Home Car insurance SR-22 insurance: What is it and how does it work? Cheapest SR-22 insurance in Montana Cheapest SR-22 insurance in Montana Progressive and State Farm have the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Montana. A DUI raises everyone's rates - but the right company softens the blow. View Carriers Please enter valid zip Compare top carriers in your area Written by Alisha AmbreAlisha AmbreAlisha Ambre holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours in English Literature and Media Studies. She focuses on crafting clear, engaging content that makes complex information feel practical and approachable for everyday readers. When she’s not writing, she’s likely on the volleyball court or immersed in a good video game.VIEW FULL PROFILE | Reviewed by Nupur GambhirNupur GambhirEditor-in-ChiefNupur Gambhir is the editor-in-chief of Insure.com and a licensed life, health and disability insurance agent in New York with seven years of experience covering insurance. Her expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Balance, The Financial Gym and MSN. She holds a BA in Economics from The Ohio State University.VIEW FULL PROFILE | Expert insight from Sebastian HovSebastian HovCEO, 18 Insurance."Shop around: Different insurance companies offer varying rates for SR-22 insurance. It's crucial to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best option."Go to commentSee moreSee less | Updated onJune 8, 2026 Why you can trust Insure.com Quality Verified At Insure.com, we are committed to providing the timely, accurate and expert information consumers need to make smart insurance decisions. All our content is written and reviewed by industry professionals and insurance experts. Our team carefully vets our rate data to ensure we only provide reliable and up-to-date insurance pricing. We follow the highest editorial standards. Our content is based solely on objective research and data gathering. We maintain strict editorial independence to ensure unbiased coverage of the insurance industry. In Montana, the cheapest SR-22 insurance comes from Progressive at $1,335 per year, followed by State Farm at $1,482. Your rate will depend on your driving history, where you live, and which insurer you go with.An SR-22 isn’t a type of insurance. It’s a form your insurer files with the state to confirm you’re carrying the minimum required coverage, usually after a DUI, reckless driving, or driving without insurance. Because SR-22 drivers are seen as higher risk, premiums tend to run higher than standard rates. An SR-22 needs to stay on file for around three years, though the exact duration depends on your state and the nature of the violation. Your rates will likely increase immediately after the incident, but keeping a clean record from that point forward will help bring them back down over time. In the meantime, shopping around can help make sure you’re not paying more than necessary. How to keep your costs down during your SR-22 period Compare quotes from at least three insurers before deciding on one. Rates after an SR-22 vary more than you’d expect – the first offer you get won’t be the most affordable one.Find out how long the surcharge will apply. Some insurers revisit your rate after three years, others after five. How long you carry the increase can matter just as much as the rate itself.Stay violation-free. A clean driving record from this point forward is the most effective tool you have for lowering your premium over time.Keep your coverage active. A lapse while your SR-22 is on file can reset your entire filing period and make you look like an even greater risk to future insurers.Keeping a clean driving record and comparing quotes at renewal can help lower your rates over time. What is an SR-22?An SR-22 is a form your insurance company files with the state to prove you have the minimum car insurance coverage required to drive legally. You may need one after serious driving violations such as a DUI (driving under the influence), DWI (driving while intoxicated), reckless driving or driving without insurance.An SR-22 is not a type of insurance. It’s a document your insurance company files with the state to verify you’re carrying the legally required coverage. Since drivers who need an SR-22 are flagged as higher risk, premiums tend to climb, and some insurers may turn you away entirely. How does SR-22 insurance work in Montana? SR-22 insurance in Montana costs an average of $1,966 per yearProgressive offers the cheapest SR-22 coverage in Montana at $1,335 annuallyAn SR-22 is a state-required filing that proves you carry minimum car insurance coverage When do you need an SR-22 in Montana?In Montana, an SR-22 is usually required after a serious driving violation or a license suspension. It’s your insurer’s confirmation to the DMV that you’re carrying the coverage the state requires.Violations that commonly require an SR-22 include:DUI, DWI or other serious moving violationsReckless drivingAccidents resulting in suspension or revocationAccumulation of too many driving violation pointsDriving without insuranceIf any of these apply to you, you’ll need to get a qualifying insurance policy and have your insurer submit the SR-22 form to the DMV. What happens if you don’t maintain SR-22 coverage? Most drivers need to keep an SR-22 on file for about three years, depending on state requirements and the reason for the filing. During that time, your insurance coverage must remain active without any lapses. If your policy is canceled or expires, your insurer will notify the DMV, which can lead to penalties like license suspension, reinstatement fees or an extension of your SR-22 requirementIn many states, any