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

I’m with you on not wanting to pay for coverage you don’t need. It’s wild how many people just accept the rental counter pitch without thinking twice. I always double-check my own auto policy and credit card benefits before a trip, and in most cases, they’ve got me covered for collision and liability. That said, I do get a little twitchy about the “loss of use” fees some rental companies tack on if the car’s out of commission after an accident. Not every insurance or card covers that, and those fees can add up fast.

Montana’s a unique case, though. I’ve driven through there during spring and fall, and the weather can turn on a dime - hail one minute, clear skies the next. Plus, those rural highways at dusk are basically deer obstacle courses. The odds might be low, but if you’re unlucky, it gets expensive quick. I usually weigh how remote my route is and how much risk I’m willing to eat. If I’m sticking to main roads and it’s not peak wildlife season, I’ll skip the extra insurance. But if I’m heading into the mountains or planning late-night drives, sometimes I’ll just bite the bullet for peace of mind.

One thing that caught me off guard once: my credit card covered collision damage but not liability. Had to call my insurer from the rental lot to make sure I wasn’t missing anything. It’s worth reading the fine print - some cards only cover rentals up to a certain length or exclude certain vehicle types (trucks, SUVs, etc). And if you’re using points or booking through a third party, sometimes coverage doesn’t apply at all.

Long story short: yeah, don’t pay twice for coverage you already have. But it’s worth taking five minutes to check your policies before you get to the counter - Montana can surprise you in more ways than one...

Had a similar moment of panic last summer in Montana - thought my card covered everything, but turns out it didn’t touch “loss of use” either. Ended up on the phone with the rental company arguing over a fee for days the car sat in their shop. Honestly, I hate paying extra, but those sneaky charges can really bite you if something goes sideways. I’m still not convinced the peace of mind is always worth the markup, but I double-check every time now. Montana’s gorgeous, but man, those deer don’t care about your insurance policy...

Had a similar run-in with “loss of use” fees myself, but in Wyoming. Those fine print exclusions are wild. I’ve started reading every line of the rental agreement, even if it takes forever. Sometimes the “peace of mind” surcharge feels like a racket, but the headache of arguing after an accident is worse. Deer, hail, random gravel - Montana’s got surprises that don’t care what you planned.

Deer, hail, random gravel - Montana’s got surprises that don’t care what you planned.

That’s exactly why I always get the extra insurance, even if it feels overpriced. I’d rather pay a bit more upfront than risk a huge bill later. Those “loss of use” fees are no joke, and honestly, my regular car insurance doesn’t cover half the stuff that can go wrong out here. It’s wild how fast things can go sideways on those backroads.

Title: Do You Really Need Extra Insurance For A Rental In Montana?

Couldn’t agree more about Montana’s “surprises.” I’ve had my fair share of run-ins with wildlife - once had a moose just stand in the middle of the road and stare at me like I was the one out of place. And don’t get me started on the gravel. Even with all-wheel drive and a bit of experience, those backroads can turn into a real-life obstacle course.

I used to think my regular insurance would cover everything, but after reading the fine print (and, let’s be honest, learning the hard way), it turns out there are all sorts of exclusions. The “loss of use” fee is the one that really stings. Last year, I had a tiny chip in the windshield from a rogue pebble - barely noticeable, but the rental company charged for repairs plus three days’ worth of “loss of use.” My own insurance shrugged and said, “Not our problem.”

It does feel like you’re paying for peace of mind more than anything else. But when you’re driving something that costs more than your first house (or at least feels like it), that peace of mind is worth every penny. I’d rather laugh about overpaying for insurance than cry over an unexpected bill because a deer decided to test its luck.

That said, sometimes the rental companies push every add-on under the sun. I usually skip their GPS and roadside assistance - my phone and AAA have me covered there - but I never skimp on damage waivers or liability coverage. Maybe it’s paranoia, or maybe it’s just experience talking... but Montana doesn’t mess around.

Anyway, if you’re planning to explore beyond the main highways, extra coverage isn’t just smart - it’s almost essential. Unless you’ve got nerves of steel and a wallet to match, I wouldn’t risk it.