Serving Montana Residents and Businesses Since 2017
Why juggle multiple agencies when you can have all your insurance needs met under one roof? Our independent agency offers a comprehensive selection of coverage options from top-rated insurers, ensuring seamless protection as your life changes. Reach out to us today and let’s simplify your insurance experience together.
We've Got You Covered!
Home
Home insurance protects homeowners financially from damage to property and belongings caused by events like fire, theft, and natural disasters, offering peace of mind during recovery.
Umbrella
An umbrella insurance policy extends liability coverage beyond standard home or auto insurance, protecting against costly lawsuits and claims that exceed primary policy limits.
Renter's/Landlord's
Renters insurance protects tenants’ belongings and liability, while landlord insurance covers property owners against damage and liability claims for rental properties. Commercial
Commercial insurance shields businesses from financial losses due to unforeseen events like property damage and liability claims, ensuring continuity of operations and mitigating risks.
Auto
Auto insurance provides financial protection for drivers by covering costs associated with accidents, theft, and liability claims, ensuring peace of mind on the road.
Motorcycle
Motorcycle insurance offers financial protection for riders against accidents, theft, and liability claims, ensuring peace of mind on the road. Boat
Boat insurance provides financial protection for boat owners against accidents, damage, theft, and liability claims while navigating waterways, ensuring peace of mind on the waves. Toys
Toy insurance offers coverage for recreational vehicles like ATVs, UTVs, campers, and more, protecting owners from accidents, damage, theft, and liability claims during outdoor adventures. Farm
Farm insurance protects farmers’ assets—crops, livestock, equipment, and property—against risks like natural disasters and liability. It ensures financial stability, helping farmers continue their operations despite unexpected challenges.
Pet
Pet insurance provides financial coverage for veterinary expenses, ensuring that pet owners can afford necessary medical care for their beloved animals without financial strain.
Serving Montana Residents and Businesses Since 2017
Why juggle multiple agencies when you can have all your insurance needs met under one roof? Our independent agency offers a comprehensive selection of coverage options from top-rated insurers, ensuring seamless protection as your life changes. Reach out to us today and let’s simplify your insurance experience together.
We've Got You Covered!
Why juggle multiple agencies when you can have all your insurance needs met under one roof? Our independent agency offers a comprehensive selection of coverage options from top-rated insurers, ensuring seamless protection as your life changes. Reach out to us today and let’s simplify your insurance experience together.
An umbrella insurance policy extends liability coverage beyond standard home or auto insurance, protecting against costly lawsuits and claims that exceed primary policy limits.
Renters insurance protects tenants’ belongings and liability, while landlord insurance covers property owners against damage and liability claims for rental properties.
Commercial insurance shields businesses from financial losses due to unforeseen events like property damage and liability claims, ensuring continuity of operations and mitigating risks.
Auto insurance provides financial protection for drivers by covering costs associated with accidents, theft, and liability claims, ensuring peace of mind on the road.
Motorcycle insurance offers financial protection for riders against accidents, theft, and liability claims, ensuring peace of mind on the road.
Boat insurance provides financial protection for boat owners against accidents, damage, theft, and liability claims while navigating waterways, ensuring peace of mind on the waves.
Toy insurance offers coverage for recreational vehicles like ATVs, UTVs, campers, and more, protecting owners from accidents, damage, theft, and liability claims during outdoor adventures.
Farm insurance protects farmers’ assets—crops, livestock, equipment, and property—against risks like natural disasters and liability. It ensures financial stability, helping farmers continue their operations despite unexpected challenges.
Pet insurance provides financial coverage for veterinary expenses, ensuring that pet owners can afford necessary medical care for their beloved animals without financial strain.
We Offer Many Choices!
- Safeco
- Travelers
- Progressive
- Branch
- Nationwide
- Allstate
- National General
- Foremost
- Aegis
- Montana State Fund
- Concorde
- CNA Surety
- Next
We Offer Many Choices!
- Safeco
- Travelers
- Progressive
- Branch
- Nationwide
- Allstate
- National General
- Foremost
- Aegis
- Montana State Fund
- Concorde
- CNA Surety
- Next
Frequently Asked Questions
- General Questions
What is a deductible?
- A deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your coverage pays out a claim.
- Example: A hail storm comes through town and causes damage to your home. Your wind/hail deductible on your homeowners policy is $1,000. You must pay the first $1,000, and then your insurance carrier will pay the remainder of the claim. (As long as it is within the limits of your policy).
