Iceland Rental Car Tips - 5 Things to Know BEFORE You Book

Rental cars in Iceland can be expensive, so I am sharing 5 things you need to know before you book that will save you money (possibly $300 or more), time, and understanding of the rental car process here.
Use my code Iceland10 when you book with @Go Car Rental Iceland - www.gocarrental.is/
Here is my Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Iceland:
allthingsiceland.com/iceland-...
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If you enjoy my content on KZbin, then you'll love the fun content I make on Instagram & TikTok. I share often about Iceland travel inspiration, observations of the culture, and more.
Instagram - / allthingsiceland
TikTok - / allthingsiceland
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Make sure you have the right clothing packed for Iceland by grabbing my Free Ultimate Packing Checklist. It has comprehensive lists of winter and summer essentials to wear here.
allthingsiceland.com/iceland-...
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Book a one-on-one trip video Iceland trip planning consultation with me here - calendly.com/allthingsiceland...
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Want a gorgeous authentic Icelandic Sweater like mine? Shop here for one:
icelandicstore.is/?aff=3
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Are you a company that wants to work with me: Send me an email at jewells(at)allthingsiceland(dot)com
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All Things Iceland podcast
Hear interviews with natives and ex-pats that dive deep into Icelandic history, language, nature, and culture, as well as learn new Icelandic words and phrases.
Available for download at:
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Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction
00:22 Process to rent a car in Iceland
01:35 Best time of year to rent a car in Iceland
04:02 The right car for your adventure in Iceland
05:33 Is extra insurance necessary?
09:09 Mileage limits - Read the fine print
10:31 The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Iceland

[@beachyTravels]

I just used your code and saved over $100 🥰 Whoo hoo! thank you

[@AllThingsIceland]

🥳🥳🥳

[@ronjaj.addams-ramstedt1023]

​@@AllThingsIceland Just in case you might notice this: would that 10% code still work for October 2024? We already have our plane tickets and tickets to Sky Lagoon (thank you for your excellent video from there) and we plan to reserve a 4WD next, in March. Love your channel and your interactive guide! Best wishes from Finland, Kenneth & Ronja

[@camhabibi2217]

Based on personal experience, you need to be extra careful around other drivers especially tourists. When we parked at Vik black sand beach, the tourists next to us didn't hold their car door firmly and the wind slammed it into our rental car. It happened 5 or 6 times before I had to say something. They didn't seem to mind that their rental vehicle was damaging our rental vehicle.

[@AllThingsIceland]

That’s a great point and thanks for sharing that. Sorry to hear that you had some reckless people next to you.

[@jdm87]

I saw something similar happen while we were out and about! I know the parking situations there are small but one could try to park further away from everyone to prevent door dings

[@chrisharder4854]

I almost had somebody's car backing into mine at a parking..TWICE! I honked to alert them.1st time at the blue lagoon parking.. the 2 dum dums parked and stepped out bowing their head. Next one at dettifoss. Again some dude backing into a parking while I was sitting in my car. When he almost hit me and I bonked, he became verbally aggressive. Such a knob head..tourists are a plague here and they drive carelessly

[@MsMorganGirls]

My daughter and I had an unexpected 6-hour flight delay during our layover in Iceland. Instead of sitting around the airport, we rented a car and drove around. It was very cool. We didn't go too far astray. Sketchy internet (no Google Maps) and the map wasn't to scale or easy to read. It was only $100-ish for the day. Definitely worth it--we saw Blue Lagoon, which was amazing, along with the Viking Museum.

[@seelo1167]

Thank you! I’m planning on going to Iceland next year and this is very helpful

[@robbybobby354]

Thank you so much!! very useful information.

[@AngieRomero84]

I'll be in Iceland for a week starting this saturday. Your insta and youtube videos have been unbelievably helpful, thank you!!!

[@elyxthelynx]

Thank you so much for the video!

[@tobe2714]

When I visited, I used Blue Car rental, by the airport. They also included the 3 different insurance, and unlimited miles. They also gave me a chip (I’m sure that’s the incorrect word 🙈) on the keychain that gave me a gas discount. They also offered a specific type of optional insurance (don’t remember the name of it) that takes care of everything the other insurances didn’t cover and all I had to do was make sure the gas tank was full upon return. I had zero issues with them and wouldn’t mind using them again. Maybe you could do a video on purchasing gas in Iceland (how to read and use the gas pump), and the reasons why they may possibly hold funds, when paying by card, and for how long. That was an interesting experience for me, and I was thankful that I was able to budget for that. Love all your videos and I can’t wait to visit again!! I want to visit in the winter time, my next time. I just know the island would be beyond gorgeous! I’m doing my research, now, on things to do to stay safe and keep the environment safe and protected.

[@AllThingsIceland]

Glad to hear it worked out well for you with them. Yes, I have a video coming up about the hold at the gas station because many people are confused about this and it can be jarring to see a large amount of money taken from your account.

