See Montana car insurance cost for both new and used cars by auto values, deductibles and credit scores. Also see what coverage you need and where you can cut costs without leaving yourself in financial trouble.
When ready, see the best local and statewide car insurers.
Curious about car financing? See real Montana car loan rates shared by our community. Also find Montana Best car loan lenders in your area (community recommended as well).
Montana’s 25/50/20 Rule: What It Covers
Montana law requires drivers to carry liability coverage. This part of your policy pays for injuries and damage you cause to others in a crash.
- $25,000 for injuries to one person. This pays for medical bills if you hurt someone in a crash.
- $50,000 for injuries to more than one person in a single crash. This is the total amount your insurance will pay for all injured people combined.
- $20,000 for property damage. This pays to fix or replace what you damage, like another car, a fence, or a building.
Montana also requires coverage for injuries caused by uninsured drivers. This helps protect you if the other driver has no insurance.
MFP Tip: Wildlife collisions can cause major damage. Higher property damage limits can help protect you after a crash.
Montana New Car Insurance Costs
Your new car insurance price depends on the value of your car, how much coverage you choose, and your credit history. New cars often cost more to insure because repairs and replacement parts are more expensive.
| Car Value | Coverage | 750+ (Excellent) |
700–749 (Good) |
650–699 (Fair) |
600–649 (Below Fair) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Over $60K | Full | $183 | $212 | $231 | $374 |
| Standard | $153 | $178 | $194 | $314 | |
| Liability only | $77 | $90 | $98 | $158 | |
| $40K-$60K | Full | $155 | $180 | $196 | $316 |
| Standard | $129 | $149 | $163 | $263 | |
| Liability only | $66 | $77 | $84 | $135 | |
| $25K-$40K | Full | $135 | $157 | $171 | $276 |
| Standard | $112 | $130 | $142 | $229 | |
| Liability only | $59 | $68 | $74 | $120 | |
| Below $25K | Full | $118 | $138 | $150 | $242 |
| Standard | $97 | $113 | $123 | $199 | |
| Liability only | $52 | $60 | $66 | $106 |
Montana Used Car Insurance Costs
Used cars in Montana may cost less to insure, but dropping coverage for your own car can leave you paying out of pocket after a crash, a theft, or storm damage.
| Car Value | Coverage | 750+ (Excellent) |
700–749 (Good) |
650–699 (Fair) |
600–649 (Below Fair) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Over $40K | Full | $138 | $161 | $175 | $283 |
| Standard | $115 | $134 | $146 | $236 | |
| Liability only | $59 | $69 | $75 | $121 | |
| $15K-$40K | Full | $115 | $134 | $146 | $236 |
| Standard | $95 | $111 | $121 | $195 | |
| Liability only | $50 | $58 | $64 | $103 | |
| Below $15K | Full | $97 | $112 | $123 | $198 |
| Standard | $79 | $92 | $100 | $161 | |
| Liability only | $43 | $50 | $54 | $87 |
Most insurers group policies into three coverage levels:
- Full: Includes liability plus coverage for damage to your own car, even if you cause the crash or weather damages your vehicle.
- Standard: Higher liability limits than the state minimum, with or without coverage for your own car.
- Liability Only: Covers injuries and damage you cause to others, but not your own car.
How Credit History Influences Montana Car Insurance Prices
In Montana, insurers can use your credit history when setting your price. Drivers with strong credit often pay less, while drivers with below-fair credit usually pay much more for the same coverage.
In many cases, a driver with weak credit can pay 50 to 65 percent more than a driver with excellent credit, even if both have similar cars and clean driving records.
MFP Tip: If your credit improves, request a new quote before your renewal date. A better credit history can lead to a lower bill.
Find the Right Coverage
If you finance or lease a new car, your lender will require coverage that pays to repair or replace your car after a crash or storm. This protects their investment until the loan is paid off.
Gap insurance can help during the early years of a loan. If your car is totaled, it covers the difference between what your car is worth and what you still owe.
