Minimum car insurance in Montana
Liability car insurance is important coverage. It pays others for damage and injuries if you cause a car accident. Many people buy more than the minimum auto insurance required in a state. If you don't have enough liability insurance for accident bills, people can sue you for the rest.
Minimum liability insurance in Montana:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 bodily injury per accident
- $20,000 property damage per accident
This is often written as 25/50/20.
Minimum uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage:
If a driver without liability insurance crashes into you, UM coverage can be used for medical bills.
- Montana does not require uninsured motorist coverage. Auto insurers must offer UM but you can reject it by signing a waiver. If you decide to buy UM, you must have coverage of at least $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident (25/50). UIM coverage is optional in Montana. UIM can be used if a driver who has some insurance but not enough causes injury to you.
Optional car insurance in Montana
Medical expense benefits: This covers medical bills and funeral expenses for you and your passengers, no matter who caused the accident. It can also cover you and your family members if you're hit by a car while walking or riding in someone else's vehicle. Accident bills covered include medical, dental, X-rays, rehab and chiropractic, but only up to the insurance limit you buy.
Comprehensive and collision coverage: Covers the theft of your vehicle or damage from hitting an animal, hitting another vehicle, or hail, flood, fire, vandalism, falling objects and explosions.
Rental reimbursement: Covers a rental car if your vehicle is being repaired due to an accident. This coverage may have a daily maximum amount and also a total limit.
You must show an insurance ID card (or other proof of financial responsibility) in Montana when:
- Law enforcement requests it.
- You renew vehicle registration.
- Your vehicle is in a car accident.
Penalties for not having auto insurance in Montana
- First offense: $250 to $500 fine, up to 10 days in jail, or both.
- Second offense: $350 fine, up to 10 days in jail, or both. Starting with the second offense, must also surrender registration and license plate until coverage is obtained.
- Third offense: $500 fine, up to six months in jail, or both.
Source: Property Casualty Insurers Association of America
Consumer complaints about car insurance companies
The Montana department of insurance tracks complaints against insurance companies in the state. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners uses state data to create a national "complaint ratio." The ratio reflects the number of complaints in relation to an insurer's size of business. Shown below are national complaint ratios for the largest car insurance companies in Montana.
Updated June 14, 2018
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