Best car insurance in Montana for 2024

Our 2024 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories. 

Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlighting where they fall short.

• Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, average quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, Demotech and the NAIC, were analyzed.
• Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
• Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto and home insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.

Tier scores are unweighted to show the company's true score in each category out of a possible five points.

Like most states, Montana law mandates that drivers carry a minimum level of liability insurance to get behind the wheel. These laws are put into place to protect drivers who are not at fault for an accident. The at-fault parties’ liability insurance will help cover the medical bills and vehicle repair expenses the other driver incurs. Without a policy with at least the minimum coverage, if you cause an accident, you would need to cover all costs incurred out of pocket. It’s important to remember that minimum coverage won’t pay for your vehicle damage or other losses, though. For that, you’ll need full coverage.

Although minimum coverage levels are essential, in some cases, they may not be enough. Most insurance experts recommend that you consider purchasing more than the minimum amount of coverage for better financial protection. You may also want to look into full coverage car insurance, which typically includes collision and comprehensive insurance to cover your own vehicle. If you have a loan or lease for your car, your lender or financial institution will likely require you to carry a full coverage car insurance policy to protect their investment. Once you’ve paid off the loan or lease, you can drop full coverage or adjust the policy limits if you desire.

Every individual has unique needs to consider when purchasing car insurance. If you have a teen driver or senior driver in your family, for example, you may want to explore companies that offer discounts to these age groups. If you are retired or work from home, it may make sense to choose a car insurance company that offers low-mileage insurance. While no single insurer is right for every driver, a little research can help you find a company that is a good fit for your own situation.

On average, USAA, State Farm and Progressive offer some of the cheapest car insurance in Montana. However, no single insurer is the cheapest for every driver. Insurance companies set rates based on several factors, including your age (in most states), driving record and credit history (in most states). Montana insurers are also allowed to factor in gender and marital status when calculating insurance premiums. As such, experts recommend comparing quotes from several companies for the same types of coverage and policy limits.

When you request a quote for car insurance, you’ll most likely need to provide your vehicle make and model, the vehicle identification number (VIN), your age, your gender, how many miles you drive every year and what you’re using the car for. For instance, you’ll probably have to specify if you’re commuting or driving for pleasure. You’ll also have to disclose whether you plan to use the vehicle for deliveries or rideshare jobs. The agent might also ask about your driving history and any claims you may have filed recently. Sometimes, you’ll be asked to provide your Social Security number so the company can run a credit check, as well.

Most insurance companies offer discounts for taking driving courses, purchasing multiple policies, driving cars equipped with safety features and more. When shopping for car insurance, ask about discount opportunities for which you might qualify. If you are a careful driver, one way to save money may be to sign up for your insurer's telematics program, if it has one. These programs use a smartphone app or device to monitor your driving skills in real time, offering potential discounts to safe drivers.

Montana drivers pay an average rate of $33 per month for minimum insurance coverage. They pay an average of $191 per month for full coverage, which typically includes comprehensive and collision insurance. Keep in mind that these rates may vary based on your personal characteristics and driving history.