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Montana Car Insurance After DUI or License Suspension

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

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Montana

After a DUI or major violation in Montana, most insurers will send a non-renewal notice rather than canceling immediately—meaning you have until your current policy term ends to secure replacement coverage. Montana typically requires drivers with DUIs, suspended licenses due to violations, or multiple serious offenses to maintain SR-22 certification for three years. Not all carriers offer SR-22 filing, and those that do specialize in non-standard auto insurance for high-risk drivers, which costs significantly more than standard policies.

SR-22 Certificate Filing

SR-22 is not a type of insurance—it is a certificate your insurer files with the state proving you carry the required minimum liability coverage. Not all carriers offer SR-22 filing; you'll need a non-standard insurer that accepts high-risk drivers.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Non-standard auto insurance is coverage sold by carriers that specialize in high-risk drivers—those with DUIs, violations, lapses, or suspensions on their record. Carrier availability in Montana varies by region, with fewer options in rural areas.

Liability Insurance

Liability coverage pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others. This is the foundation of any SR-22 filing—without continuous liability coverage, your certificate lapses and your license suspension is reinstated.

High-Risk Auto Insurance

High-risk auto insurance is the broader category that includes non-standard policies for drivers with DUIs, major violations, or multiple incidents. Carriers assess your violation type, time since offense, and driving history to determine rates. DUI violations typically carry the highest surcharges, often doubling or tripling your premium for 3–5 years.

Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

If you're financing or leasing a vehicle, your lender will require comprehensive and collision coverage even with a high-risk profile. These coverages protect your vehicle from damage, theft, or total loss. Expect significantly higher premiums on these optional coverages due to your violation—some carriers may decline to offer them at all for DUI drivers in the first year.

What Drivers Pay in Montana

$247–$268/mo

Typical monthly rate in Montana, drivers after a speeding ticket

Rate data: ValuePenguin and CarInsurance.com, 2026

What Affects Your Rate

  • Time since violation: rates begin decreasing after 3 years, normalize significantly after 5 years
  • Location: Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls have more carrier options; rural areas often have 2–3 non-standard carriers available
  • SR-22 filing duration: 3-year requirement means 3 years of elevated premiums even if your driving record improves
  • Carrier availability: Montana has a limited non-standard market—expect to work with regional specialists rather than national brands
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