The Complete Guide to Montana Car Insurance
Lemonade is on the way to Big Sky Country and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things MT car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.
How much does car insurance cost in Montana?
Car insurance in Montana averages $211/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Here’s what drivers pay in major cities:
| City | Average cost of car insurance |
|---|---|
| Billings | $209 |
| Missoula | $182 |
| Great Falls | $201 |
| Bozeman | $192 |
| Butte | $197 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Why is car insurance so high in Montana?
Montana drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs
Uninsured drivers
While only 8.5% of drivers in Montana are uninsured (vs. 13% nationally), other factors like repair costs and claim frequency drive premiums higher.
Car theft
FBI data shows there were 1,871 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in MT, down 14% from the previous year.
Natural disasters
MT has a relatively low FEMA disaster rating of 25, lowering comprehensive coverage costs, though wildfire and inland flooding are still threats.
What car insurance do I need in Montana?
All Montana drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive.
Here’s what the state requires:
| Required minimum coverages for Montana drivers | Minimum amount required | What’s covered | What’s not covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs when you hurt someone else in an accident | Your own injuries, damage to your car, amounts above your policy limits |
| Property damage liability | $20,000 | Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property | Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits |
What additional car insurance coverages are offered in Montana?
Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide
extra protection for Montana drivers
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.
Read moreComprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.
Read moreRental car reimbursement
Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer
Read moreWhat does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in Montana?
Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Injuries to other people
- Damage to property
- Damage from a collision
- Fender benders
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Windshield damage
Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from ranch road adventures
How much car insurance do I need in Montana?
You need enough coverage to protect yourself financially when accidents happen. If your car needed major repairs, could you afford these local Montana labor rates? Keep in mind, parts and materials cost extra.
| City | Body repair | Frame repair | Mechanical repair | Paint repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | $108 | $152 | $156 | $108 |
| Butte | $106 | $152 | $156 | $106 |
| Missoula | $106 | $152 | $156 | $106 |
| Helena | $106 | $152 | $156 | $106 |
| Great Falls | $105 | $125 | $135 | $105 |
Source: Caliber
What happens if I drive without insurance in Montana?
Montana takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.
Fines
$250-$500 first offense, $350 second, $500 third, $500 for fourth and subsequent.
Suspension
Registration suspended 90 days second offense, 180 days third offense. Fourth offense suspended until insurance proof.
Jail time
Up to 10 days for first two offenses, up to six months for third offense.
What do you need to get a car insurance quote in Montana?
You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:
Your Details
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number (for credit check)
Your Car
- VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
- Current registration or title
Your History
- Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
- Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)
Your Preferences
- How much coverage you want
- Deductible amount you're comfortable with
- Monthly budget range
How does car insurance work in Montana?
Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.
Pick your protection
Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Make payments
Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.
When S%!t happens
File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.
Montana car insurance FAQs
Is Montana a no-fault state?
No, Montana isn’t a no-fault state. Montana follows at-fault insurance for car accidents. You can seek compensation from the responsible party. Montana doesn’t require PIP coverage.
Do I need insurance to register a car in Montana?
Yes, auto insurance is required to register a vehicle in Montana. You must carry minimum liability coverage to legally operate a vehicle. Proof of insurance may be requested during registration, and coverage must stay active while your vehicle is in use.
What are the top risks for driving in Montana?
Montana’s extensive rural roads, high speed limits, and abundant wildlife create challenging driving conditions. Brutal winter weather can be life-threatening, while remote locations mean emergency assistance may be hours away. Long-distance driving contributes to fatigue-related crashes.
How long do I have to report an accident in Montana?
Montana requires accidents involving injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more to be reported immediately to law enforcement. If no officer responds, you must file a written report within 10 days. The report goes to the Montana Highway Patrol. Prompt reporting helps avoid penalties.
What are the top safety tips for driving in Montana?
In Montana, slow down on those endless rural highways and scan constantly for wildlife. Winter weather can be brutal, so prep your car. Take breaks to avoid getting drowsy on long drives. Let people know where you’re going when you’re in the middle of nowhere.
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026
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