Do you really need extra insurance for a rental in Montana?

Had a similar scare with a ‘68 Mustang I rented for a wedding - except it was a rogue deer, not hail. My regular insurance barely covered the fender. Still, I usually roll the dice unless it’s something really fancy or the weather looks sketchy. Guess I’m stubborn, but those extra fees add up fast.

Those extra fees really do add up, especially if you’re renting for more than a couple days. But Montana’s a wild card - between the weather and wildlife, it’s tough to predict what might happen. I’ve seen folks get caught off guard by the fine print on their regular policies, especially with classic or specialty cars. Sometimes your credit card offers decent coverage, but it’s worth double-checking the exclusions. Personally, I weigh the risk against the rental value... if it’s a basic sedan, I’ll usually skip it, but something rare or expensive? I’d probably bite the bullet for peace of mind.

if it’s a basic sedan, I’ll usually skip it, but something rare or expensive? I’d probably bite the bullet for peace of mind.

That’s a solid approach. I’ve seen people assume their personal policy covers everything, only to get tripped up by exclusions - especially with wildlife collisions out there. Reading the fine print is tedious, but it really pays off.

I’m with you - after a run-in with a deer in my ‘68 Mustang (not in Montana, thankfully), I don’t take chances anymore. Some of those rental contracts are full of surprises, especially out west where animals seem to come out of nowhere. I’d rather pay a bit more than end up footing the bill for something I didn’t even think about.

Honestly, I get where you’re coming from. I had a client who thought their regular auto policy would cover everything when they rented a car in Wyoming - turns out, not so much. They hit a pronghorn at dusk (those things move fast), and the bill for repairs was way more than they expected. Their personal insurance only covered part of it, and the rental company tacked on “loss of use” fees while the car was in the shop. That’s one of those sneaky charges that catches people off guard.

You mentioned this earlier:

Some of those rental contracts are full of surprises, especially out west where animals seem to come out of nowhere.

Couldn’t agree more. Out west, you’re dealing with wildlife, gravel roads, hailstorms - stuff that’s not always top-of-mind if you’re used to city driving. Here’s how I usually break it down when folks ask about extra coverage:

1. **Check your own auto policy first** – Some policies extend to rentals, but not all do. And even if they do, there might be gaps (like those “loss of use” charges or diminished value).
2. **Credit card coverage** – If you pay with certain cards, you might get secondary coverage, but read the fine print. Sometimes it only kicks in after your own insurance.
3. **Rental company insurance** – It’s pricier, but it can save you from headaches if something weird happens (like a deer running into your fender at 2am).
4. **Consider where you’re driving** – Montana’s beautiful but unpredictable. If you’re going off paved roads or into remote areas, I’d lean toward getting extra coverage.

I’m all about saving money where it makes sense, but after seeing a few folks get burned by unexpected costs, I’d rather spend a little more upfront than risk a big bill later. Not saying everyone needs every add-on they offer at the counter - just know what your own policy covers and fill in the gaps as needed.

Funny enough, last time I rented in Bozeman I almost skipped the extra insurance... then saw three elk cross the road right outside town and changed my mind real quick. Sometimes peace of mind is worth it.