Car Insurance Guide to Montana
Auto insurance quotes for the state of Montana should comply with the following insurance coverage or financial responsibility at a minimum
25/50/10 – This is shorthand for the liability policy limits required which means you need a minimum coverage of:
- $25,000 for death or injury to one person;
- $50,000 for death or injury to two or more people; and
- $10,000 for property damage to others
Virtually all auto insurance policies have a provision that will adjust your coverage from the minimums required in your state to the minimum insurance or proof of financial responsibility in another U.S. state. So you do not need to get a new insurance policy for each state you are driving through. However, if you buy a policy in a low limits state (like Montana or Missouri) but live in a high limits state (like Alaska), insurers will only write a policy where your car is principally garaged. So if your home is in Alaska, you should buy the minimum limits for Alaska.
Montana’s required insurance limits are low, considering the cost of repair and damages likely to occur in an accident. If you are in a serious collision and the damages you caused are greater than the coverage limits you purchased, you may be personally liable to pay for those damages that exceed your insurance coverage.
Auto Insurance Laws and Regulations in Monatana
Montana is a modified comparative fault state with a 51% rule. This is a legal defense that means that a plaintiff can recover for an injury, reducing the amount that the plaintiff can recover based on the percentage of which the plaintiff is at fault if it is determined that his or her fault in causing the injury is less than 51%. If the plaintiff’s fault level reaches 51% or more, he or she cannot recover any damages resulting from the accident. If the damage caused is less than 51%, the claimant can only recover their damages as reduced by their percentage of fault.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
In Montana, a first time offense of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) is a misdemeanor offense. If you are 21 years or older, if you have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) level of .08% or higher while driving, Montana law presumes you are driving while intoxicated. If you are under 21, a lower BAC may apply to you.
1st DUI
If convicted, you may be sentenced from 24 hours to up to 1 year in jail. A court fine of $300 up to $2000 may be imposed. You will also be responsible for other court fees. Your license will be suspended or restricted for up to 6 months. You may be required to install an ignition interlock device. You may also be required to take a chemical dependency course or chemical dependency treatment. SR-22 or FR-44 forms will be required for a 1st DUI.
2nd DUI
If convicted, you may be sentenced from 7 days up to a maximum of 1 year in jail. Fines may be imposed from $600 up to $2000. Your license may be suspended for up to 1 year. If you are eligible for a restricted driver’s license, you may be required to install an ignition interlock device. You may also be required to take a chemical dependency course or chemical dependency treatment. SR-22 or FR-44 forms will be required for a 2nd DUI.
Top Ten Car Insurance Companies in Montana
The top ten auto insurance companies as rated by market share in Montana are the following:
- State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company
- GEICO
- Farmers Group, Inc.
- Safeco Corporation Allstate Insurance Group
- USAA
- The Hartford Financial Services Group
- Travelers Insurance Group
- Allianz of America, Inc.
- Bituminous Insurance Companies
- Nationwide Insurance Companies