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.
Montana Car Insurance
Reader’s Question:
I was traveling straight on a green light however a vehicle pulled out in front, I swerved and hit the curb. What are the chances that the my insurance carrier will cover me in Montana?
Renee
Great Falls, MT
If you have collision in your insurance policy you should cover you up to your deductible. It doesn’t matter what you hit either a curb or another car. After the adjuster checks your vehicle you should receive a check for that amount or it will be sent to the shop that does the repair. Different insurance providers handle claims differently.
I am assuming that you didn’t get the other motorist’s information, only his plate number. Since you have a witness in the accident, you will need his statement so the police will be able to provide you the other drivers information and you can file a claim with his insurance carrier or your insurance will file the claim for you. You will receive a check for the deductible when the other insurance carrier pays your company back. Even if the other insurance provider denies the claim, or if the other motorist is uninsured, you can still sue him in small claims in court. A witness would definitely help in court but is not always necessary since the judge will probably know that you didn’t pick his plate number at random.
Auto insurance Montana
Reader’s Question:
Do you need a drivers license to get auto insurance in Montana?
Ben
Billings, MT
You can get car insurance in Montana without a drivers license. However, you will only have a specified amount of time to get your drivers license after you get the car insurance and normally its within 45 days. If you don’t have auto insurance by that time then the insurance policy will be cancelled.
Without a drivers license the insurance policy will be more expensive since they do not have a driving record to look at for you. The best way to get be insured would probably be online in this case.
Make sure to comparison shop to get a cheaper car insurance in Montana. Most insurance companies charge outrageous prices for motorist without licenses while others just add a small surcharge. You may contact insurance companies because they will be able to provide information and quotes. These insurance companies also have an option to speak to qualified insurance agents for free.