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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ - General Bissell Insurance Agency

1. What types of insurance does Bissell Insurance Agency offer?

Bissell Insurance Agency provides a wide range of coverage, including:

  • Home, auto, renters, and health

  • Farm, ranch, and commercial business insurance

  • Outfitters, guides, and lodge insurance (including all U.S. states and Alaska)

  • Specialized programs for FOAM, AFFTA, Safari Club International, and Alaska Professional Hunters Association

  • Ocean marine and charter‑related coverage and other outdoor‑focused solutions

You can learn more here: https://www.bissellinsuranceagency.com

2. What makes Bissell different from other insurance agencies?

Bissell is an independent Montana agency with over 40 years of experience, representing numerous competitive carriers. We specialize in outdoor, outfitter/guide, and lodge operations while also providing comprehensive personal and commercial coverage. As a local Bozeman agency, we strive to offer responsive, Montana‑based service and hands‑on claims support.

3. Do you only insure Montana businesses and residents?

No. While we are based in Bozeman, Montana, we provide outfitter and guide service insurance in all U.S. states, including Alaska. Many of our specialized programs (FOAM, AFFTA, SCI, Alaska Professional Hunters Association) serve members and operations beyond Montana.

4. What is the Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana (FOAM) Insurance Program?

The FOAM program is designed for Montana fly shops, lodges, motels, and guiding operations. It offers:

  • Liability and property coverage

  • Commercial auto with very competitive premiums

  • Boats and equipment coverage (including theft)

  • Guest house and lodge liability/property options

More details: https://www.bissellinsuranceagency.com

5. What is the American Fly Fishing Trade Association (AFFTA) Insurance Program?

For active AFFTA members in good standing, Bissell offers:

  • General liability for fly fishing guides and outfitters

  • Optional coverage for boats, motors, trailers, and specialized equipment

  • Tailored liability and property coverage for fly shops, lodges, motels, and guest houses

  • Competitive commercial auto options

6. Do you offer insurance for hunting guides and outfitters?

Yes. Through programs such as the Safari Club International Insurance Program and the Alaska Professional Hunters Association Insurance Program, we provide specialized coverage for hunting and outdoor operations, including guides, lodges, boats, equipment, and commercial auto.

7. What commercial business insurance services do you provide?

We help commercial clients with:

  • Property and liability coverage for all business locations

  • Coverage for employees, drivers, vehicles, and equipment

  • Proper listing of mortgagees, additional insureds, and loss payees

  • Recommendations on appropriate liability limits (with minimums typically starting at $300,000 per occurrence / $600,000 aggregate)

8. Can you help with personal insurance like home and auto?

Yes. Bissell offers:

  • Homeowners and renters insurance

  • Auto insurance

  • Health and related personal coverages
    We strive to provide comprehensive protection at competitive prices.

9. How does the claims process work with Bissell Insurance Agency?

You contact our Bozeman office or the carrier’s toll‑free claims number.

  • Our staff gathers your information and submits an electronic claim report.

  • The insurance company assigns an adjuster to contact you, evaluate the loss, and determine coverage.

  • Our agency stays involved to help answer questions and move the process along.
    In many cases, Art has personally gone to the scene of a claim to assist with photos, documentation, and next steps.

10. How do I request a quote or coverage review?

You can request a quote or review your current coverage by contacting us or using the “Get a Quote” options on our site:

Having details about your operations, vehicles, boats/equipment values, properties, and any prior loss history will help speed the process.

11. Can you help identify gaps in my current policy?

Yes. We routinely review existing policies for personal, commercial, and outfitter/guide clients. We look for common issues such as:

  • Unlisted locations or equipment

  • Vehicle titles not matching the named insured

  • New business activities not reflected in the policy
    We then provide recommendations to help close gaps and improve protection.

12. Do you work with multiple insurance carriers?

Yes. As an independent agency, Bissell represents numerous competitive carriers. This allows us to compare options and strive to secure strong coverage and pricing tailored to your specific risks.

