I’ve dodged a couple deer but never had any real damage. Maybe I’m just lucky...
Funny you mention deer—my neighbor’s rental got sideswiped by one last fall, and the insurance saved him a headache. Ever think about what happens if you’re not so lucky? I get the “money grab” feeling, but sometimes it’s just about not gambling with Murphy’s Law, you know?
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve rented in Montana a few times and never bothered with the extra insurance. My credit card covers most stuff, and my regular policy fills in the gaps. Feels like doubling up for no reason, at least for me.
Feels like doubling up for no reason, at least for me.
I get that, but have you ever actually had to file a claim through your credit card or regular policy? I tried once after a fender bender in Bozeman—total headache. The rental company wanted their money ASAP, and my card dragged it out for weeks. Not saying the extra insurance is always worth it, but sometimes paying a bit more saves a lot of hassle if something goes sideways.
Extra Insurance for Rentals: Worth It or Not?
I hear you on the claim process—it’s rarely smooth sailing. But I’ve seen a lot of folks double up on coverage without realizing what they’re actually getting. Here’s where I usually land:
- Credit card coverage sounds great, but it’s almost always secondary. That means your personal policy takes the hit first, and then the card might pick up leftovers. If you don’t want a claim on your own insurance, that’s a factor.
- Rental companies push their insurance hard, but it’s not always comprehensive. Sometimes it’s just collision, sometimes liability, sometimes both. Gotta read the fine print (which nobody wants to do at the counter).
- If you have solid personal auto insurance, you’re probably covered for most rental situations in the US, including Montana. Exceptions: commercial rentals, exotic cars, or rentals outside the country.
- The “hassle factor” is real. I’ve seen people pay extra just to avoid paperwork if something goes wrong. But for others, that’s not worth the daily upcharge.
Quick story: had a client who rented a car in Missoula, got rear-ended in a parking lot. Her personal insurance handled it, but she still had to front the deductible and wait for reimbursement from the other driver’s company. She said she’d just buy the rental coverage next time to avoid the headache. On the flip side, another guy paid for every add-on, never had a single issue, and now feels like he wasted hundreds over the years.
Bottom line, I’m a bit skeptical about “extra” insurance unless you’re risk-averse or just want peace of mind. But I get why some folks just want to pay and forget it. Guess it comes down to how much hassle you’re willing to deal with if things go sideways.
I’m in the camp that leans toward extra coverage, but mostly because my driving record isn’t spotless. My rates are already high, and I’d rather not risk another claim on my personal policy—even if it means paying a bit more at the counter. The paperwork and waiting game after an accident can be brutal, especially if you’re already dealing with surcharges or points on your license. For me, the peace of mind is worth it, but I get why folks with clean records might skip it. It’s definitely not a one-size-fits-all answer.
