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.
Meeting the state minimum keeps you legal. See whether it's enough — get your Montana quote.
Get your Montana quoteCost 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
Get non-owner SR-22 coverage without owning a vehicle
Compare carriers that offer non-owner policies with SR-22 filing — required for reinstatement in most states.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage 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.
