Van Rental Insurance Guide
Understanding rental insurance can be confusing, but making informed choices protects you financially during your Montana trip. This guide explains coverage options, what you may already have, and how to decide what additional protection you need.
Types of Rental Insurance Coverage
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) / Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)
- Waives your financial responsibility if the rental van is damaged or stolen
- NOT technically insurance, but a waiver of liability
- Typically the most expensive add-on option
- May have deductibles or exclusions for certain types of damage
- Does not cover personal injury or liability to others
Liability Insurance (LIS)
- Covers injury to others and damage to their property
- Required by Montana law with minimum coverage limits
- Basic coverage usually included in rental price
- Supplemental liability increases coverage limits
- Protects you if you cause an accident
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI)
- Covers medical expenses for you and passengers
- May include death and dismemberment benefits
- Check if your health insurance already covers this
- Often unnecessary if you have good health coverage
Personal Effects Coverage (PEC)
- Covers theft of personal belongings from the rental van
- Usually has low coverage limits and high deductibles
- Your homeowners or renters insurance may already cover this
- Consider whether your valuable items need specific coverage
Coverage You May Already Have
Check Before Buying Extra Insurance
- Auto Insurance - Your personal car insurance often extends to rental vehicles
- Credit Card - Many premium cards offer collision damage coverage for rentals
- Homeowners/Renters Insurance - May cover theft of personal items from vehicle
- Health Insurance - Typically covers medical expenses from accidents
- AAA/Auto Club - Some memberships include rental car insurance benefits
Important Considerations for Montana
- Wildlife Collisions - Check if collision with animals is covered (deer, elk common)
- Gravel Road Damage - Understand coverage for chips and windshield damage
- Winter Conditions - Ice and snow accidents - ensure adequate coverage
- Remote Locations - Towing coverage important in rural Montana
- National Parks - Coverage extends into Yellowstone and other parks
Questions to Ask Your Insurance Provider
- Does my auto insurance cover rental vehicles?
- What are the coverage limits for rentals?
- Does it cover vans or only standard cars?
- Is coverage valid in all states including Montana?
- What is my deductible for rental vehicle damage?
- Am I covered for loss of use charges if van is being repaired?
Questions About Credit Card Coverage
- Must the entire rental be charged to the card?
- Is it primary or secondary coverage?
- What types of vehicles are covered? (some exclude vans)
- Are there rental duration limits (typically 15-31 days)?
- What countries/states are covered?
- Does it cover loss of use fees?
When to Consider Additional Coverage
- You don't have personal auto insurance
- Your policy doesn't cover rentals or has low limits
- You want to avoid filing a claim on your personal insurance
- Driving in winter conditions with ice and snow
- High value van rental where damage costs would be significant
- Peace of mind is worth the additional daily cost