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

Man, I feel this. I just rented a car for the first time and spent way too long staring at the insurance options like they were written in ancient Greek. I kept thinking, “What are the odds I’ll actually hit a deer?” But then again, my luck with wildlife is... not great. Your popcorn analogy is spot on - except if you skip it and end up hungry (or in this case, broke). I’m leaning toward paying extra just for peace of mind, but I get why people roll the dice. It’s a gamble either way, right?

I just rented a car for the first time and spent way too long staring at the insurance options like they were written in ancient Greek.

Totally get this. I was in the same boat last month - felt like I needed a translator just to figure out what I was actually buying. Ended up paying extra, too, just because the “what if” scenarios kept running through my head. It’s not just about hitting a deer, either... sometimes it’s just about not wanting to stress the whole trip. Peace of mind is worth something, even if you never use it.

I know what you mean - those insurance options always feel like a trap. It’s like, do I really need this extra coverage, or am I just falling for the upsell? Every time I rent, I second-guess whether my personal auto policy or credit card actually covers enough. The language is intentionally confusing, I swear.

That said, I get why you’d pay for the extra peace of mind. Montana’s got those wide open roads and wildlife... and honestly, even if your odds of hitting a deer are low, the stress of worrying about every little scratch can ruin a trip. Personally, I tend to skip the extra insurance unless it’s winter or I’m somewhere really remote. But I’ve also had a friend get dinged for a windshield crack out in the middle of nowhere - ended up wishing he’d paid for the coverage. It’s kind of a gamble either way.

I hear you on the upsell - feels like they’re trying to sell you a gold-plated bumper for a week’s rental. But man, Montana’s got those gravel roads that’ll chip a windshield before you can say “deductible.” Ever had a rental company try to charge you for “pre-existing” dings? That’s where I get paranoid. Do you guys actually do the walk-around and take photos, or am I just being overly cautious?

I totally get where you’re coming from - those “pre-existing” dings can turn into a headache real fast. I always do the walk-around and snap a few pics, just in case. Doesn’t hurt to be a little paranoid, especially on those Montana backroads.