FAQ

Insurance and Extras | Questions about booking | Office and pick up | Questions after booking

Do I need to return the car with a full tank?

Yes, you get the car with a full tank and you need to return the car with a full tank.

How do you protect my personal and credit card information online?

The online reservation service is located on a secure server that guarantees the safety of a transaction. The system uses SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encrypting technology. SSL works by encrypting all communications between your computer and our server so the information cannot be intercepted.

The main driver and the credit card holder are not the same person, what should I do?

The person that owns the credit card used to pay for the booking and takes responsibility for the car has to sign the rental agreement. If that is not the same person as the main driver, we will list the driver as an extra driver.

Just keep in mind that all drivers and extra drivers have to be present at pick up to sign the rental agreement.

Renting without a credit card

You can pay online with debit cards that have the online payment option.

When you pick up the car, that same card has to be used to guarantee the rental agreement. We offer two card options:
1. We will accept a credit card as a guarantee, no deposit is required. If the credit card is not clearly marked as a credit card our front desk staff is not authorised to accept it.
2. We will accept a debit card, debit/credit card or prepaid credit card only if the card has a 15-16 digit number on the front, and you buy our Platinum Insurance package for the duration of your rental period.

ATTN The cardholder/renter and the card used to pay for the booking has to be present at pick up and the card that is used to pay online has to be the same card as is used to guarantee the rental agreement.

Just remember that the cardholder/renter and all extra-drivers have to be present to sign the rental agreement at pick up. The card used also has to be valid for 100 days after the rental period ends.

How can I pay for my rental car?

You can pay a 15% down payment now and the rest on arrival. If you prefer, you can also pay the full amount now. Due to high fluctuations in the exchange rate it can be good to pay now to guarantee the price.

The best way to book and pay is through the booking engine on our website using a credit card.
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Union Pay and Discover.

You may be able to pay with a debit card on our website, if your card has an online payment option.

What is included in the price?

The Iceland car rental prices include all necessary charges and fees such as:

Free shuttle service at Keflavik airport, pick up and drop off
24 hour roadside assistance
Free cancellation (until 48 hours before pick up)
24% Local VAT
Unlimited mileage/km
Airport surcharge if applicapable
Studded winter tires in winter
Weather warning e-mails during your trip
Free booster seat
Cleaning of the car after drop off
Fuel discount card with free wifi and coffee at Olís and OB gas stations
No hidden fees

The price also includes the following insurance!

- PAI (Personal Accident Insurance)
- Third party liability insurance
- Collision Damage Waiver (“CDW”)

Best price - is on our website

All of our best prices are listed on the website; these are regularly updated with relevant discounts and offers. We cannot offer better prices via email.

Insurances and Extras

Can I upgrade or downgrade my car?

Yes, you can upgrade and downgrade your booking by contacting us.

There might be some extra cost associated with thec vehicle change depending on the new price. If the price is less than the original booking we will refund you the difference immediately.

If your rental has already started please contact the supplier of your vehicle directly. Their contact information is listed on your voucher.

What happens if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

When you book a vehicle with pickup at Keflavik Airport you can provide your flight number with the booking. The agent from the supplier will monitor the flight and plan the delivery accordingly.

If your flight was cancelled please contact us by click the button below and filling out the contact form.

Send us a message

How do I add or remove an insurance or extras from my booking ?

Please contact us if you would like to add or remove any insurance or extras from your booking.

If you want to remove insurance from the booking we will refund you the amount you've already paid for it. Adding insurance to your booking will charge your card the required amount.

Send us a message

How do I change the pickup or return dates?

You can contact us to change your booking dates. Just click the button below and fill out the contact form. Please write down the requested changes. Please note that amendment requests must be sent at least 48 hours before your expected arrival.

Can I extend my booking?

Yes, you can extend your booking by contacting us. If your rental has already started please contact the supplier of your vehicle directly. Their contact information is listed on your voucher.

How do I cancel my booking?

Should you wish to cancel your booking, please contact us by clicking the button below and fill out the form under "Contact Us". We will cancel the booking as soon as possible.

You will receive a full refund, along with the deposit, provided there are at least 48 hours until the start of your rental.

For motorhome bookings, the following cancellation policy applies:
Filling out our cancellation form and submitting a notice of cancellation with 30 days or more until your booking begins, will make you eligible for a full refund of your booking. Canceling with less than 30 days until your booking begins might incur extra cost depending on the cancellation policy of the supplier.

