We looked at average costs, customer service ratings, and policy options from multiple top insurers to find the best and cheapest home insurance companies in Montana.
By
Rachael BrennanRachael BrennanSenior Editor & Licensed Insurance ExpertRachael Brennan is a licensed auto insurance expert and a former senior editor at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.
Edited by
Pat HowardPat HowardManaging Editor & Licensed Home Insurance ExpertPat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and former managing editor at Policygenius. Pat has written extensively about the home insurance industry and his insights as a subject matter expert have appeared in several top tier publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Reuters. Pat has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.
Expert reviewedExpert reviewedThis article has been reviewed by a member of ourFinancial Review Council to ensure all sources, statistics, and claims meet the highest standard for accurate and unbiased advice.Learn more about oureditorial review process.
Montana’s diverse topography means residents should be ready for every type of weather scenario, from blizzards to droughts, and homeowners need a home insurance policy that can stand up to the elements.
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Montana is $2,140 per year or $178 a month. This is around 22% higher than the national average of $1,754.
Compare home insurance rates in Montana
Compare the best homeowners insurance companies in Montana
Policygenius found the best homeowners insurance companies in Montana by analyzing quotes across every ZIP code in the state. We also looked at J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores and compared that with the coverage needs of Montana residents to find the best homeowners insurance in the state.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.8
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A++
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Bundle home & auto
Offers extended replacement cost
Offers flood insurance
Offers earthquake insurance
Wind/hail deductible
Offers wildfire insurance
Why we chose it
State Farm is one of the best home insurance companies in Montana thanks to its large selection of policy options, high customer service marks, and industry-best financial stability ratings.
Pros and cons
Pros
Save up to $1,127 per year when you bundle your home and auto insurance
Excellent line-up of policy add-ons, including extended replacement cost coverage
Cons
No longer sells home insurance policies in California
20% more complaints filed with the NAIC than other companies of its size
More details
Why we chose State Farm
State Farm is one of the best home insurance companies in Montana, especially if you want to add coverage to a basic policy. State Farm lets homeowners get extended replacement cost coverage for their homes, replacement cost coverage for their personal property, water backup protection, and more.
State Farm's customer service is highly rated, too. The company has received high ratings from policyholders, according to J.D. Power’s 2022 customer satisfaction, claims, and digital experience surveys. It has also received the highest rating possible from A.M. Best for financial strength and stability.
How do State Farm home insurance rates compare to the Montana average?
The average cost of home insurance from State Farm in Montana is $2,761 per year, which is 29% more expensive than the statewide average.
How to get a quote
Online through State Farm or by contacting your local State Farm agent.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.5
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Offers extended replacement cost
Bundle home & auto
Smart home discounts
Why we chose it
Farmers is one of the best home insurance companies in Montana. The company has a range of coverage add-ons, discounts, and high claims satisfaction scores — and rates are lower than the average in Montana.
Pros and cons
Pros
Above-average property claims satisfaction rating with J.D. Power
Extended and guaranteed replacement cost for your home
Shave $50 off your deductible each year you’re with Farmers
Cons
Below-average scores on J.D. Power’s digital experience survey
More details
Why we chose Farmers
Farmers is one of the best home insurance companies in Montana. You can customize your Farmers home insurance with coverage options like guaranteed or extended replacement cost coverage, water backup protection, and a personal articles floater.
Farmers also earned a high score in J.D. Power’s 2022 claims satisfaction study (though it was below-average on J.D. Power’s overall customer satisfaction and digital experience surveys). Plus, Farmers receives fewer complaints than average, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.
How do Farmers home insurance rates compare to the average in Montana?
The average cost of Farmers home insurance in Montana is $1,960 per year, which is 8% cheaper than the average cost of home insurance in the state.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.4
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A++
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Bundle home & auto
New homebuyer discount
Mobile app
Offers extended replacement cost
Offers flood insurance
Why we chose it
Travelers offers some of the best homeowners insurance in Montana despite higher-than-average rates thanks to industry-best financial ratings and flexible policy options for most home types.
Pros and cons
Pros
Green home coverage and discounts
Offers short-term rental coverage for Airbnb hosts
Doesn’t require prior insurance on the home
Cons
Subpar customer service ratings with J.D. Power
Underwhelming number of available discounts
More details
Why we chose Travelers
Travelers is a reputable home insurance provider that offers comprehensive policy options. One of Travelers's benefits is its willingness to cover risks that other insurance companies won't. These risks include no prior insurance coverage, coverage for short term rentals, and liability protection for trampoline injuries if its fitted with protective netting.
How do Travelers home insurance rates compare to the Montana state average?
