Totally get where you’re coming from. The stress of dealing with insurance after an accident—especially if you’ve already got points—sounds like a nightmare. I’m still pretty new behind the wheel, so I worry about making mistakes too. Paying a bit extra for peace of mind seems worth it, even if it stings at the counter. I guess everyone’s risk tolerance is different, but your logic makes a lot of sense to me.
I hear you on the peace of mind thing—my wallet still cries a little every time I tick that extra insurance box. But hey, better than explaining to a rental company why their car now has a new “custom” dent, right? Ever had them try to charge you for something you swear was already there? Those walk-arounds always make me sweat...
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I’ve skipped the extra insurance a few times in Montana and never had a problem. My own car insurance covered rentals, so it felt like paying twice. The walk-arounds are nerve-wracking, though—I just take a bunch of photos before I drive off. Never had them argue about a scratch yet, but I’m always a little paranoid they’ll try.
The walk-arounds are nerve-wracking, though—I just take a bunch of photos before I drive off. Never had them argue about a scratch yet, but I’m always a little paranoid they’ll try.
That’s basically my ritual too—nothing like feeling you’re auditioning for CSI: Rental Car Edition, snapping every angle just in case. I totally get the logic behind skipping the extra insurance if your own policy covers rentals, but I always get this nagging feeling that the one time I don’t buy it, a rogue hailstorm or an elk with a grudge will show up. Montana weather can be wild, and I’ve seen some pretty gnarly dents from “acts of nature” that weren’t exactly covered under my standard policy.
I’ve heard some credit cards offer secondary coverage too, but the fine print is like reading ancient runes. Ever tried to actually file a claim through your card? I’m curious if anyone’s had to go through that circus. I imagine it’s a lot of hold music and “we’re reviewing your documentation” emails.
On the paranoia front, I once spent ten minutes photographing a tiny chip in the windshield, only to have the agent laugh and say, “We don’t even count those unless you can fit a quarter in it.” Still, I’d rather be the person with too many photos than the one arguing over a mystery scratch.
Has anyone actually had a rental company try to pin damage on them in Montana? Or is it mostly just our collective anxiety talking?
I’ve actually seen a couple of folks get dinged for “damage” that was already there, but it’s rare—usually just small stuff like scuffs or a windshield chip. The paranoia isn’t totally unfounded, though. Montana weather is no joke, and most standard auto policies don’t cover things like hail or animal collisions on rentals unless you’ve got comprehensive. Credit card coverage is a mixed bag—some are great, some make you jump through hoops and wait forever. I’d say if you’re risk-averse or it’s storm season, the extra insurance isn’t the worst idea, even if it feels like a money grab.
