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The Best Home Insurance in Montana for 2023
We analyzed the cheapest rates and top companies for homeowners insurance in Montana.
Kayda Norman is a NerdWallet authority on auto insurance. She previously worked in communications at The Walt Disney Co. and as a web producer and writer at several health and fitness publications, including Health magazine. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post and USA Today.
Sarah Schlichter Lead Writer | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Sarah Schlichter is a NerdWallet authority on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. Prior to joining NerdWallet, she spent more than 15 years in digital media as a writer, editor and spokesperson. Sarah enjoys delving into complicated topics and helping readers understand the ins and outs of their insurance coverage. She lives in the Washington, D.C., metro area.
Caitlin Constantine Assigning Editor | Home insurance, renters insurance, pet insurance
Caitlin Constantine is an assigning editor at NerdWallet, focusing on homeowners, renters and pet insurance. She has more than 15 years of experience in digital media, including as the deputy managing editor at The Penny Hoarder and as a digital producer for a 24/7 news station based in the Tampa Bay area. Caitlin enjoys exploring the ways technology can help people become better informed about the world. She currently lives outside Asheville, North Carolina.
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The average cost of homeowners insurance in Montana is $2,065 per year, or about $172 per month, according to a NerdWallet analysis. That’s more than the national average of $1,820 per year.
We’ve analyzed rates and companies across the state to find the best homeowners insurance in Montana.
Note: Some insurance companies included in this article may have made changes in their underwriting practices and no longer issue new policies in your state. Even if an insurer serves your state, it may not write policies for all homes in all areas.
Why you can trust NerdWallet
Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our writing and data analyses. You can trust the prices we show you because our data analysts take rigorous measures to eliminate inaccuracies in pricing data and may update rates for accuracy as new information becomes available.
We include rates from every locale in the country where coverage is offered and data is available. When comparing rates for different coverage amounts and backgrounds, we change only one variable at a time, so you can easily see how each factor affects pricing.
Our sample homeowner had good credit, $300,000 of dwelling coverage, $300,000 of liability coverage and a $1,000 deductible.
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If you’re looking to buy homeowners insurance from a well-rated national brand, consider one of these insurers from NerdWallet’s list of the best homeowners insurance companies.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
$1,680
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans and their families.
More about the best home insurance companies in Montana
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Perks and high coverage limits for affluent homeowners.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Significantly fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Standard coverage includes features that many companies only offer as extras.
Large number of discounts.
Cons
Most consumers aren't able to get a quote online and will instead need to contact a local agent.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Perks and high coverage limits for affluent homeowners.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
About average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Significantly fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Standard coverage includes features that many companies only offer as extras.
Large number of discounts.
Cons
Most consumers aren't able to get a quote online and will instead need to contact a local agent.
Chubb caters to high-value homes and draws far fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Its home insurance policies come with some great perks, including extended replacement cost in case it costs more than your dwelling limit to rebuild your home after a disaster.
Montana homeowners can also sign up for free wildfire defense services. These services include personalized recommendations for protecting your home and deployment of firefighters to your house if a wildfire is approaching.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Well-established insurer with a lengthy list of coverage options.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
User-friendly website.
Agents offer personalized service.
Policies generally include extra coverage for your home’s structure.
Cons
Fewer discounts than some other insurers.
Includes more generous dwelling coverage in standard policies than many other insurers do.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Well-established insurer with a lengthy list of coverage options.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
User-friendly website.
Agents offer personalized service.
Policies generally include extra coverage for your home’s structure.
Cons
Fewer discounts than some other insurers.
Includes more generous dwelling coverage in standard policies than many other insurers do.
As America’s largest insurer, State Farm stands out for its long list of coverage options. Its policies generally include extra dwelling coverage in case it costs more than expected to rebuild your home after a covered disaster. You may also be able to add coverage for things like identity theft, damage from backed-up drains and personal injury liability.
State Farm offers a free Ting device as a perk for home insurance policyholders. Ting is a smart plug that monitors your home’s electrical network to help prevent fires.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Those seeking benefits like diminishing deductibles and claims forgiveness may want to consider Farmers.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Several standard features can help save money.
