Frequently asked questions
Select category
- Vehicles
- Rental price
- Emergency service
- Insurance
- Payment
- Confirmation e-mail
- Rental period
- Modification and cancellation policy
- Are you plannig to drive in the country?
- Our offices
- Additional drivers and driver´s licence
- Pick-up?
- Drop-off
- Airport
- About the rental vehicle
- Please read the following section about safe driving in Iceland
Vehicles
When choosing a vehicle in the booking process it says “Ford Focus or similar”, what kind of a vehicle can I expect to get?
Actual make and model may vary and is subject to availability at the time of delivery and we therefore reserve the right to deliver a similar vehicle. Similar vehicle means your rental vehicle will fulfil the requirements of the vehicle class and vehicle type you booked.
Rental price
What does the rental price include?
The rental price includes unlimited mileage, 25,5% VAT tax and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). Please review terms and conditions before booking a rental car.
Where do I get the best price?
Our lowest prices are online so that is the cheapest and also the easiest way to book a car.
Emergency service
Do you offer emergency breakdown assistance?
Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency breakdown assistance which means you can call our emergency line every day, 24 hours a day. Assistance through telephone is free but cost of assistance depends on your location, severity of the problem and other factors. Assistance cost is estimated during the call.
How do I reach the emergency service:
Please call +354 515 7110.
Insurance
What kind of insurance do you offer?
We offer different level of protection designed with flexibility in mind as our customers have different needs.
Basic insurance
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is included in the vehicle rental price which limits the lessee’s/driver’s liability to a certain amount. The liability amount is displayed during the booking process as it depends on the class and type of the rental vehicle. Please review terms and conditions before booking a rental car.
Additional insurance:
Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) reduces the lessee’s/driver’s liability even further than CDW. The liability amount and the price of the insurance is displayed during the booking process as it depends on the class and type of the rental vehicle. This is an optional upgrade of the CDW.
Grand Collision Damage Waiver (Grand CDW) includes Super Collision Damage Waiver (Super CDW) and in addition it covers damages on windshields, front lights and paint of the vehicle which is caused by gravel or stones that hit the vehicle from a passing vehicle on a gravel road. It also covers damages to the chassis of the rented vehicle, such as to the exhaust system, gear-box and engine if the vehicle scrapes the surface of a regular road or on F-marked roads for those vehicles which are fit for such roads. This is an optional upgrade of the SCDW
Is Theft Protection (TP) available?
Theft Protection (TP) is included in our basic insurance, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). Terms and conditions of the CDW insurance can be found at our website. CDW is a Motor hull insurance that compensates for example for the damage, destruction and loss of the vehicle. CDW does not cover personal belongings lost, damaged or stolen.
Which insurance is included in the booking price?
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is included in the booking price. Please see above.
Is it possible to decline the CDW that is included in the rental price (I have CDW insurance from my credit card)?
No, it is not possible.
Can I change the insurance when I pick up the rental car?
Yes, it is possible.
I did not find any check box for the Grand Collision Damage Waiver (GCDW). Is it included in the CDW or the SCDW insurance?
No, it is not included. When you pick-up the car please let us know that you want Grand Collision Damage Waiver (GCDW) Insurance and we will arrange it.
What does „SCDW for other than passenger cars“ mean?
This means for bigger cars, for example 4x4 vehicles, minivans, etc.
Does any insurance cover damages caused by animals?
No.
Payment
I have written my credit card information in the booking process. When will you charge the card?
All rentals booked through our homepage are paid on arrival. The only reason we ask you to provide a credit card number in the booking process is because of our cancellation policy. Payment is by credit card only and you pay when you pick up the car.
Can I pay in cash, with a debit card, with a bank transfer or with a pre-paid card?
No, we only accept credit cards.
How much do you have to pay in advance if you make a reservation online?
You don´t have to pay anything in advance. All bookings are paid on arrival.
Do I need to have a credit card with me when I pick up the car?
Yes, you´ll need a credit card for payment as it is the only acceptable payment method.
Can I provide credit card information on arrival (and not online at time of the booking)?
No, unfortunately our booking policy does not allow it.
Confirmation e-mail
I made a booking online but I have not received a confirmation e-mail. What should I do?
Confirmation e-mail should arrive to customers no later than 24 hours after booking took place. If you have not received confirmation please check the following:
Did you finalize the booking process?
Did the confirmation e-mail go to your junk mail folder?
If you have checked the above questions please send us an e-mail at booking@dti.is with your name, arrival and pick-up dates and type of vehicle and we will check your booking and reply to you within 24 hours.
Rental period
Is there a minimum rental period?
Minimum rental period is 24 hours.
Modification and cancellation policy
Is it possible to make changes to my reservation? Are there any conditions?
During the period from June 15th to end of August: Modifications 72 hours before booked pick-up time require no modification fee. If changes are done later, a fee will be charged from your credit card. Outside of this period, there is no modification fee if the reservation is changed 24 hours before booked pick-up date, at the latest.
