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Senior Director, Media Relations, with Triple-I
30+ years of industry experience
Leadership positions at several trade organizations
Updated
Montana drivers pay an average of $90 per month for car insurance, which is well below the national average. The state’s low population density, which can reduce the risk of accidents, may be partly why rates are lower.[1]
But car insurance rates vary widely by company, and many drivers with clean records can find coverage for even less. In fact, several insurance companies have average rates as low as $49 per month, according to our research.
In the article below, we’ll explore the cheapest companies for different types of drivers in Montana to help you find the best coverage for your needs and budget.
Montana drivers pay an average monthly rate of $63 for liability insurance and $118 for full coverage.
Some of Montana’s best insurance companies include State Farm, Nationwide, and USAA.
All Montana drivers must have a minimum of 25/50/20 in liability insurance to drive legally in the state.[2]
Even though Montana’s average car insurance rate is $90 per month, it’s possible to find an insurance policy for less. The table below shows the cheapest car insurance companies in Montana, according to Compare.com data.
Company  | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $34 |
| USAA | $37 |
| Root | $61 |
| Direct Auto | $62 |
| Farmers | $62 |
| GEICO | $65 |
| Safeco | $65 |
| Allstate | $68 |
| Bristol West | $81 |
| The General | $86 |
While the companies above offer some of the lowest average rates in Montana, your actual premium can vary significantly based on personal factors like your driving history, ZIP code, and coverage you choose.
Below, we go into more detail about coverages and driver types.
Comparing quotes can save you up to $867.†
Montana law mandates that all drivers have at least 25/50/10 in liability coverage. While this ensures you meet the legal requirements, most experts recommend higher coverage limits in case you get into a serious accident.[3]
If you only need basic coverage, we’ve highlighted the five most affordable companies in Montana in the chart below.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $34 |
| USAA | $37 |
| Root | $61 |
| Direct Auto | $62 |
| Farmers | $62 |
| GEICO | $65 |
| Safeco | $65 |
| Allstate | $68 |
| Bristol West | $81 |
| The General | $86 |
Most drivers should consider full-coverage car insurance since it pays for damages to their vehicle as well as the other driver’s. And if you lease or finance your car, your lender will most likely require you to purchase full coverage.
Aside from liability coverage, full coverage also includes collision coverage and comprehensive insurance. Collision coverage protects you from being financially responsible for any accidents another object or vehicle.
Comprehensive insurance protects against theft, vandalism, fire, and other non-collision incidents.
The chart below shows the five cheapest companies for full coverage, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $69 |
| USAA | $75 |
| Direct Auto | $96 |
| Root | $125 |
| Farmers | $126 |
| Safeco | $131 |
| GEICO | $132 |
| Allstate | $138 |
| The General | $175 |
| Bristol West | $209 |
Teen drivers typically face some of the highest car insurance rates due to their inexperience and higher likelihood of accidents compared to all other age groups.[4]
Check out the five cheapest insurers for teen drivers in Montana, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $64 |
| USAA | $66 |
| Root | $101 |
| GEICO | $112 |
| Direct Auto | $115 |
| Farmers | $120 |
| Safeco | $127 |
| Allstate | $130 |
| Bristol West | $140 |
| The General | $145 |
Senior drivers often enjoy some of the lowest car insurance rates because they have more experience behind the wheel and typically have safer driving habits.
Even though seniors already get pretty good rates, finding lower rates is possible when you compare insurers. The following chart shows the five most affordable car insurance companies in Montana for senior drivers, according to our data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $29 |
| USAA | $32 |
| Farmers | $53 |
| Direct Auto | $54 |
| Root | $55 |
| GEICO | $56 |
| Allstate | $59 |
| Safeco | $61 |
| Bristol West | $72 |
| The General | $78 |
Getting a speeding ticket can raise your insurance rates the next time your policy renews. Speeding is a form of aggressive driving and a contributing factor in 29% of all traffic-related deaths, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Our data shows that even one speeding ticket causes average rates to increase by 37% nationwide.
Check out the chart below for five insurers in Montana with lower rates for drivers with a recent speeding ticket.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $42 |
| USAA | $47 |
| Direct Auto | $76 |
| Farmers | $78 |
| Root | $80 |
| GEICO | $84 |
| Safeco | $84 |
| Allstate | $87 |
| Bristol West | $100 |
| The General | $113 |
Worse than a ticket, an at-fault accident can have a major effect on your car insurance rates. Our research shows that a single at-fault accident increases premiums by an average of 41% nationwide. The only way to avoid an increase is to purchase optional accident forgiveness coverage, which some insurers offer that waives the multi-year surcharge after a first at-fault accident.
Lower auto insurance rates are available with some insurers.
The following chart shows the five cheapest companies in Montana for drivers with one at-fault accident.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $45 |
| USAA | $49 |
| Root | $81 |
| Farmers | $82 |
| Direct Auto | $84 |
| GEICO | $84 |
| Safeco | $91 |
| Allstate | $91 |
| Bristol West | $106 |
| The General | $118 |
DUI convictions cause the largest increase in car insurance premiums. Nationally, rates can surge by an average of 61% following a DUI. In Montana, a DUI conviction stays on your record for ten years.
