Montana SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance
Montana requires 25/50/20 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
Get SR-22 Quotes NowMontana 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
$100
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
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.
Liability Insurance
SR-22 Certificate Filing
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Collision Coverage
Comprehensive Coverage
Cost Overview
$34/mo
Typical monthly rate in Montana, non-owner policies
Rate data: Insure.com, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- 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
Get Your SR-22 Even Without a Car
Get SR-22 Quotes NowIf your license is suspended
Probationary Driver License (Restricted Probationary)
A restricted license is available while suspended.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need SR-22 in Montana after a DUI?
Montana requires SR-22 filing for 3 years following a DUI conviction, starting from the date your insurer files the certificate with the Motor Vehicle Division. If your coverage lapses at any point during those 3 years, the state suspends your license and you must restart the full 3-year period from the new filing date. Maintaining continuous coverage without any lapses is the only way to satisfy the requirement on schedule.
Which insurance companies offer SR-22 in Montana?
Non-standard carriers like Progressive, The General, and Bristol West commonly write SR-22 policies in Montana. Some standard carriers will file SR-22 for existing customers with a first offense, but drivers with DUIs, multiple violations, or uninsured accidents typically need to move to a non-standard insurer. It's critical to confirm SR-22 filing capability before purchasing a policy, as not all insurers offer this service.
What happens if my SR-22 policy lapses in Montana?
If your SR-22 policy is canceled or lapses, your insurer must notify the Montana Motor Vehicle Division within 10 days. The state immediately suspends your driving privileges, and you must purchase a new policy, pay reinstatement fees, and refile SR-22. The 3-year requirement period restarts from the new filing date, not your original violation date, potentially adding years to your SR-22 obligation.
Can I get car insurance in Montana with a suspended license?
You can purchase a non-owner SR-22 policy in Montana even with a suspended license, which satisfies the SR-22 filing requirement without owning a vehicle. Once your suspension period ends and you meet all reinstatement requirements, the SR-22 filing from your non-owner policy allows you to regain your license. This is common for drivers who do not own a car but need to maintain SR-22 certification.
Do all violations in Montana require SR-22 filing?
No. Montana requires SR-22 for specific high-risk violations including DUI, driving without insurance, at-fault accidents while uninsured, accumulating 30+ points in 36 months, and license suspensions for serious moving violations. Minor speeding tickets and single at-fault accidents typically do not trigger SR-22 requirements unless you were uninsured at the time. The Motor Vehicle Division notifies you by mail if SR-22 filing is required.
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Montana's 25/50/20 minimum is required for SR-22 filing, but a serious accident can exceed these limits in seconds, leaving you personally liable.
SR-22 Certificate Filing
Required proof of insurance filed by your carrier with the Montana MVD for 3 years following DUI, uninsured driving, or serious violations. The certificate itself costs $15–$35, but the premium increase from your violation is substantial.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay for your injuries and vehicle damage. Optional in Montana but critical for high-risk drivers who cannot afford a second financial setback.
Collision Coverage
Pays for damage to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Required by lenders on financed vehicles and expensive for high-risk drivers, but dropping it violates loan terms.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers non-collision damage including theft, vandalism, hail, fire, and animal strikes. Montana has one of the highest rates of deer collisions in the country, making comprehensive coverage valuable even for high-risk drivers.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Specialized coverage for drivers who cannot get policies from standard insurers due to DUIs, suspensions, SR-22 requirements, or multiple violations. Non-standard carriers accept higher-risk profiles but charge significantly higher premiums.