The admin fees can be a headache even if you’re technically covered.
Yeah, those admin fees are sneaky. I once rented in Bozeman and thought my regular insurance had me set—turns out, it didn’t cover “diminished value” or the rental company’s downtime. Ended up paying more than if I’d just sprung for the extra coverage. Montana weather is wild, too... blue skies one minute, hail the next. Sometimes peace of mind is worth a few extra bucks.
I get what you’re saying, but I’ve always skipped the extra rental coverage and just double-checked my credit card benefits. Haven’t been burned yet, even after a rock cracked the windshield last year. Maybe I’ve just been lucky... but those add-ons add up quick.
I hear you on those add-ons—they can feel like you’re just tossing money into the wind, especially when your credit card already offers some coverage. But Montana’s got its own quirks. I’ve seen more than a few folks surprised when their card didn’t cover “loss of use” fees or certain types of damage. Rental companies can get pretty creative with those charges, and sometimes the fine print on credit card benefits is sneakier than a mountain goat.
Out of curiosity, did your card cover the windshield repair without any hassle? I’ve had clients who thought they were all set, only to find out glass wasn’t included or there was a hefty deductible. Just makes me wonder—are most people actually reading through all that fine print, or just crossing their fingers and hoping for the best?
Title: Do you really need extra insurance for a rental in Montana?
You nailed it—those “loss of use” fees are where a lot of people get tripped up. I’ve seen folks come back from a trip thinking their credit card had them covered, only to get hit with a bill for days the car was out of commission. It’s not always obvious in the benefits guide, either. And yeah, glass coverage is its own beast. Some cards are great about it, others treat windshields like they’re made of gold.
I totally get not wanting to pay for every add-on, but I always tell people to actually call their card company before the trip and ask about specifics—like “loss of use,” glass, tires, and even animal collisions (hello, Montana deer). Sometimes you’ll find out your coverage is solid, other times it’s full of holes.
Honestly, most people don’t read the fine print. I don’t blame them—it’s dense stuff. But a quick phone call can save a lot of headaches later. Better safe than sorry when you’re out in Big Sky country... those repair bills can add up fast.
Yeah, those “loss of use” fees are sneaky. I learned the hard way when a rock chipped the windshield on a rental in Bozeman—thought my card had me covered, turns out it didn’t cover glass at all. Now I always double-check. Montana roads can be rough, and deer aren’t shy either... If there’s ever a place to err on the safe side, it’s up there.
