Best and Cheapest Renters Insurance in Montana (2024)

State Farm offers Montana's best and cheapest renters insurance, with a MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 and an average annual premium of $70 for $20K in personal property coverage with a $1,000 deductible.

However, the best option for you depends on your needs. For example, Travelers excels in customer service, and USAA is the most suitable for military members and veterans.

The best renters insurance providers in Montana for a policy with $20K in personal property coverage are:

• State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 ($70 per year)
• Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 ($84 per year)

State Farm offers a good balance of customer satisfaction and affordability. However, the best provider for you depends on your needs.

State Farm offers the cheapest renters insurance in Montana, with an average annual premium of $70 for $20K in personal property coverage and a $1,000 deductible.

• State Farm: $70 per year
• Allstate: $84 per year

Personal property coverage helps replace or repair your belongings if damaged, lost or stolen. Cheap renters insurance policies often have lower coverage limits. Higher coverage limits can lead to higher monthly costs but offer better protection if you have many personal belongings.

In Montana, State Farm is the cheapest renters insurance company, with an average annual premium of $70 for $20K in personal property coverage and a $2,000 deductible. Here are the top options for higher deductible policies:

• State Farm: $70 per year
• Allstate: $84 per year

A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance covers the rest. While a higher deductible can lower your premium, choosing an amount you can afford is crucial if you need to file a claim.

Travelers is the best renters insurance company for service quality in Montana. Its average annual premium is $246 for $20K in personal property coverage.

• Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 97 out of 100 ($246 per year)
• Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100 ($117 per year)

Great customer service in renters insurance means prompt, empathetic assistance, especially during stressful situations. It ensures your concerns are addressed quickly and effectively. For example, when making a claim, excellent customer service provides clear guidance and timely updates throughout the process.

For $100K in personal property coverage, the top renters insurance providers in Montana are:

• State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 ($155 per year)
• Nationwide: MoneyGeek score of 92 out of 100 ($226 per year)

Renters with more belongings need higher personal property coverage to replace items like furniture, electronics and clothes if damaged or stolen. While higher coverage often costs more, finding a provider that balances cost and good service ensures your valuables are well-covered without overspending.

For renters with military backgrounds in Montana, the top providers for a policy with $20K in personal property coverage are:

• USAA: MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100 ($138 per year)
• State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100 ($70 per year)

USAA offers products exclusively for military members, including discounts and coverages suited to their lifestyle. While State Farm ranks highest in affordability, USAA is a strong contender for those seeking coverage tailored to military needs.

Chubb is the best renters insurance company for those with poor credit in Montana, with an average annual premium of $116.

• Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 98 out of 100 ($116 per year)
• State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($134 per year)

Rates are higher for those with poor credit because they pose a greater risk to insurers and are more likely to file claims. Improving your credit and using available discounts can help reduce costs.

The average cost of renters insurance in Montana is $131 annually (about $11 monthly), lower by $15 than the national average of $146 annually. These rates are based on a policy with $20K in personal property coverage, $100K in liability limits and a $1,000 deductible.

Renters insurance costs can vary depending on your chosen coverage. Personal property coverage protects your belongings from theft, fire and other risks. Use the tool below to get an estimate based on your needs.

Renters insurance costs vary between cities and states. In Billings, Montana, the average cost is $130, slightly lower than the state average of $131. These rates are based on a policy with $20K in personal property coverage, $100K in liability coverage, a $1,000 deductible and a good credit score.

Understanding the factors that affect the cost of renters insurance in Montana can help you find a policy that fits your budget and needs.

• Location: Crime rates and weather risks in your area can affect your premium.
• Coverage amount: Higher coverage limits increase your insurance costs.
• Deductible: A higher deductible lowers your monthly premium but means higher out-of-pocket costs in a claim.
• Claims history: A history of claims may lead to higher premiums due to increased perceived risk.
• Credit score: A better credit record can result in lower premiums.

Determining your personal property coverage as a renter starts with a thorough personal inventory of your belongings, along with their estimated value and proof of ownership. Here's how to create one:

1. Start with big-ticket items: List all high-value items first, such as electronics, jewelry and furniture, noting their make, model and serial numbers when available.
2. Document: Take clear photographs or video recordings of your belongings, capturing any identifying marks or conditions.
3. Include receipts and appraisals: Attach purchase receipts, warranty cards and appraisal documents for items of significant value.
4. Store information securely: Keep your inventory list and supporting documents in a safe, accessible location, such as cloud storage.
5. Update regularly: Review and update your personal inventory annually or whenever you acquire or dispose of items.

Renters insurance primarily protects your personal belongings from damage, but it also extends to other areas, such as liability and additional living expenses. Here's what a typical policy may cover:

• Personal property coverage: Safeguards your possessions against covered perils, like theft, and helps you replace them.
• Personal liability coverage: Protects you from legal responsibility for injuries or damage to others, such as if a guest is injured in your rental unit.
• Loss of use coverage: Covers additional living expenses if your rental is uninhabitable due to a fire. For example, loss of use coverage can pay for temporary housing costs.

Renters insurance typically applies to specific events, like theft, vandalism or specific natural disasters. Here's what most policies cover:

• Fire or lightning
• Windstorm or hail
• Explosions
• Riots
• Damage caused by aircraft
• Damage caused by vehicles
• Smoke damage
• Vandalism
• Theft
• Volcanic eruption
• Falling objects
• Weight of ice, snow or sleet
• Water-related damage from home utilities
• Electrical surge damage

While renters insurance protects your personal property and liability, it doesn't cover all losses. Standard policies typically exclude:

• Natural disasters: Events like floods and earthquakes are usually not covered.
• High-value items: Expensive jewelry or electronics might exceed policy limits.
• Business equipment: Items used for business may require additional coverage.
• Roommate property: Your policy doesn’t cover your roommate’s belongings.
• Pest damage: Infestations and damage from pests are generally not covered.
• Car theft: Personal vehicles are covered by auto insurance, not renters insurance.

Understanding these exclusions can help you get additional coverage if needed, ensuring better financial protection against various risks.

Choosing the best renters insurance provider depends on your unique needs. We address common questions to help you find the right coverage.