The Policy Barn

Preparing to buy your first home? Confused about the insurance process?

We love to work with first time homebuyers! We aim to help make the process less daunting and to ensure that you are getting the best rate that you can to help you achieve your goal of home ownership. 🏡🔑

Here are some tips to help you get started!

– The deductible is the amount you are expected to pay out of pocket when filing a claim. A higher deductible can help make your insurance premium lower annually, but it might come as a shock if you need to file a claim. Make sure you understand the deductible on your insurance proposal before signing!

– Document everything! Create a home inventory of your belongings by taking photos and keeping receipts in case you need to file a claim in the future.

– Dwelling coverage is based on the Replacement Cost Estimate. It is not the purchase price! This estimate is prepared by looking at the specs of your home and determining the cost to rebuild or replace via materials and labor.

– Maintenance is often declined on policies. Normal wear and tear is not something that is usually covered!

– Obtain a Replacement Cost policy when possible! These policies pay out much higher amounts than Actual Cash Value ones. Replacement Cost policies pay for the dollar amount it would reasonably cost you to get a brand new item to replace the one that is damaged.

– Ask about bundling and other discounts! If you have cars, ask about bundling your Auto and Home insurance. Also see if you get a discount for any central alarm systems or smart devices that you are planning on installing or that are installed.

Questions? Call us! 406.534.8008

Be proactive! Employ these tips to help avoid having common home losses! 🏡

💧Water Damage:

– Install devices that notify you when there is a potential leak in your home. Water shut-off valves that are automatic are also on the market, but they tend to be spendier!

– Make sure that your gutters and downspouts do not have debris in them and are draining at least 3-5 feet from your foundation.

– Keep your home at 50 degrees or higher in the winter to ensure that your pipes do not freeze.

– Make sure your pipes are properly insulated during colder months.

– Inspect lines leading up to appliances that use water such as dishwashers, washing machines, and fridges at least annually. Stainless steel hoses tend to be longer lasting!

🔥 Fire Prevention:

– Ensure that the smoke and CO monitors in your home get a battery charge twice a year! Install them on every floor near sleeping areas.

– Replace old or damaged electrical cords.

– Don’t overload outlets or surge protectors.

– Check your grills before barbecuing in the Summer for any debris. Make sure they’re not close to your house.

– Clean chimneys annually and dispose of ashes properly.

– Keep flammable materials away from space heaters!

🚓 Theft Prevention:

– Keep the area around your home well-kept so that your sight lines are not inhibited.

– Make sure all parts of your house that allow access inside are locked/can be locked.

– When on vacation, put your lights on a timer! Have neighbors collect mail while you are gone, and don’t post pics of your trip until you are back home.

– Hook up motion sensors to your exterior lights.

#themoreyouknow

As we enjoy the season of renewal, we are reminded of how grateful we are for clients like you.

This Good Friday, we are going to be closing at Noon. We hope you have a wonderful and peaceful Easter Weekend!

What is Service Line coverage, and why should you ensure your policy has it if available? 🏡🔧🌱

This coverage can be endorsed on most Home policies and offers coverage for the repair or replacement of the lines leading up from the road to your home! Most of the time if a line is damaged or needs to be replaced, you are on the hook for it as a homeowner.

This cost-effective endorsement typically costs less annually than the coverage that utility companies offer, and it will cover things such as water, sewer, gas, power, and internet lines leading to the home. Most policies range from $10,000-$20,000 in coverage depending on your carrier!

Let us know if you have any questions! We can get into specifics by delving into your policy if you are interested. 😀 (406-534-8008)

#themoreyouknow #homeinsurance

The deadline has been extended to Friday, March 20th.

If you filed for a rebate and were accepted, you may be enrolled already, but it’s best to double-check and be sure! The tax rate difference is pretty significant if you are not enrolled.

Go to https://revenue.mt.gov/…/homesteads-and-long-term-rentals and see if you’re enrolled!

To get your Geocode:

– In Yellowstone County – https://www.yellowstonecountymt.gov/…/Prop…/index.asp…

1.) Type in your Property Number

2.) Type in your Street Name

Less is more! The GeoCode can be found towards the middle of the page.

– Outside of Yellowstone County-

1.) Search by address, click on the option that pops up for your property.

The GeoCode is right at the top under “Property Information.”

If you need help with finding your GeoCode or checking to see if you’re enrolled, we’re happy to assist!

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

We can’t promise lucky breaks, but we can protect you when they don’t happen!

Wishing you all a wonderful day.

#saintpatricksday#lucky

Daylight Savings is here! (March 10th, 2026)

Time to spring forward. Don’t forget to set your clocks forward an hour for tomorrow!

#DaylightSavingTime

It’s crazy to think we’ve been in business for almost a decade!

Thank you to all of our friends and customers for allowing us to do what we love.

If you know someone that could also benefit from the JMIG experience, please send them our way! We would love to help them with their personal and small business insurance needs.

#smallbutmighty

⚠️If you are in an underwater crash, your glass breaking tool might not work!⚠️

How do you know if your glass tempered or laminated and what does that mean for you if you need to break it to escape your vehicle?

Tempered Glass – Easier to be shattered into small, blunt pieces. These are the windows that you want to located in your vehicle! These ones will be easier to break in the case of an emergency. Roll down your window and look at the glass from the top. If it has one layer, it’s likely tempered.

Laminated Glass – Designed to stay in one piece when broken, and is significantly harder to break in the case of an emergency. If you roll down your window and look at the top of the glass, you’ll likely see a thin membrane in between two glass pieces.

Your vehicle’s windows may also give it away. If you look at their stickers, they should tell you what they are! Tempered windows tend to have a stamp that say “TEMP” or “TEMPERED.”

#besafe #VehicleSafety