[@imsbvs]

I purchased top up insurance in the UK prior to travelling, and made sure I had insurance against damage caused by gravel and sand & ash damage of the paintwork. On my first trip (in August) I had a manual car (in fact I hired two cars on this trip), the second trip I went for an automatic 4 wheel drive car with studded tyres (October) and unlimited mileage.

[@PD-vs7vf]

Love this channel. Thank you so much for the tips! 😘

[@AllThingsIceland]

Awww, thank you and my pleasure! 🤗

[@pablitoclavito73]

LOVEEE your videos!! thanks!!!

[@AllThingsIceland]

Thank you! 🤗

[@darriendastar3941]

This was really, really, really good nuts-and-bolts advice that most guide books to a country would overlook. Thank you for i) thinking about it and ii) taking the time to make this video. It's much appreciated.

[@AllThingsIceland]

My pleasure and I’m so glad you find this helpful. 🤗

[@happymack6605]

💕Thank you! I hope you’re having a splendiferous autumn 😊

[@AllThingsIceland]

My pleasure. Thank you and likewise!! 🤗

[@emmakateyoung7158]

thank you for the code! great tips.

[@AllThingsIceland]

My pleasure 😊

[@rachwsj]

hello (: love your content so much! could I check if there's any trustable recommended private tour guides/tour packages for a week long in Iceland? thank you!

[@tacrewgirl]

Thanks Jewels for the helpful information.

[@AllThingsIceland]

My pleasure 🤗

[@MrHschoi]

thank u for infos !

[@AllThingsIceland]

My pleasure 🤗

[@antonday]

Hey Jewels would you mind doing a video describing all the road signs in Iceland? I was there in May and was taken aback by the beauty. Most of the road signs were understandable, but the signs at the end of peoples drives were different.

[@Jojolana]

I love all your videos

[@AllThingsIceland]

Thank you!

[@katalinfulop2403]

Thank you for the 10% Coupon code ! Saved me $68 !

[@sunilthapa1539]

Nice Video! is the insurance mandatory when we check in at the car rental there?

[@stephrainspirite9985]

We were so happy to see our tires studded when we rented our car a few weeks ago :)

[@AllThingsIceland]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Makes a huge difference on icy roads. Hope you had a great time. 😊

[@HrRezpatex]

It does not always work for different reasons, but when i can i rent a car from private people, that truly save you a lot of money. In many of the East European countries i have visited i do that with both homes and cars. The problem with that is that you usually need to get to know someone there first, so for the first week or so, you are pretty much stuck with a hotel and rental car companies.. But when i for example visited Ukraine, renting a room from private people was not a problem even if you did not know anyone, because it was so many that did it, that most people knew someone that was willing to do this. With cars it took a bit longer time to establish trust.. When it comes to renting room private, that also often give you inside local experiences that you normally would not get as a common tourist at a hotel. 🙂

[@Radaos]

I am arriving in Iceland next Monday for the Airwaves Festival. Rented a car with your discount code. Thanks Jewells!

[@AllThingsIceland]

Awesome!! Airwaves is so much fun and glad to hear that the discount came in handy. My pleasure and have an amazing time!

[@anandhiramasubramanian3989]

Thanks for the useful tips and info! My driving license is in French. Is that accepted or would it require a translation?

[@muehlistravelblog]

I actually booked a 4WD car and it worked and I am 21

[@tannszen22]

Can you recommend the best airport, car rental and hotel accommodations for a week visit. This will be our first time and we know we want to visit the blue lagoon. What else would you recommend? Thanks

[@TM-123]

Thanks for the tips Jewells! Quick question, how far in advance should we book tours? I'm planning on coming in late June.

[@AllThingsIceland]

Tours are usually sold out closer to the date but it doesn’t hurt to book them a few weeks out so you can get the time you want. The one thing you must book in advance, if you want to go there, is the Blue Lagoon. I would do that ASAP

[@TM-123]

@@AllThingsIceland thanks so much!

[@hannafatianova9079]

Hello. great video, thanks. how much money should be on the credit card account to rent a small car? if, for example, rent is paid by debit and the deposit is paid by credit. I did not find any information on any of the sites

[@TheLifetraveler1]

We are planning to fly to Iceland in late spring. I have been there before, but stayed close to Reyjkavik and did the tourist bus to the nearby waterfalls, etc. Bringing friends this time. Want to do the ring road this time. How long (days) should that take? I rented my car using your code already, for five days. Is that enough? Can you tell your viewers places to stay along the ring road? I stayed in the hostel in Reyjkavik, next to the central bus station, when I came, but my friends are NOT having any of that kind of nonsense. So please suggest a nice budget hotel in central Reykjavik, too, for four people. Thanks.