The average cost of Travelers home insurance in Montana is $6,603 per year, which is significantly pricier than the state average annual premium of $2,140.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.4
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A+
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
Bundle home & auto
Smart home discounts
Why we chose it
Allstate is one of the best homeowners insurance companies in Montana for people looking for more affordable premiums. Besides affordability, Allstate also offers a few perks to lower your deductible each year you go without filing a claim.
Pros and cons
Pros
High-quality and flexible policy options
Numerous discounts and features that help you save
Below-average customer complaints
Cons
No longer sells home insurance policies in California
Below-average digital experience rating with J.D. Power
More details
Why we chose Allstate
Besides Allstate's lower-than-average premiums, its high customer satisfaction ratings and excellent coverage options make it a top choice for homeowners in Montana. We also like that Allstate has discounts for setting up automatic payments, bundling policies, and signing up for coverage before your current policy expires — all easy for many people to qualify for.
It also stands out thanks to its diminishing deductible program each year you go without filing a claim. Your rates also won't go up if you only file one claim within a five-year period.
How do Allstate home insurance rates compare to the Montana average?
The average cost of an Allstate home insurance policy in Montana is $3,011 per year, which is 41% higher than the state average.
How to get a quote
Online through Policygenius or Allstate, or by contacting a local Allstate agent.
Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.
4.3
AM Best rating
AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).
A++
Cost
Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).
$
$
$
$
$
All 50 states
Offers flood insurance
Offers extended replacement cost
Offers wildfire insurance
Smart home discounts
Bundle home & auto
Mobile app
New homebuyer discount
Why we chose it
Chubb has the lowest average rates in Montana. Chubb is also one of the best home insurance companies for people with high-value and luxury homes, as well as other assets that need to be insured, like boats and luxury cars.
Pros and cons
Pros
Extended replacement cost coverage
Cash-out claim settlements
Complimentary wildfire and hurricane mitigation services
Cons
Only insures high-value homes
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings
More details
Why we chose Chubb
Chubb has the lowest average annual rates in Montana. Additionally, Chubb offers a range of robust coverages on top of its basic home insurance protections. These add-ons include extended replacement cost coverage for your home, replacement cost coverage for your personal property, water backup coverage, blanket personal property coverage, equipment breakdown coverage, and more.
You can also get a few special features with Chubb, like property manager services for a second home, high-tech home inspections, and personalized claims services.
How do Chubb home insurance rates compare to the Montana average?
The average cost of home insurance from Chubb in Montana is $1,226 per year, which is 43% less expensive than the statewide average.
Policygenius has analyzed home insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services in March 2022 for ZIP codes in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., for a 40-year-old female homeowner with no claim history, good credit, a $1,000 deductible, and the following coverage limits:
Dwelling: $300,000
Other structures: $30,000
Personal property: $150,000
Loss of use: $60,000
Liability: $300,000
Medical: $1,000
All rates based on the above coverage limits except where otherwise noted.
Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.
Compare home insurance rates in Montana
How much is homeowners insurance in Montana?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Montana is $2,140 per year, or roughly $178 a month, for an insurance policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage. This is higher than the national average of $1,754 per year.
Montana homeowners insurance rates by city
Home insurance costs in Montana can vary widely depending on where you live. For example, home insurance in Billings costs $2,338 per year, while in Havre the average cost of coverage is just $1,790 per year.
Here’s a look at the average cost of home insurance in the 20 largest cities in Montana.
City
Average monthly cost
Average annual cost
Difference from state average (%)
Billings
$195
$2,338
9%
Missoula
$153
$1,831
-14%
Great Falls
$175
$2,097
-2%
Bozeman
$170
$2,037
-5%
Helena
$163
$1,958
-9%
Kalispell
$145
$1,745
-18%
Belgrade
$166
$1,986
-7%
Anaconda-Deer Lodge County
$165
$1,983
-7%
Havre
$149
$1,790
-16%
Whitefish
$147
$1,761
-18%
Livingston
$185
$2,215
4%
Miles City
$206
$2,474
16%
Laurel
$181
$2,176
2%
Sidney
$186
$2,235
4%
Lewistown
$224
$2,682
25%
Columbia Falls
$145
$1,734
-19%
Polson
$155
$1,863
-13%
Hamilton
$165
$1,975
-8%
Glendive
$203
$2,432
14%
Dillon
$169
$2,032
-5%
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Montana homeowners insurance rates by coverage amount
The table below highlights the average annual premium in Montana for five different levels of dwelling coverage, which is the part of your policy that covers structural damage to your home.
Generally speaking, more dwelling coverage means higher homeowners insurance rates, as shown in the table below.
