Do you really need extra insurance for a rental in Montana?

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.

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.

Yeah, learned that lesson in Glacier last summer. I skipped the extra insurance to save cash, then ended up with a cracked windshield from a random rock. My regular insurance covered it, but the hassle wasn’t worth the $30 I saved. If you’re really pinching pennies and sticking to highways, maybe it’s fine to skip. But Montana’s roads are no joke... sometimes paying a bit more upfront is just smarter.

Honestly, I’m with you - those little savings can turn into big headaches fast. I’ve had to deal with a flat tire out near Red Lodge and the rental company’s “standard” coverage didn’t help at all. If you’re anywhere off the main roads, that extra insurance starts to look worth it. Sometimes it’s just not worth the gamble.

I totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve tried to save a few bucks by skipping the extra insurance before, thinking, “what could go wrong?” Then a deer darted out near Livingston and, well… let’s just say the deductible was way more than the insurance would’ve cost. It’s tough because you don’t want to overpay, but out here, weird stuff happens. Sometimes peace of mind is worth the extra cash, even if it stings a little at the register.

Been there, done that, got the deer-shaped dent to prove it. Montana’s basically a wildlife obstacle course, and rental cars seem to have a target on them. I get why people skip the extra insurance - it feels like they’re just tacking on fees for fun sometimes. But honestly, after seeing what a single elk encounter can do to a bumper (and your wallet), I usually tell folks it’s not the worst idea to pay a bit more upfront.

That said, if your own car insurance or credit card covers rentals, you might already be set. Just double-check the fine print - those exclusions can be sneaky. Either way, nothing ruins a road trip faster than arguing with a rental company over a cracked windshield and a mysterious hoof print...