FAQ – Alaska Ocean Marine Fishing Charter & Resort Insurance with Bissell Insurance Agency

1. What types of Alaska businesses qualify for this insurance?

We work with a range of Alaska operations, including ocean and coastal fishing charters, fishing resorts and lodges, motels serving anglers, and mixed operations that combine lodging, guiding, and marine activities. If your business involves guided fishing, guest lodging, or marine-based recreation, we can discuss coverage options.

2. Do I need a special policy for my fishing charter, or will a standard business policy work?

Most standard business policies are not designed for the unique risks of ocean charters and remote Alaska operations. We structure coverage using the same specialized approach we use for outfitters, guides, and lodges, so your marine, liability, and property exposures are addressed more completely.

3. Can you insure both my boats and my lodge or resort under one program?

Yes. In many cases, we can coordinate coverage for vessels, equipment, buildings, contents, and liability under one overall insurance program, helping reduce gaps and overlaps between policies.

4. What types of vessels and equipment can be covered?

Coverage can be arranged for charter boats, motors, trailers, electronics and navigation systems, rods and reels, and other specialized fishing gear. We will review your specific equipment list and values to determine appropriate options.

5. What liability coverage do I need for guided trips and guest charters?

Most Alaska charter and resort operations need general liability coverage that includes guided activities, dockside and boarding exposures, and premises liability for lodges or motels. We will discuss your operations in detail and recommend limits and endorsements suited to your risk.

6. Are guests covered if they are injured on the dock or on the boat?

Liability coverage is designed to respond to covered bodily injury claims arising from your operations, including many dockside, boarding, and on‑water incidents. We will review how your policy addresses these situations and explain any limitations or exclusions.

7. Can you insure remote, fly‑in or boat‑in only Alaska lodges?


Yes, we regularly work with remote outdoor and lodge operations. We will need details on location, access, construction, and operations to evaluate coverage options.

8. Do you offer coverage for theft or damage to gear and electronics?

Yes. Physical damage and theft coverage can often be extended to rods, reels, tackle, electronics, and other specialized equipment, subject to policy terms and limits.

9. Is commercial auto coverage available for guest shuttles and support vehicles?

Yes. Similar to our other commercial and outfitter programs, we can provide commercial auto coverage for vehicles used to transport guests, staff, and equipment.

10. What information do I need to get a quote?

It is helpful to have:

  • A list of vessels (year, make, model, value, and use)

  • Details on lodge/resort or motel buildings and locations

  • Vehicle and driver information (if commercial auto is needed)

  • A summary of your operations and prior loss history

11. Can you review my existing policy for gaps in coverage?

Yes. We routinely review existing policies for outfitters, guides, lodges, and similar operations. We can do the same for your Alaska charter or resort and provide recommendations.

12. Do you only serve Alaska, or can you insure operations in other states as well?

Bissell Insurance Agency provides outfitter and guide service insurance in all U.S. states, including Alaska. If you operate in multiple states, we can discuss how best to structure your coverage.

13. How are claims handled if something happens during peak season?

Claims are reported to our Bozeman, Montana office or to the carrier’s toll‑free claims number. Our agency stays involved throughout the process, and in many cases we provide direct, personal assistance to help you get back to normal operations as quickly as possible.

14. How do I get started?

You can contact Bissell Insurance Agency to discuss your Alaska operation, request a quote, or schedule a coverage review:

FAQ - Safari Club International (SCI) Insurance Program with Bissell Insurance Agency

1. What types of operations does your Safari Club International insurance program cover?

Our SCI‑focused insurance solutions are designed for professional hunting and outdoor operations, including guided hunts, outfitters, lodges, camps, and related support services. Coverage can be structured to protect your guides, guests, equipment, vehicles, and facilities.

2. Do I need to be an SCI member to access this program?

This program is built specifically around the needs of Safari Club International–type hunting and outdoor operations. When you contact Bissell Insurance Agency, we will review your membership status and operation details and then match you with the appropriate program options.

