Fact CheckedNerdy takeaways
Chubb is the top-rated insurer in Montana, offering the best coverage for high-value homes.
Amica has the best digital tools.
State Farm is our pick for the best value in Montana.
Cincinnati Insurance draws the fewest consumer complaints.
USAA is our top insurer for military homeowners and their families.
Montana homeowners searching for a good value will find several top-rated insurers covering Big Sky Country. But the best homeowners insurance in Montana for you depends on the coverage you need and the kind of service you prefer.
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.
The best home insurance companies in Montana
Best coverage for high-value homes
Chubb
- Far fewer consumer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
- Standard coverage includes features that many companies offer only as extras.
- Perks to help you protect your home.
- Most consumers can't get a quote online and will instead need to contact a local agent.
Why it’s worth a look: Chubb’s policies for high-value homes include generous coverage and lots of perks. For example, they cover damage from water that backs up into your home. (This insurance usually costs extra from other companies.) They also include a service called HomeScan, which uses infrared technology to look for problems behind your walls.
Standout feature: Chubb policyholders in Montana are eligible for free Wildfire Defense Services. These services include personalized tips for protecting your house. If a wildfire threatens, the service can send firefighters to your home.
Average rates: Not available.
» READ MORE: Chubb homeowners insurance review
Best digital tools
Amica
- High customer satisfaction ratings and low consumer complaints.
- Platinum Choice package offers extra coverage.
- Dividend policies can return a portion of your premiums.
- You can start a quote online but may have to finish the buying process by phone.
Why it’s worth a look: You can use Amica’s website to file and track claims, pay bills, and upload documents. The company also offers plenty of information about its policies, including FAQs. Live chat representatives are available seven days a week.
Standout feature: Amica’s Platinum Choice Home is a package of extra coverage for your house and belongings. It offers higher liability limits, plus broader insurance for valuable items like computers.
Average rates: Not available.
» READ MORE: Amica homeowners insurance review
Best value
State Farm
- User-friendly website.
- Agents offer personalized service.
- Policies generally include extra coverage for your home’s structure.
- Below average for claim satisfaction in a recent J.D. Power study.
Why it’s worth a look: Of our top-rated companies in Montana, State Farm had some of the most affordable rates. But State Farm’s low prices don’t mean you have to sacrifice coverage. Its policies generally include extra coverage in case it costs more than expected to rebuild your home.
Standout feature: State Farm offers policyholders in Montana a free Ting device. This smart technology monitors your home's electrical system to help prevent fires.
Average rates: Below are the average annual rates for a range of dwelling coverage limits.
Dwelling coverage amount | Average annual rate |
|---|---|
$200,000 | $2,040 |
$300,000 | $2,565 |
$400,000 | $3,035 |
$500,000 | $3,520 |
» READ MORE: State Farm homeowners insurance review
Fewest complaints
Cincinnati Insurance
- Various coverage options.
- Far fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
- Coverage available for higher-value homes.
- No online quotes.
- Very little information on website.
Why it’s worth a look: Cincinnati Insurance had one of the lowest rates of consumer complaints among all the companies we review. This suggests that most of its policyholders are happy with their coverage.
Standout feature: Cincinnati policyholders can get a discount on water shutoff devices. This technology can save you the hassle of a claim by turning off your water if it detects a leak.
Average rates: Not available.
» READ MORE: Cincinnati homeowners insurance review
Best for military families
USAA
- Policies include standard coverage that often costs extra elsewhere.
- Fewer customer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
- Perks for military homeowners.
- Available only to active military members, veterans, some federal employees and their families.
Why it’s worth a look: USAA sells homeowners insurance to active military, veterans, some federal workers and their families. The company serves this community with deductible-free coverage for military uniforms and equipment. If you rent out your home while you’re deployed, consider USAA’s home-sharing or landlord coverage.
Standout feature: USAA’s policies include identity theft coverage to help you recover after a cyber incident. Many companies charge extra for this coverage.
Average rates: Below are the average annual rates for a range of dwelling coverage limits.
Dwelling coverage amount | Average annual rate |
|---|---|
$200,000 | $2,010 |
$300,000 | $2,635 |
$400,000 | $3,085 |
$500,000 | $3,530 |
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans, some federal workers and their families. | |
» READ MORE: USAA homeowners insurance review
Other top home insurance companies in Montana
These home insurance providers are also worth a look.
