles. Covers vehicle damage from crashes, weather, theft, and Montana's frequent deer and elk collisions.

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.
  • Billings drivers pay approximately 15–20% less than residents in remote counties due to shorter emergency response times and greater insurer competition in urban markets.
  • Vehicle type significantly affects premiums, with full-size pickups and SUVs — which account for over 60% of Montana registrations — costing $25–$40 more monthly to insure than sedans.
  • Credit-based insurance scores influence Montana rates, with drivers in the lowest tier paying 40–60% more than those with excellent credit, as Montana law permits credit consideration in underwriting.
  • Drivers with a DUI conviction face average rate increases of 80–120% for at least three years, and many must file SR-22 certificates to reinstate driving privileges.

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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 (csi.mt.gov)
  • Montana Motor Vehicle Division — Insurance Requirements (dojmt.gov/driving)
  • Montana Highway Patrol — Wildlife Collision Statistics (2023)

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