Montana SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance
Montana requires 25/50/20 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Montana at a Glance
25/50/20
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
$100
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
Drivers convicted of DUI, cited for driving without insurance, involved in uninsured at-fault accidents, or accumulating excessive violations must file SR-22 proof of financial responsibility with the Montana Motor Vehicle Division. The state also mandates uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage at the same limits as liability unless explicitly rejected in writing.
Liability Insurance
SR-22 Insurance
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Collision Coverage
Comprehensive Coverage
Cost Overview
$34/mo
Typical monthly rate in Montana, non-owner policies
Rate data: Insure.com, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI convictions carry higher surcharges than at-fault accidents or speeding violations
- Time since incident: Rates decrease as violations age, with most surcharges reducing after 3 years and dropping off after 5–7 years
- Location: Urban areas like Billings and Missoula have more carrier competition and lower average rates than rural counties with limited non-standard options
- Vehicle type: Higher-value vehicles and models with poor safety ratings increase comprehensive and collision premiums for high-risk drivers
- Credit-based insurance score: Montana allows credit scoring for insurance rating, and high-risk drivers with poor credit pay significantly more than those with good credit
Stay Covered While You Drive Borrowed Cars
Find Coverage After ViolationsIf your license is suspended
Probationary Driver License (Restricted Probationary)
A restricted license is available while suspended.
A coverage lapse is reported
The state can act when your insurance lapses.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need SR-22 in Montana after a DUI?
Montana requires SR-22 filing for 3 years following a DUI conviction, starting from the date your insurer files the certificate with the Motor Vehicle Division. Any lapse in coverage during this period triggers immediate license suspension and restarts the full 3-year requirement from the new filing date.
Which insurance companies offer SR-22 in Montana?
Non-standard carriers writing SR-22 policies in Montana include Progressive, The General, Bristol West, and National General. Standard carriers like State Farm and Allstate rarely accept SR-22 drivers or charge prohibitive rates, making non-standard carriers the primary market for high-risk Montana drivers.
When do SR-22 rates go down in Montana?
Most non-standard carriers reduce premiums after 3 years once the SR-22 requirement expires and the violation begins to age off your record. DUI surcharges typically decrease significantly after 5 years and drop off entirely after 7–10 years, allowing drivers to qualify for standard carrier rates again.
Does Montana require SR-22 for driving without insurance?
Yes, Montana requires SR-22 filing if you are cited for driving without insurance or fail to provide proof of coverage. The SR-22 requirement typically lasts 3 years and applies even if you were not involved in an accident, with any coverage lapse extending the filing period.
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. Montana's 25/50/20 minimums are often insufficient for serious accidents, leaving high-risk drivers exposed to lawsuits exceeding policy limits.
SR-22 Filing
Certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer with the Montana MVD proving you maintain continuous coverage. Required for DUIs, uninsured accidents, suspensions, and major violations.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when hit by drivers without insurance or insufficient coverage to pay for your injuries and damages. Montana mandates UM/UIM at the same limits as your liability unless you reject it in writing.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies designed for high-risk drivers who cannot qualify for standard coverage due to DUIs, suspensions, lapses, or multiple violations. Non-standard carriers specialize in SR-22 filings and accept higher-risk profiles.
Collision Coverage
Pays for damage to your vehicle after an at-fault accident regardless of your driving record. Required by lenders on financed vehicles, with deductibles typically $1,000–$2,500 for high-risk drivers.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers theft, vandalism, weather damage, and animal strikes. Montana's rural areas have high wildlife collision rates, making comprehensive valuable even for high-risk drivers with older vehicles.