Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance James Brown saved Montanans more than $18 million in fiscal year 2025-2026 by denying unjustified insurance rate increases, the agency announced.
Brown’s actions saved 127,855 Montana insurance consumers a combined $18,459,920 from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. During that period, the agency reviewed 3,937 rate filings.
“Increasing insurance rates are part of the rising cost of living felt by many Montanans. Consequently, I’m proud of the work my dedicated team here at the State Auditor’s office has done to protect Montanans’ pocketbooks,” Brown said.
The agency began tracking strategic performance metrics in January 2026 under Brown’s direction. Those metrics show that during Brown’s 18 months as commissioner, his office has denied more than $24 million in unjustified rate hikes in total.
“Montanans deserve to know what exactly their state government is accomplishing with their tax dollars,” Brown said. “My office is glad to report that we’re saving consumers money, cracking down on fraud, and informing vulnerable persons about modern scam risks and schemes.”
The Commissioner’s office holds statutory authority to deny insurance rate increases that fail to meet actuarial standards or statutory requirements. The office cannot deny rate increases that are actuarially justified — insurers must remain solvent to meet policyholder obligations and maintain a stable market.