Check Iceland car rental FAQ
Iceland car rental first time visitors need to to check the basic facts about renting a car in Iceland before booking. Iceland is very different to other countries due to it´s unique nature. To make your travel preparation more easy Thrifty Car Rental Iceland has collected together frequently asked questions (FAQ) from our thousands of customers and prepared detailed answers which can be found below. Please also review Thrifty Iceland General information page for more detailed information.
Select question category to quikly find your answer about Iceland car rental
- Available rental vehicles or rental cars
- Car Rental rate
- Road side assistance and emergency service
- Iceland car rental insurance
- Car rental payment
- Confirmation e-mail
- Car rental period
- Modification and cancellation policy
- Are you plannig to drive in the country?
- Iceland car rental Pick up locations
- Additional drivers and driver´s licence
- Minimum age for drivers and lessees
- Car rental Pick up
- Car rental Drop off
- Keflavik airport
- About the rental vehicles
- Please read the following section about driving in Iceland safely
Available rental vehicles or rental cars
Q: When choosing a rental car in the search or booking process it says for example “Ford Focus or similar”, what kind of a rental car can I expect to get when I arrive in Iceland?
A: 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 rental car. Similar rental vehicle means it will fulfil the requirements of the car class and car type you booked.
Q: What kind of car brands do you offer?
A: Thrifty Car Rental Iceland strives to keep it´s fleet as new as possible and well maintained and therefore we renew large part of the fleet every year. The fleet consists of quality cars from international brands like Ford, Mazda, Citroën and Volvo.
Q: Do you offer both manual and automatic transmissions?
A: Yes, Thrifty Car Rental Iceland makes every effort to offer wide variety of rental cars and offer almost all of it´s fleet with both manual and automatic transmission. Some rental classes are though available only with either manual or automatic.
Q: Do you have any 4x4 jeeps available?
A: Yes, Thrifty Car Rental Iceland offers wide selection of 4x4, jeeps, 4WD and SUV models.
Q: We are a group of people attending a conference in Iceland and need a minivan or minibus. Do you have any?
A: Yes, Thrifty Car Rental Iceland offers wide selection of 7 seat minivans like Ford Galaxy, 7 seat 4x4 jeeps like Ford Explorer and Volvo XC90, 8 seat 4x4 jeeps like Ford Expedition and 9 seat minibuses like Ford Transit.
Car rental rate
Q: What does the rental rate include?
A: Thrifty Car Rental Iceland rental rates are all inclusive and there are no hidden charges. Unlimited milage, Collision Damage waiver (CDW) insurance with self-risk, vehicle theft protection and taxes are included. Please review terms and conditions before booking a rental car.
Q: Where do I get the best car rental rate in Iceland?
A: Thrifty Car Rental Iceland lowest car rental rates are online so that is the cheapest and also the easiest way to book a car.
Road side assistance and emergency service
Q: Do you offer emergency breakdown assistance?
A: Yes, Thrifty Car Rental Iceland offer 24/7 road side assistance if your rental car breaks down which means you can call our emergency line every day, 24 hours a day and we will arrange an assistance from one of our many service providers around Iceland. Cost of assistance depends on your location, severity of the problem and other factors. Assistance cost is estimated during the call. In case of serious emergency please call Iceland national emergeny number: 112. For more detailed information please review Thrifty General information.
Q: How do I reach the emergency service:
A: Please call +354 515 7110 for Thrifty road side assistance service and call 112 for the icelandic national emergency service.
Iceland car rental insurance
Q: What kind of car rental insurance do you offer?
A: We offer three different levels of protection designed with flexibility in mind as our customers have different needs.
Basic car rental insurance which is included in rental rate
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is included in the vehicle rental rate which limits the lessee’s/driver’s liability (self-risk) to a certain amount. 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. The amount of the liability (self-risk) is displayed during the search and booking process as it depends on the class and type of the rental vehicle. Please review for more details terms and conditions before booking a rental car.
Additional car rental insurance:
Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) reduces the lessee’s/driver’s liability (self-risk) even further than CDW. The cost of the insurance and the amound of the liability (self-risk) is displayed during the search and booking process as it depends on the class and type of the rental vehicle. This is an optional upgrade of the CDW. Please review for more details terms and conditions before booking a rental car.
Grand Collision Damage Waiver (Grand CDW) includes Super Collision Damage Waiver (Super CDW) and lowers the lessee’s/driver’s liability (self-risk) even further and offers more extensive coverage. The cost of the insurance and the amound of the liability (self-risk) is displayed during the search and booking process as it depends on the class and type of the rental vehicle. This is an optional upgrade of the SCDW. Please review for more detailes terms and conditions before booking a rental car.
Q: Is vehicle theft Protection (TP) available?
A: Yes, vehicle theft Protection (TP) is included in our basic car rental 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.
Q: Which car rental insurance is included in the booking rate?
A: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and vehicle theft protection is included in the booking rate. Please see above and review for more detailes terms and conditions before booking a rental car..