For used cars, the 10 percent test can guide your choice. If your yearly coverage cost is more than 10 percent of your car’s value, you may want to keep only liability and drop coverage for your own car.
Why Montana’s Minimums Can Leave You Paying Up
When You Damage Someone’s Property
Many vehicles on Montana roads cost more than $20,000 to repair. If your limit runs out, the rest of the bill can fall on you.
If You Injure Someone
Medical care and missed work can push costs past $25,000 for a single person. If more than one person is hurt, the $50,000 total limit has to cover everyone.
When an Uninsured Driver Hits You
Coverage for injuries and damage to your own car can help when the other driver cannot pay.
What Shapes Montana Rates
Montana uses an at-fault system. The driver who causes the crash is responsible for injuries and damage, which makes strong liability limits more valuable.
Snow, ice, and wildlife crossings can damage vehicles and lead to claims across the state.
Traffic around Billings, Missoula, and major routes like I-90 and I-15 raises the chance of minor crashes and repair costs.
How Montana Drivers Can Bring Their Insurance Costs Down
- Bundle policies. Putting home or renters insurance with the same company can lead to lower prices.
- Take a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer discounts for approved classes.
- Use safe-driver tracking programs. These track how you drive and can lower your rate if you avoid hard braking and late-night trips.
- Compare quotes. Prices can vary widely between companies for the same driver and car.
- Raise your deductible. This is the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in.
MFP Tip: If you drive long rural routes, ask about low-mileage discounts. Some insurers offer lower rates for drivers who spend less time on the road.
What to Do After Buying a Car in Montana
You need insurance in place before you can register your vehicle. Dealers often submit paperwork for new cars, while private sales leave the steps to you.
Registration and title work go through the Montana Motor Vehicle Division. New residents and in-state buyers have a short window to complete the process.
Review your coverage once a year. As your car’s value drops, you may be able to adjust your policy and lower your costs.
Montana Best Car Insurance
See Montana best local insurers by metro areas based on community recommendations
Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman, Butte, Helena, Kalispell, Belgrade
Billings Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Billings’s area are PayneWest Insurance, Stockman Insurance and Mountain West Insurance & Financial Services.
PayneWest Insurance (87% Recommend)
- Leads Billings with 4.6 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction, and 4.9 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among the top 3.
- Customer feedback points to strong Montana guidance, clear coverage comparisons, and responsive help for drivers reviewing car insurance options.
Stockman Insurance (85% Recommend)
- Scores 4.5 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction, and 4.8 Support & Guidance, 2 Recommend % points behind PayneWest Insurance.
- Drivers respond well to its local agency model, Montana market knowledge, and help comparing auto coverage choices.
Mountain West Insurance & Financial Services (83% Recommend)
- Earns 4.5 Easy Application and 4.7 Support & Guidance, 2 Recommend % points below Stockman Insurance.
- Customer feedback supports practical local help, clear explanations, and useful support comparing policy options.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PayneWest Insurance | Agency | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 87% |
| Stockman Insurance | Agency | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 85% |
| Mountain West Insurance & Financial Services | Agency | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 83% |
| First West Insurance | Agency | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 82% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 80% |
| Farmers Union Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 79% |
| Farmers Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 78% |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 78% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.6 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 76% |
| Allstate | Insurer | 4.4 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 75% |
| Nationwide | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 74% |
| Travelers | Insurer | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 73% |
| Liberty Mutual | Insurer | 4.2 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 72% |
| GEICO | Insurer | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 72% |
| Safeco Insurance | Insurer | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 72% |
Missoula Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Missoula’s area are PayneWest Insurance, Western States Insurance and Stockman Insurance.
PayneWest Insurance (88% Recommend)
- Leads Missoula with 4.7 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction, and 4.9 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among the top 3.
- Customer feedback supports strong local service, clear coverage comparisons, and practical help for Montana drivers reviewing auto insurance.
