Best homeowners insurance in Montana (2024)

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.

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By

Rachael BrennanSenior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance ExpertRachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert 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 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.
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Reviewed by

Ian Bloom, CFP®, RLP®Ian Bloom, CFP®, RLP®Certified Financial PlannerIan Bloom, CFP®, RLP®, is a certified financial planner and a member of the Financial Review Council at Policygenius. Previously, he was a financial advisor at MetLife and MassMutual.

Updated|2 min read

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.

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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.

Company

Average monthly cost

Policygenius rating

State Farm

$230

4.8 out of 5

Farmers

$163

4.5 out of 5

Travelers

$550

4.4 out of 5

Allstate

$251

4.4 out of 5

Chubb

$102

4.3 out of 5

award icon

2024 Policygenius award winner

State Farm

State Farm logo

Policygenius rating 

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.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

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 itchevron icon

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 conschevron icon

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 detailschevron icon

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.

award icon

2024 Policygenius award winner

Farmers

Farmers Insurance logo

Policygenius rating 

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.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

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 itchevron icon

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 conschevron icon

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 detailschevron icon

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.

How to get a quote

Online through Farmers

award icon

2024 Policygenius award winner

Travelers

Travelers home insurance logo

Policygenius rating 

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.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

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 itchevron icon

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 conschevron icon

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 detailschevron icon

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.

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Travelers

award icon

2024 Policygenius award winner

Allstate

Allstate logo

Policygenius rating 

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.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

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 itchevron icon

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 conschevron icon

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 detailschevron icon

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.

Chubb

Policygenius rating 

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.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

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 itchevron icon

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 conschevron icon

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 detailschevron icon

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.

How to get a quote

Online through Chubb

Methodology & why you can trust our rates

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.

Company

Average annual cost

Chubb

$1,226

Kemper

$1,379

Sentry

$1,477

USAA

$1,650

American Modern

$1,765

EMC Insurance

$1,768

Farmers

$1,960

Nationwide

$2,092

State Farm

$2,761

Allstate

$3,011

Travelers

$6,603

Collapse table

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

Collapse table

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

Collapse table

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

Collapse table

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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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. 

  5. 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.

Author

Rachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.

Editor

Pat Howard is a licensed insurance expert and 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.

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