Do I Need to Rent a Car in Iceland
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Which car rental company is the best in Iceland? Car or camping van? How about car insurance?
So many questions, I know. I also had to do some homework before renting our car too, so I know your pain. We rented a car on our trip and visited many places along Iceland's ring road. We totally love it!
In this travel guide, I will share tips and useful information to answer all your questions.
Is renting a car in Iceland a good idea?
Traveling by car is the best way to explore Iceland. Here is why.
It's better than buses.
Believe me. You don't want to wait for buses to come and pick you up just for a short ride. Buses are quite rare and scheduled to
Also, while the bus tours in Iceland are pretty good, surely the experience is not as good as driving on your own.
You don't have to wait for other travelers on tour, and you can decide how much time you want to spend at each place without being rushed back to the bus.
You can visit more places.
Do you know that some parts of Iceland can only reach by car? Yes, it's true. You'll have so much freedom and flexibility when driving a car. You can basically stop anywhere (except for the off-roads) and enjoy the scenery.
You don't have to spend money at hotels.
If you're a budget traveler, pack a sleeping bag and a tent with you on your trip. Camping in Iceland is fun if you're well-prepared.
You can split the cost.
Although car rental fee in Iceland is much more expensive than other countries, it's not that bad if you can split the cost with other travelers.
If you travel solo to Iceland, you can visit the forums or travel groups and find a few people to rent a car together.
Which car rental company should I choose in Iceland?
There are so many car rental companies in Iceland, and I was honestly overwhelmed when I first took a look at it.
I use RentalCars.com to compare the prices and services from different car providers. There are many filter options to choose from, so you can adjust them according to your needs.
Also, I like most that RentalCars.com offers free cancellation up to 48 hours before you pick up your vehicle. It's hassle-free, and you don't have to worry if you change your travel plan.
Car rental prices
The cheapest cars are usually small hatchbacks or similar ones. For example, the rental price for a mini Hyundai or Kia starts at $80 per day.
For the smallest four-wheel drive (4WD), the fee is from $120 to $200, and the larger 4WD costs between $160 and $400 per day.
Note
- The rental rate includes unlimited mileage, 24% VAT, and usually collision damage waiver (CDW).
- If you drop your car at a different location from the pick-up, the company may charge a certain fee.
- There's usually a discount if you rent for more than a week. Also, you can find better daily rates and deals from September to May when there's a low number of tourists.
What is the best car to rent in Iceland?
You should pick a vehicle that suits your travel plan and the time of the year. For example, it depends on the roads you intend to drive, the number of people, and the space you need.
Time of the year
If you visit Iceland in the winter, a larger car is better and safer. A four-wheel drive (4WD) is essential in slippery winter road conditions and deep snow.
Where you go
If you just visit the Southern parts or around Reykjavik and the Ring Road, you won't need a 4WD.
However, if you plan to visit highlands such as the Northern regions or F-roads, you'll surely need a 4WD vehicle.
In brief, you can't drive on F-roads without a 4WD. F-roads are mountain or highland roads that are not regularly maintained. Some F-roads will need a big SUV or even specialized vehicles.
Budget trip
If you travel Iceland on a budget, hatchbacks cars would be a perfect choice. There's a wide range of budget cars you can choose from, but you should select a medium car to be more comfortable.
Should I rent a car in the winter?
Renting a car in Iceland in the winter is not a good idea unless you have experience driving in snow and ice. Also, please note that some roads in Iceland in the winter are closed for days due to snowstorms and harsh environments.
Should I rent a campervan?
A campervan is fantastic to travel in general but renting one or not really depends on your budget.
A campervan costs from $110 to $160 per day, but you can save the hotel cost. And it's much more convenient than a car.
Should I have a GPS?
GPS is generally good to have as navigating can be confusing. Most rental car services will have options for opt-in GPS at around $8 per day.
However, you can save the cost by using Google Maps. Don't forget to download offline Google maps before you go, and you should get a local SIM card too. Also, pack extra batteries for your road trip.
Tips for renting a car in Iceland
Check small prints for hidden cost
Before renting a car, you should check the small print to see if there're extra costs such as additional insurance, airport pick-up charges, and one-way rental fees.
Book your car the sooner, the better.
Don't wait until the last minute to book your car. In high season, the demand rises, and there are not enough good cars for people to rent. It leads to higher car rental prices.
See also
When booking your car early, you'll have more choices and maybe even a discount too.
Rental car insurance
Collision Damage Waiver
Most car rental services include Collision Damage Waiver, which covers most of the damage to your vehicle for example in case of an accident. This amount can vary between car rental but is usually around 2.000 EUR.
Windshield Insurance
The insurance covers damages to all car windows, including cost of installation or repair if that is possible.
Theft Protection
It's perfectly safe in Iceland, and the theft rate is really low. However, if your rental car is stolen, the most you'll pay towards replacement costs covered by the policy is the theft excess.
What is the Iceland car rental age?
To rent a car in Iceland, you must be at least 20 years old or 23 years old if you plan to rent a 4WD. Also, you need to have a valid driving license.
If you're under 25 years old, some rental car companies may charge you a young driver fee. The surcharge is between $5-$10 a day for a maximum of 7 days.
Can I use my national driving license in Iceland? Do I need an International driving license?
You can drive in Iceland with a driving license from most European countries, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
However, if your license is not in Roman script, you must get an International Driving Permit before your trip. You can request your home country's automobile association for this permit.
Rent cars from the locals in Iceland
There are a few car-sharing platforms in Iceland, such as CarRenters, where you can rent privately owned cars from locals. You can also find cars and campervans for rent via Airbnb.
If you decide to do this, check the costs and small print carefully. I find the prices are not much different from those of car-hire companies, and you may not have the company's support if things go wrong.
What is it like to drive in Iceland?
I've written a complete guide about driving in Iceland. You can check it out to know more.
Also, check out this video below for safety tips!
Are you planning a trip to Iceland?
I have tons of free resources on Iceland travel and how to make the best of your trip. Check out some articles below:
- My money-saving tips for Iceland
- Best time to visit Iceland
- Best things to do in Iceland
Do I Need to Rent a Car in Iceland
Source: https://www.expatolife.com/renting-a-car-in-iceland/
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