Fortunately, your rates won’t remain high forever. Some insurers are willing to work with high-risk drivers, including people with DUIs. The following chart shows the five cheapest insurers in Montana for drivers with DUIs, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $49 |
| USAA | $54 |
| Root | $89 |
| Direct Auto | $90 |
| Farmers | $90 |
| GEICO | $93 |
| Allstate | $99 |
| Safeco | $100 |
| Bristol West | $118 |
| The General | $125 |
Aside from your driving record, most insurers even consider your credit history as a part of evaluating your level of risk when calculating your insurance rates.[5] Instead of your actual credit score, companies use a credit-based insurance score to predict risk.
Our research shows drivers with poor credit pay 20% more than people with excellent credit scores. But not all insurers look at credit, and some offer extremely affordable rates regardless of your credit history.
Consider getting quotes from the companies in the chart below. We found each offers cheaper rates to drivers with poor credit in Montana.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $45 |
| State Farm | $49 |
| Root | $75 |
| Direct Auto | $76 |
| Farmers | $76 |
| GEICO | $80 |
| Safeco | $80 |
| Allstate | $84 |
| Bristol West | $100 |
| The General | $106 |
Car insurance needs vary from person to person, so there’s no one best company for all drivers. While price is an important factor, the right insurer for you depends on your personal needs.
When researching different insurance companies, you should consider customer satisfaction, available discounts, coverage options, and local support.
Here are three companies Montana drivers should consider in their search for affordable coverage.
| J.D. Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 656 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.7 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $34/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $69/mo |
Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.
State Farm is an excellent choice for Montana drivers who prioritize excellent customer service and local support. With a large network of insurance agents across the state, the company offers personalized service that’s hard to beat.
State Farm ranks high in customer satisfaction and has an A++ (Superior) AM Best financial strength rating, indicating the insurer does a good job handling claims and has a solid financial outlook.[6]
Above-average J.D. Power score[7]
Network of over 19,000 local agents
Offers two safe driving programs
Gap insurance available only to customers who have an auto loan with State Farm Bank
Accident forgiveness not available
Average rates may be higher than some competitors for drivers with DUIs
| User Reviews | 4.2 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.5 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $37/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $75/mo |
USAA's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.8 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.3 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.9 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the prompt customer service and claims handling but are frustrated by the significant and frequent price increases.
Montana is home to more than 92,000 veterans who can benefit from choosing USAA as their insurance company.[8] USAA consistently earns high marks for customer satisfaction, making it a great choice for active-duty military members, veterans, and their families.
The company’s coverage options cater to the unique needs of military families, such as vehicle storage during deployments and international coverage. But membership is limited to drivers with a military affiliation.
Many coverage options and discounts
Unique coverages for military members
Above-average J.D. Power score
Membership only available to military members and their families
No brick-and-mortar local agencies in Montana
Low Trustpilot rating[9]
| User Reviews | 4.9 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.5 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $97/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $183/mo |
Nationwide's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 0.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 0.0 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 0.0 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 0.0 | 3.1 |
| Value | 0.0 | 2.9 |
Nationwide is a good choice for drivers after an accident. The company offers accident forgiveness, which means your rates won’t increase after your first at-fault accident. Nationwide also offers roadside assistance, which can be helpful if you break down on Montana’s mountain roads.
The company’s user-friendly mobile app allows you to manage your policy, access your insurance card, and file a claim.
Many coverage options and bundling opportunities
Convenient mobile app
Good driving and low-mileage discounts available
Average rates may be higher than some competitors
Mixed J.D. Power score ratings
Poor Trustpilot rating
Local rates start as low as $49 per month.
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Because insurance laws vary by state, it’s important to understand Montana’s specific requirements. Before you can drive legally in Montana, you must have a valid driver’s license, and your vehicle must have current registration and meet the state’s insurance requirements.
Here’s an overview of Montana’s auto insurance requirements:
Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Property damage liability: $20,000 per accident
Other coverages, such as uninsured motorist coverage, are optional but may be worth it due to the extra protections they provide. The good news is that Montana uses an insurance verification system to electronically confirm proof of insurance, reducing the number of uninsured drivers on the road (currently with the fifth lowest rate in the U.S. at 7.2%).
Montana’s minimum auto insurance requirements provide the basic coverage you need and can help protect you against financial burdens following an accident. But it may be insufficient following a serious accident.
That’s why most experts advise purchasing higher coverage amounts to better protect your assets. One serious accident can quickly exhaust coverage limits, leaving you on the hook for the remaining balance.
For example, a multi-vehicle collision causing significant injuries could easily exceed the $50,000 bodily injury limit, leaving you personally responsible for any additional costs. And the cost to replace newer vehicle models could quickly surpass the $20,000 property damage limit.
Montana has a three-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury claims after a car accident.[10]
Here’s some additional information about finding the cheapest auto insurers in Montana.
On average, you’ll pay $90 per month for car insurance in Montana. Liability insurance costs an average of $63 per month, while full coverage costs $118, according to Compare.com data.
No. Car insurance in Montana isn’t expensive. The average monthly rate is $90, compared to the national average of $136 per month. But your rate can be higher or lower than average due to personal factors such as your address, driving history, and age.
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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Senior Director, Media Relations, with Triple-I
30+ years of industry experience
Leadership positions at several trade organizations
At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
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