Montana law

Insurance Disputes Laws in Montana.

Montana insurance law includes the Unfair Trade Practices Act (UTPA), which provides a statutory cause of action against insurers for unfair claim settlement practices. Montana recognizes common-law bad faith for first-party insurance disputes. Montana courts apply the objectively reasonable standard for first-party bad faith. Montana State Auditor serves as Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, regulating insurers and handling complaints.

Last verified: 2026-04-17

State law

Key Montana Statutes

Unfair Trade Practices Act (UTPA)Mont. Code Ann. § 33-18-201 et seq.

Prohibits specified unfair claims settlement practices including misrepresenting policy provisions, failing to acknowledge claims, failing to promptly investigate, and failing to offer fair and reasonable settlement. Provides a statutory cause of action (§ 33-18-242).

UTPA Third-Party Statute of LimitationsMont. Code Ann. § 33-18-242

Third-party claimants must file UTPA claims within 1 year of resolution of the underlying tort. First-party insureds have a 3-year limitation.

Common-Law Bad FaithMontana common law

Montana recognizes common-law bad-faith refusal to settle third-party claims within policy limits when an excess judgment results. First-party bad faith proceeds under the UTPA.

Uninsured/Underinsured MotoristMont. Code Ann. § 33-23-201 et seq.

Montana permits (but does not require) uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. Stacking is permitted subject to policy terms.

Montana Insurance CodeMont. Code Ann. Title 33

Comprehensive regulatory framework administered by the Office of the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance.

State law

Official Sources

Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Montana State Legislature

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Montana.

Next step

Move from state law into guided help or attorney search.

If you want help applying this information to your situation, start with guided help or browse attorneys for this issue in Montana.

Get guided help Browse Insurance Disputes attorneys

Insurance Disputes Laws in Montana.

Key Montana Statutes

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

Move from state law into guided help or attorney search.

Other state law topics.