Honestly, I get where you’re coming from. I used to just skip the extra coverage, thinking my regular auto insurance would handle it all. Then I got dinged for a cracked windshield outside of Missoula and ended up paying out of pocket because my policy had some weird exclusions for rentals. Super annoying.
I’m always trying to save a buck, but Montana roads are no joke—gravel, deer, random hail. The “loss of use” thing is sneaky too; feels like a money grab, but I guess it’s legit if you think about it from the rental company’s side. Has anyone actually had their credit card insurance bail them out in these situations? I’ve heard mixed things, but never tried a claim myself. Just curious if it’s worth relying on that instead of paying the rental company’s rates...
Honestly, I’ve wondered the same thing about credit card coverage. I’ve heard stories where it worked out, but also a few where people got stuck in paperwork limbo. Montana’s rough on cars, though—sometimes paying a little extra for peace of mind just feels worth it, even if it stings.
Montana’s rough on cars, though—sometimes paying a little extra for peace of mind just feels worth it, even if it stings.
That’s a fair point. Credit card coverage can be a real lifesaver, but it often comes with exclusions and a lot of red tape. Some cards don’t cover certain types of damage or specific vehicles (like trucks or SUVs, which are popular in Montana). If you’re driving in more remote areas or on gravel roads, the rental company’s insurance might save you a headache. I’ve seen claims drag out for months when folks relied solely on their cards... sometimes paying a bit more upfront really does buy peace of mind.
I rented a car in Bozeman last year and thought my credit card coverage would be enough, but I got nervous after seeing all the gravel roads. Ended up adding the rental company’s insurance at the counter, even though it felt like a ripoff. Didn’t need it, but honestly, just not having to worry about every little scratch made the trip way less stressful. I guess it depends on how much risk you’re cool with... I’m still not sure if I’d do it again or just roll the dice next time.
I totally get where you’re coming from. I always end up paying for the extra insurance, even if it feels overpriced. With kids in the car and random gravel flying around, I just don’t want the headache if something happens. My credit card technically covers damage, but dealing with claims sounds like a hassle. For me, peace of mind is worth a few extra bucks, especially in places like Montana where roads can be unpredictable.