Dwelling coverage limit
Average annual cost
$100,000
$1,082
$200,000
$1,641
$300,000
$2,140
$400,000
$2,605
$500,000
$3,133
Compare home insurance rates in Montana
Cheapest homeowners insurance companies in Montana
The table below highlights the average annual premium in Montana for five different levels of dwelling coverage, which is the part of your policy that covers structural damage to your home.
Generally speaking, more dwelling coverage means higher homeowners insurance rates, as shown in the table below.
Cheapest Montana homeowners insurance if you have poor credit
The cheapest homeowners insurance company in Montana for residents with poor credit is Chubb.
If you have a poor credit score, your homeowners insurance rates will be higher. Insurance companies charge higher premiums to homeowners with lower credit scores because they believe these policyholders are more likely to make future claims.
Company
Average annual cost
Chubb
$1,226
Kemper
$1,927
EMC Insurance
$2,146
Sentry
$2,206
American Modern
$2,457
USAA
$2,604
Nationwide
$2,658
Farmers
$3,521
Allstate
$4,432
State Farm
$4,738
Travelers
$29,439
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Cheapest Montana homeowners insurance if you have an older home
Older and historic homes are usually more expensive to insure than newer homes. Insurers consider them a higher risk because they can be fragile, their construction materials may be obsolete, and certain structural components like the roof or plumbing may not be in good shape or up to current-day code.
Here are the cheapest home insurance options in Montana for a 50-year-old home.
Company
Average annual cost
Chubb
$1,226
Kemper
$1,334
Sentry
$1,505
EMC Insurance
$1,600
USAA
$1,639
American Modern
$1,873
Farmers
$1,883
Nationwide
$2,149
State Farm
$2,857
Allstate
$2,904
Travelers
$10,401
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Cheapest Montana homeowners insurance if you have a history of claims
One of the biggest factors that plays a role in your home insurance premium is your claims history. You'll typically pay more for home insurance if you have multiple claims on your record, since insurers perceive you as posing a greater risk of filing more claims later on.
Here are the cheapest home insurance companies in Montana for a homeowner with three claims within a five-year period.
Company
Average annual cost
Chubb
$1,226
USAA
$2,321
American Modern
$2,437
EMC Insurance
$2,470
Sentry
$2,474
Farmers
$2,481
Kemper
$2,667
State Farm
$3,258
Nationwide
$3,774
Allstate
$5,075
Travelers
$11,130
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How to buy home insurance in Montana
Homeowners in Montana have many great options when it comes to home insurance. To help make the process easier, be sure to follow the five steps below.
5 steps to buying home insurance in Montana
Reach out to a licensed Policygenius agent. Our team of experienced insurance experts can help you figure out how much coverage you need and what deductible works best.
Ask if you should purchase flood or coverage. With four-season weather, homeowners in Montana should talk to a Policygenius about adding additional coverage for floods, winter storms, and even wildfires due to extreme drought conditions over the last several years.
Figure out how high of a deductible you can afford. A higher deductible means you’ll pay less upfront for your insurance, but more out-of-pocket for a covered loss. A Policygenius agent can help you pick out a deductible that works within your budget.
Compare quotes from a Policygenius agent. Once you’ve identified your coverage needs, limits, and deductibles, a Policygenius agent will send over quotes from several top companies for your review.
Sign the policy, and pay your first premium. After you’ve nailed down the plan that works best for you, Policygenius will do all of the paperwork. All you need to do is sign on the dotted line and pay your first premium. They’ll even cancel your old policy if it isn’t expired yet.
Compare home insurance rates in Montana
Frequently asked questions
What is the average home insurance cost in Montana?
The average home insurance rate in Montana is about $280 a month for $400,000 in dwelling coverage. If you have a more expensive home, you might consider adding additional coverage to ensure your home is protected.
Is it mandatory to have home insurance in Montana?
While not legally required to have homeowners insurance in Montana, many mortgage lenders require you to purchase home insurance before extending a home loan to protect your investment. Even if you don’t have a mortgage, home insurance is a smart idea to help you recover financially after a devastating loss.
Is there a way to lower the cost of home insurance in Montana?
There are several ways to lower the cost of your home insurance in Montana. First, ask your insurance provider if there are any discounts available to you like autopay, bundling home and auto policies, being a loyal member, and having security features installed on your home.
Rachael Brennan is a licensed auto insurance expert and a former senior editor at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.
Pat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and former managing editor at Policygenius. Pat has written extensively about the home insurance industry and his insights as a subject matter expert have appeared in several top tier publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC, and Reuters. Pat has a bachelor's degree in journalism from Michigan State University.