That “loss of use” thing is wild—never even thought about it until a friend got hit with a bill after a fender bender.
I’m always trying to save cash, but stuff like that makes me wonder if being cheap is worth the risk. Anyone ever actually had to pay out for something like hail or wildlife damage? I keep thinking, what are the odds, but maybe I’m just lucky so far...“A lot of cards only handle collision and theft, but not those sneaky admin fees or loss of use charges rental companies tack on while the car’s in the shop.”
Title: Do You Really Need Extra Insurance for a Rental in Montana?
I hear you on the “loss of use” thing. Got burned by that once—rented a Mustang for a road trip, some guy sideswiped it in the hotel lot, and the rental place dinged me for loss of use while it was out of commission. My credit card covered the repairs, but not that random fee. Not a huge amount, but enough to make me grumble every time I see a Hertz sign now.
As for wildlife or hail, Montana’s basically bingo for that kind of stuff. I had a buddy hit a deer outside Bozeman—luckily it was his own truck, but the rental folks told us later it happens more than you’d think. Hail’s another beast. Those summer storms roll through and suddenly your “just-in-case” insurance feels like winning the lottery.
I used to skip all the extras too, thinking it was just scare tactics at the counter. But after that Mustang fiasco, I’ll at least read the fine print now. Sometimes being cheap is just rolling dice with bad odds... especially when you’re out in bear country or driving through hail alley.
Honestly, if you’re renting in Montana and don’t want to stress about every cloud or critter on the road, springing for the extra coverage isn’t the worst idea. It’s not like they’re giving away classics anyway—most rentals are already beat up, but somehow they still find a way to charge you for every little ding.
Anyway, everyone’s risk tolerance is different. I’d rather spend a few extra bucks than deal with rental company nonsense again. But hey, maybe you’ve got better luck than me...
Yeah, I get where you’re coming from. I used to think all that extra insurance was just a money grab, but after getting stuck with a bill for a cracked windshield (thanks, random gravel truck), I started rethinking it. Montana’s wild, literally—deer, hail, weird weather. You’re not wrong about the “rolling dice” part. Sometimes it’s just not worth the stress, especially if you’re not used to driving those roads. You did what you had to do—no shame in wanting some peace of mind.
Honestly, I get why people want the extra coverage, especially after hearing stories like yours. But I’ve gotta say, I’m still a bit skeptical about how necessary it is for everyone. I drive through Montana a few times a year—sometimes for work, sometimes to visit family—and I’ve never actually needed the rental company’s insurance. My credit card already covers most of that stuff, and my regular auto policy has me pretty well set for liability.
I mean, yeah, Montana’s got its fair share of “surprises”—I’ve dodged more than a few deer and had to pull over for sudden hailstorms. But the rental insurance is pricey, and if you’re careful about what your own policies cover, it feels kind of redundant. The rental desk folks always make it sound like you’ll be stranded in the wilderness if you don’t buy their coverage, but in reality, most people are already covered one way or another.
That said, I totally get not wanting to deal with the headache if something does go wrong. Not everyone wants to risk it or deal with insurance claims later. But for me, I’d rather save the cash and just double-check my credit card and personal policy before the trip. Worst case, if something happens, yeah, it might be a hassle... but so far (knock on wood), it hasn’t been an issue.
Maybe it’s just me being stubborn or cheap, but I don’t think the extra insurance is a must-have for everyone—especially if you do a bit of homework before you pick up the keys.
But for me, I’d rather save the cash and just double-check my credit card and personal policy before the trip.
Honestly, I respect that approach. If you know what your credit card and car insurance cover, you’re already ahead of most people at the rental counter. I’ll admit, I’ve been in a few scrapes (I’m not proud), and the headache of claims is real, but you’re right—it’s not always worth shelling out for every “what if” the agent throws at you.
The way you laid it out makes sense: check your policies, weigh your risk tolerance, then decide. That’s a solid plan. Not everyone drives like they’re in a demolition derby (guilty), so if you’re careful and prepared, skipping the extra insurance isn’t reckless—it’s just practical.
You’re not being cheap, just smart about where your money goes. As long as you’re cool with handling a claim yourself if something does go sideways, there’s no shame in passing on the upsell.
