Not sure I totally buy the “just pay for peace of mind” angle, at least not every time. I’ve seen plenty of folks pay for the rental company’s insurance and then get nickel-and-dimed anyway—scratches that were already there, “damage” that’s basically normal wear and tear, stuff like that. It’s not always as simple as handing back the keys and walking away.
Couple things I’d push back on:
- If your personal policy or credit card covers you, and you’re not driving off-road or doing anything wild, you’re probably fine skipping the extra insurance. Just take a ton of photos when you pick up and drop off the car. Seriously, it’s saved my bacon more than once.
- Those “loss of use” fees are annoying, but I’ve seen some credit cards (Chase Sapphire, for example) actually cover them. Worth double-checking the fine print before you shell out for the rental company’s plan.
- Montana’s unpredictable, sure, but so is half the country. If you’re used to driving in snow or dodging deer, it’s not that different.
I get why people want the easy option, but sometimes it feels like paying extra just because the rental desk scares you into it. Just my two cents.
I’ve seen plenty of folks pay for the rental company’s insurance and then get nickel-and-dimed anyway—scratches that were already there, “damage” that’s basically normal wear and tear, stuff like that.
Yeah, I’ve seen this too. Honestly, your point about taking tons of photos is spot on—documentation is everything. The “peace of mind” pitch feels overblown sometimes, especially if your own coverage is solid. Rental desks definitely lean into the scare tactics. You’re not wrong to be skeptical.
Couldn’t agree more about the scare tactics—some rental agents really push that extra insurance, even when your own policy or credit card already covers you. I’ve had them try to upsell me in Montana, and honestly, it felt unnecessary. One thing I’d add: check your credit card benefits before you go. Some cards have surprisingly good coverage, but you have to decline the rental company’s insurance for it to kick in. Just another wrinkle to keep in mind...
I get where you’re coming from, but I’m not totally sold on skipping the extra insurance every time. Had a friend’s credit card coverage fall through because of some weird loophole—ended up paying out of pocket. Sometimes that extra peace of mind is worth it, especially in places with rough roads like Montana.
Had a friend’s credit card coverage fall through because of some weird loophole—ended up paying out of pocket.
That’s the thing, right? Insurance loopholes are like potholes in Montana—never where you expect, but they’ll mess up your day. I had a client once who thought their fancy platinum card covered everything, but then the rental company hit 'em with a “diminished value” claim after a deer encounter. Turns out, their card didn’t cover that part. Sometimes those extra few bucks at the counter really do save you from a wallet meltdown later... especially if you’re not fluent in “fine print.”
