Finding the cheapest Montana car insurance can be challenging. Insurance costs vary depending on age, gender, ZIP code and other factors. To help make sense of the madness and simplify your shopping, NerdWallet researched the two cheapest car insurance options in the state for the following driver types:
Cheapest for safe drivers
For drivers with no at-fault accidents, DUIs or moving violations.
price
- $71/month
price
- $89/month
Montana drivers who qualify for USAA — which serves active or retired military and their families — will almost always find the most affordable rates. For safe drivers, the company’s premiums beat their next closest competitor’s by almost $20 per month in our test. USAA also boasts fantastic ratings in both customer service and claims processing. For those who don’t qualify for USAA, State Farm still has great ratings, similar coverage options and similar discounts.
Cheapest for young drivers
For drivers younger than 25.
price
- $109/month
price
- $184/month
New drivers in Montana who qualify for USAA saved substantially in our study: about $75 per month over State Farm. Both companies offer roadside assistance — likely a must for inexperienced drivers as well as their parents. Though more expensive, State Farm distinguishes itself with a wider selection of training programs, tutorials, and discounts aimed at first-time drivers.
Cheapest for high-mileage drivers
For drivers who travel more than 40 miles per day.
price
- $72/month
price
- $89/month
When it comes to those with long commutes, USAA bested State Farm’s monthly premium by $17. Though people who qualify will probably still want to choose the military-affiliated insurer, State Farm’s expanded car rental and travel expenses coverage is a major plus. It covers car rental, hotel and meals for people stuck on the road waiting for repairs. Both companies offer a variety of helpful discounts and great customer service and claims ratings, though USAA’s are slightly better.
Cheapest for drivers with imperfect records
For drivers who’ve had at-fault accidents, DUIs, or moving violations.
price
- $87/month
price
- $97/month
USAA again notched the best deal in our study, even for drivers who have an imperfect record. In addition, USAA offers accident forgiveness, which could keep customers’ rates from increasing after their first at-fault incident following years of safe driving. Between its emergency road service, ratings and discounts, State Farm is also a good choice and scored quotes only $10 more per month on average.
Minimum Montana insurance requirements
Montana drivers are required to carry liability insurance, which helps cover others’ injury costs or property damage if you’re at fault in an accident.
The minimum limits are:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $10,000 property damage liability per accident
While this will allow you to drive legally, experts suggest getting more than the bare minimum to be better protected in Big Sky Country. For instance, a single at-fault accident could easily leave you owning more than $10,000 in repairs, and you’d be stuck paying the difference out of pocket.
You may also want to consider common optional coverages such as comprehensive coverage, which helps replace your car if it’s stolen, or uninsured motorist protection, which helps cover your medical treatment if you’re hit by a driver who lacks insurance.
Check out NerdWallet’s guide to state car insurance requirements for more details on the required and optional parts of your Montana auto policy.
Alternative car insurance in Montana
Montana is one of several states that form the Western Association of Automobile Insurance Plan (WAAIP). Drivers who try and fail to buy car insurance through the open market could qualify for coverage through WAAIP’s network of insurers.
For personalized auto insurance quotes, use NerdWallet’s anonymous car insurance comparison tool to view estimates from top insurers side-by-side and possibly save hundreds.
METHODOLOGY
NerdWallet ran rates from the largest insurers in Montana across several ZIP codes. We tested for drivers with no accidents or violations, drivers younger than 25, drivers who travel more than 40 miles per day, and drivers with violations or accidents on their record. We used a Ford F-150 as our sample vehicle, the most popular car in Montana. These are sample rates — your own rates will differ.
No comments:
Post a Comment