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Do you really need extra insurance for a rental in Montana?
Yeah, I’ve seen people get tripped up by those exclusions too. Here’s how I look at it: 1) Check your own policy - don’t just assume you’re covered for everything, especially stuff like animal collisions or loss of use. 2) Credit card coverage is usually pretty bare bones, and they’ll find any excuse to deny a claim. 3) If you’re driving in Montana, odds of hitting wildlife are way higher than most places. That $10-15 a day starts to look cheap if you end up with a busted bumper and a rental company breathing down your neck for downtime fees. Not saying everyone needs the extra insurance, but skipping it can be a gamble.
Had a close call with a deer on a backroad near Bozeman last year - barely missed it, but my heart was pounding. Honestly, I used to skip the extra coverage, but after seeing how picky rental companies get about even tiny dings, I’m way more cautious now. Those exclusions sneak up on you fast.
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I still skip the extra insurance most of the time. My credit card covers rentals, and I’ve never had an issue - knock on wood. Those add-ons just feel like a money grab, especially when you’re already paying a premium for the car. But yeah, Montana roads and wildlife are no joke... it’s a gamble either way.
Those add-ons just feel like a money grab, especially when you’re already paying a premium for the car.
I get where you're coming from, but I’d be careful relying solely on credit card coverage. A lot of people don’t realize those policies can have exclusions - like certain SUVs or trucks, or even country-specific restrictions. Montana’s “wildlife gamble” is real, and if you hit a deer, your card might not cover it. Worth double-checking the fine print just in case.
Honestly, I get the worry about exclusions, but I’ve rented in Montana and my credit card covered everything - just had to call and check first.
Maybe, but isn’t that what your own auto insurance is for? I’d rather risk it than pay double for a maybe.“Montana’s ‘wildlife gamble’ is real, and if you hit a deer, your card might not cover it.”
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