Montana Insurance Minimums
With its captivating mountaintops and surreal sceneries, Montana is home to many drivers. The responsibility of driving in Montana comes with an obligation to adhere to minimum liability insurance requirements. While many insurance coverage plans are optional in Montana, specific mandatory insurance requirements exist. Understanding your legal obligations can ensure peace of mind and help you avoid fines and jail time.
What are the Minimum Insurance Requirements in Montana?
Montana has minimum liability insurance laws for a great reason. Minimum liability insurance provides financial protection for at-fault drivers in the event of a car accident. With this coverage, at-fault drivers will have funds available to cover injuries and property damage caused to other drivers. This coverage will extend to anyone driving the policyholder’s vehicle with their permission. The minimum liability insurance amounts are as follows:
- $25,000 because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident and subject to the limit for one person
- $50,000 because of bodily injury to or death of two or more persons in any one accident
- $20,000 because of injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident
While having the legally required amount of insurance is always good, getting more than the legal minimum is advisable. If the at-fault driver causes damages that exceed their coverage limits, they may be personally liable to pay the remainder out-of-pocket. If you are financing or leasing your vehicle, your lender may require you to obtain additional coverage.
What Other Types of Insurance are Available?
In addition to minimum liability insurance, Montana motorists may purchase:
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Uninsured motorist coverage covers expenses if the other parties involved in your accident don’t have their insurance. Underinsured coverage kicks in when the other driver is at fault but doesn’t have a high enough policy limit to cover your damages.
- Personal Injury Protection: This type of coverage helps cover medical and funeral expenses associated with a car accident
- Comprehensive: While full protection is an insurance myth, comprehensive coverage is often used to describe insurance that pays for risks to your vehicle that are not associated with collisions, such as weather-related damages caused by floods and winter storms. This coverage also protects vehicle owners in the event their car is stolen.
- Roadside Coverage: This overage type helps drivers get back on the road when their vehicle breaks down. It covers occurrences like flat tires, towing, battery replacement, and other roadside services.
Having these types of insurance gives motorists protection in a number of situations where minimum liability insurance will not. It’s important to understand your specific coverage needs and find a plan that works for you.
Reach Out to Our Skilled Car Accident Attorneys Today
Understanding legal minimum coverage requirements is essential to help you stay compliant with the law and avoid unwanted penalties. In addition to liability insurance, it’s necessary to consider what other types of insurance fit your coverage needs. Dedicated legal counsel is available if you’ve been involved in an accident or need help negotiating with your insurance company. At Beck, Amsden & Stalpes, our Bozeman car accident lawyers work hard to get our clients the compensation they deserve following an accident. Contact us today to discuss your legal options.