Montana Auto Insurance Requirements & Rates
Montana requires 25/50/20 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Montana at a Glance
25/50/20
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
Montana operates as a traditional at-fault (tort) state, meaning the driver responsible for an accident is liable for resulting damages. All drivers must carry proof of insurance and present it upon request by law enforcement or after an accident. The Montana Department of Insurance enforces these requirements through the state's Motor Vehicle Division, which can suspend registration and driving privileges for non-compliance.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Cost Overview
about $81/mo
Average car insurance spending in Montana
Rate data: NAIC Auto Insurance Database, 2023
What Affects Your Rate
- Montana experiences approximately 7,000–8,000 wildlife collisions annually, with deer strikes concentrated in fall and spring, directly impacting comprehensive coverage costs statewide.
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Compare Auto Rates for FreeFrequently Asked Questions
Is Montana a no-fault insurance state?
No, Montana is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver responsible for an accident is liable for all resulting damages through their liability insurance. Injured parties can file claims against the at-fault driver's insurance or sue directly if damages exceed policy limits, making adequate liability coverage critical.
Do I need comprehensive coverage for deer strikes in Montana?
Yes, only comprehensive coverage pays for vehicle damage from wildlife collisions. Montana experiences 7,000–8,000 deer strikes annually, concentrated in fall (October–November) and spring (May–June). Liability and collision coverage do not cover animal strikes, making comprehensive essential for Montana drivers despite not being legally required.
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
Required 25/50/20 minimum covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. Legal minimum rarely provides adequate protection in serious accidents involving multiple vehicles or significant injuries.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage to protect both your legal obligation and your vehicle. Required by lenders if you finance or lease your car.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers non-collision damage including theft, vandalism, hail, fire, and animal strikes. Pays to repair or replace your vehicle minus your deductible.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair your vehicle after an accident regardless of fault. Covers single-vehicle crashes, backing incidents, and collisions with other vehicles or objects.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Must be offered by all Montana insurers but can be declined in writing.
SR-22 Insurance
Not a coverage type but a certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division after certain violations. Required for DUI, driving uninsured, or serious traffic offenses.