Cheapest car insurance policy

If you’re an active member of the military or a veteran — or have an immediate family member who is — chances are good you’ll get a cheaper-than-average rate with USAA, an option that isn’t available to the general public. USAA is the cheapest auto insurance option for every driver type below, in many cases by a large amount. USAA customers also benefit from the insurer’s top-rated customer service.

Cheapest for safe drivers

For drivers with no at-fault accidents, DUIs or moving violations.

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Montana drivers who qualify for USAA — which serves active or retired military and their families — will almost always find the most affordable rates. For all other drivers, State Farm is generally the cheapest option. It offers similar coverage options and similar discounts.

Cheapest for young drivers

For drivers younger than 25.

State Farm offers roadside assistance — likely a must for inexperienced drivers as well as their parents. The insurer distinguishes itself with a wider selection of training programs, tutorials, and discounts aimed at first-time drivers.

Cheapest for high-mileage drivers

For drivers who travel more than 40 miles per day.

For those who drive long distances, State Farm’s expanded car rental and travel expenses coverage is a major plus. It covers car rental, hotel and meals for people stuck on the road waiting for repairs. Both companies offer a variety of helpful discounts and great customer service and claims ratings, though USAA’s are slightly better.

Cheapest for drivers with imperfect records

For drivers who’ve had at-fault accidents, DUIs, or moving violations.

With emergency road service, solid ratings and an array of discounts, State Farm is a good choice for those with checkered driving histories.

Minimum Montana insurance requirements

Montana drivers are required to carry liability insurance, which helps cover others’ injury costs or property damage if you’re at fault in an accident.

The minimum limits are:

• $25, 000 bodily injury liability per person
• $50, 000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $10, 000 property damage liability per accident

While this will allow you to drive legally, experts suggest getting more than the bare minimum to be better protected in Big Sky Country. For instance, a single at-fault accident could easily leave you owing more than $10, 000 in repairs, and you’d be stuck paying the difference out of pocket.

You may also want to consider common optional coverages such as comprehensive coverage, which helps replace your car if it’s stolen, or uninsured motorist protection, which helps cover your medical treatment if you’re hit by a driver who lacks insurance.

Alternative car insurance in Montana

And in case you missed anything, here’s a summary of where you’ll find the cheapest insurance, by category:

METHODOLOGY

NerdWallet ran rates from the largest insurers in Montana across several ZIP codes. We tested for drivers with no accidents or violations, drivers younger than 25, drivers who travel more than 40 miles per day, and drivers with violations or accidents on their record. We used a Ford F-150 as our sample vehicle, the most popular car in Montana. These are sample rates — your own rates will differ.