Anyone who operates a vehicle in the state must know and follow Montana car insurance laws. Understanding these laws helps you protect yourself from financial loss in the event of an accident. It also helps you avoid fines. Talk to a Butte car accident lawyer today about your case.
Auto Insurance Requirements in Montana
All drivers in Montana must maintain liability insurance. The minimum requirements include:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $20,000 for property damage per accident
These are minimum requirements. Many drivers benefit from having more substantial coverage than this.
Liability insurance covers other people. That means if you are in an accident in which you cause injuries or damage to others, your insurance policy covers the losses the victim suffered. It does not provide protection for your vehicle or medical injuries.
You may have collision insurance, medical payments, or other forms of coverage that may protect you. However, these are not required under Montana car insurance laws. Your lender, if your car is being financed, may require you to maintain these insurance policies, though.
Penalties for Not Having Insurance in Montana
Drivers must drive with proof of insurance. If they fail to do so, you may face charges. For most people, this is a misdemeanor charge. Some of the penalties you may have include the following.
For a first offense:
- A fine of $250 to $500 may be charged
- Up to 10 days in jail
For a second offense:
- A minimum fine of $350
- 10 days in jail
- Revocation of your driver’s license for 90 days
- Five additional points added to your driving record
For a third or subsequent offense:
- Fine of $500
- Imprisonment for up to 6 months
You may lose your license if you have numerous violations or points on your license. This may impact you in other ways. For example, your car insurance costs could be higher if you have more points and violations on your record. Additionally, you may find it hard to maintain some jobs, especially if they relate to driving.
Other Types of Insurance You May Have
The state of Montana does not require the following types of auto insurance, but it can be beneficial to have coverage in the event that you are in an accident. This includes:
- Collision insurance: This type of insurance provides financial support to help you make repairs to your car if you cause damage to it.
- Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage: If you are in an accident someone else causes and suffers damages, but the other party does not have or does not have enough liability insurance, this policy aims to cover those losses for you.
- Comprehensive insurance: This type of car insurance provides protection from accidental and unavoidable losses, such as damage from hail, theft, fire, or vandalism.
What Should You Do After an Accident
After a car accident in Montana, take legal action immediately. Call the police for a full investigation and get medical care. Then, be sure to get the name and contact information for all parties involved. Request the other driver’s insurance information as well. If they are at fault, you may be able to file a claim for the losses you incurred.
In a serious car accident, hire a car accident lawyer to guide you through this process. Your lawyer aims to protect you from financial loss.