Auto Insurance Minimums for Montana

In the state of Montana it is required by law that all motorists have minimum liability insurance of 25/50/10.  This ratio translates into $25K of Liability Bodily Injury coverage per person, $50K of Liability Bodily Injury coverage per accident, and $10K of Property Damage coverage.  While this may seem like a lot, it is very easy to find reasonable auto insurance quotes that satisfy your needs.

In addition to this, the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance strongly recommends that motorists purchase more than the legal limit in addition to uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance (UM/UIM).  This is because 15% of all Montana drivers are uninsured; roughly 106,000 motorists defy state law and put you at risk.  This does not include the other thousands that have inadequate coverage.

Deciding to drive without insurance can result in a misdemeanor that carries a $250- $500 penalty.  If you can’t pay the fine, you will be jailed for 10 days- the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance is serious about the need to have adequate auto insurance.

Purchasing car insurance in Montana can be extremely simple.  This is especially true if you utilize resources like Save Today to help find affordable auto insurance quotes online.  The average driver in Montana spends $1,462 per year on car insurance; this really isn’t much when you consider the financial and emotional strain of the alternative.

Montana DUI Law

Nearly 100 people die every year from drunk driving in Montana. Although the numbers have gone down in recent years, this number is still disturbing. The decrease may have something to do with Montana’s strict punishments for first time DUI offenders. Every case is examined differently, and punishment is metered out accordingly. First time offenders will pay up to $1,000 or more in fines, and may spend up to six months in jail.

The blood alcohol content limit (BAC) for those living in the state of Montana is 0.08% or higher. There may be sentence enhancements for driving with a level of 0.15% or higher. If you are caught driving under the influence you will be forced to install an interlock device at your own expense. If you are driving with a minor when you are arrested for a DUI, you could pay as much as $2,000 and spend 2 weeks to one year in jail.

Montana Teen Driving Laws/Auto Insurance Requirements

In 2005 Montana created harsher penalties for teens who drink and drive, and by finally adopting the Graduated Driver Licensing program. Since its adoption of the GDL and harsher laws, there has been a substantial decrease in teen deaths related to automobile accidents.

The GDL in Montana follows three basic steps, all of which a teen must pass if they wish to obtain a full, unrestricted license. These steps include: a permit phase, a first year restricted phase and then finally, a full privilege driver’s license. To receive a permit, drivers need to be at least 14 and a half years old, and must be enrolled in a state approved driving education program. Teens aged 14 and a half must first obtain a Traffic Education Learner’s License before advancing to the next step.

After obtaining a learner’s license, teens must complete at least 50 hours of driving under supervision—this includes 10 hours at night—and keep a clean driving record for six months. They may then apply for a full, unrestricted license.

In Montana, it is against the law for teens to drink and drive. A teen with a BAC of 0.02% or above will be considered to be driving under the influence. 

Montana requires the same minimum care insurance of teens that it does of adults; however, teens are encouraged to purchase more than the minimum amount of car insurance.