Q: Is it possible to decline the CDW that is included in the rental rate (I have CDW insurance from my credit card)?
A: No, it is not possible.
Q: Can I change the car rental insurance when I pick up the rental car?
A: Yes, you can upgrade to a more extensive car rental coverage.
Q: What does „SCDW for other than passenger cars“ mean?
A: This means Super Collision Damage Waiver for for bigger cars, for example 4x4 vehicles, minivans, minibuses, etc.
Q: Does any insurance cover damages caused by animals?
A: No.
Car rental payment
Q: I could not find any credit card information in the booking process. When will you charge the card?
A: All car rentals are paid on arrival and the only way of payment is by credit card which will be charged when you pick up your rental car.
Q: Can I pay in cash, with a debit card, with a bank transfer or with a pre-paid card?
A: No, the only way of payment is by credit card which will be charged when you pick up your rental car.
Q: How much do you have to pay in advance if you make a reservation online?
A: You don´t have to pay anything in advance. All bookings are paid on arrival when you pick up your rental car.
Q: Do I need to have a credit card with me when I pick up the car?
A: Yes, the only way of payment is by credit card which will be charged when you pick up your rental car. Although you have a voucher you still have to bring a credit card for insurance.
Q: Can I provide credit card information on arrival (and not online at time of the booking)?
A: yes, and the credit card will be charged when you pick up your rental car.
Confirmation e-mail
Q: I made a booking online but I have not received a confirmation e-mail. What should I do?
A: 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.
Car rental period
Q: Is there a minimum car rental period?
A: Minimum car rental period is 24 hours.
Modification and cancellation policy
Q: Is it possible to make changes to my car rental booking? Are there any conditions?
A: You can easliy and quickly change your car rental booking by sending us an e-mail at booking@dti.is. No time limit and there is no extra charge for changes. 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).
Q: Can I cancel my car rental booking?
A: You can easliy and quickly cancel your car rental booking by sending us an e-mail at booking@dti.is. No time limit and there is no extra charge for cancelation. 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).
Are you planning to drive in the country?
Q: What does „F-roads“ mean?
A: 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 F88 and F894 (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 even though not marked with F.
Q: Why are only 4x4 vehicles allowed to drive F- roads?
A: F-roads are not 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.
Q: Am I allowed to drive on F-roads without loosing the insurance if I rent a 4x4 vehicle?
A: Yes, as long as you rent a 4x4 vehicle which is suitable for the particular F-roads you will be driving.
Q: Are there any other roads (that are not marked with an F) that are only suitable for 4x4 vehicles?
A: Yes, Kaldidalur valley (road 550), Kjalvegur (road 35) and Jökulhálsleið (road 570) are only suitable for 4x4 vehicles even though not marked with F.
Q: What service can we expect if we have car trouble along the Ring Road?
A: Thrifty Car Rental Iceland offer 24/7 road side assistance if your rental car breaks down which means you can call our emergency line every day, 24 hours a day and we will arrange an assistance from one of our many service providers around Iceland. Cost of assistance depends on your location, severity of the problem and other factors. Assistance cost is estimated during the call. In case of serious emergency please call Iceland national emergeny number: 112. For more detailed information please review Thrifty General information.
Q: Is crossing unbridged rivers allowed?
A: 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). Damages can be serious and very costly. You should not cross an unbridged river if you have no experience in that kind of driving. Water level and other conditions in rivers can vary by the day and only experienced drivers can evaluate the conditions. Never cross an unbridged river unless there is another vehicle close by able to assist if you run into problems. Do not attempt to cross unbrigded rivers during the night as water levels can be higher and the likelyhood of rescue is very limited.
Q: Is driving off road allowed?
A: Driving off-road (off marked roads) is prohibited by law in Iceland. The people of Iceland is responsible to protect the islands delicate nature and driving off-road can result in irreparable damage to the land and the plant cover and the damage 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. No insurance covers damages of the rental vehicle if driving off road.
Q: Are passenger cars (non 4x4) allowed to drive gravel roads or unpaved roads (not F-roads)?
A: Yes, passenger cars are allowed to drive gravel roads or 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) as holes and rocks can damage the vehicle. The speed limit on unpaved roads is lower than on paved roads, only 80 km/h.
Q: In case of snowing or freezing do you provide chains for the tyres?
A: We do not have snow chains for the tyres of the car as winter tyres with studs are in most cases enough as the main roads are cleared very frequently so you should not get stuck. If snow chaines are needed we do not recommend traveling but to stay put and wait until weather gets better. All our cars have winter tyres during wintertime but ask for studded winter tyres if you need them. 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.
Q: Is it permitted to use the ferry Baldur to the Westfjord (Vestfirðir) with the rental car?
A: Yes, it is allowed and it is also allowed to use the ferry to Vestmannaeyjar (Vestman islands)
Iceland car rental pick up locations
I can´t find Thrifty Iceland Car Rental locations on maps. Please advise...
