Montana Summers & Your Home Insurance: What You Might Be Missing

July in Great Falls means warm days, BBQs, and late sunsets—but it also brings summer storms, wildfire risks, and liability exposures that can catch homeowners off guard. Your standard home insurance policy might not be built for the full reality of a Montana summer.

1. Storm Season in Montana: Are You Covered?

Montana sees its fair share of summer hailstorms and wind damage, especially from June through August. A basic home insurance policy often covers hail, but many homeowners don’t realize:

• Roofs over 10 years old may be subject to depreciation.
• Cosmetic siding damage might be excluded.
• Detached structures like sheds or barns may need extra coverage.

Tip: Review your policy’s wind and hail deductible. Some are separate from your standard deductible and can be higher.

2. Wildfire Risk: Don’t Assume You’re Safe

Wildfires are becoming more common in the western U.S., and Montana is no exception. Even if you live in the city, smoke damage, ash cleanup, or evacuation expenses may apply.

Check for:

• Coverage for smoke damage inside your home.
• Additional living expenses (ALE) if you must evacuate.
• Proper dwelling and contents limits based on today’s replacement costs.

3. Liability Surprises: Pools, Trampolines, and Fire Pits

Summer fun can come with liability risks—especially with guests and kids around. Did you know that:

• Trampolines and pools may be excluded or require safety features like fencing?
• A guest injured on your property could result in a lawsuit?
• Fire pit accidents can fall under personal liability coverage—if your limits are adequate?

Tip: Consider adding a personal umbrella policy for extra liability protection, often $1 million or more, at a low annual cost.

4. Are You Traveling? Your Home Might Be at Risk

Heading to Flathead Lake or Glacier National Park? Vacant homes are more vulnerable to break-ins or water leaks. If you’ll be away for more than a few days:

• Ask a neighbor to check in regularly.
• Install smart home monitors or security systems.
• Let your insurance agent know—some carriers offer discounts for monitored systems.

Montana summers are beautiful—but unpredictable. Let’s confirm your homeowners insurance is built for both blue skies and bad weather. A 15-minute policy review could mean real protection when you need it most.