Less common coverage options are available.
Discounts for nonsmokers and members of certain professions.
Cons
Tends to be more expensive than many competitors.
Farmers’ three tiers of home insurance coverage make its policies suitable for a variety of homeowners.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Those seeking benefits like diminishing deductibles and claims forgiveness may want to consider Farmers.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Pros
Several standard features can help save money.
Less common coverage options are available.
Discounts for nonsmokers and members of certain professions.
Cons
Tends to be more expensive than many competitors.
Farmers’ three tiers of home insurance coverage make its policies suitable for a variety of homeowners.
Homeowners policies from Farmers may include two valuable types of insurance: extended dwelling and replacement cost coverage. Extended dwelling coverage gives you extra insurance for the structure of your house, while replacement cost coverage offers higher reimbursement for stolen or destroyed belongings.
Some Farmers policies also come with perks that can save you money. For example, with claim forgiveness, Farmers won’t raise your rate for a claim as long as you haven’t filed one within the past five years.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
For shoppers seeking a broad range of coverage options, Nationwide may fit the bill.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Close to expected
Pros
Offers some coverage standard that other companies charge extra for.
Lots of discounts available.
Website offers lots of useful features and information.
Cons
Doesn't insure mobile or manufactured homes.
Nationwide's policies are widely available across the country and offer a variety of useful coverage choices. The company also has a robust list of discounts to help you save on your policy.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
For shoppers seeking a broad range of coverage options, Nationwide may fit the bill.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
More than average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Close to expected
Pros
Offers some coverage standard that other companies charge extra for.
Lots of discounts available.
Website offers lots of useful features and information.
Cons
Doesn't insure mobile or manufactured homes.
Nationwide's policies are widely available across the country and offer a variety of useful coverage choices. The company also has a robust list of discounts to help you save on your policy.
We like Nationwide for its wide variety of coverage options. For example, its standard homeowners insurance policy generally includes ordinance or law coverage, which can help pay to bring your home up to current building codes after a covered claim. You can add other coverage for things like identity theft and damage from backed-up sewers and drains.
Depending on how much personal assistance you need, you can get a quote for homeowners insurance on the Nationwide website or work with a local agent instead. You can also use the website to pay bills, file claims or check claim status.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Offers perks and affordable rates for the military community.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Below average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Policies include standard coverage that often costs extra elsewhere.
Far fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
Average rates are below the national average, according to NerdWallet’s analysis.
Cons
Available only to active military members, veterans and their families.
With generous coverage at rates below the national average, USAA offers good value for homeowners.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Offers perks and affordable rates for the military community.
Coverage optionsRatings are based on the number of coverage options a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Below average
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Far fewer than expected
Pros
Policies include standard coverage that often costs extra elsewhere.
Far fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
Average rates are below the national average, according to NerdWallet’s analysis.
Cons
Available only to active military members, veterans and their families.
With generous coverage at rates below the national average, USAA offers good value for homeowners.
USAA sells homeowners insurance to veterans, active military and their families. If you fall into one of those groups, you might want to look into USAA’s offerings. The company’s homeowners policies include some unique perks such as deductible-free coverage for military uniforms and coverage for identity theft.
Homeowners in Montana can take part in the company’s Connected Home program, which gives you a discount on your policy if you buy and install approved smart home devices. These include water leak sensors, cameras and thermostats.
How much does homeowners insurance cost in Montana?
The average annual cost of home insurance in Montana is $2,065. That’s 13% more than the national average of $1,820.
In most U.S. states, including Montana, many insurers use your credit-based insurance score to help set rates. Your insurance score is similar but not identical to your traditional credit score.
In Montana, those with poor credit pay an average of $4,405 per year for homeowners insurance, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. That’s more than twice as much as those with good credit.
Average cost of homeowners insurance in Montana by city
How much you pay for homeowners insurance in Montana depends on where you live. For instance, the average cost of home insurance in Billings is $2,250 per year, while homeowners in Missoula pay $1,525 per year, on average.
