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Auto Insurance

As your trusted, local Montana insurance professionals, we pride ourselves on the ability to secure dependable car insurance for Montana drivers without the complications of your average insurance company. The team at Watts & Kennedy Agencies is proud to provide superior customer support by offering quality car insurance strategies.

Auto insurance can protect you from loss in the event of an unfortunate accident. At Watts & Kennedy Agencies, we provide you with as many reliable and affordable options as possible.

We offer the following options for Montana Auto Insurance:

Bodily Injury Liability

This type of coverage pays for medical bills, lost wages or income, pain and suffering, and even funeral expenses for those who succumbed to their injuries in an accident where you were deemed legally responsible. This coverage also pays for the legal and court costs to defend you in a covered lawsuit. This type of coverage is required in most states.

Property Damage Liability

If you are responsible for causing an accident, you are legally held responsible for repairs to another person’s vehicle or property. Property damage coverage not only covers the cost to repair the other person’s car, but it also covers repair costs of anything you hit with your vehicle, such as a street lamp, fence or building. This type of coverage is required in most states.

Collision

This type of auto insurance coverage pays for damage to your car as the result of a collision with another vehicle. Even if you are at fault for causing an accident, this type of coverage will reimburse you for the cost of fixing your car once you have paid the out-of-pocket deductible amount. If you are not at fault, your insurance company can seek reimbursement from another driver to cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle. Collision coverage is optional in all states. However, if your automobile is financed, your bank or lending institution will require you to have this coverage.

Comprehensive

This coverage protects you for losses due to hazards not caused by a collision with another vehicle. This includes damages that are the result of theft, vandalism, fires, falling objects, earthquakes and storms, or contact with animals, such as deer. Comprehensive coverage is optional in all states. Though, like collision coverage, if your vehicle is financed, your bank or lending institution will require you to have this coverage.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

This policy protects you and other passengers in your automobile when injured in an accident by a motorist who is uninsured and held legally responsible for your injuries. It pays the medical expenses and related expenses you have incurred up to the coverage limits you select.

We understand that you want to be fully covered for a wide range of auto risks, yet at the same time, keep premiums and expenses in mind. Our insurance professionals are committed to making your protection needs our top priority! We look forward to helping you find competitive pricing and comprehensive coverage options.

 

The information on this page provides a general overview only. Coverage varies by carrier and policy. Please consult one of our licensed agents for coverage recommendations specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum auto insurance coverage required in Montana?

Montana requires drivers to carry at least $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 in property damage liability. Many drivers choose higher limits than the state minimum, since these amounts may not fully cover a serious accident.

What's the difference between bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage?
Bodily injury liability pays for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and legal costs if you’re responsible for injuring someone in an accident. Property damage liability pays to repair another person’s vehicle or property, such as a fence or building, that you damage in an accident.
What does collision coverage pay for?
Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your own vehicle after an accident with another car, regardless of who’s at fault, once you’ve paid your deductible. If your vehicle is financed, your lender will typically require this coverage.
What does comprehensive coverage protect against?
Comprehensive coverage protects against losses not caused by a collision, including theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, storms, and contact with animals like deer. Like collision coverage, it’s usually required if your vehicle is financed.
Do I need collision or comprehensive coverage if my car is paid off?

Collision and comprehensive coverage are optional once a vehicle is paid off, but many drivers keep them to protect the value of their car. Whether it makes sense depends on your vehicle’s value, your savings, and how much risk you’re comfortable taking on out of pocket.

How does uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protect me?

This coverage protects you and your passengers if you’re injured in an accident caused by a driver who has no insurance or not enough insurance to cover your injuries. It helps pay medical expenses and related costs up to the limits you select.

How much auto insurance coverage do I actually need?

The right amount depends on your vehicle’s value, your assets, and your risk tolerance. One of our licensed agents can review your situation and recommend coverage options and limits that go beyond the state’s minimum requirements if needed.

What factors affect my auto insurance premium in Montana?

Premiums are based on factors like your driving record, age, the vehicle you drive, how much you drive, where you live, and the coverage limits and deductibles you choose. Rural driving conditions and distance traveled can also play a role.

Will my insurance rates go up if I file a claim?

It’s possible, but not guaranteed. Rate impact depends on the type of claim, who was at fault, your claims history, and your insurer’s guidelines. Talk to your agent about how a specific claim might affect your policy.

What should I do immediately after a car accident?

Check for injuries, move to a safe location if possible, and call law enforcement to file a report. Exchange information with the other driver, take photos of the scene and damage, and contact your agent as soon as possible to begin the claims process.

Does my policy cover damage from hitting a deer or other animal?

Yes, damage from hitting an animal is typically covered under comprehensive coverage rather than collision coverage. This is a common claim in Montana, so it’s worth making sure comprehensive coverage is part of your policy.

Does my auto insurance cover a rental car?

Many personal auto policies extend some coverage to rental vehicles, but the extent varies by policy and carrier. Check with your agent before a trip to confirm what’s covered and whether additional rental coverage makes sense.

What happens if I'm in an accident with someone who doesn't have insurance?

If you have uninsured motorist coverage, it can help pay for your medical expenses and other related costs when the at-fault driver has no insurance to cover the damages. Without this coverage, you may be responsible for those costs yourself.

How do I add a new driver, like a teenager, to my policy?

You can add a new driver by contacting your agent with their license information and driving history. Adding a teen driver will typically affect your premium, but discounts for good students or driver training courses can help offset the cost.

Can I bundle my auto insurance with my home, farm, or business insurance for a discount?

Yes, many carriers offer a multi-policy discount when you bundle auto insurance with home, farm and ranch, or business coverage. Bundling can also simplify things by working with one agent across all your policies.

What discounts are available to lower my auto insurance premium?

Common discounts include bundling multiple policies, safe driving records, low annual mileage, vehicle safety features, and good student discounts. Available discounts vary by carrier, so it’s worth asking your agent which ones apply to you.

How does my deductible affect my collision and comprehensive coverage?

Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your collision or comprehensive coverage kicks in. A higher deductible typically lowers your premium, while a lower deductible raises it but reduces what you’d pay after a claim.

What happens to my coverage if I move or buy a new vehicle?

Your rate and coverage needs can change when you move or add a new vehicle, so it’s important to update your policy right away. This helps make sure you’re not underinsured or paying for coverage that no longer fits your situation.

How often should I review my auto insurance policy?

It’s a good idea to review your policy at least once a year, or any time you have a major change, such as buying a new vehicle, adding a driver, or moving. Regular reviews help make sure your coverage still fits your needs.

What's the process for getting an auto insurance quote from Watts & Kennedy Agencies?

You can request a quote by contacting our Miles City, Terry, or Forsyth office directly or by filling out a quote request form on our website. One of our agents will review your vehicles, coverage needs, and driving history to put together options that fit your situation.

Our Insurance Carriers

Our agency is licensed in the state of Montana.

Office Hours

  • Monday-Thursday: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Friday: 7:00 am - 12:00 pm
Client referral program Watts and Kennedy Agencies serving Eastern Montana communities

Miles City

Terry

Forsyth

  • 1001 Main St. PO Box 103
    ForsythMT 59327
  • Phone: (406) 346-1196
  • Fax: (406) 346-1198

The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Coverage cannot be bound, altered, or canceled via this website, email, voicemail, or online forms. All coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the policy issued. Please speak with a licensed agent for specific coverage guidance.