I get the urge to pay extra for peace of mind, but honestly, I think it’s a bit of a money trap most of the time. I’ve had a couple minor incidents (one with a pickup in Idaho, not Montana but still rural) and my credit card coverage actually came through. The rental company tried to push extra insurance hard, but in the end, the paperwork wasn’t that bad. Don’t get me wrong—if you’re planning on off-roading or something wild, maybe it’s different. But for regular driving? I’d rather save the cash and just read the fine print really carefully.
“The rental company tried to push extra insurance hard, but in the end, the paperwork wasn’t that bad.”
I’ve seen this play out a lot. Most folks don’t realize their credit card or personal auto policy already covers rentals, and they end up double-insured. I’ve handled plenty of claims where people paid for the extra coverage and never needed it. Unless you’re planning to do something risky or your own coverage has gaps, it’s usually not worth it. Just double-check what your card or policy actually covers—sometimes there are weird exclusions, especially for trucks or rural areas.
Honestly, you nailed it—most people don’t realize they’re already covered. I always tell friends to call their card company or insurer before the trip. Had a client once who bought the extra coverage, only to find out later her own policy would’ve handled everything. Just takes a few minutes to check, and it can save you a chunk of change. Those exclusions for rural areas in Montana can be sneaky, though... always worth a closer look.
- Always double-check your credit card benefits—some only cover collision, not liability.
- Personal auto policies often extend, but rural Montana can mean weird exclusions or high deductibles.
- I’ve seen folks surprised by “unpaved road” clauses... read the fine print, especially if you’re headed off the beaten path.
- If you’re not comfortable with gaps, sometimes that $10/day extra is just peace of mind.
I once rented a car in Montana and thought my regular insurance had me covered, but then the rental agent started rattling off exclusions like it was a game show. Suddenly I’m wondering if driving down a gravel road to see some bison would void everything. Has anyone actually had to file a claim out there? Did your policy or card benefits hold up, or did you get stuck with some wild bill for a cracked windshield?