Cheap Car Insurance in Billings

If you’re moving to Montana, then you should be prepared for some changes in your monthly bills.

Despite the lower population numbers, you may be surprised at the increases in your insurance premiums.

Before you resign yourself to paying more every month, learn more about the laws in Montana and see how you can keep your monthly premium down.

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Insurance Laws in Billings

Montana has minimum liability laws for all motorists. Drivers are expected to carry:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death for one person involved in a single accident
• $50,000 for bodily injury or death for two or more people involved in a single accident
• $10,000 property damage liability
• Drivers are expected to carry proof of insurance with them at all times and provide it to law enforcement when requested. The MTIVS system can also be used to provide officers with digital copies of the proof of insurance.

Montana is an at-fault state, so the fault is assigned after an accident.

Drivers, passengers, and pedestrians can then file a claim with their own company, the at-fault driver’s company, or through the courts.

Drivers who can cover the expenses in an accident may choose to forego insurance by getting a surety bond. The Montana Department of Motor Vehicles can provide you with more information about this option.

Save on your insurance premiums by taking time to shop around for the best company and most attractive rates.

The Importance of Auto Insurance

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In some states, like Montana, having insurance or proof of financial responsibility is required by law. However, it’s also a smart choice for protecting your investments. The simple truth is that accidents do happen, and the right insurance plan can help you recover from one financially.

One great benefit of car insurance is that you’ll have a company behind you to help handle the aftermath in an accident. Rather than trying to sift through the claims and potential lawsuits on your own, you can let your insurance company handle everything for you.

You’ll have peace of mind on the road knowing that you’re covered against the unexpected. Your auto insurance can also help cover medical bills in the event of an accident, and that would help you save money on co-insurance and other expenses.

Getting the Right Mix of Coverage for Driving in Billings

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Not all insurance plans are created equal. The most basic liability coverage will not fix your car if vandals ruin the paint. In fact, basic liability plans won’t pay for any repairs to your car at any time.

It would be wise to learn about the optional coverage and give yourself some extra protection, including:

• Collision – This plan will pay for the damages caused to your car after you collide with another object. It doesn’t matter if you’re at fault or not.
• Comprehensive – The highest level of coverage, this takes care of everything not related to moving accidents. It covers damaged caused by falling objects in storms, theft, and vandalism. It’s generally required on cars that are financed or leased.
• Glass Coverage – With this added layer of protection, the insurance company will pay to replace windows that are damaged while on the road.
• Gap Insurance – Designed for new cars that are likely to experience rapid depreciation, gap insurance can cover the difference between what you owe and what your car is worth if it’s totaled in an accident. It only applies to vehicles that are declared a total loss.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Drivers – If you’re hit by someone who doesn’t have insurance, then your company may refuse to cover the damages to your car. Policies vary from one company to another, so speak to your agent to see if you should invest in this rider.
• Personal Injury Protection – This rider covers your medical expenses and lost wages in the event that you’re involved in an accident. It kicks in to protect the policyholder regardless of fault.
• Occasional Driver – If you loan your car out once in a while to a family member or close friend, then you may want to add this person to your plan. Be prepared to give the insurance more information about the individual, including their driver’s license information, how often they drive the car, and their relationship to you.

Check the Coverage Levels

Check your coverage levels to be sure that you’re adequately protected. If you cause an accident, you’re financially responsible for the damages you cause. The insurance company will pay up to your set limits, but you would have to cover any amount above and beyond that limit.

One goal of insurance is to protect your assets. If you’re struggling to keep the bills paid and don’t have any liquid assets or property, then you may be able to go with lower coverage levels. However, as your net worth rises, the amount of insurance you carry should also increase.

Finally, additional coverages typically are very affordable. Rather than assuming that you won’t be able to afford higher coverage levels, talk to your agent to see what the rate difference would be. You can also shop around to find plans that will give you more thorough protection for the same rate.

Factors that Influence Rates

Insurance rates are based on a number of factors. There are a few that you cannot control, including your age and gender. However, there are other factors that you do have control over.

Here’s what you should know about your potential insurance rates:

• Location – Location is everything. Some cities have higher rates than others. Before deciding to move, speak with an agent to see where the most affordable neighborhoods are.
• Marital Status – Married people tend to have fewer accidents, so you can expect rates to drop slightly when you make this commitment.
• Credit History – Insurers look at credit scores. Generally, lower scores translate to higher premiums because it’s believed that people with poor credit are a higher risk.
• Profession – Some professionals receive discounts from their insurance providers. If you’re a teacher or first responder, then you may be able to find lower rates.
• Make & Model – The type of car you drive is one of the biggest factors. Fast, sporty cars usually have higher rates. Additionally, cars that are more likely to be stolen or are very costly to repair will cost more to insure.

Look for Discounts in Billings

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Insurance companies frequently offer discounts to help foster loyalty and keep their customers happy.

Rather than assuming that you’re receiving the best rate possible, you should speak with your agent and ask if you’re getting all available discounts.

Some attractive money-saving options include:

• Bundling different policies with one company
• Club membership discounts
• Defensive driver classes
• Safety equipment discounts
• Good student discounts
• Safe driver discounts
• Low mileage discounts
• Automatic withdrawal discounts

You can also save by choosing higher deductibles. If you decide to lower your rates in this manner, then be sure to put your deductible amount aside in a savings account. That way, you’ll have the funds on hand if you ever need them.

Billing, MT has a surprisingly high rate of accidents. In the year 2015, there were 22.6 fatalities per 100,000 people on Montana roadways. Depending on your personal assets and needs, you might consider going with slightly higher coverage levels to better protect yourself.

Tips for Shopping Around

Start by defining your needs. Decide on your desired deductible level and coverage limits so that you can get apples-to-apples comparisons. Remember that you won’t save any money if the plan won’t cover you when you need it most.

When comparing policies between companies, be sure that you’re receiving any discounts you’re eligible for. Look at the final price you’ll be charged before making any decisions about a company.

Take time to check the financial health of insurance companies. Strong companies that are highly rated by companies like Standard & Poor’s are more likely to take care of their policyholders when a claim is filed.

Save Money in Billings

When it comes to auto insurance premiums, Montana comes in at number six. This belief is due in large part to the high number of fatal accidents across the state.

If you’re worried about your rates rising when you make the move to Montana, then take some time to shop around. It’s possible to find better rates by shopping companies. Be sure that you’re looking at comparable plans so that you can make an informed decision.

Start comparison shopping today by entering your zip code below!