Honestly, I’ve tried reading those policies and my eyes glaze over after the first paragraph. I’ve never had a claim denied, but I always wonder if I’m just lucky or missing something. Montana or not, half the time I feel like insurance is a gamble either way...
half the time I feel like insurance is a gamble either way...
Honestly, that’s exactly how I feel. I’ve rented cars all over, and every time they try to upsell me on extra coverage, I just roll my eyes. If you’ve got decent coverage on your own policy and a credit card that covers rentals, you’re probably fine. The fine print is a nightmare, but unless you’re planning to drive off-road or herd cattle with your rental, I wouldn’t stress too much. Insurance companies bank on us being paranoid.
I get where you’re coming from, but I had a weird experience in Montana last year. My regular insurance covered most stuff, but when a rock cracked the windshield on a gravel road (not even that remote), the rental company tried to stick me with a hefty bill. Made me wonder if the extra coverage would’ve saved me some hassle. Has anyone else run into those “not covered” surprises out there?
the rental company tried to stick me with a hefty bill. Made me wonder if the extra coverage would’ve saved me some hassle.
Yeah, that’s exactly why I always take the extra coverage now, even if it feels like a ripoff. I’ve had way too many “not covered” moments—especially with rentals in places like Montana where rocks and random stuff just happen. Once, I got dinged for a tire on a rental in Utah. My regular insurance only covered liability, so I was out a few hundred bucks for something stupid.
Honestly, rental companies will find any excuse to charge you for stuff your own insurance doesn’t touch. Windshields, tires, undercarriage... all those “extras” they love to exclude. If you’re driving anywhere rural or off the main highways, it’s just not worth the gamble. The peace of mind is worth the extra cash, at least for me.
I get why people go for the extra coverage, but honestly, I usually skip it unless I’m somewhere really remote. My regular insurance plus my credit card covers most of the basics, and I’d rather not pay double if I don’t have to. That said, Montana’s a different beast—gravel roads, random wildlife, and those tiny chips that turn into big windshield cracks overnight.
Last time I rented there, I took a chance and didn’t get the extra, but I was sweating every time a truck passed me on those backroads. Ended up fine, but it could’ve gone the other way. If you’re on a tight budget, check what your card covers first. Sometimes it’s enough, sometimes not. For me, it’s a judgment call—if I’m planning to stick to paved roads and the weather’s good, I’ll risk it. If not, I’ll cough up the extra fee just to avoid the headache.
