Welcome to our FAQ page, designed to provide you with all the essential information you need about car rentals in Iceland. We understand that planning your trip can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially when it comes to renting a car in a foreign country. That's why we've compiled this comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to address any concerns or uncertainties you may have.
Iceland is a breathtakingly beautiful country renowned for its stunning landscapes, cascading waterfalls, geothermal wonders, and otherworldly scenery. Exploring this Nordic island is best done at your own pace, and renting a car allows you the freedom and flexibility to immerse yourself in Iceland's natural wonders.
Whether you're embarking on a road trip along the iconic Ring Road, venturing into the rugged Highlands, or simply exploring Reykjavik and its surroundings, we are here to assist you in making your car rental experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible. From understanding the rental process to navigating Icelandic road conditions, our FAQs cover a wide range of topics to ensure you have a hassle-free adventure on the Land of Fire and Ice.
Our dedicated team of professionals has curated this FAQ section based on years of experience in the car rental industry in Iceland. We are committed to providing you with accurate and up-to-date information to help you make informed decisions during your journey. If you cannot find the answer you're looking for, or if you require further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to our friendly customer support team, who will be more than happy to assist you.
So, whether you're a first-time visitor or a returning traveler to Iceland, we invite you to explore our FAQ section and equip yourself with the knowledge needed to embark on an unforgettable adventure. Let us be your trusted partner in discovering the wonders of Iceland while enjoying the convenience and freedom of having your own rental car.
What is the minimum age for renting a car?
At Lava Car Rental, the minimum age to rent a car in Iceland is 20 years old. Unlike other rental companies that may charge a young driver fee or restrict certain vehicle categories until you're 23, we offer all vehicles with no extra fees starting at 20. Enjoy full access to our entire fleet at Lava Car Rental, hassle-free!
What documents do I need to rent a car?
To rent a car with Lava Car Rental, you'll need:
- A valid driver’s license
- A valid credit card
Additional drivers must also present a valid driver’s license. Foreign licenses are accepted if they are in the Latin alphabet. If not, an official English translation is required.
If you cannot provide a credit card for imprint, you’ll need to purchase the Full Protection waiver.
For rentals through a travel agency, simply present the agency’s voucher.
What is the minimum rental period?
The minimum rental period at Lava Car Rental is 48 hours. While you can rent a car for 24 hours, the charge will be for the full 48-hour period.
How can I pay for my car rental booking?
You can pay for your car rental with a debit* or credit card. When booking, you have the option to either pay the full amount upfront or make a down payment, with the remaining balance due upon arrival.
We accept major card providers, including VISA and MasterCard. Prepaid cards are also accepted.
*If you book with a debit card, you need to purchase the Full Protection Insurance along with your rental car.
Can I be sure that the selected vehicle is available?
In most cases, the vehicle you select on our website is available for your chosen dates. If it’s not, we’ll provide a similar car at no extra cost. If no similar vehicle is available, we’ll upgrade you to a higher category for free.
What is included in the rental price?
For every reservation made on the Lava Car Rental website, the following is included:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
- Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW)
- Third-Party Liability Insurance (TPL)
- Gravel Protection (GP)
- Theft Protection (TP)
- Unlimited mileage
- Free pick-up from Keflavik International Airport
- Fuel discounts
- Essential equipment for campervan bookings
- Access to manage your booking online
What is not included in the car rental price?
Certain costs are not included in the car rental price, such as fuel expenses, entrance and parking fees, tolls, towing, and any damages not covered by your selected insurance.
Lava Car Rental offers additional insurance options and extras that can be added to your reservation. For more details, click here.
Can I Modify or Cancel My Booking?
Yes, you can modify or cancel your booking up to 48 hours before your scheduled pick-up. If you cancel more than 48 hours in advance, you’ll receive a full refund. There will be no refund for cancellations made less than 48 hours before pick-up.Â
If you booked directly on the Lava Car Rental website, email info@lavacarrental.is to make changes. For third-party bookings, please get in touch with them directly via email.
Can I Extend My Car Rental Reservation After Picking Up the Car?
Yes, extending your reservation is very common and can be easily arranged if the vehicle is available for your desired dates. Simply contact our team at info@lavacarrental.is to check availability and make the extension.
What Insurance Is Included with My Rental Car?
Every car rental reservation made through Lava Car Rental’s website includes the following insurance coverage as standard, with liability of 150,000 ISK:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW)
- Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW)
- Third-Party Liability Insurance (TPL)
- Gravel Protection (GP)
- Theft Protection (TP)
For extra peace of mind, you can upgrade to our Full Protection insurance, which increases coverage and reduces your liability to zero. Learn more about our insurance options.
Do you offer zero-deductible insurance?
