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Check iconLast updated: May 12, 2026

The Best Auto Insurance in Montana of 2026

USAA, State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, and The Hartford are top picks in Montana.

Best for Military/Veterans
Editor's Rating:Star5/5
USAA Text

Full Coverage Averages in MT

  • Annual premium: $1,263
  • Monthly premium: $105
Cheapest for Nonmilitary
Editor's Rating:Star4.9/5
State Farm Logo

Full Coverage Averages in MT

  • Annual premium: $1,314
  • Monthly premium: $110
Best with Poor Credit
Editor's Rating:Star4.2/5
Geico Logo

Full Coverage Averages in MT

  • Annual premium: $2,238
  • Monthly premium: $187
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Key Takeaways

USAA offers the cheapest auto insurance in Montana, but is only available to military members, veterans, and their families. State Farm is the best option for nonmilitary drivers.

  • Full coverage averages $193/month in Montana; minimum coverage averages $47/month.
  • USAA is the cheapest overall at $105/month for full coverage — 46% below the state average.
  • State Farm is the cheapest option for non-military drivers at $110/month for full coverage.
  • Full coverage is strongly recommended in Montana due to wildlife collision risks and severe winter conditions.

Summary of the Best Auto Insurance in Montana

  1. Best for Military/Veterans: USAA
  2. Cheapest for Nonmilitary: State Farm
  3. Best with Poor Credit: GEICO
  4. Best for Coverage Options: Progressive
  5. Best for Seniors: The Hartford

Compare the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Montana

CompanyFull Coverage Monthly Avg. in MTMinimum Coverage Monthly Avg. in MTNorthwest customer satisfaction (J.D. Power)
USAA$105$19Above average
State Farm$110$21Above average
GEICO$187$32Above average
Progressive$200$54Below average
The HartfordData not availableData not availableAbove average
Montana$193$47

Breaking Down the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Montana

1. USAA - Best for Military/Veterans
USAA Text
5
Editor's Rating:
Questions? Talk to a Licensed Agent
855-439-0313Clock iconEstimated wait time: < 1 minute
Minimum coverage
$19 mo.
Full coverage
$105 mo.
  • Provider benefit
    Cheapest rates in MT
  • Provider benefit
    Exceptional customer service
  • Provider benefit
    High ratings for claims handling
  • Provider drawback
    Military eligibility required
  • Provider drawback
    Limited to members
  • Provider drawback
    Fewer branch locations
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Why we chose it

Exclusive to military members, veterans, and their families, USAA offers the cheapest rates on average in Montana at $105/month for full coverage and $19/month for minimum coverage. That’s about 46 percent less than the state average for full coverage and 60 percent less for minimum.

Although USAA is technically ineligible for inclusion in J.D. Power’s Auto Insurance rankings due to its eligibility requirements, it consistently earns top marks for both claims satisfaction nationwide and overall customer satisfaction in the Northwest region (which includes Montana)

Designed for military members and their families, USAA offers perks you won’t find elsewhere, like discounts for vehicles garaged on base.

Who it’s best for

USAA is best for eligible members (which includes children, grandchildren, and spouses of military members and veterans) who value cheap rates, top-notch customer service, and exceptional claims handling.

It’s also a strong option for safe drivers who may be interested in enrolling in SafePilot, USAA’s telematics program that uses a smart phone app to track driving habits. Members can receive up to 10 percent off just for enrolling and up to 30 percent off at renewal for demonstrating safe driving behavior.

USAA Montana Pricing

USAA Full coverage Minimum coverage
Monthly $105 $19
Annually $1,263 $223
Difference from Montana average -46% -60%
2. State Farm - Cheapest for Nonmilitary
State Farm Logo
4.9
Editor's Rating:
Questions? Talk to a Licensed Agent
866-563-6507Clock iconEstimated wait time: < 1 minute
Minimum coverage
$21 mo.
Full coverage
$110 mo.
  • Provider benefit
    Cheap MT rates for many different driver profiles
  • Provider benefit
    Regional leader in customer satisfaction
  • Provider benefit
    Good bundling discount
  • Provider drawback
    Must complete quotes by phone
  • Provider drawback
    No accident forgiveness
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Why we chose it

State Farm is an excellent all-around choice for Montana drivers. It ranked #1 in the Northwest region for overall customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s Automobile Study and scored above average for claims satisfaction nationwide.