Here are the insurers we found with average annual rates below the Montana average of $2,065.
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
Foremost
4.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates discounts, coverage options, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
$1,680
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans and their families.
When shopping for the best home insurance, Montana homeowners should consider the risk of wildfire, flooding, winter weather and hailstorms.
Wildfire
Lightning strikes, dry conditions and high winds can bring significant wildfires to Montana’s forests. As a result, homeowners living near wooded areas may find their properties at risk.
Standard homeowners insurance typically covers damage caused by wildfire, though residents of high-risk areas may find exclusions in their policies. Pay particular attention to the dwelling coverage limit, which is how much the insurance company will pay to rebuild your house. Check with your insurer to ensure you have enough coverage to rebuild if necessary.
Flooding
Heavy rain and snowmelt are two causes of flooding across Montana. Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, so homeowners in flood-prone areas may need to purchase separate flood insurance.
To find out your risk, check out the Federal Emergency Management Agency's flood maps and RiskFactor.com, a website from the nonprofit First Street Foundation. Even if your property is deemed low risk, it may be worthwhile to purchase flood insurance for extra peace of mind.
Remember that while you can purchase flood coverage at any time, there’s typically a 30-day waiting period before the insurance takes effect. Here’s more information about flood insurance and waiting periods.
Harsh winter conditions in Montana mean heavy snow, wind, ice and freezing temperatures. When you review your homeowners policy, make sure it covers damage like roof collapse due to snow accumulation or bursting pipes.
Homeowners insurance generally covers winter storm-related damage, but some types of winter weather damage may require extra coverage. For instance, you’ll typically need a separate flood insurance policy to cover flood damage caused by snowmelt.
Hailstorms
Hail as large as a baseball is possible when spring and summer hailstorms come through Montana. These can significantly damage roofs, siding and windows.
Read your home insurance policy to make sure you have adequate coverage in case of hail. You may have a separate deductible for hail damage. These are often a flat rate, such as $1,000, or a percentage of your dwelling coverage. For example, your policy may have a $1,000 deductible for most claims and a 1% deductible for hail claims. So, if your house has $250,000 worth of dwelling coverage, you’d have to pay for the first $2,500 of hail damage yourself.
The Montana Commission of Securities and Insurance oversees the insurance industry in the state. In addition to practical regulation, such as licensing insurers, the commission provides consumer information on the insurance industry. It’s also the place to go if you’re having a dispute with your insurer, as you can file a complaint through its online form. You can also call the commission’s consumer advocate division at 800-332-6148.
Homeowners insurance is not required by Montana state law. However, your mortgage lender may require you to purchase home insurance. For more information, read Is Homeowners Insurance Required?
How can I save money on homeowners insurance in Montana?
There are several ways to save money on homeowners insurance in Montana.
Shop around to make sure you’re getting the best rate.
Choose a higher deductible. In case of any claims, you’ll pay more out of pocket, but your premiums will be lower.
Homeowners insurance is not required by Montana state law. However, your mortgage lender may require you to purchase home insurance. For more information, read
NerdWallet averaged rates for 40-year-old homeowners from various insurance companies in every ZIP code across the state. All rates are rounded to the nearest $5.
Sample homeowners were nonsmokers with good credit living in a single-family, two-story home built in 1984. They had a $1,000 deductible and the following coverage limits:
$300,000 in dwelling coverage.
$30,000 in other structures coverage.
$150,000 in personal property coverage.
$60,000 in loss of use coverage.
$300,000 in liability coverage.
$1,000 in medical payments coverage.
We made minor changes to the sample policy in cases where rates for the above coverage limits or deductibles weren’t available.
We changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor,” as reported to the insurer, to see rates for homeowners with poor credit.
These are sample rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.
Star rating methodology
NerdWallet’s homeowners insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints, coverages, discounts and online experience. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our full homeowners insurance rating methodology.
Complaint methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2019-2021. To assess how insurers compare with one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
