SR-22 insurance in Montana is not an insurance policy. Rather, it’s a certificate proving financial responsibility that some drivers must submit to the state. It’s necessary for individuals who are found guilty of specific driving offenses, including DUI, driving without insurance and reckless driving.
The SR-22 form is filed by your insurance company with the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to prove that you have the state-required minimum liability coverage. This form verifies that you have the necessary insurance coverage in place. If your driving privileges were suspended or revoked and you must carry an SR-22, you must maintain continuous coverage for the period specified by the court or DMV.
This guide outlines what SR-22 insurance covers in Montana and explains how it impacts your annual premium rates should you require SR-22.
Who needs an SR-22 in Montana?
In Montana, individuals whose driving licenses were suspended or revoked due to certain violations may be required to obtain an SR-22.
Below are the violations that can trigger this requirement:
- DUI or DWI (driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated) conviction
- Reckless driving
- Driving without insurance
- Multiple traffic offenses within a short period
- If you’re involved in an accident and don’t have car insurance, the DMV may suspend your license and require you to file an SR-22
- Nonpayment of fines or penalties if you’re sued after an accident
The SR-22 requirement in Montana typically lasts 3 years, although it can vary depending on the violation. You must maintain at least the minimum car insurance coverage required by Montana laws during this period.
Learn more about how to find out if you still need an SR-22
How do I get an SR-22 in Montana?
Getting insurance in Montana involves purchasing a car insurance policy and having the insurance company file an SR-22 form with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)on your behalf.
Getting the right auto insurance:
- Contact your current insurance company: Many insurance companies file SR-22 forms, but keep in mind that your rates will go up.
- Comparison shopping: It’s a good idea to compare rates from other insurance companies. Tell them you need an SR-22 so they give you accurate quotes.
- Meet state minimum car insurance requirements: You’ll need to purchase minimum liability coverage with limits of 25/50/20.
Filing the SR-22:
- Inform your insurer about your SR-22 requirement. They’ll handle the paperwork and submit the form to the DMV.
- Pay any associated fees. Expect an SR-22 filing fee from your insurance company on top of the increased premium for your high-risk status.
- Maintain continuous insurance. A lapse in coverage may result in the DMV suspending your license again.
Remember, an SR-22 requirement could lead to higher premiums based on your driving history. It’s important to shop around for quotes and practice safe driving to help lower the elevated rates.
Discover your options for getting SR-22 insurance without a valid license
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How much is SR-22 insurance in Montana?
The average cost of car insurance in Montana is $2,361 per year for full coverage with an SR-22, which is $268 higher than the national average of $2,093 a year. However, if you have a DUI on your record, the average annual premium in Montana jumps to $3,786 for full coverage.
In addition to the increased premium, most insurance companies also charge a small fee for filing the SR-22 form. If you’re facing a license suspension, getting an auto insurance policy along with an SR-22 form is typically the only way to reinstate your license.
How much is SR-22 insurance per month in Montana?
Montana drivers with a DUI can expect to pay an average of $316 a month for full coverage insurance with an SR-22.
Not all insurance companies offer car insurance for high-risk drivers, so you might need to shop around to secure coverage. When you do find an insurer, expect to pay higher premiums.
However, if you drive carefully and avoid speeding, DUIs and other violations, you can improve your driving record, which could lead to lower insurance premiums in the future.
Affordable SR-22 insurance companies by state
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For drivers in Montana looking for cheap SR-22 insurance, State Farm offers the lowest rates at $2,062 annually. While not the least expensive, Geico and Progressive offer affordable rates in Montana, based on CarInsurance.com data.
After a DUI or other traffic violation in Montana, getting SR-22 insurance is a requirement. While the SR-22 form doesn’t impact insurance costs, the violations that necessitate it typically result in higher premiums. However, high-risk drivers can still find affordable auto insurance rates in Montana.
| Company | Full coverage rates without SR-22 | Full coverage rates after filling SR-22 |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | 1,858 | 2,061 |
| Geico | 2,382 | 2,409 |
| Progressive | 2,414 | 2,744 |
| Kemper | 2,692 | 3,019 |
| Farmers | 2,939 | 3,120 |
| Allstate | 2,949 | 3,219 |
| USAA* | 919 | 932 |
Find out which providers offer the cheapest SR-22 car insurance
How long do I need SR-22 insurance in Montana?
You will need an SR-22 in Montana for a period of 3 years. This document proves to the Montana DMV that you are maintaining state-mandated coverage.
