Drivers in the Big Sky Country tend to pay less for car insurance than individuals in other states. The average cost of car insurance in Montana is $1,375 per year for full coverage policies, compared to the national average of $1,582.
Plus, you may be able to save money on your premiums by completing a driving course, signing up for discounts, or enrolling in a usage-based insurance policy.
- Key takeaways
- How much does car insurance cost in Montana?
- Average cost of car insurance in Montana by provider
- How does credit score affect car insurance rates in Montana?
- Average car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in Montana
- How does age affect car insurance rates in Montana?
- Montana car insurance rates by city
- MT's minimum car insurance requirements
- How to save money on car insurance in Montana
- Methodology
- FAQs about car insurance costs in MT
Key takeaways
- The average cost of car insurance in Montana is $1,375 per year for full coverage insurance.
- State-minimum liability insurance averages $486 per year.
- Teen drivers cost $4,090 per year on average.
How much does car insurance cost in Montana?
Drivers shopping for car insurance in Montana may be in for a pleasant surprise. The average cost of car insurance is $1,375 per year for full coverage policies that include collision, comprehensive, and liability insurance — compared to a national average of $1,582. And state-minimum liability insurance averages just $486 per year.
Avg. cost for full coverage | Avg. cost for minimum coverage | Cheapest insurance provider |
$1,375/year | $486/year | USAA |
Avg. for young drivers | Avg. cost for seniors | Avg. for high-risk drivers |
$4,090/year | $1,599/year | $2,184/year |
Average cost of car insurance in Montana by provider
Rates, coverage options, and discounts vary by insurance company, so it pays to shop around. Montana residents can choose from various companies, including well-known insurers like GEICO or State Farm.
For those eligible for USAA membership, USAA's average premiums for full coverage and state-minimum coverage are significantly lower than the state average. However, not everyone will qualify for coverage.
After USAA, State Farm is the cheapest for both full coverage and state-minimum liability policies.
Provider | Full coverage | Minimum liability coverage |
Farmers | $2,454/year |
$731/year |
Allstate | $1,636/year | $691/year |
GEICO | $1,643/year | $362/year |
State Farm | $836/year | $289/year |
Progressive | $952/year | $393/year |
USAA | $769/year | $174/year |
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Check RatesHow does credit score affect car insurance rates in Montana?
Although Montana has some restrictions on how insurers can use drivers' credit histories, your credit score can affect how much you pay for insurance. We found that drivers with poor credit — meaning score between 550 and 649 — pay an average of $2,616 per year for insurance, nearly double the state average.
Credit health | Avg. annual premium |
Poor (550-649) | $2,616/year |
Average (650-699) | $1,945/year |
Good (700-749) | $1,734/year |
Excellent (750+) | $1,381/year |
Average car insurance rates for high-risk drivers in Montana
Whether you get a speeding ticket or run a stop sign and cause an accident, driving violations can impact your car insurance premiums. Drivers involved in at-fault accidents will see their premiums increase by an average of $981 per year, while driving under the influence (DUI) can increase premiums by an average of $1,515 per year.
Violation | Avg. annual premium before violation* | Avg. annual premium after violation | Avg. cost increase |
At-fault accident | $1,375/year | $2,356/year | $981 |
DUI | $1,375/year | $2,890/year | $1,515 |
Speeding ticket | $1,375/year | $2,115/year | $740 |
*Assumes clean driving record with good credit
How does age affect car insurance rates in Montana?
Unsurprisingly, teen drivers in Montana pay significantly more for car insurance than other age groups. That's a common issue nationwide since teens have higher incidence rates of serious accidents than other drivers.
Drivers 18 years of age pay an average of $4,633 per year for coverage, more than three times the state average.
Age | Avg. annual premium |
18 | $4,633/year |
25 | $1,720/year |
30 | $1,578/year |
40 | $1,621/year |
60 | $1,488/year |
Montana car insurance rates by city
If you live in a city, you're in closer proximity to other people — and other drivers — so you're more likely to be involved in accidents. And if you live in an area where property crime is common, you may also be at an increased risk of car theft and have to pay higher rates for car insurance.
Butte has the highest average premiums in Montana at $1,734 per year. Why is it so pricey? According to NeighborhoodScout, Butte has a crime rating of three, meaning that 97% of cities in the U.S. are safer. Residents of Butte are also far more likely to be property crime victims than those living in other parts of the state.
City | Avg. annual full-coverage premium |
Butte | $1,734/year |
Great Falls | $1,701/year |
Bozeman | $1,689/year |
Billings | $1,685/year |
Helena | $1,590/year |
Missoula | $1,581/year |
MT's minimum car insurance requirements
Montana requires all drivers to have auto coverage, and your policy must meet the following minimum requirements:
- $25,000 in bodily injury protection for one person
- $50,000 in bodily injury protection for two or more people
- $20,000 in property damage insurance
How to save money on car insurance in Montana
If you're researching ways to save money on your car insurance premiums, these tips may help:
- Complete a driving course: In Montana, drivers who are 55 and older can take a qualifying driving course and get a discount on their policies.
- Call or email your agent: Contact your agent and explain that you're looking for ways to reduce your premiums. You may find that you're eligible for discounts you didn't know about, such as vehicle safety, accident-free, and multi-policy discounts.
- Sign up for usage-based insurance: Usage-based or pay-per-mile policies can be affordable alternatives to traditional car insurance. These policies base your premiums on your actual driving habits and the number of miles you typically drive. You could save money if you drive fewer miles than other drivers and maintain safe speeds. Several insurers in Montana offer pay-per-mile insurance, including Progressive, Root, and State Farm.
- Get quotes from other companies: When it comes to car insurance, doing some extra homework can pay off. Request quotes from multiple insurers to find the best car insurance rates for the coverage you need.
Methodology
Our analysis was conducted using six different auto insurance marketplaces to determine the average cost of auto insurance in each state. The data we analyzed included coverage premiums from up to 10 different insurance providers. We looked at rates by city, driver profile, and credit score, as well as factored in the impact of driving violations. This data is for comparative purposes only. Your actual quote may be different.
FAQs about car insurance costs in MT
Is car insurance expensive in MT?
Auto coverage is relatively inexpensive in Montana. Full coverage policies average $1,375 per year, compared to a national average of $1,582.
How much is car insurance per year in MT?
The average cost of car insurance in Montana is $1,375 per year for state-minimum liability coverage. But full coverage policies are affordable, too; the average cost is $486 per year.