If you wish to have another vehicle instead we can simply switch cars, you just need to send us a direct link to the vehicle you prefer or we can assist you to find the one you wish to have.

Link here

Is possible to add an extra driver?

Once you've selected a vehicle you can scroll down to the Extras section and add the extra driver to your booking.

If you've already booked a vehicle and want to add an extra driver, send us a message by clicking the button below.

Questions about booking

Best price - is on our website

All of our best prices are listed on the website; these are regularly updated with relevant discounts and offers. We cannot offer better prices via email.

Age requirement and drivers license

All drivers must present driving licenses to rent with Iceland Car Rental. (Not a copy !)

A full driver's license must have been held for the last 12 months and must be presented at the start of the rental.

Renter must be 20 years old.

We accept all driving licenses issued by countries within the EU and USA/Canada. If you are from a country outside those regions we will accept your driving license if it has a license number, your photo, a valid date and is in roman alphabet. If your driving license does not fulfill those requirements you will need an international driving license to drive in Iceland.

Can I upgrade or downgrade my car?

Yes, you can upgrade and downgrade your booking by contacting us.

There might be some extra cost associated with thec vehicle change depending on the new price. If the price is less than the original booking we will refund you the difference immediately.

If your rental has already started please contact the supplier of your vehicle directly. Their contact information is listed on your voucher.

How can I pay for my rental car?

The best way to book and pay is through the booking engine on our website using a credit card.
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, JCB, Union Pay and Discover.

You may be able to pay with a debit card on our website, if your card has an online payment option.

Renting without a credit card

The main driver and the credit card holder are not the same person, what should I do?

Just keep in mind that all drivers and extra drivers have to be present at pick up to sign the rental agreement.

Information about our cars

Browse all the cars we offer or specific categories such as small cars, 4x4 cars, vans and minibuses.

You can also view automatic cars and manual cars.

Office and pick up

What documents will I need at pick up?

When you pick up the car, you will need to have a valid driving license and the card used to pay the online booking with to guarantee the rental agreement. We offer two card options:

1. We will accept your credit card as a guarantee, no deposit is required. If the credit card is not clearly marked as a credit card our front desk staff is not authorized to accept it.

2. We will accept you debit card, debit/credit card or prepaid credit card only if the card has a 15-16 digit number on the front and you buy our Platinum Insurance package for the duration of your rental period.

Please note
The cardholder/renter and the card used to pay for the booking has to be present at pick up and the card that is used to pay online has to be the same card as is used to guarantee the rental agreement.

If the card or card holder is not present at pick up, we will need another card to pay for the booking as well as guarantee the rental agreeement, otherwise we are not able to deliver the car. The cardholder of this new card will be the renter, their card will be charged for the amount of the booking and the older card will be refunded.

Just remember that the cardholder/renter and all extra-drivers have to be present to sign the rental agreement at pick up. The card used also has to be valid for 100 days after the rental period ends.

If you present a card that is not clearly marked a credit card at time of pick up, but decide not to take Platinum insurance, no refund will be made as that is considered a cancellation within our 48 hour no cancellation period.

Information about credit and debit cards
If you are in doubt whether your card is a debit or credit card, feel free to contact us and we will look up your card number. We have English, French, Polish and Icelandic speaking agents that are happy to assist you.

When are the Car Rental In Iceland office open?

Our office by Reykjavik KEF airport is always open for pick ups. If you are dropping off a car at night during our office season you can leave the keys in the drop off box.

Our office in Reykjavik is open during the following times:
Monday - Friday from 8am - 18.00 / 6pm.
Saturday - Sunday our Reykjavik office is open from 9am - 16.00 / 4pm.

You are able to return out of office hours in our Reykjavik office, by leaving the keys in the drop-box outside our main entrance. Please note that a vehicle that is returned out of office hours will not be checked in until the next business day and you are responsible for the vehicle until then.

