Extra Insurance in Montana—Worth It?
Yeah, those exclusions can really trip people up. I’ve seen folks assume their credit card or personal auto policy covers everything, but a lot of them don’t touch things like undercarriage or windshield damage—both super common on Montana’s backroads. Even a small chip can turn into a big bill. If you’re planning to stick to highways, maybe you can risk it, but once you’re off the beaten path, that extra coverage starts to make a lot more sense.
Yeah, that’s a good point. I’ve had a cracked windshield from a gravel road out near Livingston—wasn’t covered by my regular insurance, and it ended up costing more than the extra coverage would have. Sometimes it’s just not worth the gamble, especially in Montana.
Extra Insurance in Montana: Worth It or Just Overkill?
Sometimes it’s just not worth the gamble, especially in Montana.
I get where you’re coming from, especially with that cracked windshield story. Montana roads are their own kind of beast—gravel, random hail, wildlife... it’s almost like the state is daring you to decline extra coverage. But I’ve seen folks regret skipping it just as often as I’ve seen people pay for it and never need it.
Here’s the thing a lot of people don’t realize: your regular auto insurance almost never covers “loss of use” fees or diminished value if something happens to the rental. Those can add up fast, and rental companies aren’t shy about charging them. Even credit card coverage has holes—plenty of cards exclude damage to windshields, tires, or undercarriage. That’s basically a Montana starter pack for car trouble.
On the other hand, I totally get not wanting to fork over $20+ a day for insurance you might not use. If you’re only renting for a day or two and sticking to highways, maybe it’s fine to risk it. But if you’re out near Livingston, Bozeman, or anywhere rural? The odds shift.
One time I had a client who thought his personal policy would cover everything. He hit a deer outside Great Falls—minor damage but just enough for the rental company to tack on all sorts of fees his own insurance wouldn’t touch. He ended up paying more in extras than he would’ve spent on the optional coverage.
I’m not saying everyone should always buy the extra insurance, but I do think folks underestimate how different Montana is compared to other places. If you’re planning any backroad exploring (or even just driving during hail season), skipping the coverage is a real gamble. Sometimes peace of mind is worth more than saving a few bucks upfront.
Curious if anyone’s actually had their credit card coverage come through for stuff like cracked windshields or gravel damage? In my experience, those claims get denied more often than people expect...
Had a buddy try to use his credit card coverage for a windshield crack in Montana—no dice. Turns out “glass isn’t covered” was buried somewhere in the fine print. Honestly, between deer, gravel, and hail, it feels like you’re just asking for trouble without the extra insurance. I get not wanting to pay for something you might not need, but Montana roads don’t play around. For me, peace of mind is worth a few extra bucks, especially if you’re not staying on the main drag.