Reykjavik car rental location)
Click here to see a map of Thrifty Iceland Car Rental location in Reykjavik (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 Airport car rental location)
Click here to see a map of Thrifty Iceland Car Rental location at Keflavik 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 Down Town car rental location (North Iceland)
Click here to see a map of Thrifty Iceland Car Rental 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.
Akureyri airport car rental location (North Iceland)
Click here to see a map of Thrifty Iceland Car Rental location at Akureyri airport. 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 Akureyri airport.
Can you please give me directions to your Reykjavik pick up location from Down Town Reykjavik?
Thrifty Iceland Car Rental location Reykjavik is 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 Reykjavik Down Town. 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
Q: Do I need an international driver´s licence to rent a car or is a national driver´s licence enough?
A: A valid national driver´s license is sufficient.
Q: Is it possible to add a third driver?
A: You can have as many additional drivers as you like and you can book them through our webpage . Name and driver´s licence no. of additional drivers will be needed when you pick up the rental car.
Q: Is there a special fee for young drivers?
A: Minimum age for lessee and drivers is 21 years old (based on birth year). Younger drivers, 19 and 20 years old, are accepted, but Young Extra Driver fee is charged which is displayed in the booking process.
Minimum age for drivers and lessees
Q: What is the minimum age for renting a car (lessees age)?
A: Minimum age for lessee is 21 years old (based on birth year).
Q: What is the minimum age for driving a rented car?
A: Minimum age is 21 years old (based on birth year) without an extra fee but 19 years old (based on birth year) if Young Extra Driver fee is added. The Young Extra Driver fee is displayed in the booking process.
Car rental Pick up
Q: Do you have a Pickup service and if so, how much does it cost?
A: Thrifty Iceland Car Rental offer free shuttle bus pick up service for our customers in the Greater Reykjavik area, at Keflavik airport, in Keflavik town, in Akureyri town and at Akureyri airport. Our employee will pick you up and give you a ride to our pick up location to pick up your rental car. This service is available during opening hours.
Please inform us during the booking process where and when you want to be picked up.
Car rental Drop off
Q: What is car rental Drop off fee?
A: Car rental Drop off service is for those who prefer to leave the rental car keys in the hotel lobby instead of returning the car at any of Thrifty Drop off locations. We will come and pick the rental car 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 Reykjavik and drop it off at Keflavik airport or maybe in Akureyri. Please see information about the Drop off fee in booking process at our website.
Q: Is it possible to return the rental car outside of opening hours?
A: yes, it is possible. Please make sure that the car is full of fuel, park it outside our location, lock the car and leave the keys in the drop off box located at the entrance.
Q: What is fuel service fee?
A: If the rental vehicle is not returned with a full tank of fuel then we will charge the renter for the fuel + a fee for filling it up.
Keflavik airport
Q: I booked a car rental pick up at Keflavik airport. Where will I find you?
A: If you include your flight number and arrival time when booking your rental car our shuttle bus staff will be waiting for you in the arrival hall when you exit airport customs area, Please look for our Thrifty staff carrying a clipboard with your name. Thrifty pick up location is only 500 meters (2 minutes drive) away from the airport terminal.
If for any reason you can not find our shuttle bus staff please call + 354 515 7110.
Q: My plane lands at Keflavik airport when your office is closed. Will someone be there if I make my booking?
A: Yes, Thrifty Iceland Car Rental offer late arrival airport service. If you include your flight number and arrival time when booking your rental car our shuttle bus staff will be waiting for you in the arrival hall when you exit airport customs area, Please look for our Thrifty staff carrying a clipboard with your name. Thrifty pick up location is only 500 meters (2 minutes drive) away from the airport terminal.
If for any reason you can not find our shuttle bus staff please call + 354 515 7110.
Q: If my plane to Keflavik airport is delayed will I still be able to rely on you picking me up at the airport?
A: Yes, Thrifty Iceland Car Rental offer late arrival airport service. If you include your flight number and arrival time when booking your rental car our shuttle bus staff will be waiting for you in the arrival hall when you exit airport customs area, Please look for our Thrifty staff carrying a clipboard with your name. Thrifty pick up location is only 500 meters (2 minutes drive) away from the airport terminal. There is no out of hours fee if the plane is delayed.
About the rental vehicles
Q: I´m renting a car during winter. Will the rental car have winter tyres?
A: All vehicles have winter tyres during wintertime. If you need tyres with spikes please inform during booking process.
Q: Is there a spare wheel in the rental car?
A: All cars have a spare wheel.
Q: The car I rented has no fuel filler cap, is that all right?
A: 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 driving in Iceland safely
See also our Iceland Driving in Iceland page
National emergency assistance 24/7?
Call 112 in case of 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.
Q: Roundabouts – who has the right of way?
A: The vehicles in the inner circle have the right of way when exiting the roundabout.
Q: Is it allowed to make a right turn at a red traffic light?
A: 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.
View larger map
View larger map
View larger map
View larger map