Opening hours during the holidays

24 December

Reykjavík office open 09:00 - 13:00 / 9am - 1pm

Keflavík office open 04:00 - kl 16:00 / 4am – 4pm

25 December

Reykjavík office open 09:00 – 13:00 / 9am - 1pm

Keflavík office open 07:00 - 16:00 / 7am – 4pm

26 December

Reykjavík office open 09:00 – 16:00 / 9am - 4pm

Keflavík office open 04:00 - 24:00 / 4am – 12am

31 December

Reykjavík office open 09:00 - 13:00 / 9am – 1pm

Keflavík office open 04:00 - kl 16:00 / 4am- 4pm

1 January

Reykjavík office open 09:00 – 13:00 / 9am – 1pm

Keflavík office open 07:00 - 16:00 / 7am – 4pm

Do you offer a shuttle service?

Yes, we have a free shuttle service which goes every fifteen minutes around-the-clock between airline terminals and the rental car parking lots. Check out the route in the video below.

When you exit the customs area, continue straight ahead and outside the airport entrance. From there, you walk through a covered footpath and at the end of the path you will find the shuttle service. (Yellow shuttle bus). Our rental office is located very close to the airport (3^rd stop).

Can I be sure I will get the car I booked?

We always try to provide the car you booked but unfortunately, we are unable to guarantee the brand and model. If the exact model you booked is unavailable at the time of pick up we will give you a similiar model or an upgrade, that is guaranteed.

Picking up in one location and returning in another location

You can pick up in one location and return in another. Please note that a 5.000 ISK location switch will be added.

What happens if I will be late to pick up the car?

If you will be late for some reason please let us know as soon as possible, we will of course hold the car for you.

If we do not hear from you, we hold the car for 2 hours after your pick up time. After that we might give the car to another customer.

Drop off information

If you are dropping off in our office by Reykjavik KEF airport we advise you to be there at least 3 hours before your flight. The airport is a busy international airport with many planes leaving at the same time. Once you have returned the car to our lot, you can take the shuttle bus to the departure hall.

Our Head office in Reykjavik is open during the following hours:
Monday - Friday from 8am - 18.00 / 6pm.
Saturday - Sunday our Reykjavik office is open from 9am - 16.00 / 4pm.

You can return the car after office hours in our Reykjavik office. We have a key drop box right next to the entrance on the left. Please note that a car that is returned out of office hours will not be checked in until the next business day and you are responsible for the car until then.

Drop off tips
Remember to fill up the tank to avoid our service fee, which is 5000 ISK (plus the price of filling up the tank).
There is no need to clean the car on the outside, but please throw away all trash before dropping off, we really appreciate it.

And finally, please make sure you check if you have all your items with you. We advise you to check the glove compartment and under the seats especially.

Do I need to return the car with a full tank?

Yes, you get the car with a full tank and you need to return the car with a full tank.

Questions after booking

The Vadlaheidargong tunnel in North Iceland

If you are traveling on the ring road through North Iceland you will drive through or drive around the brand new, 7,5 km Vadlaheidargong tunnel. You can read all about this tunnel on our website The Vadlaheidargong tunnel in North Iceland.

Each time you drive through the tunnel you will have to pay either of two prices; If you pay within 3 hours of using the tunnel the price is 1.500 ISK but if you wait and pay after 3 hours the price jumps up to 2.500 ISK.

Please note that if you skip the payment, Iceland car rental will be notified and will charge your credit card for the 2.500 ISK tunnel fee plus a 2.400 ISK service fee, a total of 4.900 ISK.

What happens if the car breaks down?

If your car breaks down, please call us right away. We will decide the best course of action depending on the level of breakdown.

If the car can be repaired we will guide you to the nearest service garage where the car will be fixed.

In cases of complete breakdown we will bring you a new car as fast as we can.

We always try to find the best and fastest solution for both parties.

View our Roadside Assistance Map.

Where can I check road conditions and weather?

Visit these helpful sites before you start your journey. You can click on the part of the country you plan to drive through and see road conditions, wind speed, real time web cam footage and more.

For weather alerts and safety information > www.safetravel.is
Weather forecast from the Icelandic Met Office > http://en.vedur.is
Road conditions and wind speed in real time > www.road.is
Road web cameras around the country > www.road.is/travel-info/web-cams

Do your cars have studded tires or snow chains during winter?

All our rental cars have studded, winter tires during the winter months. We make sure the tires on our cars are suitable for driving in winter conditions out on the Icelandic roads.

However, Icelanders do not use snow chains so we do not rent out snow chains.

Is it possible to modify my reservation after it is confirmed?

Yes, you are able to modify or cancel your reservation after it is confirmed (according to our cancellation policy). You simply need to send us an email and our sales representative will assist you.

