Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI)
Purpose: Investigates complaints related to insurance companies and claim disputes, ensuring they comply with state and federal regulations.
Recognizing Unfair Insurance Practices
Not sure if you should file a complaint? Here are common signs your insurer may not be acting in good faith:
- Claim Denied: Your claim was rejected with no clear explanation.
- Delays: Your payout is taking too long, impacting your ability to repair your home.
- Underpayment: The payout amount is significantly less than your documented losses.
- Poor Communication: Your insurer isn’t responding or is giving unclear answers.
- Unfair Cancellations: Your policy was canceled or not renewed without good reason.
- Pressure to Settle: You’re being pushed to accept a low offer quickly.
Document Everything
Before filing a complaint, gather these:
- Emails, call logs, and letters from your insurer
- Photos and videos of the property damage
- Receipts or estimates for repairs
- A timeline of your claim process
- Witness names, if any
How to File an Insurance Complaint in Montana
You can submit a complaint to the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance online or by mail. Here’s how:
Hotline
Call: (Phone) 406.444.2040 (Toll free) 800.332.6148
Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Online Submission
Submit via the official form:
https://sbs.naic.org/solar-web/pages/public/onlineComplaintForm/onlineComplaintForm.jsf?state=MT&dswid=-4344
Mail-In Form
Download and print the form: https://csimt.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/insurance-inquiry_complaint-form.pdf
- Mail-In PDF
- Mail to:
Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance
Attn: Insurance Consumer Services
840 Helena Avenue
Helena, Montana 59601
Fax
Send your complaint by fax to: 406.444.1980
You can also send your complaint to: csi@mt.gov or csi.securities@mt.gov
Website
Visit: https://csimt.gov/insurance-complaints-fraud_1/
What Happens After You File?
The Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance will:
- Review your documentation
- Investigate the insurer’s handling of your claim
- Contact your insurer and request a formal response
- Notify you of the outcome and any next steps
While the department cannot force payment, it can hold insurers accountable for unfair practices.
Types of Complaints They Handle:
- Denied, delayed, or underpaid claims
- Misleading policy information
- Unlawful policy cancellations
- Poor customer service or negligence
- Violations of state insurance regulations
What to Include in Your Complaint
Be prepared with:
- Your full name, contact info, and policy number
- Your insurer’s name and the adjuster’s contact
- A clear explanation of the issue
- Copies of supporting documents (photos, estimates, emails)
Still Having Trouble?
You may also wish to consult an attorney if:
- Your claim was wrongfully denied
- You’ve suffered significant financial harm
- The insurer is stalling with no end in sight
Legal help can support your claim while the department investigates.