
Montana has a mandatory motorcycle insurance law that requires riders to carry a minimum level of liability coverage.
To register your motorcycle in Montana, you'll need to provide proof of insurance that meets the state's requirements. The minimum coverage limits are $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death per accident, and $10,000 for property damage.
As a motorcycle owner, it's essential to understand the insurance laws in Montana to avoid fines and penalties. If you're caught riding without insurance, you could face a $500 fine and have your motorcycle registration suspended.
Montana Motorcycle Insurance Laws
In Montana, motorcycle riders are required to have a minimum amount of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance, often written as 25/50/25.
The minimum limits are $25,000 for death or bodily injury to one person, $50,000 for death or bodily injury to two or more persons, and $10,000 for damage or destruction of property.
If you opt to purchase coverage in Montana, your policy must meet the same minimum levels of coverage as an automobile, which includes liability coverage for bodily injury or death to other people or damage to property.
The required limits for liability insurance in Montana are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $20,000 for property damage liability.
Here are the minimum required limits for motorcycle insurance in Montana:
It's usually a good idea to buy more coverage than the minimum requirements, especially if you frequently ride in conditions that increase your risk of an accident, or if you have a lot of assets that could become the target of a liability lawsuit.
Insurance Options
In Montana, you have the option to go without motorcycle insurance, but that's not necessarily the best idea. Montana is an "at fault" insurance state, which means if you're involved in an accident without insurance, the other driver can sue you for damages.
Progressive is the cheapest motorcycle insurance in Montana, with an average rate of $12 per month, or $149 per year, for full coverage. This is 44% cheaper than the state average.
Progressive has the best motorcycle coverage for most riders in Montana, offering extremely low prices and a wide range of coverage options, including a robust basic policy. Their basic policy includes extra coverage, such as custom parts and accessories, and full replacement cost for parts.
You can lower your rates with Progressive by bundling with auto or home coverage, paying in advance, or taking a motorcycle safety course. However, keep in mind that you won't be able to get rental reimbursement coverage with Progressive, which means you'll have to pay for your own rental if your bike is in the shop after a crash.
Here are some key features of Progressive's motorcycle insurance:
- Extremely low prices
- Wide range of coverage options
- Robust basic policy with extra coverage
- Discounts available for bundling and paying in advance
- No rental reimbursement coverage
Coverage and Discounts
You may qualify for discounts on your motorcycle insurance, such as having multiple policies with the same company or storing your bike in a garage.
Having a garage can save you money on your premiums, as can belonging to certain rider groups or taking a safe rider course sponsored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation.
Progressive offers extremely low prices and a wide range of coverage options, including a robust basic policy that includes extra coverage for custom parts and accessories.
You can lower your rates with Progressive's discounts, such as bundling with auto or home coverage, paying in advance, or taking a motorcycle safety course.
Here are some discounts that can save you money with Progressive:
- Bundling with auto or home coverage
- Paying in advance
- Taking a motorcycle safety course
Recommended Rider Coverage
Montana riders, be aware that the minimum coverage amounts in your state are among the lowest in the US. This means even a minor accident can quickly eat up most of your limit, making higher amounts a good idea.
If you're looking for affordable coverage with great options, Progressive is a top choice for most riders in Montana. Their average rate of $12 per month is the lowest in the state, beating out even Harley-Davidson.
Progressive's basic policy is robust and includes extra coverage for custom parts and accessories, as well as full replacement cost for parts. This means if you modify or add parts to your bike, Progressive will cover them.
To lower your rates with Progressive, consider bundling with auto or home coverage, paying in advance, or taking a motorcycle safety course. These discounts can make a big difference in your bottom line.
Here are some key coverage options to keep in mind when choosing a policy:
While Progressive has its drawbacks, such as lacking rental reimbursement coverage, their customer service reputation is above-average, with 35% fewer complaints than the average company its size.
Uninsured/Under-Insured Motorist Coverage
More than 14 percent of drivers in Montana don't have car or motorcycle insurance, which is a staggering number. This is why it's crucial to have uninsured/under-insured motorist coverage.
This type of coverage protects you from expenses associated with injury or death from an accident caused by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver. It's also essential for pedestrians who may be hit by a vehicle.
In addition to protecting you from uninsured drivers, this coverage also shields you from under-insured drivers, who may not have enough insurance to cover the costs of an accident. This can be a lifesaver in a worst-case scenario.
An uninsured/under-insured motorist policy can pay for expenses associated with injury or death from an accident caused by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver.
Discount Eligibility
If you have multiple policies with a major insurance company, you may qualify for discounts on your motorcycle coverage.
You can save money on premiums by storing your motorcycle in a garage.
Belonging to certain rider groups can also lead to savings on your insurance premiums.
Taking a safe rider course sponsored by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation can help you qualify for discounts on your motorcycle insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What state does not require motorcycle insurance?
In the United States, four states do not require motorcycle insurance: Florida, New Hampshire, Washington, and Montana. If you're a motorcyclist, it's essential to check your state's specific laws and regulations regarding motorcycle insurance.
What vehicle insurance is mandatory in Montana?
In Montana, liability coverage is the only mandatory vehicle insurance type. This essential coverage protects others in the event of an accident.
Which states do not require motorcycle insurance?
Only three US states don't require motorcycle insurance: New Hampshire, Florida, and Montana. However, insurance is still highly recommended in these states
What do you need to ride a motorcycle in Montana?
To ride a motorcycle in Montana, you need a valid driver's license with a motorcycle endorsement. Get started by passing the written test to obtain a motorcycle learner license.
Sources
- https://www.themotorcyclelawyer.com/MontanaMotorcycleLaws.html
- https://www.bikebound.com/motorcycle-insurance/states/montana/
- https://www.valuepenguin.com/best-cheap-motorcycle-insurance-montana
- https://www.summitinsurancemt.com/motorcycle-insurance
- https://roadguardians.org/laws-and-regulations/montana-motorcycle-laws/
Featured Images: pexels.com