Car Insurance in Whitefish
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The Natural Wonderland of Whitefish, MT
Whitefish, Montana, is a ski resort town of about 7,700 residents, nestled just a few miles away from Glacier National Park. This so-called outdoor playground is split in half by the Whitefish River, offering ample opportunities for fishing, kayaking, hiking and so much more. Whitefish has a historic downtown area and hosts countless annual community events and festivals. In addition to Amtrak and commercial airline service, the town has a direct connection with SR-40 and US-93.
Navigating the Whitefish Area by Car
Whitefish residents have easy access to the entire Kalispell metro area. The city does have a local bus service, but about 81% of residents drive their own cars to work according to data from Sperling's Best Places. In addition, about 7% of Whitefish locals report commuting in a carpool with others.
Most people who live here have a relatively short drive to work or school. The average commute in Whitefish is only about 19 minutes, compared to a national average of 26.4 minutes. Logan Health and Winter Sports, Inc. are two of the city's largest year-round employers according to the local Chamber of Commerce.
Possible Issues for Whitefish Drivers
Significant seasonal traffic contributes to a higher risk of accidents in Whitefish. As noted by the Whitefish Reporter, the town had three fatal crashes in a single week in July 2023. Speeding and impaired driving factored into these accidents. A history of responsible driving practices can help you save money on car insurance in Whitefish. You can also compare prices from multiple companies with VIU by HUB's online tool.
Harsh winter conditions can also pose dangers for drivers. Snow, ice, strong winds and poor visibility increase the likelihood of an accident. In addition to collision insurance that covers the cost of accident damage, consider purchasing comprehensive coverage to pay for non-collision damage (hail, for example). If you have an auto loan, your lender likely requires these policies.
Average Cost of Whitefish Car Insurance
According to U.S. News and World Report, you'll pay an average of $1,547 per year for full-coverage auto insurance in Whitefish. That aligns with the national average of about $1,548 for a comparable annual policy.
Although this average provides a benchmark, your actual cost will vary based on a range of factors, from your age to your driving history to where you live and work. Every company has its own pricing model, so you can potentially save hundreds by comparing rates with VIU by HUB.
Laws for Montana Auto Insurance
Under state law, you need at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability insurance. You also have to have at least $20,000 per accident for property damage liability. When you shop for car insurance in Whitefish, you may see these minimums written as a 25/50/20 policy. If you have an at-fault accident, liability coverage pays third-party costs such as medical bills and repair expenses. It also covers your legal costs.
Montana requires uninsured motorist coverage as well, although you can request a waiver if you prefer not to carry this policy. If you have a car loan, check with your lender to make sure you have all the coverage you need under your contract.
If you're ready to save money on car insurance in Whitefish, VIU by HUB can help. Use our cool online rate tool to compare rates across providers in minutes.
This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.