Best car insurance in Montana for 2023

Best car insurance companies in Montana

As part of our research into the best car insurance companies in Montana, Bankrate issues each provider a proprietary Bankrate Score with a maximum score of 5.0, which we calculate by weighing several different factors for each company. These factors include average rate data from Quadrant Information Services, coverage options and discounts. Based on this research, Montana's average premium rates are $310 for minimum coverage and $1,889 for full coverage.

We also look at sources that provide in-depth research into the insurance industry, including ratings from marketing research company J.D. Power’s 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for performance in customer service. Because of these factors and more, the best car insurance companies for your Montana policy are Geico, USAA, State Farm, Progressive and Allstate.

How Bankrate chose the best car insurance companies in Montana

To find the best Montana car insurance, our insurance editorial team started by analyzing average rate data from Quadrant Information Systems. We looked at a range of other factors as well, including third-party ratings and the accessibility and efficiency of digital tools, to determine what companies provided the best experience and service for car insurance in MT. After compiling the data, we issued a Bankrate Score to each company to help Montana drivers make the best decisions for their own policies.

How much is car insurance in Montana?

The average cost of car insurance in Montana is $1,889 per year for full coverage. This is slightly less than the national average of $2,014. Minimum auto insurance in Montana is available for an average cost of $310 per year, which is roughly half the cost of the national average at $622 per year. However, it’s important to note that your car insurance quote will depend on various factors, such as your driving record and personal information. For example, if you live in an area with a higher crime rate, you may end up paying slightly more than the average.

The state of Montana has average car insurance rates that are slightly higher than the average rates in neighboring states. Average rates in the neighboring state of Idaho, for example, are $267 per year for minimum coverage car insurance and $1,133 per year for full coverage car insurance. In Wyoming, the average cost of minimum coverage car insurance is $263 per year, while the average cost of full coverage is $1,582 per year. The occasional severe weather threats in Montana may play a role in the higher average cost of car insurance, and the state’s high rate of traffic fatalities, at 19.6 deaths per 100,000 residents, may also have an impact on the cost. 

How to find the best car insurance in Montana

If you want to find the best auto insurance in Montana, there are a few helpful tips you may be able to utilize in the process. Remember, though, that it’s important to have car insurance coverage that works for your situation so that you don't find yourself with high out-of-pocket costs if you are involved in an at-fault accident or another type of incident. Here are some factors you may want to consider when searching for the best Montana car insurance:

Consider minimum insurance requirements in Montana

Like most states, Montana state law mandates certain minimum levels of liability insurance in order for drivers to get behind the wheel. These laws are put into place to protect drivers who are not at fault in an accident, and they generally cover medical and repair costs for the innocent parties in an accident. If you are the cause of an accident, your insurance policy can keep you from owing out of pocket for the other party’s costs. Without a policy with at least the minimum coverage, you would need to cover all costs incurred out of pocket, but remember that the minimum coverage won’t pay for your vehicle’s damages or other losses. It just pays for the losses to the other party.

Consider lender requirements

Although minimum coverage levels are important, in some cases they may not be enough. Most insurance experts would recommend that you consider purchasing more than the minimum amount of coverage for better financial protection, or you may also want to consider full coverage car insurance, which 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. Full coverage generally costs more than minimum coverage, but it offers increased protection and more robust coverage in return.

Consider your individual needs

Every individual has unique needs that should be considered 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.

Frequently asked questions