Minimum Coverage Requirements in Montana
Montana requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/25: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 property damage per accident. The Montana Motor Vehicle Division mandates SR-22 filing for drivers convicted of DUI, driving without insurance, repeat violations, or license suspensions related to driving offenses. Most speeding tickets and minor violations do not trigger SR-22 requirements but do add points to your record and increase insurance rates.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Montana?
High-risk auto insurance in Montana costs $180–$400/mo depending on violation type, driver age, location, and coverage level. DUI convictions and SR-22 requirements produce the highest rate increases, often 100–200% above standard rates. Rates typically decrease after 1–3 years of continuous coverage and clean driving, with the steepest drops occurring when violations age off your record or SR-22 filing ends.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI and uninsured driving violations produce the highest rate increases in Montana, often doubling premiums
- SR-22 filing requirement: Adds 80–150% to standard rates due to elevated risk classification
- Location: Urban areas like Billings and Missoula see higher high-risk rates than rural counties due to accident frequency
- Age and experience: Drivers under 25 with violations pay 30–50% more than older high-risk drivers
- Coverage level: Full coverage costs 60–100% more than liability-only for the same high-risk profile
- Time since violation: Rates drop 10–20% annually after the first year of clean driving and continuous coverage
Compare rates from carriers that work with drivers who have points
Standard carriers surcharge heavily after violations. These specialists price your specific record differently.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injury and property damage you cause to others in an accident. Required by law in Montana and the foundation of any SR-22 filing.
SR-22 Filing
Certificate proving you carry minimum liability coverage, filed by your insurer with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division. Required for 3 years after specific violations.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies designed for drivers with violations, SR-22 requirements, or lapses who cannot access standard market carriers.
Full Coverage
Liability plus comprehensive and collision coverage. Protects your vehicle in addition to covering damages you cause to others.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Covers your injuries and vehicle damage if you're hit by a driver without insurance or with insufficient coverage.
Collision Coverage
Pays for damage to your vehicle in an accident regardless of fault. Required by lenders, optional if you own your car outright.