Please send us an e-mail to booking@dti.is if you want to make modifications to your booking. Remember to include your reservation number which you can find in the confirmation e-mail (reservation number starts with an L).
Can I cancel my reservation?
During the period from June 15th to end of August: Cancellations 72 hours before booked pick-up time require no cancellation fee. If cancelled later, full payment will be charged from your credit card. Outside of this period there is no cancellation fee if the reservation is cancelled 24 hours before booked pick-up time, at the latest.
Are you planning to drive in the country?
What does „F-roads“ mean?
F-roads are mountain roads which are marked with an F, for example F210. F-roads are only suitable for 4x4 vehicles. Therefore, if you intend to drive on F-roads make sure you book a 4x4 vehicle.
F-roads 88 and 894 (Öskjuleið), F249 (Þórsmörk) and F578 are not suitable for economy 4x4 or intermediate 4x4 but only for larger 4x4.
Please note: Kaldidalur valley (road 550, Kjalvegur (road 35) and Jökulhálsleið (road 570) are only suitable for 4x4 vehicles.
Why are only 4x4 vehicles allowed to drive F- roads?
No F-roads are allowed for passenger cars (not 4x4). The reason is that F-roads are not regularly maintained and therefore there can be big holes or large rocks on the road that can damage the under body of the vehicle which can result in a very high cost for the lessee.
Am I allowed to drive on F-roads without loosing the insurance if I rent a 4x4 vehicle?
Yes, as long as you rent a 4x4 vehicle which is suitable for F-roads.
Are there any other roads (that are not marked with an F) that are only suitable for 4x4 vehicles?
Kaldidalur valley (road 550), Kjalvegur (road 35) and Jökulhálsleið (road 570) are only suitable for 4x4 vehicles.
What service can we expect if we have car trouble along the ringroad?
We offer 24/7 vehicle breakdown assistance which means you can call our emergency line every day, 24 hours a day. Assistance through telephone is free but cost of assistance depends on your location, severity of the problem and other factors. Assistance cost is estimated during the call.
Is crossing unbridged rivers allowed?
Crossing unbridged rivers is always the drivers and lessee´s responsibility and damages caused by river crossing are not covered by any insurance (see terms and conditions ).
Is driving off road allowed?
Driving off marked roads is prohibited by law in Iceland. It results is irreparable damage to the land and the plant cover which may remain visible for centuries. Drivers who cause damage to the land and the vegetation may be liable by law to claims for compensation which is not covered by insurance. None of the insurance offers covers damages of the rental vehicle if driving off road.
Are passenger cars (non 4x4) allowed to drive unpaved roads (not F-roads)?
Passenger cars are allowed to drive unpaved roads which are marked with road signs other than F-roads. Exception is road Kaldidalur valley (road 550) and Kjalvegur (road 35) which are only for 4x4 vehicles even though these roads do not have F-marking. Please take extra caution when driving on unpaved roads (gravel roads). The speed limit on unpaved roads is lower than on paved roads, only 80 km/h.
In case of snowing or freezing do you provide chains for the tyres?
We do not have snow chains for the tyres of the car but the roads are always cleared if there is some snow so you should not get stuck on the main roads. All the cars have winter tyres during wintertime. However, if you are driving on side roads there could be some snow so you should be careful when you choose the roads you drive. The best way to avoid trouble is to always ask someone local (at gasoline stations or shops) how the road conditions are at each time.
Is it permitted to use the ferry Baldur to the Westfjord (Vestfirðir) with the rental car?
Yes, it is allowed.
Our offices
I can´t find your offices on maps. Please advise...
Reykjavík location
Click here to see a map of our location in Reykjavík (Bíldshöfði 8). This map can also give you directions from a certain street to our location (Click „directions“ on the right side of the map). In the „from“ box enter your address and in the „to“ box enter Bíldshöfði 8.
Keflavik International Airport location
Click here to see a map of our location in Keflavík International Airport (Blikavöllur 3). This map can also give you directions from a specific street to our location (Click „directions“ on the right side of the map). In the „from“ box enter your address and in the „to“ box enter Blikavöllur 3.
Akureyri location (North Iceland)
Click here to see a map of our location in Akureyri (Tryggvabraut 5). This map can also give you directions from a specific street to our location (Click „directions“ on the right side of the map). In the „from“ box enter your address and in the „to“ box enter Tryggvabraut 5.
Can you please give me directions to your Reykjavík office from downtown Reykjavík?
Our office are at Bíldshöfði 8, close to the eastern part of the city. Bíldshöfði lies parallel with the main street called Vesturlandsvegur which is the road that leads out of Reykjavík to the west and east. The office is 8 minutes drive from downtown Reykjavík. If you know the address where you are staying you can use this page to get directions. Enter your address in the „from“ box and „Bíldshöfði 8“ in the „to“ box.
Additional drivers and driver´s license
Do I need an international driver´s licence to rent a car or is a national driver´s licence enough?
A valid national driver´s license is sufficient.
Is it possible to add a third driver?
You can have 2 additional drivers. You can only book one additional driver through our webpage so when you book your rental car just write the 3rd driver´s information (name and driver´s licence no.) in the Customer Reference box in step 2.
