Best homeowners insurance in Montana for 2022

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 $2,778 per year or $231 a month. This is around 32% higher than the national average of $1,899, and nearly double what neighboring Wyoming homeowners pay for home insurance.

However, the cost isn’t the only factor to consider when choosing a home insurance company. Not sure what to look for? Policygenius can help you figure out your coverage needs and compare quotes from multiple top companies in Montana.  

Best homeowners insurance companies in Montana

Of the companies we looked at, USAA has the lowest rates, with an average annual policy cost of $1,650 per year — about 41% little less than the state average. Meanwhile, Farmers have the next lowest average policy cost at $1,950 per year.

Policygenius analyzed thousands of quotes from the 5 largest Montana insurers to find the average cost of homeowners insurance with each company in 2022. We then looked at 2021 J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores and compared that with the coverage needs of Montana residents to find the best homeowners insurance in Montana.

State Farm

There's a reason State Farm is one of the top-rated insurance companies in the U.S. — its customer satisfaction ratings are through the roof, it offers a slew of coverage add-ons for full protection, and makes filing claims through its mobile app a breeze.

Pros

• Top-tier coverage add-ons, including equipment breakdown, water backup, and service line coverage

• Get up to $1 million in personal liability coverage

• Score discounts for bundling, installing security devices, and choosing a high deductible

• File and track claims online, over the phone, in person, or through its mobile app

• High customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings

Cons

• No discounts for first-time homebuyers or going a year without a claim

Read our full State Farm home insurance review

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Why State Farm tops our best list

State Farm is one of the highest-rated insurance companies in the U.S.  Customers benefit from discounts based on bundling, choosing a high deductible, and installing security devices. Available coverage add-ons, include equipment breakdown, water backup, and service line coverage.

How to get a quote

Online through State Farm

Farmers

Farmers is one of the largest and most reputable home insurance providers in the industry, offering special discounts for teachers, nurses, first responders, and non-smokers — plus the option to rebuild your home with green materials after a claim.

Pros

• Several discounts and unique ways to save, including claim forgiveness and declining deductibles

• 3 flexible coverage packages with varying levels of protection for most coverage and budget needs

• Offers extended and guaranteed replacement cost coverage options

• File claims online, via text, on its mobile app, or by calling its claims center

Cons

• Rates are typically more expensive

• Below-average customer satisfaction ratings

• No repair network to help you find a certified contractor or repair professional after filing a claim

Read our full Farmers home insurance review here

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Why Farmers tops our best list

Farmers offer special discounts for teachers, nurses, first responders, and non-smokers. Other discounts and savings include claim forgiveness and declining deductibles. Three flexible packages meet most coverage and budget needs. Farmers’ customers may add coverage for extended and guaranteed replacement cost options.

How to get a quote

Online through Farmers

USAA

USAA's robust coverages and high marks for customer service and claims satisfaction make it a solid home insurance option for military members and their families.

Pros

• Score discounts for zero claims, being a loyal USAA member, opting into e-billing, and more

• Base policy includes coverages that cost extra with most other companies

• Offers earthquake coverage — which is hard to come by

• Get discounted home security systems and a discount on premiums through its partnership with ADT

• Industry-best customer service and claims satisfaction ratings

Cons

• Only available to military families

• Doesn’t offer extended or guaranteed replacement cost dwelling coverage

Read our full USAA home insurance review here

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Why USAA tops our best list

USAA’s base policy includes coverage, not included with most other companies, at no extra cost. Customers receive discounts for e-billing, zero claims, being a loyal USAA member, and more. USAA’s partnership with ADT provides a discounted home security system and a discount on premiums.  

How to get a quote

Online through USAA

Travelers

With over 165 years of experience and impeccable financial ratings, Travelers is one of the most trusted home insurance companies in the business. It offers personalized coverage and a slew of policy add-ons to ensure you have exactly the right protection.

Pros

• 4 customizable policy packages with several available add-ons, like extended replacement cost and water backup coverage

• Offers eco-friendly green home coverage and discounts

• Protect expensive family heirlooms and appliances with equipment breakdown, guaranteed replacement cost, and personal articles coverage

• File claims online — plus, Travelers has special catastrophe centers for claims after a natural disaster

Cons

• Below-average customer service and claims satisfaction ratings

Read our full Travelers home insurance review here

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Why Travelers tops our best list

Travelers’ customers may choose from four customizable policy packages with additional coverage options, including extended replacement cost and water backup coverage. Coverage is also available for eco-friendly green homes with discounts. In addition, travelers have special catastrophe centers for claims after a natural disaster, which helps customers out during challenging times like the recent wildfires in the state.

