33-23-214. Advance notice required for nonrenewal -- exceptions. - Montana Statutes

     33-23-214. Advance notice required for nonrenewal -- exceptions. (1) An insurer shall renew a motor vehicle liability policy unless it mails or delivers to the named insured, at the address shown in the policy, at least 45 days' advance notice of its intention not to renew. The notice must contain or be accompanied by a statement that upon written request made not later than 1 month following the termination date of the policy of the named insured mailed or delivered to the insurer, the insurer will notify the insured in writing, within 15 days of the insured's request, of the reason or reasons for the nonrenewal.
     (2) Notwithstanding the failure of an insurer to comply with this section, the motor vehicle liability policy must terminate on the effective date of any other replacement or succeeding motor vehicle liability policy procured by the insured with respect to any motor vehicle designated in both policies.
     (3) This section does not apply where the named insured has failed to discharge when due any of the insured's obligations in connection with the payment of premiums for the policy or the renewal of the policy or any installment payments for the policy, whether payable directly to the insurer or its insurance producer or indirectly under any premium finance plan or extension of credit.
     (4) This section does not apply in any of the following cases:
     (a) if the insurer has manifested its willingness to renew;
     (b) in case of nonpayment of premium. However, notwithstanding the failure of an insurer to comply with this section, the policy must terminate on the effective date of any other insurance policy with respect to any motor vehicle designated in both policies.
     (c) if the insured's insurance producer or broker has secured other coverage acceptable to the insured at least 20 days prior to the anniversary date of the policy or termination of the policy period.
     (5) Renewal of a motor vehicle liability policy does not constitute a waiver or estoppel with respect to grounds for cancellation which existed before the effective date of the renewal.
     (6) A notice of nonrenewal of a motor vehicle liability policy under this section, for a policy that has a term of less than 6 months, is effective only when based on one or more of the reasons listed in 33-23-211.

     History: En. Sec. 5, Ch. 262, L. 1971; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 249, L. 1975; R.C.M. 1947, 40-4409; amd. Sec. 13, Ch. 139, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 1, Ch. 713, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 5, Ch. 339, L. 2003.