Is there a special fee for young drivers?
Minimum age for lessee and drivers is 21 years old (based on birth year). Younger drivers from 19-21 years old are accepted, but an extra fee is charged.
Pick-up
Do you have a pick-up service and if so, how much does it cost?
We offer free pick-up service to our customers in the Greater Reykjavík area, at Keflavík International airport, in Keflavik town and Akureyri town. Our employee will pick you up and give you a ride to our office to pick up your rental car. This service is available during office hours. Here you can see our opening hours.
Please inform us during the booking process where and when you want to be picked-up.
Drop-off
What is drop- off fee?
This service is for those who prefer to leave the keys in the hotel lobby instead of returning the car at our office. We will come and pick it up at a later time. Excellent for those who have little time. This service is also for those who want to return the car at a different place than they picked it up, for example if you want to pick-up the car in Reykjavík and drop-off at Keflavík airport. Please see information about price in booking process at our website.
Is it possible to return the car outside of opening hours?
It is possible. Please make sure that the car is full of fuel, park it outside our office and leave the keys in the drop off box.
What is fuel service fee?
If the rental vehicle is not returned with a full tank of fuel then we will charge the renter for the fuel + fee for filling it up.
Airport
I booked a pick-up at Keflavik airport. Where will I find you?
Our employee will wait for you at the arrival hall at the airport with a sign „Dollar Thrifty Car Rental“ or a sign with your name on it. Please approach our employee and tell him/her your name. They will take you by shuttle bus to our office, approx. 1 minute drive from the airport.
If for any reason you can not find our shuttle bus staff please call + 354 515 7110.
My plane lands in Keflavík when your office is closed. Will someone be there if I make my booking?
Yes, if you include your flight number our employee will be waiting for your at the arrival hall at the airport with a sign „Dollar Thrifty Car Rental“ or a sign with your name on it. Please approach our employee and tell him/her your name. They will take you by shuttle bus to our office, approx. 1 minute drive from the airport.
If for any reason you can not find our shuttle bus staff please call + 354 515 7110.
If my plane is delayed will I still be able to rely on you picking me up at the airport?
If you include your flight number in the booking details we will of course wait for you. If for any reason you can not find our shuttle bus staff please call + 354 515 7110.
About the rental vehicles
I´m renting a car during winter. Will the rental car have winter tyres?
All vehicles have winter tyres during wintertime. If you need tyres with spikes please inform during booking process.
Is there a spare wheel in the car?
All cars have a spare wheel.
The car I rented has no fuel filler cap, is that all right?
Some cars for example Ford Focus and Ford Explorer have a new type of fuel filler cap. It locks automatically so there is no need for a conventional cap. It is also designed in such a way that it is not possible to put wrong fuel into the fuel tank.
Please read the following section about safe driving in Iceland
See also our Get around Safely - section
National emergency assistance 24/7?
Call 112 if you have an emergency.
Speed limits
The general speed limit is 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on gravel roads in rural areas and 90 km/h on hard-surfaced roads. Please note: special warning signs indicate danger ahead, such as sharp bends, narrow bridges, blind hill but there is generally no separate sign to reduce speed.
Roundabouts – who has the right of way?
The vehicles in the inner circle have the right of way when exiting the roundabout.
Is it allowed to make a right turn at a red traffic light?
No, you can not make a right turn at a red traffic light.
Rural roads (unpaved/gravel roads)
Many rural roads in Iceland are gravel roads which are not suited to fast driving. Please drive carefully and show other road-users consideration at all times. When you meet another car, slow down, and pull out to the right side of the road.
Blind hills
When driving in the country you will come across blind hills. Some of them are without any markings at all. Many of them however, are marked with the warning sign "OTHER DANGER" above the word "BLINDHÆÐ" (BLIND HILL). Please show extra caution when crossing blind hills.
Narrow bridges
Many bridges are too narrow to allow more than one car to cross at a time. Before entering narrow bridges please slow down and make sure that another vehicle coming from the opposite direction is not entering the bridge.
Ask for information about road/track conditions
Please ask for information about the various roads and tracks in the highlands, e.g. at the office of Vegagerðin (The Public Road Administration). Tel.: 1777. Highland roads are often impassable far into summer. Please remember that off road driving (driving off the established roads and tracks) is forbidden in the highlands as well as everywhere else.
Drinking and driving is prohibited
It is forbidden to drive a motor vehicle in Iceland after drinking alcoholic beverages.
Always use safety belts
All travellers are obliged to use safety belts where they are available.
Tired drivers can cause accidents
Beware of getting too tired at the wheel. Iceland may look small on a map of the world, but distances that seem short on the map may take a long time to cover by car. So please take long journeys in easy stages and enjoy them to the full.
Headlights always turned on
Drivers are obliged to drive with headlights on at all times.
Animals can cause danger on roads
Please be prepared for farm animals grazing by the roadside and straying into or crossing the road. Drivers who cause injury or death to such animals may be liable to claims for compensation.