- A higher deductible means paying more out of pocket, but your premium is usually lower. A lower deductible means you pay less out of pocket, but your premium is likely higher.
What types of insurance do you offer?
- We offer almost every type of insurance, but not health insurance!
- This includes: Home, Auto, Mobile Home, Toys, Umbrella, Commercial, Work Comp, Deductible Buyback Plans, and more!
Why does my claim say that the carrier withheld depreciation?
- If you have a policy that covers your property for the full replacement cost, your carrier will likely withhold the depreciation amount initially when you file a claim. They release this amount when you have completed the repairs or replacements intended for the claim’s payout.
- This encourages policyholders to replace the damaged property rather than pocketing the money and not making repairs.
What discounts do I qualify for?
- We love to find discounts, and our carriers offer many. Some of these include being claims-free, being a good driver, having a new roof, enrolling in paperless document delivery, participating in telematics, and paying in full, to name a few!
- Have a chat with us to review your policy and see if there are any discounts you may not be getting!
When should I look at an Umbrella policy?
Having extra liability coverage that extends over your property, vehicles, and toys is always a wise decision, but here are some timing aspects that may help you decide whether to get an Umbrella or not:
- Growth of assets: If you’ve acquired a new home, increased savings, investments, or other valuable things, you may want extra coverage from potential lawsuits or liability claims that exceed your policies’ current limits.
- Higher-Risk Activities at Home: Do you own a swimming pool or a trampoline, or do you have children who enjoy having friends over? If so, it may be a good idea to consider the comprehensive coverage an Umbrella provides.
- Professional or Personal exposure: Do you have a high public profile? As a result, you may be more susceptible to costly lawsuits. Umbrella policies can help provide peace of mind in the case of litigation.
- High Net Worth: Individuals with high net worth often face lawsuits seeking large settlements.
What is the benefit of having an agent versus purchasing coverage directly through an insurance company?
- Having someone in your corner. If you run into any hiccups during a claim, having an agent to advocate for you and guide you through the claims process is invaluable.
- Personalized service. Your agent will get to know you and your needs and tailor your policy accordingly.
- Guidance and expert advice. Our licensed agents are knowledgeable about the many options available to policyholders.
- Policy reviews. Insurance needs to change and morph with a person as time goes on. Our agency understands the importance of revisiting coverage needs periodically and will assess your situation with you.
- We are a small, local agency. Montana and its values matter to us. We know the area and its inherent risks and will do our best to advise you on the coverage that fits Montanans.
Can my rate change mid-term?
- Yes, but only if something concerning your policy changes.
- You are locked into the rate that you signed on for the whole term unless:
- You make a policy change mid-term. (For instance, changing deductibles, limits, etc.).
- A material fact changes mid-term. (For example, your address, people needing to be added to the policy, or a VIN being updated).
- You lose a discount. (Not completing paperless document delivery enrollment, not finishing a telematics program, or not being able to provide documentation to underwriting about a discount).
What is Actual Cash Value versus Replacement Cost?
- Actual Cash Value (ACV) is the value of your property when it was damaged or destroyed, taking depreciation into account.
- Depreciation refers to the decrease in the value of your property over time. It takes into account wear and tear and age.
- If you select ACV as your settlement type (most auto policies cover vehicles for ACV!), your payout may be less than the cost of replacing your property with new property.
- Replacement Cost is the amount to replace damaged or destroyed property with a similar, new item at current market prices.
- Depreciation is not taken into account, unlike Actual Cash Value.
- If you select Replacement Cost as your settlement type, the payout will cover the full cost of replacing the property with a new piece. (Up to the policy’s limits!)
Frequently Asked Questions
- General Questions
What is a deductible?
- A deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your coverage pays out a claim.
- Example: A hail storm comes through town and causes damage to your home. Your wind/hail deductible on your homeowners policy is $1,000. You must pay the first $1,000, and then your insurance carrier will pay the remainder of the claim. (As long as it is within the limits of your policy).
- A higher deductible means paying more out of pocket, but your premium is usually lower. A lower deductible means you pay less out of pocket, but your premium is likely higher.
What types of insurance do you offer?
- We offer almost every type of insurance, but not health insurance!
- This includes: Home, Auto, Mobile Home, Toys, Umbrella, Commercial, Work Comp, Deductible Buyback Plans, and more!
