Montana Motorcycle Insurance Requirements

Montana law specifically exempts motorcycles from the mandatory liability insurance protection requirement that applies to most other vehicles on the state’s roads. That means it’s your responsibility as a rider to determine how much and what types of insurance coverage you need.

What Is The Definition of a Motorcycle in Montana?

The law defines a motorcycle as a vehicle with a seat or saddle that travels on no more than three wheels. A motorcycle may have an attachment or seat that will carry a passenger. Scooters are referred to in the Montana code as ‘motor-driven cycles.’ The definition of a motor-driven cycle is a motorcycle with an engine that produces 5 horsepower or less.

ATVs and other off-road vehicles aren’t considered motorcycles, nor are motorized bikes or other nonstandard vehicles.

If Montana Law Doesn’t Require Motorcycle Insurance, Does That Mean I Don’t Need It?

It means that you won’t be penalized under the law for not having liability insurance. As a rider, you are theoretically less likely to cause significant injury or property damage to others than the driver of a larger vehicle. If you do injure another driver or damage another vehicle, you will be responsible for paying any claims against you from your own funds.

You may wish to investigate the premium cost for a motorcycle liability insurance policy with the minimum limits that apply to other drivers.

What Are the Minimum Liability Policy Limits in Montana?

A minimum liability motorcycle insurance policy in Montana would protect you against loss arising from injury or damage you cause to another person subject to the following limits:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death one person one accident
• $50,000 for bodily injury or death more than one person one accident
• $10,000 property damage or destruction one accident

If you purchase this type of motorcycle insurance, the insurance company is required to state who is covered, the amount of coverage, the premium charged for the policy, the coverage dates, the limits of liability and a statement that the policy complies with the Montana Motor Vehicle Insurance Responsibility and Verification Act.

This kind of motorcycle insurance gives you certain legal protections. If covered injury or damage occurs while the policy is in force, the insurance must pay the claim, and the insurance company cannot cancel your policy because the claim has occurred. Furthermore, the company cannot increase your premium due to a claim unless you are found to have violated a traffic law or your negligence contributed to the accident. Your premiums may also not be increased during a policy period unless the insurance company’s risk specifically increased during the period.

Are There Additional Motorcycle Insurance Coverages I Can Get?

 Yes. Motorcycle insurance is widely available, with many top insurers providing it. The most common types of motorcycle insurance include:

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This type of insurance pays you for damages and injuries caused by an uninsured driver or one whose insurance is not adequate to pay to your claim. This insurance protects you when the other driver is at fault.
• Medical payments coverage. Ask about this type of insurance if you want to be reimbursed for your medical expenses in the event of an accident. Check for overlap with your health insurance plan.
• Collision and comprehensive. These types of coverage compensate you for damage to your motorcycle. If your motorcycle is expensive or if you customized it with expensive aftermarket parts that would be difficult to replace, this type of insurance may be worth checking into.

Any coverage in excess of basic liability will raise your premiums. Get competitive quotes from several insurers, as different companies may charge different rates for the same coverage.

You may be able to save money on premiums by asking for discounts specific to riders. When asking for quotes, be sure to mention if you will be insuring more than one bike, if you belong to a motorcycle association, have taken a safety course, or if you have an anti-theft device on your bike.

Other Things to Know:

 If you choose not to get any sort of motorcycle insurance, then you will be responsible for settling claims yourself. If the amount of money involved is relatively small, you may be able to make an agreement with the other party without going to court. If there are extensive damages, however, you may be sued or you may have to sue the other party to get compensation for your losses.