Company | NerdWallet star rating | Average annual rate |
|---|---|---|
$3,800 | ||
$5,210 | ||
$6,260 |
How much does homeowners insurance cost in Montana?
The average cost of homeowners insurance in Montana is $3,100 per year, or about $258 per month. That's 57% more expensive than the national average of $1,975 per year for the same amount of coverage.
These rates are based on a sample home insurance policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage, $300,000 in liability coverage, a $1,000 deductible and no recent claims.
Did you know...
The dwelling coverage limit on your policy should be the amount it would take to rebuild your home, based on the cost of labor and construction in your area. It won't necessarily be the price you paid for the house or how much you could sell it for now. Use our calculator to estimate your home's rebuilding cost.
The median rebuilding cost for Montana homes is $322,147, according to data from First Street, a climate risk modeling firm.
Below are the average rates for policies with various dwelling coverage limits.
Dwelling coverage amount | Average annual rate |
|---|---|
$200,000 | $2,295 |
$300,000 | $3,100 |
$400,000 | $3,765 |
$500,000 | $4,545 |
The rates above are for homeowners with good credit. In Montana, policyholders with poor credit pay an average of $6,500 per year — more than twice as much.
Average cost of homeowners insurance in Montana by city
The amount you pay will vary depending on where you live in the state. For example, the average cost of homeowners insurance in Billings is $3,070 per year, while Helena homeowners pay $2,565 per year, on average.
City | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|---|
Anaconda | $2,930 | $244 |
Belgrade | $2,585 | $215 |
Billings | $3,070 | $256 |
Bozeman | $2,705 | $225 |
Butte | $2,970 | $248 |
Columbia Falls | $2,905 | $242 |
Dillon | $2,915 | $243 |
Glasgow | $3,305 | $275 |
Glendive | $4,425 | $369 |
Great Falls | $2,950 | $246 |
Hamilton | $2,720 | $227 |
Hardin | $4,055 | $338 |
Havre | $3,430 | $286 |
Helena | $2,565 | $214 |
Kalispell | $2,905 | $242 |
Laurel | $3,060 | $255 |
Lewistown | $4,015 | $335 |
Libby | $3,295 | $275 |
Livingston | $2,905 | $242 |
Miles City | $4,310 | $359 |
Missoula | $2,705 | $225 |
Polson | $3,115 | $260 |
Shelby | $2,565 | $214 |
Sidney | $4,065 | $339 |
Whitefish | $2,905 | $242 |
The cheapest home insurance in Montana
Here are the insurers we found with the cheapest rates for a variety of dwelling coverage limits.
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
$1,665
$2,040
$2,795
$3,520
$2,010
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans, some federal workers and their families.
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
$2,340
$2,565
$3,800
$5,210
$2,635
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans, some federal workers and their families.
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
$3,035
$3,035
$5,050
$6,915
$3,085
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans, some federal workers and their families.
Company
NerdWallet star rating
Average annual rate
$3,520
$3,735
$6,275
$8,650
$3,530
*USAA homeowners policies are available only to active military, veterans, some federal workers and their families.
Common discounts
Make sure to ask your home insurance company about any discounts you may be eligible for. Here are some of the most common:
Many insurers offer savings if you buy more than one policy, such as home and car insurance. See our picks for the best home and auto insurance bundles.
Got a burglar alarm, smoke detectors or a smart device that alerts you if you have a leak? Safety and security features like these could earn you a discount.
Sign up for paperless billing or set your premiums to autopay, and you could get a discount.
Many insurance companies give discounts to customers who’ve gone a certain number of years without filing a home insurance claim.
Some insurers offer discounts to new policyholders or reward those who’ve stuck around for a while.
Teachers, doctors, members of the military and others may be eligible for discounts from certain insurers.
Learn more about common home insurance discounts.
Common Montana home insurance problems
Montana homeowners should be aware of common scenarios that could affect the coverage your house needs.
Winter weather. Montana’s mountains mean snowstorms and blizzards can be common. Homeowners insurance generally covers damage from winter storms, but some scenarios like water damage from snowmelt may require extra coverage.
