Car Insurance in Bozeman, MT

Montana requires all vehicle owners to carry car insurance. Whether you are involved in a multi-car collision on Interstate 90 or a fender-bender on Main Street, a good auto insurance policy can prevent you from facing a significant financial loss in the aftermath.

It's easy to find the best and most affordable car insurance when working with a local independent agent. These experienced agents can help you obtain and compare customized car insurance quotes from multiple insurers. Contact an independent insurance agent near you to get more information.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Bozeman, MT?

The average cost of car insurance in Bozeman is higher than the national average. Taking the time to compare rates from a few different insurance providers has the potential to save you hundreds of dollars a year.

• National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
• Montana's average annual car insurance cost: $1,476
• Bozeman's average annual car insurance cost: $1,421

An average rate can only give you a general idea of what you might be expected to pay. Car insurance costs vary from one driver to the next because they are based on several factors such as:

• The make, model, year, and value of the vehicle(s) you are insuring
• Your age, occupation, driving history, and credit score
• Information about the other licensed drivers in your household
• Whether you own or rent your home
• The amount of liability coverage you are purchasing
• The coverage options you include in your policy
• The size of your deductible

You can frequently earn rate reductions if you bundle your car insurance with other policies like home insurance or renters insurance. A good insurance agent will ensure that you receive any offered car insurance discounts for which you qualify.

Is Car Insurance Required in Bozeman, MT?

In Montana, all vehicle owners are required to carry car insurance policies that include liability coverage. Car liability insurance covers other people's property damage and medical bills if you are at fault for a collision.

To comply with Montana law, your car insurance policy must include a minimum of 25/50/20 liability coverage. This means that it must provide at least:

• $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
• $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
• $20,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident

Although these required amounts may seem high, if you cause an accident that involves severe injuries to others, your liability costs can easily exceed the limits of a minimum coverage policy. In that case, you would need to pay the difference out of pocket.

That is why many vehicle owners in Bozeman opt to purchase car insurance with higher liability limits than the state requires. If you want to have even more coverage than your car insurance policy can offer, you can also purchase umbrella insurance.

What Else Does Car Insurance Cover in Bozeman, MT?

In addition to the mandatory liability coverage mentioned above, most car insurance companies in Montana provide various coverage options. Some commonly offered options you may want to consider include:

• Physical damage coverage: This covers damage to your own vehicle. Though optional by law, dealerships typically require it if you are leasing your car, and lenders require it if you are financing. Physical damage coverage includes:
  • Collision coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
  • Comprehensive coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft.
• Uninsured motorist coverage: This can compensate you for your injuries and property damage if an uninsured driver is responsible for a collision with you.
• Medical payments coverage: This can help cover medical treatments for you and your passengers if you are injured in a collision, regardless of fault.
• Windshield and glass replacement coverage: This can pay to replace the safety glass in your windshield and windows if it is cracked or broken. This coverage often has no deductible.
• Towing and roadside assistance coverage: This can cover the cost of service if your car becomes disabled and you need to call for help, such as if your car blows a head gasket or you get a flat tire.
• Gap insurance: This covers the gap between what your car is worth and what you currently owe for it. It can buy out your lease or pay off your car loan if your vehicle is totaled in a covered event.

It is a good idea to review the details and costs of each available coverage option to determine which choices are a good fit for you and your family.

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What Is the Penalty for Driving without Insurance in Bozeman, MT?

Driving without insurance is a misdemeanor in Montana. If convicted of this crime, you can be penalized with:

• Court fees of $35
• A fine of $250 to $500 or incarceration for 10 to 180 days, or both
• The suspension of your driving privileges for 90 to 180 days
• The requirement to maintain an SR-22 for three years
• Five points on your driver's license
• Higher car insurance rates

Despite these consequences, nearly one in ten drivers in this state are in uninsured vehicles.

• Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13.0%
• Percentage of Montana drivers who are uninsured: 9.9%

If an uninsured driver is at fault for an accident that involves you, that person is responsible for compensating you for your property damage and any needed medical treatments if you or your passengers are injured in the collision.

However, this money can be difficult or even impossible to collect. Uninsured motorist insurance offers a solution to this problem. It ensures that you will receive the compensation you deserve quickly and without the need to take legal action against the at-fault driver.

What Is Bozeman, MT's Auto Theft Rate?

The auto theft rate in Montana is higher than the national rate, but in Bozeman, the rate is much lower. This is not to say the risk does not exist. Residents of this city report around 65 auto thefts a year.

• National auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.29
• Montana auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.63
• Bozeman auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 0.90

Even though the risk is low, you should know that you can only be compensated for a stolen vehicle if your car insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage.

If you are financing or leasing your vehicle, chances are good you already have this comprehensive insurance. If not, you may want to ask how much it would cost for you to add it to your car insurance policy so you can determine whether it is of good value to you.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Bozeman, MT?

The best car insurance companies in Montana are the ones that have a long and consistent history of providing exceptional customer service, reliable coverage, and competitive rates.

Independent insurance agents in Bozeman have developed partnerships with some of the area's top insurance companies. This means you can trust that any policies your agent recommends to you are offered by providers you can rely on if you need to file a claim.

How Can an Independent Agent in Bozeman, MT Help Find the Best Car Insurance?

When you are shopping for an auto insurance policy that meets your coverage and budgetary needs, a local independent agent can help. These agents work for you, not for a specific insurance company. This means they are free to shop around to find the protection you want at the most competitive price.

It doesn't cost anything to work with one of these experienced professionals. Contact an independent insurance agent in Bozeman to get answers to your coverage-related questions and to start comparing a variety of customized car insurance quotes.