Iceland is a vast and breathtaking country, with stunning landscapes and natural wonders. It’s the perfect place to explore by car, and car hire is a great option for travelers who want to see as much of the country as possible. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before you book your car hire in Iceland.
First, Iceland’s roads can be challenging, especially in winter. If you’re not used to driving in snowy or icy conditions, it’s important to take extra precautions. Make sure your car is equipped with winter tires, and drive slowly and carefully.
Now that you know a little bit more about driving in Iceland, here are some specific tips to help you make the most of your car hire:
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car hire tips iceland
To help you make the most of your car hire in Iceland, here are four important points to keep in mind:
- Choose the right car.
- Be prepared for winter driving.
- Purchase additional insurance.
- Book your car early.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your car hire experience in Iceland is safe and enjoyable.
Choose the right car.
The type of car you choose will depend on your travel plans and budget. If you’re planning on doing a lot of driving on paved roads, a regular sedan or hatchback will suffice. However, if you’re planning on driving on gravel roads or in winter conditions, you’ll need a car with four-wheel drive.
- Consider the size of your group.
If you’re traveling with a large group, you’ll need a car that can accommodate everyone comfortably. A minivan or SUV is a good option for groups of six or more.
- Think about your luggage.
If you’re bringing a lot of luggage, you’ll need a car with a spacious trunk. A station wagon or SUV is a good option for travelers with a lot of luggage.
- Choose a car that’s fuel-efficient.
Gas prices in Iceland are high, so it’s a good idea to choose a car that gets good gas mileage. A hybrid or electric car is a good option for travelers who want to save money on gas.
- Make sure the car is equipped with the right features.
If you’re planning on driving in winter conditions, make sure the car is equipped with winter tires and a heated windshield. You may also want to consider renting a car with a GPS system or a Wi-Fi hotspot.
By following these tips, you can choose the right car for your trip to Iceland and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable driving experience.
Be prepared for winter driving.
If you’re planning on driving in Iceland during the winter months, it’s important to be prepared for challenging driving conditions. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe on the road:
- Check the weather forecast before you drive.
This will help you avoid driving in dangerous conditions, such as heavy snow or ice storms.
- Drive slowly and carefully.
Icy roads can be very slippery, so it’s important to drive slowly and carefully. Allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination.
- Keep a safe following distance.
This will give you time to react if the car in front of you stops suddenly.
- Be prepared for black ice.
Black ice is a thin layer of ice that can be difficult to see. It can be very dangerous, as it can cause your car to lose traction and skid.
By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of being involved in an accident while driving in Iceland during the winter months.
Purchase additional insurance.
When you rent a car in Iceland, you will be required to purchase basic insurance. This insurance will cover you for damage to the car in the event of an accident. However, it’s important to note that basic insurance does not cover all types of damage. For example, it does not cover damage to the car’s tires, wheels, or windshield. It also does not cover damage caused by driving on unpaved roads or by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
To protect yourself from these types of damage, you can purchase additional insurance. There are a variety of different types of additional insurance available, so it’s important to choose the one that best meets your needs. Some of the most common types of additional insurance include:
- Collision damage waiver (CDW): This insurance covers damage to the car in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
- Loss damage waiver (LDW): This insurance covers damage to the car in the event of theft or vandalism.
- Gravel protection: This insurance covers damage to the car’s tires, wheels, and windshield caused by driving on gravel roads.
- Sand and ash protection: This insurance covers damage to the car caused by driving in sand or ash storms.
The cost of additional insurance will vary depending on the type of insurance and the length of your rental. However, it’s generally a good idea to purchase additional insurance, especially if you’re planning on driving in challenging conditions.
By purchasing additional insurance, you can protect yourself from financial liability in the event of an accident or other covered event. This can give you peace of mind and allow you to enjoy your trip to Iceland without worry.
Book your car early.
Iceland is a popular tourist destination, and car hire prices can be high, especially during the peak season (June-August). To get the best rates, it’s important to book your car early.
- Book your car at least two months in advance.
This will give you the best selection of cars and the lowest prices.
