I’m with you on skipping the extra insurance most of the time. I’ve rented cars all over, and my card plus my regular policy have always had me covered. Only time I regretted it was in a snowstorm in Bozeman—white-knuckle driving and I started second-guessing every bump. Otherwise, I’d rather deal with paperwork than shell out for the “peace of mind” pitch.
Only time I regretted it was in a snowstorm in Bozeman—white-knuckle driving and I started second-guessing every bump.
Step 1: Check weather. Step 2: If Montana says “snow,” consider insurance. Step 3: If not, channel your inner cheapskate and skip it. I mean, paperwork is annoying, but so is paying double for a rental just in case you meet a rogue elk.
I get wanting to save a few bucks, but Montana roads can be unpredictable even outside of winter. It’s not just snow—gravel, wildlife, and those random hailstorms can do a number on a rental. Sometimes that extra coverage really does pay for itself.
Honestly, I’ve seen folks get caught off guard by stuff like cracked windshields from flying gravel or even a deer darting out at dusk. It’s not just about snow, you’re right—Montana’s got its own set of curveballs. Have you checked if your personal auto policy covers rentals? Sometimes it does, but not always for things like “loss of use” fees. Worth double-checking before you decide.
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I’ve never bothered with the extra insurance and haven’t run into trouble—yet. Last summer, I drove a rental all over the Beartooth Highway, gravel and all, and just relied on my regular policy plus a credit card that supposedly covers rentals. Maybe I’ve just been lucky, but those “loss of use” fees always seemed like a scare tactic to me. I guess it depends on your risk tolerance... I’d rather take my chances than pay double for peace of mind I might not need.