For changes to reservations made via a Travel Agency, please contact the relevant agent. You will receive a confirmation of amendment or cancellation by e-mail.

Regarding extensions, please be aware that we are not always able to accommodate your extension requests, especially during high season. Please contact us at least 24 hours before your scheduled drop off so we can do our best to extend.

Please note that no refunds are issued for cancellations within 48 hours or for unused rental days after the pick up has started - view the cancellation policy for details.

Can I book additional extras or equipment?

Yes, you can book additional extras online or at the front desk when you arrive. They involve extra cost and are subject to availability.

Cancellation policy - Early drop off

Our cancellation policy is as follows
If you cancel up to 2 days (48 hours) prior to pick up you get full refund (100% refund).
If you cancel less than 48 hours before pick up you will not get a refund (0% refund), unless you buy our Cancellation Protection.
No shows are not refunded (0% refund).
If you pick up the car, but decide to drop off early, we do not refund the unused, or partly used rental day(s) unless amendments to booking or cancellations have been made prior to the pick-up date.

F-Roads

Check out an informative brochure about F roads in the highlands of Iceland here. It contains information about road opening times and much more.

Service fees that might apply

Here is a list of service fees that might apply.

Parking fine
There is a 5.000 ISK handling fee for all fines or charges that result from renters use of the car and the renter does not pay himself. Car Rental will charge the renter for fines and charges plus the previously mentioned handling fee.

Speeding fines
If the renter gets a speeding fine, the car rental will send information to the police which will then contact the renter directly. The 5.000 ISK service fee will be charged. You will be notified if this happens.

Extra cleaning
If the car is returned extra dirty inside the renter must pay 15.000 ISK cleaning fee.

Smoking in cars
We do not allow smoking in our cars. If someone smoked inside the car during the rental, the renter must pay 45.000 ISK for cleaning fee.

Picking up damaged car
If the car is damaged and needs to be picked up, the retrieve fee is a total of 350 ISK per km outside of the capital area or a minimum of 55.000 ISK.

Flat tire
If the car is returned with a flat tire, the renter is charged at the time of drop off, total of 30.000 ISK for a small and medium sized car. For a large and luxury car, the total charge is 45.000 ISK at the time of drop off. The tire will then be taken to a tire repair shop and if it is repairable, the total charge is 8.000 ISK and a refund for the difference is made immediately.

Fuel tank
Every rental car comes with a full tank of gas, but it’s the renter’s responsibility to return the vehicle with an equally full tank. Customers who won’t have the time to refuel before dropping off a rental can pay for the fuel fee when dropping off the car. Service fee is 5.000 ISK plus the price for the gas.

Vadlaheidargong tunnel
If you do not pay when you go through this tunnel in North Iceland, the car rental will be notified and will charge your credit card for the 2.500 ISK tunnel fee plus a 5.000 ISK service fee, a total of 7.500 ISK.

Can I use the European health Insurance card In Iceland?

A free card that gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in any of the 28 EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, under the same conditions and at the same cost (free in some countries) as people insured in that country.

Cards are issued by your national health insurance provider.

Important – the European Health Insurance Card:

is not an alternative to travel insurance. It does not cover any private healthcare or costs such as a return flight to your home country or lost/stolen property,
does not cover your costs if you are travelling for the express purpose of obtaining medical treatment,
does not guarantee free services. As each country’s healthcare system is different services that cost nothing at home might not be free in another country.

Please note: when you move your habitual residence to another country, you should register with the S1 form instead of using the EHIC to receive medical care in your new country of habitual residence.

Are my passengers allowed to drive?

No. Not unless a specific passenger has been signed on as an extra driver. Please choose Extra Driver under extras when you booked the vehicle to arrange for an additional driver in the contract.

Do I need a passport to collect the vehicle?

No, you'll only need a valid drivers license written in English/Roman letters.

If your domestic license is written in English/Roman letters, then you are welcome to use that. If it is written in Slavic, Chinese, Arabian or any other alphabet form than the standard English then you must bring an international driver's license.

How long do I need to have held a license for?

There are some rentals that require you to have held a driver's license for at least 12 months before renting a car but this can vary between rental suppliers.

What does an additional driver need?

The requirements for the extra driver are the same as for the main driver. The extra driver needs to be present when you pickup the vehicle and have their driver's license at hand.

How old do I have to be to rent a car?