Why does my claim say that the carrier withheld depreciation?
- If you have a policy that covers your property for the full replacement cost, your carrier will likely withhold the depreciation amount initially when you file a claim. They release this amount when you have completed the repairs or replacements intended for the claim’s payout.
- This encourages policyholders to replace the damaged property rather than pocketing the money and not making repairs.
What discounts do I qualify for?
- We love to find discounts, and our carriers offer many. Some of these include being claims-free, being a good driver, having a new roof, enrolling in paperless document delivery, participating in telematics, and paying in full, to name a few!
- Have a chat with us to review your policy and see if there are any discounts you may not be getting!
When should I look at an Umbrella policy?
Having extra liability coverage that extends over your property, vehicles, and toys is always a wise decision, but here are some timing aspects that may help you decide whether to get an Umbrella or not:
- Growth of assets: If you’ve acquired a new home, increased savings, investments, or other valuable things, you may want extra coverage from potential lawsuits or liability claims that exceed your policies’ current limits.
- Higher-Risk Activities at Home: Do you own a swimming pool or a trampoline, or do you have children who enjoy having friends over? If so, it may be a good idea to consider the comprehensive coverage an Umbrella provides.
- Professional or Personal exposure: Do you have a high public profile? As a result, you may be more susceptible to costly lawsuits. Umbrella policies can help provide peace of mind in the case of litigation.
- High Net Worth: Individuals with high net worth often face lawsuits seeking large settlements.
What is the benefit of having an agent versus purchasing coverage directly through an insurance company?
- Having someone in your corner. If you run into any hiccups during a claim, having an agent to advocate for you and guide you through the claims process is invaluable.
- Personalized service. Your agent will get to know you and your needs and tailor your policy accordingly.
- Guidance and expert advice. Our licensed agents are knowledgeable about the many options available to policyholders.
- Policy reviews. Insurance needs to change and morph with a person as time goes on. Our agency understands the importance of revisiting coverage needs periodically and will assess your situation with you.
- We are a small, local agency. Montana and its values matter to us. We know the area and its inherent risks and will do our best to advise you on the coverage that fits Montanans.
Can my rate change mid-term?
- Yes, but only if something concerning your policy changes.
- You are locked into the rate that you signed on for the whole term unless:
- You make a policy change mid-term. (For instance, changing deductibles, limits, etc.).
- A material fact changes mid-term. (For example, your address, people needing to be added to the policy, or a VIN being updated).
- You lose a discount. (Not completing paperless document delivery enrollment, not finishing a telematics program, or not being able to provide documentation to underwriting about a discount).
What is Actual Cash Value versus Replacement Cost?
- Actual Cash Value (ACV) is the value of your property when it was damaged or destroyed, taking depreciation into account.
- Depreciation refers to the decrease in the value of your property over time. It takes into account wear and tear and age.
- If you select ACV as your settlement type (most auto policies cover vehicles for ACV!), your payout may be less than the cost of replacing your property with new property.
- Replacement Cost is the amount to replace damaged or destroyed property with a similar, new item at current market prices.
- Depreciation is not taken into account, unlike Actual Cash Value.
- If you select Replacement Cost as your settlement type, the payout will cover the full cost of replacing the property with a new piece. (Up to the policy’s limits!)
- Auto Insurance Questions
- Auto Insurance Questions
What liability limits should I select for Auto Insurance?
- While Montana only requires $25,000/$50,000/$20,000 as state minimum limits, we at JMIG will not insure drivers for that little. We believe this is nowhere near the amount of insurance a driver needs to protect on the road adequately.
- How do you know how much to carry? We recommend carrying at least $100,000 per person bodily injury, $300,000 bodily injury per accident, and $100,000 property damage. While this can still potentially be maxed out in the case of a pile-up or similar costly accidents, it is a good starting point for most drivers. We like to look at higher limits, as they usually are not too much more expensive than $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 and protect you and your family more comprehensively.
- When determining coverage amount, you should always consider the assets you want to protect, your driving behaviors, and the average value of vehicles on the road. We are happy to lend a helping hand in this process!
How are car insurance rates determined?
- Age – Younger drivers tend to be less experienced on average and are often involved in accidents.
- Driving Record – A history of accidents and violations increases insurance premiums.
- Type of Vehicle—Though a car may be older or newer, insurance companies also consider its safety rating and average cost to determine rates. Vehicle safety and the cost to repair or replace it vary widely from vehicle to vehicle.