State Farm offers some of the cheapest rates in Montana (second only to USAA) for both minimum and full coverage. On average, its full coverage rates are 43 percent lower than the national average, and minimum coverage rates are 55 percent lower.

State Farm also offers discounts for insuring multiple vehicles, for good driving, and bundling home and auto coverage.

Who it’s best for

State Farm is ideal for Montana drivers who want affordable rates, paired with strong, personalized service from local agents. State Farm also stands out for offering some of the cheapest rates on average for higher risk drivers, including those with a speeding ticket, accident, or DUI on their record. Additionally, it offers the cheapest MT rates on average for teen drivers, making it a strong option for families.

State Farm Montana Pricing

State Farm Full coverage Minimum coverage
Monthly $110 $21
Annually $1,314 $248
Difference from Montana average -43% -55%
3. GEICO - Best with Poor Credit
Geico Logo
4.2
Editor's Rating:
Questions? Talk to a Licensed Agent
844-493-8440Clock iconEstimated wait time: < 1 minute
Minimum coverage
$32 mo.
Full coverage
$187 mo.
  • Provider benefit
    Solid digital tools
  • Provider benefit
    Lots of discount options
  • Provider benefit
    Cheap rates for drivers with low credit
  • Provider drawback
    Limited agent presence
  • Provider drawback
    Doesn't underwrite home insurance
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Why we chose it

GEICO offers competitive rates for minimum coverage in MT, averaging 32 percent less than the state average. Full coverage rates are only about 3 percent lower, but GEICO makes up for that with its wide range of discounts.

In J.D. Power’s studies, GEICO ranked #3 for overall customer satisfaction in the Northwest region, but scored below average nationally for claims satisfaction.

The company stands out for its strong digital tools and user-friendly mobile app, which is a big plus if you prefer to handle everything online, though it may be less ideal if you’re looking for personalized help via a local agent.

Who it’s best for

GEICO is a good fit for Montana drivers who prefer managing their insurance online. It also offers some of the cheapest rates in Montana for drivers with low credit (second only to USAA).

Federal employees, military members, National Guard members, students away at school, and drivers with a new vehicle should also consider getting a quote from GEICO, since they offer discounts tailored to each of these groups.

GEICO Montana Pricing

GEICO Full coverage Minimum coverage
Monthly $187 $32
Annually $2,238 $382
Difference from Montana average -3% -32%
4. Progressive - Best for Coverage Options
Progressive Logo
4.7
Editor's Rating:
Questions? Talk to a Licensed Agent
866-651-1498Clock iconEstimated wait time: < 1 minute
Minimum coverage
$54
Full coverage
$200
  • Provider benefit
    Rideshare coverage
  • Provider benefit
    Discount for signing up online
  • Provider benefit
    Wide variety of add-ons and perks
  • Provider drawback
    Mixed reviews for customer service
  • Provider drawback
    Gap insurance won’t necessarily cover full amount owed
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Why we chose it

While Progressive isn’t the cheapest option in Montana and doesn’t score as highly on third-party metrics for customer or claims satisfaction, it stands out for its flexible coverage options and unique add-ons. Drivers can customize their policies with features like gap insurance, accident forgiveness, custom parts and equipment coverage, and a disappearing deductible. They can also qualify for discounts for being a good student, homeowner, signing documents online, or enrolling in automatic payments.

Progressive also offers a usage-based program called Snapshot, which tracks driving behaviors, like hard braking, acceleration, and phone use. Drivers can earn a discount just for enrolling and up to 20 percent off for safe driving. However, because poor driving data can raise your rates, Snapshot is best for consistently safe drivers, especially those who don’t drive in heavy, stop-and-go traffic.

Who it’s best for

Progressive is a strong option in Montana for rideshare drivers and those seeking gap insurance. Progressive is also a good fit for drivers who want to insure modifications they’ve made to their vehicles (like custom wheels or aftermarket sounds systems).

The company also has cheaper-than-average rates for drivers with DUIs, along with USAA and State Farm.