Yes, our Full Protection insurance is a zero-deductible package, providing complete coverage for a worry-free trip. It includes all standard insurance: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW), Third-Party Liability Insurance (TPL), Gravel Protection (GP), Theft Protection (TP), plus additional Sand and Ash Protection (SAAP) and Tyre Protection (TIP)—with no liability.
With Full Protection insurance, you can also enjoy the flexibility to pick up and drop off your car anytime.
Learn more about our insurance options.
Do I have to leave a deposit to rent a car?
No, we don’t require a deposit while you have the rental car.
We only need to see a valid credit card upon arrival, and we’ll take an imprint as a guarantee—no funds will be held.
If you can't provide a credit card, we do accept debit cards, but you'll need to purchase the Full Protection insurance package.
Can I Decline the Car Rental Company's Insurance?
Yes, you can decline our insurance at the time of pick-up. However, be sure your credit card insurance provides sufficient coverage. Please note, that there will be no refund for declining our insurance.
Do you have emergency assistance?
Yes, we have 24/7 emergency breakdown assistance. The breakdown assistance is designed to help you in case of accidents and breakdowns. You can call our emergency hotline at anytime at +354 519 4141 during office hours, or +354 419 2400 if you need immediate assistance outside of office hours.Â
If you cannot use the car to continue your trip, we will provide you with another car as soon as possible.Â
Keep in mind that if the damage is the driver’s responsibility, Lava Car Rental will charge you a service fee.
How do I pick-up/drop-off the car?
At Lava Car Rental Office:
- Pick-Up: Arrive at our office, where you'll be greeted, complete your paperwork, and drive off in your car.
- Drop-Off: Simply return the car to our office.
At Keflavik International Airport:
- Pick-Up: Our free airport shuttle will meet you just outside the departure hall and take you to our car rental office, only 5 minutes away.
- Drop-Off: Return the car to our office, and we'll shuttle you back to Keflavik Airport at no cost.
Read our airport pick-up page for more details about the meeting point.
Where is Lava Car Rental office located?
Our office is located at Flugvellir 23, 230 Keflavik, Iceland, just a 5-minute drive from Keflavik International Airport. Conveniently situated near the airport, we’re ready to welcome you as soon as you arrive in Iceland, and you can easily drop off the car right before you leave the country. You can find us on Google Maps.
Can I pick up and drop off the car at Keflavik Airport?
Yes! For pick-up and drop-off at Keflavik International Airport, we provide a free shuttle service between the airport and our office, which is just a 5-minute drive away. The shuttle operates during our office hours and is scheduled according to client arrival times for your convenience.
If you need to pick up or return the car outside of office hours, our self-service option is also available and includes free shuttle service.
For more details, check the self-service conditions.
Can I pick up and return my car anytime?
Yes, you can pick up and return your car at any time! During our regular opening hours, this process is straightforward. If you need to pick up or drop off your vehicle outside of these hours, we offer a convenient self-service option. To use this service, simply book your rental on the Lava website, select the Full Protection insurance package, and complete the online check-in a few days prior to your arrival. For full details, visit our self-service page.
Will I get a refund if I return the car earlier?
If you inform Lava Car Rental at least 48 hours before your scheduled pick-up time, you are eligible for a refund of the price difference. However, if you notify us less than 48 hours in advance, no refund will be issued.
To modify your booking, if your reservation was made directly on our website, please request a change by emailing us at info@lavacarrental.is. Kindly note that all requests must be made in writing; we cannot process changes over the phone.
Can I go to the Highlands with my car?
It depends on your vehicle. To access the Highlands, you'll need to drive on F-roads, which are suitable only for 4-wheel drive vehicles (4x4/4WD).
F-roads are typically open only during the summer months, so you'll need to plan your trip accordingly. On our website, vehicles approved for F-roads and Highland travel are labeled as "Suitable for F-Roads" when you check availability for your dates. However, even if a vehicle is classified as "suitable for F-roads," you should always verify road conditions and weather forecasts before your trip. Some F-roads may include river crossings, which can become much deeper and more challenging after heavy rain.
Can I rent with a debit card?
Yes, you can rent a car with a debit card at Lava Car Rental. However, to do so, you will need to purchase the Full Protection Insurance package. This insurance ensures that you can pick up your car with just a debit card, without requiring a credit card at pick-up. Additionally, when booking through our website, the Full Protection Insurance package allows you to use our convenient self-service option, enabling you to pick up and return your car at any time. For more details, please visit our Rent with Debit Card page.
What kind of tires does the car have?
From November 1st to April 15th, all our vehicles are equipped with studded winter tires to ensure optimal safety and traction on icy and snowy roads. For the rest of the year, our cars come with standard tires suitable for regular driving conditions.