Office address: 840 Helena Ave, Helena, MT 59601
Website: csimt.gov/insurance/
Year established: 1889
Employees: 77+
Key people: James Brown (state auditor), Kirsten Madsen (deputy securities commissioner), Erin Snyder (deputy insurance commissioner), Jack Conners (chief legal counsel), Kari Leonard (examinations bureau chief), Mari Kindberg (actuary bureau chief)
Operating budget: $55 million (FY 2025)
The Montana Insurance Department, formally known as the Office of the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Montana State Auditor, regulates insurance and protects consumers statewide. In 2023, it audited $126 million in premium tax and returned $8.1 million to policyholders.
The Office of the Montana State Auditor, also known as the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI), was created in 1889 under Montana’s first constitution. Edwin A. Kenney became the first state auditor, overseeing public funds and financial reporting.
As the economy grew, the office expanded its authority into insurance, investments, real estate, and fire safety oversight. Listed below are some of the department’s important milestones:
1909: gained ex‑officio commissioner of insurance authority
1911: added supervision and appointment power over fire marshal
1913: became ex‑officio investment commissioner
1921: added ex‑officio real estate commissioner duties
1970s: shifted fiscal roles to Department of Revenue
2006: ballot measure to rename office to "commissioner of insurance" was defeated by 64 percent of Montana voters
2019: gained Montana Reinsurance Association oversight via Senate Bill 125
2021: secured authority over pharmacy benefit managers through Senate Bill 395
In 2024, James Brown was elected State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance. He replaced Troy Downing, who pursued a congressional seat.
The agency holds constitutional and statutory authority to regulate insurance and securities activity across the state. Its legal powers are grounded in Article VI of the Montana Constitution and Titles 30 and 33 of the Montana Code Annotated.
Montana Insurance Department is led by an elected official who serves as state auditor and commissioner of securities and insurance for a four-year term. As of 2025, the state auditor is James Brown, who was elected to the role in November 2024.
There are three primary divisions within the department:
central management: handles the overall administrative and executive functions of the agency
insurance program: regulates the insurance industry, including licensing, examinations, and market conduct reviews
securities program: oversees the enforcement and regulation of securities laws and investment practices in Montana
In addition to these divisions, there are subunits and initiatives under each program that manage special regulatory tasks, such as:
exams bureau: conducts insurer examinations for solvency and compliance
market conduct exams: reviews insurer behavior against Montana law
case management system: supports fraud investigations and case tracking
The Montana Insurance Department’s structure helps uphold market integrity and protect Montana investors and policyholders.
The Montana Insurance Department makes sure insurance and securities follow state laws. Its main duties include:
The department protects Montanans and helps keep the market honest. Its work ensures laws are followed every day.
In June 2025, the Montana Insurance Department approved $1.7 million in school funding through Commissioner James Brown’s role on the Land Board. As a voting board member, it directly authorized revenue that would support classrooms and educational needs across Montana.
The Montana Insurance Department is reviewing how insurers handle wildfire-related coverage decisions affecting homeowners. The agency’s action reinforces Montana’s ban on coverage denial solely due to wildfire risk and shows its readiness to enforce compliance with state insurance law.
The Montana Insurance Department participates in webinars, podcasts, and live events to help Montanans understand insurance and spot fraud. Key public-facing programs and resources include:
CSI fraud awareness webinars with FBI, AARP, and SMP Montana
insurance rates webinars and presentations explaining rising costs
Insurance Summit events with enforcement updates and recorded sessions
topic-specific flyers and videos (e.g., flood, fire, self-storage, auto insurance)
consumer complaint services via dedicated teams and contact channels
Capital Formation education tools for investors and seniors
public notices on regulatory actions and disciplinary measures
internship programs and outreach for students and young professionals
These tools help educate the public, protect vulnerable consumers, and increase transparency around the department’s regulatory work.