gap in coverage restarts the three-year filing period from scratch – so a lapse halfway through means starting the clock over entirely. It also works against you when you go to re-insure, as a coverage gap signals greater risk to insurers, which can push your premiums higher and narrow the number of carriers willing to take you on. How much does an SR-22 insurance cost in Montana?The average SR-22 car insurance rate in Montana is $1,966 per year. That’s $951 more than in New Hampshire, which has the lowest SR-22 rates in the country, but $2,075 less than in Michigan, the most expensive state for SR-22 coverage.Your actual rate will depend on why you need the SR-22, your overall driving record, and your location.A DUI carries a much more dramatic surcharge than a lapse in coverage, and a city with higher accident and theft rates will cost more than a quieter rural area. Because those factors differ so much from driver to driver, the only reliable way to find your lowest rate is to compare quotes from several insurers. Our agents make it hassle-free to get the right quote. Call (844) 814-8854 Ethan Available Now Jack Available Now Robbie Available Now Ellie Available Now Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in MontanaProgressive offers the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Montana at $1,335 per year. While SR-22 insurance is usually more expensive than standard coverage, rates can vary significantly between insurers.The companies below offer some of the cheapest SR-22 insurance rates in Montana.CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premiumProgressive$1,335 $111 State Farm$1,482 $124 Nationwide$1,637 $136 GEICO$1,969 $164 Allstate$2,698 $225 Farmers$2,803 $234 Kemper Insurance$2,888 $241 USAA*$915 $76 *USAA is only available to military community members and their families.Powered by:Which cities have the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Montana?Your city or ZIP code can have a considerable amount of impact on your SR-22 rate. Here’s how costs break down across major cities in Montana.CityAverage annual premiumMissoula$1,212 Butte$1,252 Flaxville$1,258 Belgrade$1,261 Anaconda-Deer Lodge County$1,284 Plains$1,340 Geraldine$1,374 Hardin$1,399 Kalispell$1,409 Billings$1,417 Powered by: Will my SR-22 costs go down over time? Your rates may drop after the SR-22 requirement ends, but they likely won’t return to pre-violation levels right awayThe underlying violation can stay on your driving record for 3 to 5 years, or longer for serious offenses like a DUIOnce your SR-22 period ends, contact your insurer and provide DMV confirmation if requiredKeeping a clean driving record and comparing quotes at renewal can help lower your rates over time What are the minimum SR-22 insurance requirements in Montana?The Montana DMV mandates all drivers in Montana to have the following minimum car insurance coverage:$25,000 for injury or death per person$50,000 for injury or death per accident$20,000 for property damage per accidentState minimum coverage keeps you legal on the road, but it may not be enough to fully protect you in a costly at-fault accident. Higher coverage means a higher premium, but it also means you’re not paying out of pocket for damages that exceed your limits.How much does SR-22 in Montana cost with a DUI?A DUI generally leads to a significant jump in SR-22 premiums, though the exact increase depends on your insurer. The table below shows annual SR-22 rates for drivers with a DUI in Montana.This table shows two different costs:SR-22 with one DUI – the estimated annual cost if your SR-22 filing is the result of a DUI conviction, factoring in the rate increase insurers apply after a DUI.SR-22 filing only – your standard premium plus the SR-22 filing fee, with no DUI on record. If your filing is tied to a different violation, this column gives you a better estimate of what the SR-22 itself adds to your cost.CompanySR-22 with 1 DUISR-22 Filing onlyState Farm$1,580 $1,482 Progressive$1,672 $1,335 Kemper Insurance$3,026 $2,888 Nationwide$3,113 $1,637 Allstate$3,448 $2,698 Farmers$3,796 $2,803 GEICO$5,380 $1,969 USAA*$1,785 $915 *USAA is only available to military community members and their families.Powered by:How to get the cheapest SR-22 insurance in MontanaThe SR-22 form itself only costs a small one-time filing fee, usually around $25 to $50. What actually drives up your bill is the high-risk premium that comes with needing one. That’s the part you can lower, by comparing quotes, improving your driving record, and choosing the right coverage. Rates for high-risk drivers vary widely from one insurer to the next, so shopping around can make a real difference in what you pay.Sebastian Hov, CEO of 18 Insurance, an insurance agency based in Sacramento, California, recommends the following:Shop around. Different insurance companies offer varying rates for SR-22 insurance. It’s crucial to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best option.Pay upfront. Paying your premium in full rather than in monthly installments can sometimes result in lower overall costs.Opt for non-owner insurance. If you don’t own a vehicle but need to maintain SR-22 coverage, non-owner car insurance can be 5% to 15% cheaper than a standard policy. Compare high-risk insurers Some insurers specialize in high-risk drivers and may offer much lower SR-22 rates than standard carriers. Getting quotes from multiple companies is often the fastest way to save. Can you get an SR-22 without owning a car?Drivers who need an SR-22 but don’t own a vehicle can file one through non-owner SR-22 insurance. It provides the minimum required liability coverage when you drive someone else’s car and lets you