Commercial Auto Insurance Minimum Requirements in Montana

Determine Whether You Need Commercial Insurance

Consider the following when deciding if commercial insurance is the right option for your business:

• Will you use a single vehicle or an entire fleet?

• How will your company vehicle(s) be used?

• Who will be driving your vehicle(s)?

• Will you be transporting a heavy load of tools or equipment?

• Will you require use of a trailer?

• Will you need higher limits of liability due to the nature of your business?

If you still have difficulty deciding, contact an insurance agent for assistance.

Determine the Required Amount of Coverage

If you opt for commercial insurance, you'll then need to decide on how much coverage to carry. To help in your decision, consider the following:

• Who owns the vehicle(s)

• Weight of the vehicle(s)

• Usage of the vehicle(s)

• Liability insurance requirements

Whatever you decide, you will need to meet the state's liability minimums:

Passenger

• $100,000―For transporting seven or less passengers

• $500,000―For transporting between eight and 15 passengers

• $750,000―For transporting between 16 and 30 passengers

• $5 million―For transporting 31 passengers or more

Freight

• $100,000―For transportation of freight in a vehicle designed for seven passengers or less, or any vehicle designed for cargo transport with a GVW rating of 10,000 pounds or less

• $500,000―For transportation of nonhazardous freight for all other vehicles

NOTE: For the liability rates for transporting hazardous freight, call the Public Service Commission at (406) 444-6199.

Purchase a Commercial Policy

Once you decide on a policy, spend time researching as many providers as possible. Rates vary with each one. Some companies cover both auto and commercial coverage; others exclusively specialize in commercial protection.

Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility

When driving, you or your employees must, at all times, carry one of the following:

• An insurance identification card or certificate issued by your provider.

• An approved self-insurance certificate.

Penalties for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility

Having no proof of insurance will result in the revocation or cancellation of your operation permit.