Montana Auto Insurance Quotes and Coverage Guide

Montana Motor Vehicle Insurance Questions & Answers

Q: Is auto insurance mandatory?

A: Yes. Montana is affectionately known as Big Sky Country and Home of Mandatory Auto Liability Insurance. Despite being one of the least-populated states in the union, people in Montana still find a way to run into each other on its road and highways. Since some of them choose to try and skip out rather than do the right thing regarding the injury or damage they caused, Montana instituted its mandatory insurance laws in order to try and keep some of these Yogi Bear yoyos off its roads and highways. The law requires you to always carry the card your insurer provides in your vehicle, so you can whip it out when necessary to immediately dispel any notions you might be one of those yoyos.

Q: Is Montana a "tort" State?

A: Yes. Montana’s insurance laws follow the tradition tort system of no lawsuit restrictions, and you could be in danger of getting your wading pants sued off you if you’re the one blamed for driving 600 miles to find that one person you could hit at a moose crossing. All the wiser to get that insurance so you can continue your future trout fishing without freezing your you-know-what off in the Missoula River, and even better to get more than the minimums so the river WON’T run through it (your assets).

Q: What type of insurance is required to purchase and maintain a Montana tag and registration?

A: To register your vehicle and get your tags, you must provide proof of insurance consisting of up to $25,000 for one person, up to $50,000 for two or more people, and $10,000 for any property damage you may cause if you do manage to find someone in Big Sky Country to run into while you’re out watching the moose instead of paying attention to the road.

Q: Can I maintain my current policy issued in my previous state of residence?

A: Only if you want to pay on two policies for which one (your previous state’s) is not valid in Montana. If your vehicle is registered in Montana then you must have an insurance policy issued through an insurance company licensed to sell in Montana. Think about it. Or if this continues to stump you, call your insurance agent.

Q: What if I fail to keep insurance on my vehicle that I’ve registered in Montana?

A: In accordance with Montana auto insurance law, operating a motor vehicle upon the roadways of Montana without a valid policy of liability insurance is a misdemeanor punishable by a severe tongue lashing by the officer who stops you out in the middle of nowhere and:

-- a fine not less than $250.00, not to exceed $500.00 or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 10 days or both

-- 5 points against your driving record

A second or subsequent offense is punishable by:

-- a fine of not less than $350.00, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 10 days or both

-- suspension of your license plates and registration for 90 days (180 days for a third or subsequent offense)

License suspension is automatic and remains in force until the judgment has been paid or six (6) years have elapsed. Either way, you will be required to submit proof of motor vehicle insurance to get that license back so you can drive back to the middle of nowhere and watch the moose.

Q: I am not a resident of Montana but I visit for several months during the year. Do I need Montana insurance?

A: If you’re just here watching the moose cross the road or confirming what you’ve always heard that bears do in the woods, and you’re not claiming residency, you do not have to purchase Montana insurance, but you do need proof of insurance handy from your home state. Nonresidents owning or operating motor vehicles in Montana are subject to all the provisions and penalties of the Safety Responsibility Law, and if they do not comply, their driving privileges in Montana will be withdrawn, and a certified copy of the record will be sent to their home state. So if you’re not a good boy or girl in Montana, that info will follow you (and your insurance premiums) wee, wee, wee – all the way home.

Q: How can I save money on my auto insurance?

A: You can save on auto insurance in five ways:

-- Check out any discounts for which you may qualify

-- Maintain a good driving record

-- Adjust your coverage to assume more risk

-- Drive a low-profile car equipped with safety features

-- Shop around for a reputable, low-cost insurance provider

-- Stop driving altogether and learn the fine art of walking or learn to ride a moose.

Q: How can I own a vehicle and not need insurance?

A: You can’t unless all you're driving is a wheelchair or a moose. So give it up and call your agent.