SR-22 insurance varies by state and the reason you need it. Usually, it’s required for three years but in some cases, it might be longer. For example, if someone has repeat violations, the requirement could extend out to five years, says Dr. James Brau, Joel C. Peterson professor of finance at Brigham Young University.
What happens if I cancel my insurance?
If you discontinue your SR-22 insurance in Montana before the mandated period ends, you could face severe consequences.
- Driver’s license suspension: If your SR-22 policy is canceled, your insurance provider will notify the state. This typically leads to a suspension of your driver’s license since insurance coverage must be maintained for the mandated period.
- Fines and penalties: In some states, you might face additional fines or penalties for not complying with the SR-22 requirement.
- Extended probationary period: If your SR-22 is part of a probation period for a driving offense, canceling it might restart your probationary period.
- Increased insurance costs: A lapse in coverage and violations on your driving record resulting from SR-22 policy cancellation can lead to significantly higher insurance premiums in the future.
It’s crucial to maintain continuous coverage for the required period. Any gaps or cancellations can result in penalties and suspension of your driver’s license.
How to get an SR-22 removed in Montana
To get rid of your SR-22, you must wait until the required time period is up. In Montana, this period is typically 3 years from when you first filed the SR-22.
Brau explains that you should maintain continuous insurance coverage without any lapses. If you cancel your policy or let it expire, the SR-22 will no longer be valid. Wait out the required period. During this time, drive responsibly and maintain your insurance coverage.
“Check with your state’s DMV and confirm the exact duration and any additional requirements for removal. Some states may require you to submit a formal request or provide proof of good driving behavior,” he says.
“Once the required period has passed, ask your insurer to file an SR-26 form with the DMV. This form notifies them that you no longer need an SR-22. After your insurer submits the SR-26, check with the DMV to ensure the SR-22 is officially removed from your record.”
How does an SR-22 affect car insurance rates in Montana?
An SR-22 requirement can significantly impact your car insurance rates in Montana. Insurance companies often view drivers with an SR-22 as high-risk, which can lead to higher premiums.
The specific rate increase can vary depending on several factors, including the insurance company’s policies, driving record, the reason for needing the SR-22, and other personal factors.
Don’t settle for the first offer. Compare quotes from multiple insurers to get the best deal on car insurance with an SR-22. If you stay violation-free and comply with the SR-22 requirements, your rates could go down over time.
Select your age, gender and type of violation to see average annual SR-22 insurance rates by company.
Note: These rates are for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100 with a $500 deductible.
Non-owner SR-22 insurance for Montana drivers
If you find yourself in a situation where you need an SR-22 in Montana but don’t own a car, there is a solution. Non-owner SR-22 insurance can help you reinstate your Montana driver’s license and meet the requirements.
Non-owner car insurance provides liability coverage in case you get into an accident while borrowing or renting a vehicle. This protects you from having to pay for damages or injuries to others caused by an accident. Since not all companies offer non-owner insurance and SR-22, it’s important to shop around and compare options in your state to find the right coverage for your needs.
Frequently asked questions: SR-22 insurance in Montana
How do I check my SR-22 status online in Montana?
There are two ways to check the status of your SR-22. Visit the official website of your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Most states allow you to check your SR-22 status through their online services. You can also contact your state’s DMV directly via phone.
Do I need an SR-1P or SR-22 in Montana?
Both the SR-22 and SR-1P are forms submitted by your insurance provider to the Montana DMV to confirm that you meet the minimum liability coverage requirements. The SR-1P is for two-wheelers like motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters. If you’ve been cited for riding without insurance or have had your license suspended while operating a motorcycle, you’ll need to file SR-1P.
What happens to your SR-22 insurance in Montana if you move?
Your SR-22 insurance obligation in Montana remains even after you move. To comply with legal requirements, find a new insurance provider licensed in your new state. They’ll handle the paperwork to transfer the SR-22 obligation from Montana to your new location. Keep your coverage active until you get the new SR-22.
The SR-22 requirements in your new state may differ from those in Montana. It’s important to check with your new insurance provider and the local DMV to learn the state’s requirements.
Does Geico offer SR-22 in Montana?
Yes, Geico provides SR-22 insurance in Montana. As a major car insurance provider, Geico can file an SR-22 form with the state on your behalf and offer the required insurance coverage to comply with state laws.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
SR-22 Adviser. “SR-22 Requirements by State.” Accessed November 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get SR-22 car insurance rates in Montana. The rates are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record and good insurance score. We have compared 50,73,544 from 138 national and regional car insurance companies across 548 cities and 1,468 ZIP codes to evaluate the premiums.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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