Had a similar debate with my dad before our last trip. He was all “don’t waste money,” but I kept picturing some random deer running into the car (it’s Montana, after all). Ended up getting the extra coverage just for peace of mind. Didn’t need it, but honestly, not stressing about every little scratch made the trip way more chill. Sometimes paying a bit extra is worth it just for that.
Honestly, I’m with you on this one. Montana roads can be wild—literally. I’d rather pay a bit more and not have to sweat every time I see something dart out of the woods. My friend once had a close call with a moose up there... not fun. Peace of mind’s worth a few extra bucks, if you ask me.
I totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve driven through Montana a few times, and honestly, those long stretches of road with nothing but trees and the occasional deer sign can make you a little jumpy. I remember once I had to slam on the brakes for a herd of elk—didn’t even see them until they were right there. I had my own car, but if it’d been a rental, I’d probably have been sweating bullets about the insurance.
I know some folks say your regular car insurance or even certain credit cards cover rentals, but I’ve always wondered how well that actually works if you hit, say, a moose or something big. Has anyone here actually had to file a claim like that? Did it go smoothly, or was it a nightmare with paperwork and arguing with the insurance company? Sometimes I feel like paying extra at the counter is just buying peace of mind, even if it’s not strictly “necessary.”
Had a client hit a deer in a rental up there—his personal insurance covered it, but it took weeks to sort out. The rental company kept charging his card until everything cleared. That “peace of mind” fee at the counter isn’t always a bad idea, honestly.
Extra Insurance in Montana: Worth It or Not?
- I get the appeal of that “peace of mind” fee, but I’ve always been a bit skeptical. Rental companies love to upsell, and those fees add up fast.
- Personal experience: my credit card actually covered damage on a rental after a fender bender near Glacier. No out-of-pocket, just paperwork. Took a couple weeks, but no surprise charges.
- If you’re using a decent credit card and have solid personal auto insurance, you might be double-paying for coverage you already have.
- That said, Montana’s wildlife is no joke. I’ve seen more deer on the road there than anywhere else. If you’re not comfortable with some risk or hate dealing with claims, maybe the extra fee is worth it for you.
- For me, I’d rather save the cash and deal with the hassle if it comes up. But yeah, I get why some folks just want to pay and not think about it.
Guess it depends on your risk tolerance and how much patience you have for paperwork...