Western States Insurance (85% Recommend)
- Scores 4.5 Easy Application and 4.8 Support & Guidance, 3 Recommend % points behind PayneWest Insurance.
- Drivers respond well to its independent-agency model and help comparing price, coverage, and carrier options.
Stockman Insurance (83% Recommend)
- Earns 4.5 Easy Application and 4.7 Support & Guidance, 2 Recommend % points below Western States Insurance.
- Customer feedback points to useful local guidance and steady help reviewing policy choices.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PayneWest Insurance | Agency | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 88% |
| Western States Insurance | Agency | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 85% |
| Stockman Insurance | Agency | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 83% |
| Mountain West Insurance & Financial Services | Agency | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 82% |
| First West Insurance | Agency | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 81% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 80% |
| Farmers Union Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 79% |
| Farmers Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 78% |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 78% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.6 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 76% |
| Allstate | Insurer | 4.4 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 75% |
| Nationwide | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 74% |
| Travelers | Insurer | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 73% |
| Liberty Mutual | Insurer | 4.2 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 72% |
| GEICO | Insurer | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 72% |
Great Falls Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Great Falls’s area are Stockman Insurance, PayneWest Insurance and Western States Insurance.
Stockman Insurance (86% Recommend)
- Leads Great Falls with 4.6 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction, and 4.8 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among the top 3.
- Customer feedback points to strong local service, clear coverage help, and useful support comparing auto policies.
PayneWest Insurance (84% Recommend)
- Scores 4.5 Easy Application and 4.8 Support & Guidance, tying Stockman Insurance for the highest top-3 guidance score.
- Drivers respond well to its Montana agency network and help reviewing price and coverage options.
Western States Insurance (82% Recommend)
- Earns 4.4 Easy Application and 4.7 Support & Guidance, 2 Recommend % points below PayneWest Insurance.
- Customer feedback supports practical local guidance and help comparing coverage choices.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stockman Insurance | Agency | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 86% |
| PayneWest Insurance | Agency | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 84% |
| Western States Insurance | Agency | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 82% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 80% |
| Farmers Union Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 79% |
| Farmers Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 78% |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 78% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.6 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 76% |
| Allstate | Insurer | 4.4 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 75% |
| GEICO | Insurer | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 72% |
Bozeman Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Bozeman’s area are PayneWest Insurance, Stockman Insurance and Western States Insurance.
PayneWest Insurance (87% Recommend)
- Leads Bozeman with 4.6 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction, and 4.9 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among the top 3.
- Customer feedback supports strong local guidance, clear policy comparisons, and helpful service for drivers reviewing car insurance.
Stockman Insurance (84% Recommend)
- Scores 4.5 Easy Application and 4.7 Support & Guidance, 3 Recommend % points behind PayneWest Insurance.
- Drivers respond well to its local agency model and Montana-focused coverage help.
Western States Insurance (82% Recommend)
- Earns 4.4 Easy Application and 4.7 Support & Guidance, matching Stockman Insurance on guidance while trailing by 2 Recommend % points.
- Customer feedback points to practical auto insurance comparison help and clear coverage support.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PayneWest Insurance | Agency | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 87% |
| Stockman Insurance | Agency | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 84% |
| Western States Insurance | Agency | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 82% |
| First West Insurance | Agency | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 81% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 80% |
| Farmers Union Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 79% |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 78% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.6 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 76% |
| Allstate | Insurer | 4.4 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 75% |
| GEICO | Insurer | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 72% |
Butte Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Butte’s area are Stockman Insurance, PayneWest Insurance and State Farm.
Stockman Insurance (85% Recommend)
- Leads Butte with 4.6 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction, and 4.8 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among the top 3.
- Customer feedback supports local Montana guidance, clear coverage help, and useful support comparing auto policies.
PayneWest Insurance (83% Recommend)
- Scores 4.5 Easy Application and 4.7 Support & Guidance, 2 Recommend % points behind Stockman Insurance.
- Drivers respond well to its agency support and help reviewing coverage and pricing choices.