reinstate your license after violations like a DUI or multiple traffic offenses. Because it doesn’t cover a vehicle of your own, it’s usually cheaper than a standard car insurance policy.This situation is more common than it sounds. Many drivers lose their license after a violation and still have to prove they’re insured to get it back, even when they don’t own a car. Non-owner SR-22 insurance is what makes that possible.Is SR-22 insurance expensive in Montana?SR-22 insurance in Montana typically costs more than standard coverage. Because the requirement usually follows a serious violation like a DUI, reckless driving, or lapsing on insurance, insurers classify these drivers as higher risk and price premiums accordingly.That said, rates end up looking very different between insurers, and shopping around can make a real difference to what you end up paying. A few other ways to keep costs down:Cut your mileage if you can. Leaning on public transportation or carpooling may drop you into pay-per-mile or low-mileage territory.Claim every discount you qualify for. Common ones include bundling policies, automatic payments, and completing a defensive driving course.Keep your record clean from here on out. This is the single most effective thing you can do. A DUI can stay on your record for up to 10 years in many states, and a clean stretch during that time is what actually moves your rates down. Frequently asked questions Can you get SR-22 insurance without owning a car? Yes. Non-owner SR-22 insurance is available for drivers who don’t own a vehicle but still need to meet state insurance requirements. It provides liability coverage when driving someone else’s car and is usually cheaper than a standard policy. What happens if your SR-22 insurance lapses? If your SR-22 coverage lapses or your policy is canceled, your insurance company will notify the state DMV. This can lead to penalties such as license suspension, reinstatement fees or an extension of your SR-22 requirement period. Can you switch insurance companies while you have an SR-22? Yes, you can change insurers while maintaining an SR-22. However, your new insurance company must file a new SR-22 with the state before your old policy is canceled to avoid a lapse in coverage. What our expert says Q: How can you save on SR-22 insurance? Sebastian HovCEO, 18 Insurance. “Shop around: Different insurance companies offer varying rates for SR-22 insurance. It’s crucial to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best option.” Resources and Methodology Sources:Shouse Law Group. “SR22 Montana.” Accessed June 2026.Progressive Insurance. “What is an SR-22?” Accessed June 2026. MethodologyInsure.com gathered rates from Quadrant Information Services for all states, including Washington, D.C. The rates are based on a sample driving profile of a 40-year-old male and female who drives a Honda Accord LX and opts for a full-coverage policy with coverage limits of 100/300/100 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible across most ZIP codes. We analyzed 5,000,736 insurance quotes from 27 companies. Alisha Ambre  . .Alisha Ambre holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours in English Literature and Media Studies. She focuses on crafting clear, engaging content that makes complex information feel practical and approachable for everyday readers. When she’s not writing, she’s likely on the volleyball court or immersed in a good video game.Compare SR-22 insurance rates with other statesAlabama$1,702/YearAlaska$1,419/YearArizona$1,916/YearArkansas$1,618/YearCalifornia$2,238/YearColorado$2,177/YearConnecticut$1,654/YearFlorida$3,288/YearGeorgia$1,795/YearHawaii$1,523/YearIdaho$1,115/YearIllinois$1,380/YearIndiana$1,418/YearIowa$1,363/YearKansas$1,581/YearLouisiana$3,390/YearMaine$1,141/YearMaryland$2,020/YearMassachusetts$1,900/YearMichigan$4,041/YearMississippi$1,502/YearMissouri$2,504/YearNebraska$2,001/YearNevada$2,632/YearNew Hampshire$1,015/YearNew Jersey$2,370/YearNorth Dakota$1,315/YearOhio$1,240/YearOregon$1,653/YearRhode Island$1,887/YearSouth Carolina$1,998/YearSouth Dakota$1,681/YearTennessee$1,458/YearTexas$2,113/YearUtah$1,816/YearVermont$1,140/YearVirginia$1,343/YearWashington$1,473/YearWest Virginia$1,520/YearWisconsin$1,738/YearWyoming$1,808/YearShow more states No matches are found You might find interesting Explore related topics Average car insurance cost in MontanaCar insurance calculator for teens in MontanaDo you need insurance to register a car in Montana?How much is gap insurance in MontanaLow-cost car insurance in MontanaMontana car insurance calculatorMontana car insurance: Rates, state minimum requirements and best companiesNon-owner car insurance in Montana: Which company has the cheapest rates?The best and cheapest car insurance in MontanaSee more In case you missed it The most expensive and cheapest cars to insure in 2026 Do you have to add a teenage driver to your car insurance policy? 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Most and least expensive models to insure Average car insurance rates by age and gender 1/1 On this page What is an SR-22?When do you need an SR-22 in Montana?How much does an SR-22 insurance cost in Montana?Cheapest SR-22 insurance companies in MontanaWhich cities have the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Montana?What are the minimum SR-22 insurance requirements in Montana?How much does SR-22 in Montana cost with a DUI?How to get the cheapest SR-22 insurance in MontanaCan you get an SR-22 without owning a car?Is SR-22 insurance expensive in Montana?Frequently asked questionsWhat our expert saysResources and Methodology ZIP Code Please enter valid ZIP See rates 1-833-708-5453