3. What core coverages are available for SCI‑type hunting operations?

Coverage can typically include:

  • General liability for guided hunts and guest activities

  • Property coverage for lodges, camps, and outbuildings

  • Inland marine / equipment coverage for firearms, optics, and gear

  • Commercial auto for vehicles used in your operation

  • Options for boats and related equipment where applicable

4. Can you insure both my hunting lodge and my guiding operation under one program?


Yes, in many cases we can coordinate liability, property, and equipment coverage under one overall insurance program. This helps reduce gaps and overlaps between separate policies and simplifies your insurance management.

5. Are firearms, optics, and specialized hunting equipment covered?

We can often provide coverage for firearms, optics, and other specialized hunting gear through equipment or inland marine coverage, including physical damage and theft protection, subject to policy terms, limits, and underwriting.

6. Do you cover remote or wilderness hunting camps?

Yes. Bissell Insurance Agency has extensive experience with remote outdoor operations. We will ask for details on location, access, construction, security, and how the camp is used to evaluate appropriate coverage options.

7. Is commercial auto insurance available for my hunting vehicles?

Yes. We can provide commercial auto coverage for trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles used to transport clients, staff, and equipment as part of your hunting operation, similar to our other outfitter and guide programs.

8. Can you help me determine appropriate liability limits for my SCI‑type operation?

We will review your operation, guest volume, activities, and assets and then provide recommendations on liability limits. While the final decision is yours, we generally encourage limits higher than the minimums due to today’s litigious environment.

9. Do you offer coverage in states outside Montana?

Yes. Bissell Insurance Agency provides outfitter and guide service insurance in all U.S. states, including Alaska. If your SCI‑type operation runs hunts in multiple states, we can discuss how best to structure your coverage.

10. How are claims handled for SCI‑related operations?

Claims are reported to our Bozeman, Montana office during normal business hours or to the carrier’s national toll‑free claims number. Once reported, an adjuster is assigned to evaluate the loss and determine coverage. Our agency stays involved throughout the process and will assist you in working toward getting back to your pre‑loss position as quickly and smoothly as possible.

11. What information do I need to request a quote?

To help us provide an accurate quote, please have:

  • A description of your hunting operation and services offered

  • Locations of lodges, camps, and other facilities

  • A list of vehicles and drivers (if commercial auto is needed)

  • An inventory and values for key equipment and gear

  • Any prior claims or loss history

12. How do I get started with the SCI insurance program?

Contact Bissell Insurance Agency in Bozeman, Montana to discuss your operation and request a quote or coverage review. You can use the “Get a Quote” option at
https://www.bissellinsuranceagency.com/contact-us
or call our office for personal assistance.

FAQ - Commercial Business Insurance with Bissell Insurance Agency

1. What types of commercial insurance does Bissell Insurance Agency offer?

We provide a full range of commercial coverages, including:

  • General liability

  • Commercial property (buildings, contents, inventory)

  • Business owners policies (BOP)

  • Commercial auto

  • Inland marine / equipment coverage

  • Coverage for specialized outdoor, outfitter, and lodge operations

2. What liability limits do you typically recommend for businesses?

The lowest limits we offer are generally $300,000 per occurrence / $600,000 aggregate. However, in most cases it is in the client’s best interest to increase these limits. The cost to increase limits is usually relatively inexpensive compared to the risk of being underinsured. We will provide recommendations, but the final decision is always yours.

3. What information do you need to quote my commercial policy?

To quote properly, we typically need:

  • All business locations and their uses

  • Details on buildings, contents, and equipment

  • List of employees and job duties

  • Vehicle and driver information (for commercial auto)

  • Any additional insureds, mortgagees, or loss payees

  • A summary of your operations and prior loss history

4. Why is it important to list all business locations and equipment?

Unlisted locations or equipment may not be covered at the time of a loss. We often see:

  • Locations not added to the policy

  • Owned or rented equipment not listed

  • New risks or services not updated since the policy was written
    Reviewing and updating this information helps avoid gaps in coverage.

5. Can you help me decide what coverages my business actually needs?

Yes. Our agency will discuss your operations in detail and provide suggestions on:

  • Appropriate liability limits

  • Property coverage options (building, contents, loss of income)

  • Commercial auto and equipment coverage

  • Any endorsements or additional insured requirements
    We strive to tailor coverage to your specific commercial needs.

