Honestly, I’ve been down this road a few times—Montana’s got some wild terrain, and rental car companies know it. Here’s how I usually tackle it: First, I check if my personal auto insurance covers rentals (a lot do, but not always for things like undercarriage or glass). Next, I call my credit card company since some cards offer secondary coverage, but again, there are exclusions. If both fall short, that’s when I consider the rental company’s extra insurance.
One thing I learned the hard way: those gravel roads can do a number on your car, and “standard” coverage often skips over stuff like tires and the bottom of the car. It’s annoying to pay more upfront, but after seeing a buddy get stuck with a $1,200 bill for a busted oil pan, I’m way more cautious now.
If you’re planning to stick to paved roads and your insurance is solid, maybe you can skip it. But if you’re heading off the beaten path—even just a little—it might be worth the extra peace of mind. Just gotta weigh the risk vs. cost for your own trip.
