SR-22 insurance in Montana isn’t a type of insurance but rather a certificate of financial responsibility that some drivers must file. It’s often required for individuals who have been convicted of certain driving-related offenses, such as DUI, driving without insurance, reckless driving or multiple traffic offenses.
Your insurance company submits the SR-22 form to the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on your behalf. It proves that you carry the minimum liability insurance required by the state. Make sure to keep your insurance active for the duration mandated by the court or DMV.
This guide provides an overview of what SR-22 insurance covers in Montana and how it can influence your annual premiums.
Who needs an SR-22 in Montana?
In Montana, if your driver’s license gets suspended or revoked because of certain violations, you might need SR-22. It is a form that proves you have car insurance.
Here are some reasons why a driver might need an SR-22:
- 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 requirement to carry an SR-22 in Montana usually lasts for a period of 3 years, which may vary based on the severity of the offense. During this period, you must carry at least the minimum car insurance required by Montana law.
Learn more about how to find out if you still need an SR-22
How do I get an SR-22 in Montana?
To obtain SR-22 insurance in Montana, you must first get a car insurance policy. Then, the insurance company will submit an SR-22 form to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) on your behalf.
Getting the right car insurance:
- Reach out to your current insurance company: Most insurers file SR-22s, but your auto insurance rate increase will depend on the carrier.
- Compare quotes from other insurers: Shop around and compare quotes from different car insurance carriers who offer SR-22 coverage. Be transparent about your need for SR-22 to get accurate quotes.
- Meet state minimum liability requirements: Montana mandates a minimum of 25/50/20.
Filing the SR-22:
- Inform your insurance company about your SR-22 requirement. They will take care of the paperwork and file the form with the DMV for you.
- Pay the fees. There will be a filing fee for the SR-22 from your insurer and the increased premiums due to your high-risk status.
- Maintain continuous coverage. Make sure there is no lapse in the insurance coverage to avoid license suspension by the DMV.
Remember, getting SR-22 insurance may result in higher premiums due to your driving record. Compare car insurance quotes every six months and ask about discounts to get the cheapest car insurance possible.
Discover your options for getting SR-22 insurance without a valid license
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?
Drivers in Montana who have a DUI on their record can expect to pay $316 per month for a full coverage policy, which includes 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, by practicing responsible driving and steering clear of speeding, DUI and other violations, you can improve your driving record and possibly reduce your insurance premiums over time.
Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in Montana
State Farm provides the most affordable SR-22 car insurance for drivers in Montana, with an average annual premium of $2,062. Geico and Progressive also offer competitive SR-22 insurance rates in Montana, according to CarInsurance.com data.
Following a traffic violation like a DUI in Montana, getting SR-22 insurance becomes mandatory. Although the SR-22 doesn’t directly affect insurance rates, most violations requiring it often lead to premium hikes.
| Company | Full coverage rates without SR-22 | Full coverage rates after filling SR-22 |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,949 | $3,219 |
| Farmers | $2,939 | $3,120 |
| Geico | $2,382 | $2,409 |
| Kemper | $2,692 | $3,019 |
| Progressive | $2,414 | $2,744 |
| State Farm | $1,858 | $2,061 |
| 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.
How do I check my SR-22 status online in Montana?
You can visit the official Montana DMV website and use their online services to check your SR-22 status. Besides, you can contact the Montana DMV directly via phone and inquire about your SR-22 status. They should be able to provide you with the necessary information.
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.
Failing to maintain continuous SR-22 coverage for the mandated period can result in legal consequences and the suspension of your driving privileges.
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?
Requiring an SR-22 certificate can substantially increase your car insurance premiums. Insurance providers typically categorize drivers with SR-22s as high-risk, which often translates to higher rates.
The specific amount by which your premiums will rise can vary depending on factors like your driving history and the reason for the SR-22 filing.
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’re in a situation where you require an SR-22 in Montana but don’t have a vehicle, non-owner SR-22 insurance can help you reinstate your Montana driver’s license and fulfill the state requirements.
Non-owner car insurance offers liability coverage for individuals who don’t own a vehicle. An added benefit is that some insurers can file the SR-22 form with the DMV for you, which may be required in certain situations.
Frequently asked questions: SR-22 insurance in Montana
Do I need an SR-1P or SR-22 in Montana?
Both the SR-22 and SR-1P are forms your insurance company submits to the Montana DMV, ensuring you meet the mandated liability coverage. For motorcycle riders, mopeds, and scooter users, the SR-1P is the relevant form. If you’ve been caught riding your two-wheeler without insurance or have had your license suspended, you’ll require an SR-1P.
What happens to your SR-22 insurance in Montana if you move?
An SR-22 requirement stays even when you move to a new state. Find a new insurance company licensed in your current state to file a new SR-22. They must submit the form with both the Montana DMV and your new state’s DMV to transfer the requirement. Maintain continuous coverage until the new SR-22 is in effect.
SR-22 requirements can vary from state to state, so it’s essential to consult with your new insurance company and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in your new state to determine the necessary steps.
Does Geico offer SR-22 in Montana?
Geico provides SR-22 in Montana, ensuring you meet the state’s insurance requirements and offer adequate coverage required by the state.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
SR-22 Adviser. “SR-22 Requirements by State.” Accessed March 2025.
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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