Informative graphic on wildfire preparedness for Montana homeowners during wildfire season

Every summer, Montana homeowners watch the sky for smoke. Whether you live in the Flathead Valley, along the Rocky Mountain Front, or anywhere near the wildland-urban interface, wildfire risk is no longer a once-in-a-decade concern. It’s an annual planning item, and your homeowners insurance policy should be part of that plan.

Here’s what to know before fire danger climbs this year, and how to make sure your coverage actually holds up if the worst happens.

Montana’s Wildfire Risk Isn’t Slowing Down

Longer, drier summers combined with more homes built near forested land have pushed wildfire risk higher across the state. Counties around Kalispell, Missoula, Bozeman, and the Bitterroot Valley have all seen major fire activity in recent years, and insurers have taken notice. Some carriers have pulled back on new policies in high-risk zones, while others have adjusted premiums, deductibles, and underwriting requirements for homes near open land.

That means the homeowners policy you bought five years ago may not reflect current wildfire underwriting standards today, and the coverage gaps you don’t know about are the ones that hurt most after a loss.

What Homeowners Insurance Typically Covers in a Wildfire

A standard homeowners policy generally covers:

• • Dwelling coverage: rebuilding your home if it’s destroyed or damaged by fire
  • Other structures: detached garages, sheds, fences, and barns
  • Personal property: furniture, electronics, clothing, and belongings lost in the fire
  • Additional living expenses (ALE): hotel stays, temporary rent, and extra costs while your home is unlivable
  • Debris removal: clearing burned material so rebuilding can start

What often gets overlooked is whether your dwelling coverage limit reflects today’s rebuilding costs. Lumber, labor, and permitting costs have all risen, and a policy written a few years ago may leave you significantly underinsured if you have to rebuild from the ground up.

Defensible Space: More Than a Suggestion

Many Montana insurers now factor defensible space into underwriting and renewal decisions. Defensible space is the buffer zone around a home that’s been cleared of dense vegetation, dead brush, and other fuel sources, and it’s one of the most effective ways to reduce structure loss in a wildfire.

Simple steps that make a real difference:

• • Clear pine needles, leaves, and debris from roofs and gutters
  • Keep the first 5 feet around the home free of flammable landscaping
  • Trim tree branches at least 10 feet from the roofline and chimney
  • Store firewood and propane tanks away from the structure
  • Use fire-resistant materials for decks, fencing, and siding where possible

Some insurers now ask for photos or a defensible space checklist at renewal, especially for homes in higher-risk zip codes. Taking these steps before fire season isn’t just about safety; it can directly affect whether a policy renews and at what rate.

Steps to Take Before Fire Season Peaks

• • Review your dwelling coverage limit against current local rebuilding costs
  • Confirm whether your policy includes replacement cost coverage or actual cash value
  • Ask about ALE limits and how long that coverage lasts
  • Photograph or video your home and belongings for an up-to-date inventory
  • Ask your agent whether wildfire-specific exclusions or sublimits apply to your policy
  • Create a defensible space plan and knock out the easy wins this spring

Talk to a Local Agent Before Fire Danger Rises

Wildfire coverage isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it varies by carrier, location, and how close a home sits to open land. A local independent agent can review your current policy, flag any gaps, and help you understand your options before fire danger climbs, not after smoke is already on the horizon.

If it’s been more than a year since your policy was reviewed, now is the time. A short conversation this spring could make all the difference if this becomes another active fire season.