State Farm (80% Recommend)
- Earns 4.5 Easy Application and 4.4 Support & Guidance, matching PayneWest Insurance on Easy Application while trailing by 3 Recommend % points.
- Customer feedback supports local-agent access and direct help with auto insurance questions.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stockman Insurance | Agency | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 85% |
| PayneWest Insurance | Agency | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 83% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 80% |
| Farmers Union Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 79% |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 78% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.6 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 76% |
| Allstate | Insurer | 4.4 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 75% |
| GEICO | Insurer | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 72% |
Helena Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Helena’s area are PayneWest Insurance, Stockman Insurance and First West Insurance.
PayneWest Insurance (86% Recommend)
- Leads Helena with 4.6 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction, and 4.8 Support & Guidance, tying the highest Support & Guidance among the top 3.
- Customer feedback supports strong local guidance, responsive service, and helpful coverage comparison support.
Stockman Insurance (84% Recommend)
- Scores 4.5 Easy Application and 4.8 Support & Guidance, tying PayneWest Insurance for the highest top-3 Support & Guidance score.
- Drivers respond well to its Montana agency model and practical help reviewing auto coverage choices.
First West Insurance (82% Recommend)
- Earns 4.4 Easy Application and 4.7 Support & Guidance, 2 Recommend % points below Stockman Insurance.
- Customer feedback points to useful local support and clear assistance comparing policy options.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PayneWest Insurance | Agency | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 86% |
| Stockman Insurance | Agency | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 84% |
| First West Insurance | Agency | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.7 | 82% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 80% |
| Farmers Union Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 79% |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 78% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.6 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 76% |
| GEICO | Insurer | 4.5 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 72% |
Kalispell Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Kalispell’s area are PayneWest Insurance, Stockman Insurance and Western States Insurance.
PayneWest Insurance (85% Recommend)
- Leads Kalispell with 4.6 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction, and 4.8 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among the top 3.
- Customer feedback supports strong local guidance, clear coverage comparisons, and responsive help for drivers reviewing options.
Stockman Insurance (83% Recommend)
- Scores 4.5 Easy Application and 4.7 Support & Guidance, 2 Recommend % points behind PayneWest Insurance.
- Drivers respond well to its local agency model and Montana-focused policy support.
Western States Insurance (81% Recommend)
- Earns 4.4 Easy Application and 4.6 Support & Guidance, 2 Recommend % points below Stockman Insurance.
- Customer feedback points to practical coverage help and useful support comparing auto insurance choices.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PayneWest Insurance | Agency | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 85% |
| Stockman Insurance | Agency | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 83% |
| Western States Insurance | Agency | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 81% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 80% |
| Farmers Union Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 79% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.6 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 76% |
Belgrade Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Belgrade’s area are PayneWest Insurance, Stockman Insurance and State Farm.
PayneWest Insurance (85% Recommend)
- Leads Belgrade with 4.6 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction, and 4.8 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among the top 3.
- Customer feedback supports helpful local guidance, clear policy comparisons, and strong support for drivers near Bozeman.
Stockman Insurance (83% Recommend)
- Scores 4.5 Easy Application and 4.7 Support & Guidance, 2 Recommend % points behind PayneWest Insurance.
- Drivers respond well to its Montana agency service and practical help reviewing coverage options.
State Farm (80% Recommend)
- Earns 4.5 Easy Application and 4.4 Support & Guidance, matching Stockman Insurance on Easy Application while trailing by 3 Recommend % points.
- Customer feedback supports local-agent access and direct help with auto insurance questions.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PayneWest Insurance | Agency | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 85% |
| Stockman Insurance | Agency | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.7 | 83% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 80% |
| Farmers Union Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 79% |
| Auto-Owners Insurance | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 78% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.6 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 76% |
End Note
Meeting the legal minimum keeps you driving, but wildlife, winter conditions, and long distances can lead to bills that go beyond those limits.
Match your coverage to what you own and what a real crash can cost in Montana, not just what the law requires.