6. Do you offer commercial auto insurance?

Yes. We provide commercial auto coverage for:

  • Service vehicles and work trucks

  • Delivery vehicles

  • Passenger vans and shuttles (including for outfitter/lodge operations)
    We work with multiple carriers to find competitive pricing and suitable coverage.

7. How often should my commercial insurance be reviewed?

We recommend at least an annual review, or sooner if:

  • You add or move locations

  • You purchase or lease new vehicles or equipment

  • You expand services or enter new lines of business
    Regular reviews help keep your coverage aligned with your current operations.

8. How does Bissell handle commercial insurance claims?

When you have a loss:

  • You contact our Bozeman office or the carrier’s toll‑free claims number.

  • We submit an electronic claim report to the appropriate claims department.

  • An adjuster is assigned to evaluate the loss and determine coverage.
    Our agency stays involved to help you understand the process and work toward getting you back to your pre‑loss position as quickly and painlessly as possible.

9. How do I get a commercial insurance quote from Bissell?

You can request a quote or coverage review by contacting us:

FAQ - Home and Auto Insurance with Bissell Insurance Agency

1. What personal insurance coverages does Bissell Insurance Agency offer?

Bissell provides a range of personal insurance options, including:

  • Homeowners insurance

  • Renters insurance

  • Auto insurance

  • Health and related personal coverages

We strive to provide comprehensive protection at a competitive price.

2. What does a standard homeowners policy typically cover?

While specific coverage depends on the carrier and policy, a typical homeowners policy can include:

  • Coverage for your home (dwelling)

  • Coverage for other structures (garage, sheds, etc.)

  • Personal property (furniture, clothing, electronics, etc.)

  • Personal liability protection

  • Additional living expenses if you’re unable to live in your home due to a covered loss

We’ll review your home, location, and personal needs to help match you with appropriate coverage options.

3. Do you offer renters insurance?

Yes. Renters insurance is available to protect:

  • Your personal belongings (furniture, clothing, electronics, etc.)

  • Your personal liability if someone is injured in your rented home or apartment
    It’s an affordable way to protect your possessions and provide liability protection even if you don’t own the building.

4. What types of vehicles can you insure?

We offer auto insurance for:

  • Personal cars and trucks

  • Many vehicles used for everyday commuting and family use
    If you also use vehicles for business or outfitting/guide operations, we can coordinate with our commercial and outdoor programs to structure the right type of coverage.

5. Can I bundle my home and auto insurance?

In many cases, yes. We work with multiple carriers that may offer discounts or improved pricing when you place both home and auto coverage with the same company. We’ll compare options and let you know where bundling makes sense.

6. How do you determine how much coverage I need on my home?

We look at factors such as:

  • The size, construction, and features of your home

  • Local building costs and replacement cost estimates

  • Any special features or outbuildings
    We then recommend coverage limits designed to help you rebuild or repair after a covered loss, subject to policy terms and conditions.

7. What information do you need to quote my home and auto insurance?

For home/renters:

  • Property address and basic construction details

  • Any recent updates or special features

  • Current coverage and deductible (if applicable)

For auto:

  • Vehicle year, make, model, and VIN (if available)

  • Driver information (age, license status, driving history)

  • Current coverage limits and deductibles

Having your current policy declarations pages handy can speed up the process and help us compare coverage.

8. How are claims handled for home and auto policies?

Claims can be reported to our Bozeman, Montana office during normal business hours or to the carrier’s national toll‑free claims number.

  • We gather your information and submit an electronic claim report.

  • The insurance company assigns an adjuster to contact you, evaluate the loss, and determine coverage.

  • Our agency stays involved to help answer questions and work toward getting you back to your pre‑loss position as quickly and painlessly as possible.

In many cases, Art has personally gone to the scene of a claim to assist with photos, documentation, and next steps.

9. How do I get a quote for home or auto insurance from Bissell?

You can request a quote or coverage review by contacting us through our website:

We’ll walk you through the information needed, review your current coverage, and explore options with multiple carriers to find competitive protection for your home, auto, and personal needs.