- Annual Mileage – Drivers who drive more often tend to have higher rates.
- Where you live – Location plays a significant role in determining rates. Insurers go by zip code and examine the number of claims paid out.
- Claim Filing Frequency – Drivers who file claims more often than not are likelier to file more claims in the future. This causes rates to increase to offset this risk.
- Credit Score—Insurance carriers do a “soft pull” on drivers’ credit. (It’s not a hard inquiry!) Better credit typically results in a better rate.
How long does it take us to quote Auto Insurance?
- We strive to have quotes out within 4 hours at the most from your call! (During operating hours, of course!)
Does car insurance cover maintenance on my vehicle?
- No. Car insurance covers the liability of operating a car (Liability Limits – when you are determined to be at-fault for damages caused by driving) or physical damage caused by a covered loss to your car. (For example, if you have comprehensive and collision coverage [not just liability only!] and a hail storm hits causing damage.)
- Maintenance may be covered by a warranty plan or similar options but not a standard auto policy! (Extended warranties, vehicle maintenance plans, manufacturer maintenance programs, and some credit card benefits.)
I'm not driving at the moment. Should I carry car insurance?
- Yes, if you would like to avoid a surcharge for lapse in coverage.
- If you cancel your insurance due to selling your vehicle or for other reasons and plan on driving again, it may be in your best interest to carry a “Non-Owned Policy.”
- These policies grant you liability coverage if you are found at fault in an accident while driving a borrowed or rented vehicle. They give coverage for bodily injury and property damage losses for other parties on the road.
What liability limits should I select for Auto Insurance?
- While Montana only requires $25,000/$50,000/$20,000 as state minimum limits, we at JMIG will not insure drivers for that little. We believe this is nowhere near the amount of insurance a driver needs to protect on the road adequately. &npsp;
- How do you know how much to carry? We recommend carrying at least $100,000 per person bodily injury, $300,000 bodily injury per accident, and $100,000 property damage. While this can still potentially be maxed out in the case of a pile-up or similar costly accidents, it is a good starting point for most drivers. We like to look at higher limits, as they usually are not too much more expensive than $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 and protect you and your family more comprehensively.
- When determining coverage amount, you should always consider the assets you want to protect, your driving behaviors, and the average value of vehicles on the road. We are happy to lend a helping hand in this process!
How are car insurance rates determined?
- Age – Younger drivers tend to be less experienced on average and are often involved in accidents.
- Driving Record – A history of accidents and violations increases insurance premiums.
- Type of Vehicle—Though a car may be older or newer, insurance companies also consider its safety rating and average cost to determine rates. Vehicle safety and the cost to repair or replace it vary widely from vehicle to vehicle.
- Annual Mileage – Drivers who drive more often tend to have higher rates.
- Where you live – Location plays a significant role in determining rates. Insurers go by zip code and examine the number of claims paid out.
- Claim Filing Frequency – Drivers who file claims more often than not are likelier to file more claims in the future. This causes rates to increase to offset this risk.
- Credit Score—Insurance carriers do a “soft pull” on drivers’ credit. (It’s not a hard inquiry!) Better credit typically results in a better rate.
How long does it take us to quote Auto Insurance?
- We strive to have quotes out within 4 hours at the most from your call! (During operating hours, of course!)
Does car insurance cover maintenance on my vehicle?
- No. Car insurance covers the liability of operating a car (Liability Limits – when you are determined to be at-fault for damages caused by driving) or physical damage caused by a covered loss to your car. (For example, if you have comprehensive and collision coverage [not just liability only!] and a hail storm hits causing damage.)
- Maintenance may be covered by a warranty plan or similar options but not a standard auto policy! (Extended warranties, vehicle maintenance plans, manufacturer maintenance programs, and some credit card benefits.)
I'm not driving at the moment. Should I carry car insurance?
- Yes, if you would like to avoid a surcharge for lapse in coverage.
- If you cancel your insurance due to selling your vehicle or for other reasons and plan on driving again, it may be in your best interest to carry a “Non-Owned Policy.”
- These policies grant you liability coverage if you are found at fault in an accident while driving a borrowed or rented vehicle. They give coverage for bodily injury and property damage losses for other parties on the road.
- Home Insurance Questions
- Home Insurance Questions
How do I ensure that my home is protected through rising building costs?
