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

Sometimes you’re doubling up on coverage without realizing it.

That’s a good point, but for folks like me with a less-than-stellar driving record, personal insurance often excludes rentals or jacks up the deductible. I’ve had a claim denied before because of that. CDW can be pricey, but sometimes it’s the only real option if you’re considered high risk. Just worth double-checking those fine print details, especially if your history isn’t spotless.

Yeah, that’s a fair call. I’ve noticed rental companies in Montana can be strict about prior incidents too, especially if you’re picking up at the airport. One thing I’d add - some credit cards offer secondary coverage, but they’ll often bail if your main policy denies a claim. Tricky stuff... always feels like a gamble with those exclusions.

I’ve wondered about that too, especially with all the fine print on those credit card coverages. If your main car insurance policy excludes rentals or has a high deductible, does that mean you’re basically out of luck if something happens? I always get nervous reading through those exclusions - like, what if you hit a deer or get caught in a hailstorm out there? Are credit cards just not worth counting on for Montana trips, or am I being too cautious? Curious if anyone’s actually had to file a claim and how it went... seems like such a gray area.

Had a guy last year who hit a deer outside Bozeman in a rental - credit card covered the damage, but only after a ton of paperwork and back-and-forth. They nitpicked every detail. If your main policy doesn’t cover rentals, I’d say the extra insurance is worth considering, especially with Montana’s wildlife and weather. Credit cards are handy, but they’re not always as simple as they sound.

Credit cards are handy, but they’re not always as simple as they sound.

That’s what worries me. I’ve heard stories like this before, where the credit card covers it but only after a ton of hassle. I’m still learning the ropes, so I’d rather pay a bit extra for peace of mind than risk getting stuck with a bill or paperwork nightmare. Montana roads kinda freak me out with all the wildlife, honestly. Maybe not *everyone* needs the extra insurance, but I’d probably get it just to be safe.