- Be flexible with your travel dates.
If you can travel during the shoulder season (May-June or September-October), you’ll be able to find lower prices on car hire.
- Consider booking a smaller car.
Smaller cars are generally cheaper to rent than larger cars.
- Shop around for the best price.
There are a number of different car hire companies in Iceland, so it’s important to shop around to find the best price. You can use a car hire comparison website to compare prices from different companies.
By following these tips, you can book your car early and get the best possible price on your car hire in Iceland.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about car hire in Iceland:
Question 1: What is the minimum age to rent a car in Iceland?
Answer 1: The minimum age to rent a car in Iceland is 20 years old. However, some car hire companies may have a higher minimum age requirement for certain types of vehicles, such as luxury cars or SUVs.
Question 2: Do I need an international driver’s license to drive in Iceland?
Answer 2: No, you do not need an international driver’s license to drive in Iceland. However, you must have a valid driver’s license from your home country. Your driver’s license must be in English or accompanied by an official translation.
Question 3: What type of car should I rent in Iceland?
Answer 3: The type of car you rent will depend on your travel plans and budget. If you’re planning on doing a lot of driving on paved roads, a regular sedan or hatchback will suffice. However, if you’re planning on driving on gravel roads or in winter conditions, you’ll need a car with four-wheel drive.
Question 4: How much does it cost to rent a car in Iceland?
Answer 4: The cost of renting a car in Iceland will vary depending on the type of car, the time of year, and the length of your rental. However, you can expect to pay around $50 per day for a basic car.
Question 5: Where can I find the best deals on car hire in Iceland?
Answer 5: There are a number of different car hire companies in Iceland, so it’s important to shop around to find the best deal. You can use a car hire comparison website to compare prices from different companies.
Question 6: What should I do if I have a problem with my rental car?
Answer 6: If you have a problem with your rental car, you should contact the car hire company immediately. They will be able to assist you with roadside assistance or repairs.
Question 7: What are the most important things to keep in mind when driving in Iceland?
Answer 7: The most important things to keep in mind when driving in Iceland are to drive slowly and carefully, be prepared for winter driving conditions, and obey the speed limit.
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By following these tips, you can ensure that your car hire experience in Iceland is safe and enjoyable.
In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are a few additional tips for renting a car in Iceland:
Tips
Here are a few additional tips for renting a car in Iceland:
Tip 1: Make sure you have the right insurance.
Basic insurance is included in the cost of your car hire, but it’s important to purchase additional insurance to protect yourself from damage to the car or theft. This is especially important if you’re planning on driving in challenging conditions, such as on gravel roads or in winter.
Tip 2: Be prepared for the weather.
Iceland’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for all types of conditions. Make sure you pack clothes for all seasons, and be sure to check the weather forecast before you drive.
Tip 3: Drive carefully.
Iceland’s roads are generally well-maintained, but there are some areas where the roads can be narrow and winding. It’s important to drive slowly and carefully, and to be aware of other drivers.
Tip 4: Fill up your gas tank regularly.
Gas stations can be few and far between in Iceland, so it’s important to fill up your gas tank regularly. This will help you avoid running out of gas in a remote area.
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By following these tips, you can help ensure that your car hire experience in Iceland is safe and enjoyable.
By following the tips and advice in this article, you can make the most of your car hire experience in Iceland and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning a road trip around the Ring Road or exploring the remote corners of Iceland’s interior, renting a car is a great way to experience all that this amazing country has to offer. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can make the most of your car hire experience in Iceland and ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Here is a summary of the main points covered in this article:
- Choose the right car for your trip.
- Be prepared for winter driving conditions.
- Purchase additional insurance to protect yourself from damage to the car or theft.
- Book your car early to get the best rates.
- Make sure you have the right insurance.
- Be prepared for the weather.
- Drive carefully.
- Fill up your gas tank regularly.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your car hire experience in Iceland is safe and enjoyable. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your Icelandic adventure today!
Closing Message:
Renting a car in Iceland is a great way to explore this beautiful country at your own pace. Just be sure to follow the tips in this article to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
