I’ve rented in Montana a bunch for work trips, and honestly, I’ve never bought the extra insurance either. My credit card covers most stuff, and my regular car insurance picks up the rest. One time, though, I did get a tiny rock chip in the windshield—rental company just charged my card and that was it. Never heard of anyone actually getting dinged for those downtime fees, but I guess if you totaled the car or something, it could happen. Still feels like overkill for most folks.
I always skip the extra insurance too, unless I’m feeling especially paranoid that day. Montana’s gorgeous, but those gravel roads are windshield chip central—been there. My credit card covers most rental disasters, and honestly, I’d rather buy a nice steak than pay for “loss of use” coverage. I guess if you’re planning to off-road in a Corolla, maybe reconsider… otherwise, seems like overkill for most trips.
I get what you mean about those gravel roads—Montana’s beautiful but it’s rough on windshields. Have you ever actually had to file a claim through your credit card for a rental? I’ve always wondered how smooth that process is if something does happen. Also, do you ever worry about those “loss of use” charges sneaking up if the car’s out of commission for a few days? I usually skip the extra too, but sometimes I second-guess myself after seeing all the fine print.
I’ve actually had to go through the credit card claim process once—cracked windshield, ironically enough, but in Utah. It wasn’t a nightmare, but it definitely wasn’t as “automatic” as the card companies make it sound. Lots of paperwork, a few phone calls, and it took about a month to get sorted. Still, it saved me a few hundred bucks, so I can’t complain too much.
The “loss of use” thing is what always makes me pause. Some cards cover it, some don’t, and rental companies love to tack on those fees. I usually double-check the benefits guide before a trip, but honestly, sometimes I just cross my fingers and hope for the best. I get the temptation to buy the extra insurance, especially in places like Montana where the roads can be brutal. But then again, those add-ons add up fast. I guess it’s a bit of a gamble either way.
Extra insurance in Montana is one of those things I always debate, too. Here’s how I look at it:
- Been there with the “automatic” credit card claims—nothing automatic about faxing forms from a hotel lobby printer that barely works. Still, better than shelling out $800 for a new windshield.
- “Loss of use” is the sneakiest fee. Had a buddy get charged for three days because a squirrel chewed through some wiring. Rental company claimed they couldn’t rent the car out. Squirrel insurance not included, apparently.
- Montana roads are no joke. I took a classic Mustang for a spin there once and ended up dodging rocks like I was in a video game. Made me wish I had a force field, not just insurance.
- The add-ons do pile up. Sometimes feels like you’re buying the car, not renting it.
My rule of thumb: if I’m driving somewhere remote or where tow trucks are unicorns, I might splurge for the extra coverage. Otherwise, I just hope my credit card pulls its weight and cross my fingers nothing wild happens... literally or figuratively.