Progressive Montana Pricing

Progressive Full coverage Minimum coverage
Monthly $200 $54
Annually $2,403 $650
Difference from Montana average +4% +15%
5. The Hartford - Best for Seniors
The Hartford Logo
4
Editor's Rating:
Questions? Talk to a Licensed Agent
844-214-8382Clock iconEstimated wait time: < 1 minute
Average Rate for Minimum Coverage
$70 mo.
Average Rate for Full Coverage
$228 mo.
  • Provider benefit
    Discount for AARP members
  • Provider benefit
    Highly rated customer satisfaction in the region
  • Provider benefit
    Disappearing Deductible
  • Provider drawback
    Some discounts restricted to AARP members
  • Provider drawback
    Less competitive for younger drivers
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Why we chose it

Although pricing data is unavailable for The Hartford in Montana, the company offers a 10 percent discount for AARP members who are 50 years old and older, which can help make coverage more affordable for senior drivers.

The Hartford ranked #2 in J.D. Power’s Study for overall customer satisfaction in the Northwest region and scored 16 points above the national average for claims satisfaction, making it one of the best insurance options for seniors.

The Hartford also offers several valuable coverage features, including Accident Forgiveness, Disappearing Deductible, New Car Replacement, and a Lifetime Repair Promise, which guarantees repairs made at authorized body shops for as long as you own the vehicle.

Who it’s best for

The Hartford is best for AARP members, age 50 and older, who value dependable, customizable coverage, along with great customer service. It’s a great option for Montana seniors who want to maximize savings through discounts such as paying in full, bundling policies, paying on time, completing a defensive driver course (up to 5 percent off), and starting a quote online (up to 8 percent off).

FACT:

Older adults are more likely to have safer driving behaviors than any other age group according to the CDC.1

Best Cheap Picks — Detailed Customer Satisfaction Summary

CompanyJ.D. Power Auto Insurance Study – Northwest2CRASH Network Report Card3J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction4NAIC Complaint Index5
USAA729C-7413.10
State Farm648D+7162.46
GEICO631C-6971.77
Progressive607C-6732.79
The Hartford645C+716.89
Average629 (out of 1,000)C+700 (out of 1,000)1
What the study measuresCustomer satisfaction regionally, based on responses from over 40,000 customersClaims handling and payment practices, based on an annual survey of collision repair shopsSatisfaction with the claims process, based on responses from nearly 10,000 customers who recently filed a claimConsumer complaints relative to market share. The lower the score, the better

Average Cost of Auto Insurance in Montana

Full Coverage Rates in Montana

In Montana, full-coverage auto insurance costs are pretty on par with the national average. Montana rates are about 2 percent lower than the national average, and drivers can expect to pay $2,315 per year on average, or $193 per month.

CategoryFull coverage average (annual)Full coverage average (monthly)
Montana Average $2,315$193
National Average$2,356$196

Minimum Coverage Rates in Montana

When it comes to minimum coverage, Montana rates are about 22 percent lower than the national average. Montana drivers can expect to pay $563 per year on average, or $47 monthly for minimum coverage.

CategoryMinimum coverage average (annual)Minimum coverage average (monthly)
Montana Average$563$47
National Average$722$60

FYI:

When it comes to car insurance in Montana, your rates will depend on several factors, including your driving history, driver profile, and vehicle type. We recommend getting quotes from at least three different providers so you can better understand your options and choose the coverage that best fits your unique needs and budget.

Auto Insurance Costs by City in Montana

Where you live in Montana can affect how much you pay for car insurance. When setting rates, insurers consider factors such as local accident rates, claims history, and traffic density. Among Montana cities, Missoula and Helena drivers tend to have the lowest premiums on average. Billings drivers have the highest premiums at $2,358 per year on average.

CityAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
Missoula$2,038$170
Helena$2,081$173
Bozeman$2,181$182
Great Falls$2,246$187
Billings$2,358$197

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Montana

Montana ranks fifth in the nation for the number of fatal accidents per resident, with 90 percent of those fatalities occurring on roads outside city limits. The most dangerous roads tend to be those that hug shorelines, run through difficult terrain, or wind through twisty mountain passes. Overall, the state averages about 134 crashes per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, according to data from the Montana Department of Transportation.

