Finding the company who has the cheapest car insurance rates in Montana is easy nowadays with the Internet. Being the lucky recipient of such rates is not so cut and dry. Many a driver, even one with a clean driving record, was surprised to discover car insurance would cost more than he expected. Why do some people pay less for car insurance than others? A number of factors come into play when insurance companies rate an auto insurance policy.

Knowing the state’s insurance requirements will give you a starting figure in terms of how much coverage you must purchase. Motorists in Montana must carry at least $25,000 of Bodily Injury Liability coverage per person up to $50,000 per accident; and at least $10,000 Property Damage Liability coverage. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury coverage is not mandatory in the state of Montana, but you may want to purchase this coverage to cover bodily injury caused by an uninsured/underinsured driver. Montana follows a Tort system where a party must be found at fault for causing an accident and they along with their insurance company held responsible for all damages. Tort system rules vary state-wide.

Where you live and work, where you park your vehicle, the year, make and model of your vehicle, the purpose of your vehicle, how often you use it, your driving record and credit history, your age, gender and the length of time you have been driving are all factors that car insurance companies consider when rating your policy. It goes without question that your driving record has a significant impact on your ability to get the cheapest car insurance rates in Montana. If your record is spotless, you can expect to get some of the lowest rates around; if your record is not, don’t hold your hopes too high.

Even if finding the cheapest car insurance rates in Montana is not within your reach, some premium-reducing discounts may be. Discounts for good drivers, student drivers, having multiple vehicles, low-mileage, anti-theft devices, air bags and anti-lock brakes or taking a defensive driving or driver safety course are available. It won’t hurt to ask. You may not be in the mood for a sales pitch, but speaking to an agent could prove valuable. Not only can you get all your questions answered, but an agent can advise you on coverage amounts and ways to save money on insurance. Not speaking to an agent can cost you more money in the long run.