- Please review your homeowners’ policy regularly and stay informed about your area’s building code requirements and changes in construction costs. You can always ask your agent to review the home reconstruction cost guide to determine whether your home is adequately protected.
- Look into an extended dwelling endorsement to see if protection is allotted above your policy’s maximum limit.
- Keep an updated Home Inventory. Ensure that the value of your belongings stored within your home has enough coverage under your Homeowners policy’s limits.
I want to rent my home out. What factors should I consider when looking at policies?
- Temporarily Renting – Using a home-sharing service like Airbnb, VRBO, or Vacasa? Consider purchasing a typical Homeowners policy with a home-sharing endorsement.
- Long-term Renting – You should consider looking at a Landlord policy to provide proper coverage.
Is my Home Business covered under my Home policy?
- In most cases, no!
- There are usually restrictions regarding tools and supplies for claims. Your claim may be denied on your home policy if it is related to items used for business purposes.
- How do you ensure that you are covered? Purchase a business policy! These policies can cover liability, business property, loss of business income, and more.
My deductible is high on my home. What can I do?
- We have several options available for achieving a lower deductible!
- We can usually find policies with lower deductibles, but they may come at a higher price.
- We also have Deductible Buyback plans that are a separate membership from your Home policy. They offer reimbursement during a claim to help lessen the blow of a high deductible.
How do I ensure that my home is protected through rising building costs?
- Please review your homeowners’ policy regularly and stay informed about your area’s building code requirements and changes in construction costs. You can always ask your agent to review the home reconstruction cost guide to determine whether your home is adequately protected.
- Look into an extended dwelling endorsement to see if protection is allotted above your policy’s maximum limit.
- Keep an updated Home Inventory. Ensure that the value of your belongings stored within your home has enough coverage under your Homeowners policy’s limits.
I want to rent my home out. What factors should I consider when looking at policies?
- Temporarily Renting – Using a home-sharing service like Airbnb, VRBO, or Vacasa? Consider purchasing a typical Homeowners policy with a home-sharing endorsement.
- Long-term Renting – You should consider looking at a Landlord policy to provide proper coverage.
Is my Home Business covered under my Home policy?
- In most cases, no!
- There are usually restrictions regarding tools and supplies for claims. Your claim may be denied on your home policy if it is related to items used for business purposes.
- How do you ensure that you are covered? Purchase a business policy! These policies can cover liability, business property, loss of business income, and more.
My deductible is high on my home. What can I do?
- We have several options available for achieving a lower deductible!
- We can usually find policies with lower deductibles, but they may come at a higher price.
- We also have Deductible Buyback plans that are a separate membership from your Home policy. They offer reimbursement during a claim to help lessen the blow of a high deductible.
- Small Business Insurance Questions
- Small Business Insurance Questions
What's a BOP?
- BOP stands for Business Owners Policy. The typical BOP covers three major things: property coverage, General Liability, and Business Interruption.
- Property coverage can help reimburse you for the loss of tools, supplies, and inventory.
- General Liability protects you from claims arising from litigation as a result of your business practices.
- Business Interruption kicks in when a covered loss causes you not to be able to conduct business. It helps replenish lost income and pay ongoing expenses incurred by your business. (Rent, payroll, subscriptions, etc.)
What is a certificate of insurance?
- Many times, if a work contract is being made or you are securing a job through your business, the person or entity in charge of making the deal will want proof of insurance. A certificate shows this requested proof as a summary of coverage.
What does it mean when someone wants to be added as an Additional Insured to my policy?
- When someone requests this, it means that they want to gain liability protection under your policy relevant to the job or task that you are carrying out for them.
What's a BOP?
- BOP stands for Business Owners Policy. The typical BOP covers three major things: property coverage, General Liability, and Business Interruption.
- Property coverage can help reimburse you for the loss of tools, supplies, and inventory.
- General Liability protects you from claims arising from litigation as a result of your business practices.
- Business Interruption kicks in when a covered loss causes you not to be able to conduct business. It helps replenish lost income and pay ongoing expenses incurred by your business. (Rent, payroll, subscriptions, etc.)
What is a certificate of insurance?
- Many times, if a work contract is being made or you are securing a job through your business, the person or entity in charge of making the deal will want proof of insurance. A certificate shows this requested proof as a summary of coverage.
What does it mean when someone wants to be added as an Additional Insured to my policy?
- When someone requests this, it means that they want to gain liability protection under your policy relevant to the job or task that you are carrying out for them.