Hamilton Auto Insurance

Auto Insurance in Hamilton, Montana

Driving in Montana Requires Liability Insurance

Minimum liability requirements in Montana

If you wish to register and operate a motor vehicle in Montana, you are required to carry at least the minimum insurance coverage determined by the state. Those requirements are:

$25,000 for bodily injury coverage per person
$50,000 for bodily injury coverage per accident
$20,000 for property damage per accident

These are the maximums the insurance company will pay out in the event you are at fault in an accident and people are hurt and/or their vehicles are damaged. Property damage also covers other items like landscaping, mailboxes, and fences.

Penalties for not meeting insurance requirements

Montana’s penalties for not having the minimum insurance if you are in an accident can be quite serious, and they increase with every offense:

First offense - a fine of $250 to $500 and up to 10 days in jail
Second offense - a minimum fine of $350, 10 days in jail, revocation of your driver’s license for 90 days, 5 points added to your driving record
Third offense - a $500 fine and imprisonment up to 6 months

Consider Increasing Your Coverage for Better Protection

More liability coverage

Fortunately, auto insurance to meet Montana’s liability requirements can be obtained from Compass Insurance Group. We encourage our clients in Hamilton to increase their coverage, however, as it protects them better.

This starts with more liability protection, which makes sense when you think about it. Many vehicles now cost more than $20,000. If you are at fault when totaling someone’s vehicle that costs twice that, your insurance will pay $20,000, but you will be responsible for the rest.

Extra liability coverage may also be a smart move if you have young or new drivers in the household.

Comprehensive and collision coverage

We also encourage most of our Hamilton auto insurance clients to take out what is known as “full coverage.” This means getting comprehensive and collision insurance. Collision insurance covers your vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident where you are at fault or if you’re in a crash with an uninsured motorist. Comprehensive insurance covers theft, vandalism, and loss or damage due to storms, natural disasters, and fire.

Like liability insurance, full coverage may be required if you are financing your vehicle. Most dealers won’t let you drive off the lot without adequate protection for your vehicle.

Other insurance benefits

Depending on the policy you purchase, your auto insurance can offer other additional benefits:

Coverage of a rental car while yours is in for repair after damage
Roadside assistance if you’re stranded
Medical payments for you and your passengers

Reach Out for an Auto Insurance Policy Tailored to You

Independent agents with personalized service

When you want an auto insurance policy tailored to your needs, Compass Insurance Group should be at the top of your list. Our independent agents have a better selection of insurance products available than you’ll find with big names, and you will appreciate the personalized service that’s hard to find these days.

Don’t risk driving without the insurance you need. Call us at 406-493-5726 today, or reach out online for a fast quote.