How New Drivers in Billings Can Get the Best Car Insurance Rates

When moving to Billings, Montana, you’ll need to update your insurance information to reflect your new address. It’s important to know the laws in Billings so that you can have the right coverage levels.

You also may want to shop around to find more competitive rates. Before you sign up with any provider, here’s what you should know about finding the best rates in the Billings area.

Start comparison shopping for the best auto insurance rates in Billings by entering your ZIP code above!

When To Buy Coverage In a New Location

In general, you’re required to change your auto insurance and registration as soon as you move to a new state. In Montana, new residents have 60 days to title and register their vehicles in the state.

People moving to a new city within the state may continue using the same registration and title until the renewal date.

Additionally, military personnel stationed in the state may continue to use their home state registrations for as long as they are on active duty with the armed forces.

Titling and Registering a Vehicle in the State

Vehicles can be titled by applying at the county treasurer’s office in your new county of residence. You’ll need to present your old registration or out-of-state title.

Once the taxes and fees are paid, you’ll receive your license plate. For more detailed information about the process and fees required to complete the titling and registering of a vehicle in Billings, MT, please visit Montana’s DMV.

Billings Insurance Laws

Montana requires drivers to carry proof of insurance and financial responsibility with them when they get behind the wheel.

They can establish this by:

• Obtaining a standard liability policy
• Posting a bond with a state licensed company
• Posting cash or securities in the amount of $55,000 with the State Treasurer
• Investing in self-insurance

Acceptable forms of proof of insurance include the ID card issued by the company, the Certificate of Insurance, proof of the bond, or the Certificate of Deposit from the State Treasurer.

You’re legally required to show this information:

• When it’s requested by an officer
• After being involved in an accident
• When registering a vehicle
• Anytime you’re operating a motor vehicle

Montana also uses a verification system. The verification system allows officers to access the most current information regarding a driver’s insurance coverage. Drivers can also access the same MTIVS.com system to provide insurance verification to police officers on the road.

The state requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person for bodily injury in a single accident, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury to multiple people, and $20,000 for property damage.

One unique law in Montana is the requirement to report any accident with more than $500 in damages or personal injuries.

Insurers in the state are legally allowed to increase insurance premiums after you cause an accident, but they are not allowed to charge you for accidents or tickets that are more than three years old.

In Montana, the tort system may be used to determine financial responsibility after an accident.

Drivers and passengers can seek compensation by:

• Filing a claim with his or her own insurance company
• Filing a claim with the company of the person who caused the accident
• Pursuing a lawsuit

Basic Auto Insurance Requirements in Billings

In Montana, there are different types of insurance plans that you may qualify for. The preferred is a low-risk policy with excellent rates.

Next is a standard policy for people who pose an average risk.

Finally, non-standard plans are for people who are considered high-risk due to their driving record or other factors.

It’s highly recommended that people carry more than the state minimums in Montana.

In addition to the liability insurance mandated by the state, you may also want to consider uninsured and underinsured motorist protection.

Factors That Affect Auto Insurance

When determining the risk level posed by an individual, companies look at different risk factors. These factors include:

• Age – Rates tend to fall as drivers age and establish a safe driving record
• Gender – Young men are charged a higher premium than their female counterparts
• Marital status – Married couples tend to enjoy lower premiums
• Location – In general, people in large urban centers will pay more
• Claims history – People who don’t typically file claims can expect to save more
• Driving record – Establish a clean driving record and be rewarded with lower rates
• Vehicle type – Sports cars and luxury vehicles will typically cost more

Reducing Your Insurance Premium in Billings

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QKonXoJZaoA

When shopping for insurance, it’s important to remember that cheap and quality won’t necessarily mix. In addition to looking at rates, you should also look at a company’s customer service ratings and financial stability.

However, simply shopping around can help you find the right premiums for your situation.

Start by defining your needs so that you can compare comparable plans. When you understand how insurance companies set their rates, you can start making changes that will help you find more reasonable premiums.

Some discounts are automatically built into the rates, and you may have to ask for others. Insurers want to attract safe and stable drivers, so they’ll offer discounts to attract those individuals.

You can expect to save a little more if you’re:

• An experienced driver
• A good student
• A safe driver
• Investing in a multi-car or -line policy
• Taking or have completed a driver training courses
• A member of certain professions, such as public safety or teaching
• Installing anti-theft features
• Willing to sign or renew early

You can also request discounts to be sure that you’re saving as much money as possible.

There are several steps you can take to lower your insurance premiums now and in the future. People who have clean records and low-risk factors can qualify for the best rates, and they’ll be able to shop around with the top companies in the nation.

Start comparison shopping for the best auto insurance companies by entering your ZIP code below!