SR-22 insurance in Montana

Understanding SR-22 insurance in Montana

SR-22 insurance isn't a specific type of insurance. Instead, an SR-22 is a form your insurance company files with the state showing you have at least the minimum required car insurance to be on the road in Montana. SR-22 insurance refers to auto insurance coverage where an SR-22 has been filed by the company on your behalf.

Most Montana drivers don't need SR-22 insurance. Drivers who need an SR-22 form have been convicted of significant violations, such as reckless driving, DUIs and multiple infractions in a short amount of time. You will be informed if you are required to file an SR-22 and for how long.

"Certain things trigger the requirement for an SR-22 filing, such as a DUI, having a lot of points on your license, getting into an accident without insurance, or having your license suspended or revoked. But in every case, the driver is notified by the DMV that they are required to have this form. You would have to check the box that you are required to have an SR 22 filing. The insurance company typically charges a fee to file or maintain that filing, which varies by insurance company," says Dorothy Cato with Skyway Insurance Services LLC in Monroe, North Carolina.

How much does SR-22 insurance cost in Montana?

While filing an SR-22 form is typically inexpensive, the associated fines and increased insurance rates are costly. On average, SR-22 insurance in Montana is $2,562 but varies significantly based on the driver and infraction.

Keep in mind that insurance rates vary from company to company, so shop around to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance available.

Average SR-22 insurance cost in Montana by violation

The SR-22 itself isn't the reason your insurance rates will go up. The SR-22 is required because of a violation, and it's that violation that determines the impact on your rates.

For example, an SR-22 may be required for a DUI or driving without insurance. The rate increase will be based on the infraction, not the SR-22 itself.

This table shows the average rates for violations requiring an SR-22. As you can see, rates vary significantly based on violation.

Violation	Average annual premium
Driving without insurance	$2,659
DUI/DWI first offense	$3,791
DUI/DWI second offense	$5,624
Reckless driving	$3,692
SR22 Filing Only	$2,562
SR22 with 1 DUI	$3,983

Read our methodology

SR-22 insurance cost by company for a first DUI

State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance for drivers after a single DUI at $1,960. Finding affordable SR-22 insurance after a DUI can be tough, but shopping around helps. Some insurance companies see a first DUI as a one-time mistake and may offer lower rates than others.

The table below shows how average insurance rates change after one DUI, based on the company. Insurance rates do go up after a DUI, but the increase isn't as high as it is for multiple violations.

Company	Average annual premium	Average monthly premium
State Farm	$1,960	$163
Progressive	$2,718	$227
Kemper	$2,823	$235
Allstate	$3,986	$332
Farmers	$5,392	$449
GEICO	$6,497	$541
USAA	$1,794	$150

Read our methodology

SR-22 insurance cost by company for reckless driving

The cheapest company for SR-22 insurance with a reckless driving conviction is State Farm at an average annual rate of $1,960. A reckless driving ticket may be handed out for a variety of driving behaviors, such as excessive speed, running traffic lights, texting while driving or tailgating. No matter the reason, reckless driving in Montana leads to fines, higher car insurance rates and an SR-22.

Compare average rates for reckless driving from various insurers below.

Company	Average annual premium	Average monthly premium
State Farm	$1,960	$163
Kemper	$3,130	$261
Progressive	$3,343	$279
Allstate	$3,986	$332
GEICO	$4,577	$381
Farmers	$5,543	$462
USAA	$1,269	$106

Read our methodology

SR-22 insurance cost by company for driving without insurance

The cheapest company for car insurance after being ticketed for driving without insurance is State Farm at an average yearly rate of $1,960.

Montana requires that drivers carry at least a minimum amount of auto insurance. Failing to do so leads to fines, increased insurance rates, and an SR-22. Because failing to maintain minimum car insurance shows a lack of responsibility, insurers raise rates significantly.

The table below shows average rates by company for drivers who have had a lapse in coverage.

Company	Average annual premium	Average monthly premium
State Farm	$1,960	$163
Kemper	$3,075	$256
Progressive	$3,207	$267
Farmers	$3,464	$289
USAA	$1,208	$101

Read our methodology

Non-owners SR-22 insurance in Montana

Montana might require you to file an SR-22 form even if you don't own a car as a prerequisite to get your license back. If you borrow or rent a car occasionally, you can get non-owner SR-22 insurance, which meets legal requirements, and the SR-22 can be filed with that policy.

It is important to note that non-owner car insurance only provides extra liability coverage when you drive someone else's car. If you buy a car, you will require the right insurance to legally drive it in Montana.

How long do you need an SR-22 in Montana?

In Montana, drivers usually need to keep an SR-22 for three years. If you don't maintain insurance during this time, the consequences can be serious. You'll be breaking the law and could face more fines and penalties.

Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Montana

Most Montana drivers don't need to file an SR-22. However, drivers who exhibit careless behaviors may be required to file an SR-22, which is typically required when the driver has to prove that they have the minimum liability insuranceLiability insurance covers sums that an insured becomes legally obligated to pay because of bodily injuries or property damage, or financial losses caused to other people. required by the state," says Cato.

You may need an SR-22 in Montana for reasons like:

DUI
Reckless driving
Several traffic violations in a short time
Not maintaining auto insurance
Refusing a breathalyzer test
At-fault accidents involving severe injuries or death

Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Montana

Although your insurance will increase if you need an SR-22, there are still ways to find affordable coverage.

Ways to lower auto insurance costs with an SR-22 include:

Take advantage of all available discounts. Most insurers allow you to bundle discounts to maximize savings.
Raise your deductible. Increase the amount you pay before insurance kicks in to lower rates.
Take a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer a discount for taking a course, and some states remove points from your license, which can lower your insurance rates.
Sign up for a usage-based program. If you can demonstrate good driving habits while they are being tracked, you could earn a discount.
Shop around for SR-22 insurance. Compare rates from multiple companies to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Montana.

Methodology

Insurance.com commissioned car insurance rates from Quadrant Information Services in late 2023 for a full coverage car insurance policy with coverage of 100/300/100 in liability and $500 deductibles. Rates are based on a 40-year-old driver with good credit driving a 2023 Honda Accord LX, with violations requiring an SR-22: One DUI, two DUIs, reckless driving and driving without insurance.

SR-22 insurance in Montana: FAQ

What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in Montana?

If you don't keep your insurance and maintain your SR-22 filing, the consequences can be serious. You might face:

Losing your driver's license
Paying fines
Higher car insurance costs
Restarting your SR-22 time period
Getting your car taken away
Jail time

Can I switch insurance providers while I have an SR-22 filing?

Yes, you can switch auto insurance companies if you have an SR-22. Yours new insurer must refile the SR-22 for you. Also, make sure your new policy is active with the SR-22 before canceling your old one.