Updated March 2026
State Requirements
Montana requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/20: $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 for property damage. Drivers convicted of DUI, driving without insurance, causing an accident while uninsured, or accumulating too many violation points must file SR-22 proof of insurance with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division. SR-22 filing is not insurance itself but a certification from your insurer that you carry at least the state-required minimums. The requirement typically lasts 3 years from the date of filing.
Cost Overview
High-risk auto insurance premiums in Montana are driven primarily by violation type, with DUI convictions causing the steepest increases. A driver with a clean record in Montana pays an average of $1,200–$1,600 annually for full coverage, while a DUI conviction can raise premiums to $3,200–$5,600 per year. SR-22 filing adds $15–$35 in administrative costs, but the underlying violation is what drives the rate increase.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI convictions increase premiums 150–300%, while at-fault accidents raise rates 40–80%
- SR-22 duration remaining: rates typically begin to decrease after 2 years of clean driving during the SR-22 period
- Montana's fault-based system: at-fault drivers are fully liable for damages, making higher liability limits critical for high-risk profiles
- Rural location: drivers in rural counties often see lower base rates but higher collision risk from wildlife and weather
- Credit history: Montana allows insurers to use credit-based insurance scores, which can compound rate increases for high-risk drivers
- Vehicle type: high-value or high-performance vehicles increase collision and comprehensive premiums significantly for drivers with violations
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
- Montana Motor Vehicle Division – SR-22 Requirements and Filing
- Montana Code Annotated § 61-6-301 – Proof of Financial Responsibility
- Montana Department of Insurance – Consumer Resources