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius and Travelers

Allstate

Allstate's mix of exceptional customer satisfaction ratings, personalized coverage options, and numerous discount opportunities make it one of the most popular homeowners insurance companies on the market.

Pros

• Several coverage add-ons, including ones for roof surfaces, water backup, green improvements, and mold protection

• 8+ discounts, including autopay, bundling, zero claims, and new homebuyer

• Get up to 25% off your premiums when you bundle home and auto insurance

• Excellent customer service and claims satisfaction ratings

• File and track claims online or through its mobile app

Cons

• Rates are typically high compared to competitors

Read our full Allstate home insurance review

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Why Allstate tops our best list

Allstate offers a minimum of eight premium discounts, including autopay, the new homebuyer, and zero claims. Customers can get 25% off their premiums when bundling home and auto policies.  Additional coverage options are available, including ones for roof surfaces, water backup, green improvements, and mold protection.

How to get a quote

Online through Policygenius or Allstate

Cheapest homeowners insurance companies by city in Montana

Looking at average home insurance costs for the 15 most popular insurers in Montana, we found that the cheapest homeowners insurance companies in the state are Chubb, Nationwide, and USAA.

The average Chubb rate in Billings is $1,119 per year — nearly $200 more than homeowners in Bozeman insured with USAA. Meanwhile, residents in the state capital of Helena pay home insurance rates of $1,332 per year with Chubb.

Shopping for homeowners insurance in Montana

Shopping for home insurance in Montana shouldn’t take you away from the things you like doing best, like spending time with family and friends. However, you'll need a reliable home insurance policy to help keep your family and friends protected during unpredictable times. 

In this section, we break down the average annual home insurance rates in Montana for different coverage and deductible levels, as well as the cheapest and most expensive home insurance companies for dog and pool owners, as well as those with poor credit scores.

Montana home insurance costs by coverage amounts

Dwelling coverage is the section of your homeowners policy that pays to repair or replace your home after it’s damaged. Your dwelling coverage amount should equal your home’s replacement cost, which includes the construction materials and labor cost to rebuild your home from the ground up.

With average Montana home prices in the low-$400,000 range, homes with dwelling coverage limits of $400,000 to $500,000 can expect to pay $280 to $335 each month for home insurance.

Personal liability coverage is the part of your home insurance policy that pays for the medical and legal bills of someone injured on your property, and you’re found legally responsible. Liability also or repair bills in the event you’re legally responsible for someone’s injury or property damage. 

Montana home insurance costs by deductible amount

Your deductible is the amount you’re responsible for paying your insurance company before they reimburse you for a claim. As highlighted in the table below, Montana residents can save around $375 on home insurance by choosing a $1,000 deductible over the $500 option.

Home insurance discounts in Montana

Home security is vital to ensure the safety of you and your belongings. Many insurance companies offer discounts to homeowners if their homes have certain features like deadbolt locks, smoke detectors, and home security systems. 

Here is the average annual rate and average discount percentage for homes in Montana with deadbolts, smoke alarms, or burglar alarms. 

Home insurance companies in Montana for dog owners

If you have a certain breed of dog considered “aggressive," you may be paying more for your home insurance. Dangerous dogs are more likely to bite someone, which may result in a civil suit against you. With the increased risk comes higher home insurance rates.

With an average rate of $1,650 per year, USAA has the cheapest home insurance rates in Montana for a home with a dangerous dog breed, while Travelers' average yearly rate is almost $11,467.

Home insurance companies in Montana for poor credit

Late or missed payments on credit cards, cars, and monthly rent can lead to higher insurance rates. Insurance companies consider a poor credit score to be an indicator of risky behavior and an increased risk of filing an insurance claim, so many charge higher rates. 

With an average rate of $2,604 per year, USAA has the cheapest home insurance rates in Montana for a homeowner with poor credit. Meanwhile, Travelers' rates are the highest of the carriers we profiled, topping out at nearly $30,000.

Home insurance companies in Montana for pool owners

Home insurance rates are higher for those with a swimming pool. Some insurance companies consider swimming pools as an “attractive nuisance,” meaning that an object is hazardous to children, and there’s a higher likelihood of liability claims. 

With an average rate of $137 per month, USAA has the cheapest home insurance rates for Montana homes with a swimming pool, while Travelers has the most expensive rates at $1,051 per month.

How to buy homeowners insurance in Montana

We’ve rounded up our top five favorite tips in the list below to help you find the best 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.

Methodology

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.