Wildfire. Montana’s Hazard Mitigation Plan identifies wildfire as one of the biggest risks in the state, specifically in places where urban areas and forests meet. Homeowners insurance usually covers wildfire damage, but if you live in a high-risk area, you may find it harder to find an affordable policy.
Flooding. Montana experiences flooding in all counties, including flash floods. Standard homeowners insurance doesn’t cover flood damage, so you may want to buy flood insurance. While you can get flood insurance any time, there’s typically a 30-day waiting period before coverage takes effect.
To check your flood risk, start with the federal government’s flood maps. However, these maps don’t always capture all types of flood risk. You may want to check another source such as First Street, a company that models climate hazards. Enter your address at the top of the page to see your home’s flood risk rating.
Common optional coverage
A standard homeowners policy can sometimes fall short, so it's worth looking for ways to make it more comprehensive. For example, we recommend asking if your insurer offers extended or guaranteed replacement cost coverage for your home. These add-ons give you extra dwelling coverage in case it costs more than you expect to rebuild your home after a disaster. Having this coverage can be a useful hedge against inflation.
Here are a few additional types of coverage you may want to buy.
Floods are the most common weather disaster in the U.S. and can happen anywhere, not just coastal areas. You can buy flood insurance through the federal government or from private companies. Learn whether you need flood insurance.
Homeowners policies generally won’t cover damage if a drain backs up into your home or your sump pump fails. Adding water backup coverage can help with these issues.
Homeowners policies may cover your stuff on an actual cash value or replacement cost basis. With actual cash value, the policy will pay less for older items that have lost value over time. To get enough of a claim payout to buy brand-new items, opt for replacement cost coverage.
If you have expensive jewelry, fine art or other valuables, you may need extra insurance for them. Learn more about scheduled personal property coverage.
Service line coverage pays to fix damaged water, gas, sewer or other underground lines on your property.
If your HVAC system or another major appliance fails, equipment breakdown coverage can help pay for repairs.
Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance
The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance oversees the insurance industry and serves Montana residents. For property owners, Montana provides some FAQS about insurance and a home inventory checklist. Homeowners can also file a complaint against an insurer on the commissioner’s website or by email, mail or fax. If you need help, you can reach insurance consumer services at 406-444-3525.
How we review home insurance
Our editorial team considers these factors when rating homeowners insurance companies:
This part of our star rating is based largely on consumer complaints to state regulators, as reported by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. When available, we also include each company’s performance in the most recent J.D. Power Home Insurance Study. Other factors in our consumer experience score include customer-friendly features such as online claims filing and quotes.
We use AM Best and Demotech ratings to confirm each insurer’s long-term financial stability and ability to pay claims.
Companies score higher if they offer many common endorsements and include more comprehensive coverage in their standard plans. In particular, we look at features such as extended coverage for the structure of your home and replacement cost coverage for personal belongings.
We evaluate how many of the most common home insurance discounts each company offers.
See our complete homeowners insurance rating methodology.
Frequently asked questions
Homeowners insurance isn't legally required in Montana. However, your mortgage lender may require you to buy it. For more information, read Is Homeowners Insurance Required?
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.
Bundle your home and auto insurance for a lower overall rate. See the best home and auto insurance bundles.
Ask your insurer if you qualify for any home insurance discounts.
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
- 1.Montana Disaster and Emergency Services. State of Montana Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan & Statewide Hazard Assessment: 2023 Update. Accessed Mar 18, 2026.
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, coverage, discounts, claims process and website functionality. 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 or star ratings.
Here’s how we weighted each category to come up with our list of the best home insurance companies:
Consumer experience (40%).
Financial strength (30%).
Coverage (25%).
Discounts (5%).
Read our full home insurance ratings methodology for more details.
Homeowners insurance rates methodology
NerdWallet calculated median rates for 40-year-old homeowners from various insurance companies in ZIP codes across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. 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.
In states where credit is a rating factor, we changed the credit tier from “good” to “poor,” as reported to the insurer, to see rates for homeowners with poor credit.
In select states, we added a single wind damage claim to see rates for homeowners with a claim on their record.
These are sample rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.
Complaint methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2022-2024. 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.
Rebuilding cost methodology
The median home rebuilding cost referenced above is based on 2025 replacement cost data from First Street, a climate risk modeling firm. Actual replacement costs may vary based on factors like location, square footage, construction materials, the age of your home and local labor costs.