Certain stretches of highway and intersections are particularly crash prone, including:

  • Bozeman Pass on Interstate 90
  • U.S. Highway 93 through Lost Trail Pass
  • U.S. Highway 93 at Sula
  • The Intersection of U.S. Highway 12 and U.S. Highway 93 at Lolo
  • Lincoln Road through Flesher Pass6

HEADS UP:

Distracted driving, including texting behind the wheel, can significantly increase the risk of accidents and is one of the most preventable causes of crashes. Montana is the only state in the U.S. without a state-wide ban on texting while driving. However, several cities within the state, including Billings, Bozeman, Helena, and Whitefish, have enacted their own local restrictions on handheld phone use while driving.

Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in Montana

Montana requires all drivers to carry the following minimum auto insurance limits:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person
  • $50,000 for total bodily injury or death of two or more persons
  • $20,000 for destruction of property of others

These policies cover damages you cause to others in an at-fault accident, but they do not cover your own injuries or damages to your vehicle. For better protection or peace of mind, choose higher liability limits or full coverage, which includes comprehensive and collision coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

For those who qualify (military members, veterans, and their immediate family members), USAA offers the cheapest auto insurance in Montana at $105 per month on average for full coverage and $19 per month for minimum coverage. State Farm has the next lowest rates at $110 per month on average for full coverage and $21 per month for minimum coverage. Both insurers offer rates well below the statewide average of $193 per month for full coverage and $47 per month for minimum coverage.

Teens are expensive to insure because they have less driving experience and insurers view them as higher risk for accidents. In Montana, State Farm offers the cheapest rates on average for teen drivers at $3,259 annually for full coverage. USAA follows at $3,797 annually on average.

Common discounts include bundling home and auto policies, maintaining an accident-free record, good student discounts, completing defensive driving training, having certain vehicle safety features, owning a new car, and insuring multiple vehicles. Discounts vary between insurers, so be sure to ask your provider which ones you qualify for. If you’re a safe driver or don’t drive often, consider enrolling in a usage-based telematics program, like State Farm’s Drive Safe and Save.

Full coverage auto insurance is generally worth it in Montana, as it offers greater financial protection and peace of mind on the road. In addition to protecting you and your vehicle in the case of an at-fault accident, it also helps cover risks that are common in the state, such as wildlife collisions (primarily elk and deer) and harsh weather conditions, particularly during the winter. Additionally, if you’re financing or leasing your vehicle, lenders will typically require full coverage as a part of the loan agreement.

Methodology - How We Review Providers

We evaluated auto insurance providers in Montana and based our reviews on the following criteria:

  • Pricing (40%): We analyzed the costs of both full and minimum coverage premiums in Montana for drivers with clean records and those with prior incidents like DUIs. We also considered available discounts. Minimum coverage averages meet Montana’s state-mandated limits, while full coverage averages use the following limits:
    • Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
    • Property damage liability: $50,000 per accident
    • Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
    • Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
  • Claims handling (25%): Efficient claims handling is critical for any auto insurance provider. We reviewed third-party data from independent sources like the J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction Study, AM Best, and other reports to evaluate claims handling.
  • Customer experience (25%): We assessed customer experience from various perspectives, including the ease of getting a quote, digital tools, policy management options, and availability of local agents. Our evaluation incorporated third-party data from sources like J.D. Power, alongside app ratings and data on the provider’s customer service for Montana drivers.
  • Coverage options (10%): We reviewed each company’s coverage offerings, preferring providers with options beyond Montana’s minimum requirements. Additional coverage options considered include mechanical breakdown insurance, rideshare coverage and other benefits.

Learn more about our ratings and methodology sources.

Sources

  1. Older Adult Drivers. CDC. (2026, Jan 28).
    https://www.cdc.gov/older-adult-drivers/about/index.html?utm

  2. It’s Now a Buyer’s Market for Auto Insurance, JD Power Finds. JD Power. (2026).
    https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-insurance-study

  3. Top Rated U.S. Car Insurance Companies for 2026. Crash Network. (2026).
    https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc/

  4. Satisfaction with Auto Insurance Claims Strained by Higher Deductibles, More Total Losses, JD Power Finds. JD Power. (2025, Oct 28).
    https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-claims-satisfaction-study

  5. Consumer Insurance Search Results. NAIC. (2026).
    https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htm

  6. We mapped five years of Montana highway crashes. Here’s what jumped out at us.. Montana Free Press. (2025, Nov 04).
    https://montanafreepress.org/2025/11/04/montana-highway-crash-rates-mapped/