In recent years, Montana has been growing as a destination for people looking to get away from larger cities and find something new. The state is home to a wide variety of breathtaking landscapes and open spaces, as well as a more affordable cost of living than elsewhere in the country. Whether you're a long-time resident or looking to make a move to Montana, it pays (literally) to know how much you can expect to spend on car insurance premiums. We'll take a look at the auto insurance landscape in Montana -- specifically Bozeman -- and provide some insights and strategies for getting the most out of your money and finding the best cheap car insurance in Montana.

Auto Insurance in Montana

Although auto insurance premiums can vary significantly between states and even zip codes, you'll be happy to know that Montana, for the most part, is in line with the national average. Per numbers from Renata Belasco at insurance comparison site The Zebra, residents pay only $5 a year more than the national average for car insurance in Montana -- $547 for minimum coverage and $1,440 annually for full coverage.

When we say premiums can vary significantly, we mean it -- buying your Montana auto insurance from USAA, for example, will cost you about $1,025 annually, while buying from Allstate could cost you nearly $2,700 a year.

Auto Insurance in Bozeman

Now, let's talk about Bozeman in particular. Nestled in the heart of Montana, Bozeman is known (like many cities in the state) for its outdoor beauty and vibrant community. It's a great place to start off a full tour of Yellowstone National Park, or check out attractions such as the Museum of the Rockies, the American Computer & Robotics Museum, or the Montana Grizzly Encounter. However, living in Bozeman does cost more than you might expect, and auto insurance premiums are in line with this trend.

One reason Bozeman's cost of living is notably more than the national average is because the city has a strong job market and a corresponding high demand for housing, which in turn drives up property value and rent. The housing market in Bozeman is extremely competitive, which can make it rough for prospective residents to find affordable housing. Transportation, groceries, entertainment, and, yes, auto insurance are all higher than average as well.

The Cost of Fuel in Bozeman

Driving your car can also cost quite a bit more in Bozeman. Why? For one thing, Bozeman's thriving tourist industry tends to drive up fuel costs at the pump, just as it would anywhere else. Additionally, Montana is a big state, and cities tend to be somewhat remote and far between -- which means your fuel costs are going to be higher simply because you'll be doing a lot more driving.

Bozeman's Public Transportation

But what about public transportation? Anyone coming from a larger city with an extensive train or bus network may be in for some disappointment. There's nowhere in Montana that has as extensive a public transportation network as in many metropolitan areas, and Bozeman is no exception. While the city is working toward better public transportation as part of its commitment to sustainability, you shouldn't expect more than shuttles and buses in Bozeman. While using public transportation can help save money in the form of lower fuel costs, parking fees, and less wear-and-tear on your vehicle, you may not be able to get by without a car.

Saving Money on Auto Insurance

So how can you save a few dollars on your auto insurance if you're living in Bozeman? Fortunately, there are a few time-honored strategies.

First of all, if you don't plan on driving very much, you might consider moving to a pay-per-mile insurance policy. These policies (as the name implies) charge according to how many miles you drive -- so if you work from home and your car spends a lot of time in the garage, it might be an easy way to spend less money on insurance.

You also shouldn't be afraid to shop around and compare quotes to find cheap Montana car insurance. Every company has its own underwriting criteria, and not all companies (and policies) are created equal.

Once you do find a company that meets your needs, consider bundling your home and auto insurance policies for a significant discount. If your bank account can bear the risk, you might also try increasing your deductible -- you'll pay more out of pocket if you do happen to get in an accident, but in the meantime, your premiums will be lower (and that accident, if you're fortunate, may never come).

Finally, don't be afraid to ask your insurer, whether new or old, about discounts. You can get discounts for everything from being a good student to taking a defensive driving course to installing safety and anti-theft devices on your vehicle.