Montana insurance laws
Insurance regulations, rate filing requirements, department info, and recent bulletins for Montana. Updated Mar 31, 2026.
Department of Insurance
Montana operates under a File and Use rate system where insurers must file rates on or before the effective date per MCA § 33-16-203. The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) regulates the insurance industry, ensuring consumer protection and market stability. Montana has adopted a competitive market approach with the Montana State Fund providing workers compensation alongside private carriers, and maintains robust consumer protections including credit scoring regulations, wildfire mitigation incentives, and comprehensive guaranty association coverage.
Auto Insurance
Notable Laws
- MCA § 61-6-103: Establishes minimum motor vehicle liability insurance limits at $25,000/$50,000/$20,000
- MCA § 33-23-201: Requires uninsured motorist coverage unless rejected in writing by insured
- MCA § 61-6-304: Penalties for driving without insurance - $250-$500 fine for first offense, potential jail time
- MCA § 33-16-203: Requires rate filings with commissioner and mandates premium reductions for qualified operators 55+ and National Guard members
- MCA § 61-6-157: Establishes motor vehicle insurance verification system for confirming coverage
Homeowners Insurance
Notable Laws
- MCA § 33-23-401: Requires 45 days written notice for cancellation or nonrenewal, 20 days for nonpayment
- MCA § 33-18-605: Permits use of credit information and insurance scores in homeowners insurance rating
- 2025 HB 136: Allows insurers to provide premium reductions for preventative measures (wildfire mitigation, wind/hail resistant materials)
- MCA § 33-18-210: Prohibits unfair discrimination and illegal rebates; limits use of claims history to 7 years for homeowners policies
- Montana has no state-mandated homeowners insurance or FAIR plan; private market only
Recent Bulletins
Advisory Memorandum Regarding Guidance for the Montana Pet Insurance Act
Provides guidance to property and casualty insurers offering pet insurance regarding the Montana Pet Insurance Act enacted in 2025 via HB 78
View bulletinAdvisory Memorandum Regarding Unfair Trade Practices in Marketing to Medicare-Eligible Montanans
Addresses unfair trade practices for health insurance companies marketing to Medicare-eligible individuals in Montana
View bulletinRescinding Advisory Memorandum on Hospital Indemnity and Fixed Indemnity Coverage
Formally rescinds the August 2, 2024 advisory regarding federal rules for hospital and fixed indemnity coverage
View bulletinInsurance Refusals and Wildfire Risks
Advisory regarding insurance company practices related to coverage refusals and non-renewals in areas with wildfire risks
View bulletinInsurer Compliance with Open Container and Marijuana Possession Laws
Guidance for insurers regarding compliance with state laws concerning open containers and marijuana possession
View bulletinRecent Law Changes
Montana Pet Insurance Act
Creates comprehensive legal framework for pet insurance, establishing definitions, disclosure requirements, prohibited practices, and consumer protections for pet insurance policies
Pet insurance providers must comply with new transparency and disclosure requirements; consumers gain standardized protections
Effective: 2025-10-01
Revise Property Insurance Laws Relating to Preventative Measures
Allows insurers to provide benefits or premium reductions to homeowners insurance policyholders for preventative measures to reduce property damage from fire, wind, and hail
Homeowners who implement wildfire mitigation and risk reduction measures may receive premium discounts from insurers
Effective: 2025-10-01
Revise Montana HELP Act Workforce Development and Termination Date
Continues Medicaid expansion program by lifting the 2025 sunset date and revising workforce development provisions under the HELP Act
Over 75,000 low-income Montanans maintain continued access to Medicaid expansion health coverage without sunset concerns
Effective: 2025-07-01
Montana Dental Insurance Transparency and Accountability Act
Establishes transparency requirements for dental insurance, including loss ratio standards and accountability measures for dental insurance plans
Dental insurers must meet minimum loss ratio requirements and provide increased transparency to consumers and providers
Effective: 2025-10-01
Generally Revising Laws Relating to Surety Bail Bond Insurance
Creates surety bail bond insurance license category, establishes qualification and training requirements, and regulates surety bail bond insurance practices
Bail bond insurers and agents must obtain specialized licensing and meet training requirements under new regulatory framework
Effective: 2024-01-01
Health Insurance
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