Montana Auto Insurance Help
Reader’s Question:
I was denied to renew my auto insurance policy because of excessive car mileage, they said that it is not within underwriting standards. Will I have a hard time to obtain a new policy with other insurance company and are they permitted to do that? I just added this vehicle to the policy, why did they insure it to begin with then? I need help. I live in Montana.
Frances
Great Falls, MT
Insurance providers differ on their rules and guidelines regarding cars and what they will and will not insure. It is unfortunate that with your current insurance carrier that the rules either changed or it took underwriting time to recognize that your car had excessive mileage in their opinion.
You should be able to get a new carrier to insure you. Shop around with to get a free quote. If you want more information on different insurance carrier’s rating guidelines you can contact Montana state’s insurance regulatory body.
Car Insurance Montana MT
Reader’s Question:
My insurance provider in Montana would like to know how many miles a week my vehicle is driven to/from school or work. I stay at home, but I do pick up my kids from work a few times a week? Will they consider this as work use?
Sarah
Great Falls, MT
Insurance providers’ definitions of work use or miles driven to work places vary so you will need to speak with your insurance agent to find out your company’s definition. Generally though driving your children to or from work on occasion will not be considered as work use.
To verify if this mileage needs to be reported to your insurance providers in Montana, especially under the description of miles to and from work, verify with your insurance broker. If you explain your regularly driving schedule to your insurance agent he or she should be able to inform you what information needs to be placed in your file and which does not.
Montana Auto Insurance Claims
Reader’s Question:
What was Montana’s recently changed insurance laws for auto accident claims?
Billings, MT
The Montana Legislature passed Senate Bill 204 in 2007, a law changing the requirements for car repair estimates. Effective October 1, 2007, any insurance company that issues or renews a car insurance policy in Montana will no longer be able to ask a claimant to go to a particular auto repair shop for the purpose of getting an estimate of damages resulting from a car accident.
This was, for press purposes, referred to as an anti-steering law.
Montanans with auto insurance can now choose their own car repair shop after an accident. Insurance providers still have the right to an independent appraisal after the motor vehicle owner receives their own estimate from a car repair shop of their choice.