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

You’re right about the headache factor - those rental company plans are expensive, but they do save you from a lot of back-and-forth if something goes sideways. I’ve seen people get dinged for tiny things, but honestly, if you’ve got decent personal or credit card coverage and take solid photos, you’re usually in good shape. Montana roads can be unpredictable, though... if you’re nervous, a little extra peace of mind isn’t the worst thing to pay for.

Honestly, I’d push back a bit on relying too much on credit card or personal auto coverage. A lot of those policies have fine print - like, some don’t cover SUVs or trucks, and many exclude “loss of use” fees from the rental company if the car’s out of commission. Montana’s unpredictable, like you said... one stray rock and you’re in the weeds with paperwork. Not saying the rental plans are always worth it, but I’ve seen folks get surprised by gaps in their own coverage more than once. Just something to double-check before rolling the dice.

A lot of those policies have fine print - like, some don’t cover SUVs or trucks, and many exclude “loss of use” fees from the rental company if the car’s out of commission.

Totally agree with this. I’m all about saving money, but I learned the hard way that my credit card coverage didn’t touch “loss of use” after a fender bender in Colorado. Ended up paying out of pocket for days the car sat in the shop. Montana’s rough roads and random wildlife just add to the risk. Sometimes that extra $15 a day is worth it for peace of mind, especially if you’re renting anything bigger than a sedan.

That “loss of use” bit is sneaky - most folks don’t even realize it’s a thing until they get hit with the bill. I’ve started making a checklist before renting: double-check what my credit card covers, call my regular insurance, and then weigh the rental company’s policy. It’s a pain, but after a deer ran into my rental last year (seriously, Montana wildlife is wild), I’m way more careful. Has anyone actually had their personal auto insurance step in for a rental claim, or do they usually dodge it?

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

Yeah, that “loss of use” clause is a real gotcha. I’ve had my personal auto insurance cover damage to a rental once, but they specifically excluded loss of use and diminished value. It’s frustrating - feels like you’re covered until you read the fine print. Credit card coverage helped a bit, but even then, it was a hassle with paperwork and delays. I’m not convinced the extra rental insurance is always worth it, but in places like Montana where wildlife collisions are common... maybe it’s not such a bad idea after all.