Montana: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 14 topic we track for Montana on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Montana compares.

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Car insurance by state · Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Total loss rules · Shared fault rules · Accident reporting rules · Lemon law rules · Sales tax rates · Phone-while-driving laws · Motorcycle helmet laws · Gas tax · Uninsured drivers · Marijuana laws

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Personal injury	3 years
Property damage	2 years

Car insurance by state

Minimum liability	$25,000 / $50,000 / $20,000
Fault system	At-fault (the driver who caused it pays)
Shared-fault rule	Modified comparative: barred at 51% fault or more

Claim deadlines

Acknowledge	No fixed number of days; must act with reasonable promptness
Accept or deny	30 days after proof of loss (60 if more information is reasonably requested)
Pay	10% annual interest on late payments

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$7,000
Filing fee	$30
Lawyers	Not unless every party has one

Total loss rules

Total loss rule	Total loss formula

Shared fault rules

Rule	Modified comparative negligence (51% bar)
When you are barred	Barred if you are 51% or more at fault

Accident reporting rules

Report required if	Death, injury, or over $1,000 damage
Deadline	Immediately

Lemon law rules Single detailed source

Repair attempts or days	4 attempts or 30 business days
Coverage period	2 years or 18,000 miles, whichever first

Sales tax rates Single detailed source

State rate	None
Combined average	None

Phone-while-driving laws Single detailed source

Handheld ban	No
Texting ban	No statewide ban

Motorcycle helmet laws Single detailed source

Law type	Partial
Who must wear one	Riders under 18

Gas tax Single detailed source

Gasoline	33.8¢ per gallon
Diesel	30.5¢ per gallon

Uninsured drivers Single detailed source

Drivers uninsured	7.2%
UM/UIM coverage	Not required (insurers must offer it)

Marijuana laws

Legal status	Recreational and medical