I hear you on the paperwork headache. Credit card coverage sounds good in theory, but when you’re actually in a bind, it’s rarely as smooth as they make it sound. I’ve had to chase down documents and deal with rental companies dragging their feet too. Not fun.
Montana’s a whole different animal compared to city rentals. I’ve driven through there a few times—beautiful country, but you’re right, wildlife is a real concern. Deer, elk, even the odd moose, and they don’t exactly look both ways before crossing. Roads can be rougher too, especially if you’re getting off the main highways. Gravel chips and windshield cracks are pretty common.
I usually skip the extra insurance in cities since my personal auto policy and credit card cover most stuff, but out in rural spots like Montana, I’ll admit I’ve paid for the extra coverage a couple times. It’s not just about accidents, either—some of those rental companies get picky about minor dings or undercarriage scrapes, especially if you’re on unpaved roads.
One thing I’d watch for: some credit cards and personal policies specifically exclude “off-road” or “unpaved road” incidents. And in Montana, sometimes the only way to get to a trailhead or fishing spot is a dirt road. If you’re planning to stick to paved roads, maybe you’re fine, but if you’re venturing out, that extra insurance can save a lot of hassle.
I wouldn’t say it’s riskier in the sense that you’re guaranteed to have an issue, but the odds of running into something unexpected are definitely higher than in most cities. If your driving record already has a few dings, might be worth the peace of mind. At the very least, double-check the fine print on your card and policy before you go.
I get where you’re coming from—those “unsealed road” exclusions can be a real gotcha. I’m usually all about saving money and skipping the extra insurance, but Montana’s a different beast. Last time I rented there, I ended up with a cracked windshield from a random gravel truck. My credit card wouldn’t cover it because the road wasn’t technically paved. Had to pay out of pocket, which stung. If you’re sticking to highways, maybe you’re fine, but if there’s any chance you’ll hit dirt roads, that extra coverage might be worth the cost just for peace of mind. Sometimes being cheap ends up costing more...
I get the worry about those exclusions, but honestly, I’ve rented in Montana a few times and never bothered with the extra insurance. I just stuck to main roads and made sure to double-check my route ahead of time. If you’re not planning on going off the beaten path, it might not be worth the extra cost. Sometimes those add-ons feel like overkill unless you know you’ll be hitting gravel or backroads. Just my two cents—guess it depends how adventurous you’re feeling.
If you’re not planning on going off the beaten path, it might not be worth the extra cost.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve had a close call with a rock chip on a highway outside Bozeman—wasn’t even on a backroad. My step-by-step: check your credit card coverage, see what your own auto insurance handles, and only add the rental insurance if there’s a real gap. Honestly, I’d rather spend that money on a nice dinner unless I’m heading somewhere really remote.
I totally get the logic of skipping extra insurance if you’re not planning to go off-roading, but honestly, I’m still leaning toward getting it—especially as someone who’s never really dealt with this stuff before. Maybe it’s just nerves, but the idea of getting stuck with a huge bill over something tiny (like that rock chip you mentioned) kind of freaks me out. I know, I know… statistically, most people don’t end up needing it. Still, it feels like my luck is always weirdly bad when it comes to cars.
I did check my credit card coverage and my own policy, but the fine print is just so confusing. For example, my card says it covers “collision damage” but then there’s all these exceptions about “loss of use” and “diminished value.” I have no clue what that means in practice. Has anyone actually had to file a claim through their card? Was it a nightmare? That’s the part that makes me hesitate. Like, if I’m on vacation, the last thing I want is to spend hours arguing with an insurance company over some technicality.
Also, Montana highways can be unpredictable. My cousin got a flat from a piece of metal on I-90 last summer—not even a scenic route, just regular driving. The rental company tried to charge him for “loss of use” because the car was out of commission for a day. He ended up paying half of what the insurance would’ve cost anyway.
I’m not saying everyone needs to shell out for every add-on, but for first-timers or anyone who gets anxious about the “what ifs,” paying that extra $15-20 a day feels like buying peace of mind. Maybe that’s just me being overly cautious, but I’d rather have a boring story than an expensive one.