[@geetarz1]

If you’re renting in the winter, do a full check of the vehicle before you leave the rental location. We made the mistake of renting from Enterprise at the Reykjavik Bus Station, and all the cars are sat outside… I fully defrosted our Land Rover Discovery, but the wipers had already been damaged by previous drivers, meaning they hardly touched the windscreen. Low sun, and lots of road spray made for a horrible driving experience. The cruise control also broke on day 1. We returned it the same night and got switched to a Jeep Wrangler that had no screen wash in it! Definitely avoid that depot - there are 3 rental companies there, all storing their cars in sub-zero temperatures with what seems to be a single garage failing to maintain them.

[@AllThingsIceland]

Yea, the experience definitely can vary by company. Sorry you had a negative experience with another rental car company.

[@katalinfulop2403]

Thank you very much for the Coupon code ! I saved $ 68 !

[@AllThingsIceland]

Glad to hear that

[@Tallgeese03]

Gonna be there at the end of the month great advice thanks

[@AllThingsIceland]

My pleasure

[@SyazrinaChannel]

Thanks for the tips, would you mind sharing for trip in October, you suggest for campervan or SUV and rent accomodation to stay?

[@AllThingsIceland]

Hi!! Just seeing this. It’s much colder in October but not normally very wintery in the south. Are you planning to go around the country?

[@SyazrinaChannel]

@@AllThingsIceland we planning for road trip in southern area.

[@ronjaj.addams-ramstedt1023]

​@@AllThingsIceland We are coming in October, do we need to be prepared for snow or ice? We are starting from Keflavik and planning to drive halfway round the country via the northwest, to Akureyri and back, staying two weeks in all. (Snow and ice are not a problem for us, we are Finns and plan to rent a 4WD)

[@TheLifetraveler1]

One more question. The Play Airline flight arrived at 5AM. Can we check into a hotel that early? That's it.

[@praneethmathewwijayagunase9297]

I’m travelling to Iceland next month and wondering if a Suzuki Vitara will suffice? I’m not taking any F-roads.

[@edwinbab705]

One person I like drive u think is good idea and how much will cost basic car

[@kimsooyong9456]

I had checked the Go Car Rental website and it did not say anything about unlimited mileage when renting the vehicle. Did I miss something?

[@masond7573]

Damn, I wanted to go around this upcoming New Year but I'm 21 and will probably need a 4 wheel drive and can't get it :/

[@beachyTravels]

Thanks Jewells! do. you Iceland meet ups? I'd love to meet you. Also, I don't see the 1:1 on your website.

[@AllThingsIceland]

I sometimes do it. I’m often traveling or doing a project, so it just depends on my schedule. 😊 Here is a link to the 1:1 - calendly.com/allthingsiceland/60min?month=2023-01

[@edwinbab3205]

Can i rent and drive by myself five days and just see main area in july and regular car sleep in car?

[@Colombia20102018]

I tried the car rental link and it doesn’t let me change the location. I take this doesn’t work for Akureyri. Also, the prices are almost double in comparison to other companies!!!

[@ivanprieto961]

How much does security deposit usually cost for car rental?

[@The_beloved_of_the_lord]

Everything Iceland my dream country!! First comment

[@AllThingsIceland]

🥳🥳🥳

[@bettyboadwine4890]

I drive a Mazda CX-5 in Wisconsin , all wheel drive. What do the car rental companies considered 4x4 , big ass truck? The kind you need a small ladder to get into?

[@AllThingsIceland]

The really big trucks are modified and yes, you need a ladder to get in them. 😂 The tires are huge! However, rental car companies don’t normally carry those types of cars because they are so expensive to maintain. There are Defenders and similar 4WD cars that you can rent that are more than enough for most tourists going into the highlands.

[@bettyboadwine4890]

@@AllThingsIceland thank you so much. I remember seeing one of those huge 4x4 parking on a narrow street in Reykjavik. I am still amazed he was able to drive it down the street and not hit any cars. Parking it didn't look any easier.

[@AllThingsIceland]

@@bettyboadwine4890 My pleasure. Yea, they are intense. I would also feel nervous driving a huge car like that in the downtown area. Many of them just drive up on the sidewalk to park. LOL

[@angelharper2176]

Hello! I was wondering if you, Jewels, or anyone else seeing this has tips on the bus system? I will be going early summer and I have looked at the Iceland public transport webpage, but I just can't understand it! The bus routes, the passes, etc. Any and all information is welcome. Thank you!

[@AllThingsIceland]

Hi Angel. Are you looking to travel around the whole country by public bus? Here’s one website I found - old.inspiredbyiceland.com/plan-your-trip/getting-around/public-transport

[@angelharper2176]

@@AllThingsIceland Oh my gosh, YES! This is exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@adventurenana]

Our rental car came with a massive sign on the steering wheel showing information but nowhere on it did it say it ran on diesel (there was a small white sticker on the inside of the gas door we missed, white sticker on white door) We put half a tank of gas in, yes, we felt dumb, we paid a mechanic and he drained it. He told us they get a couple per week! The rental company don’t bother fixing the obvious problem because they charge $400 “just in case” fee. That’s just one mechanic. It’s an obvious cash grab. Other than that, we loved Iceland.

[@boucherj2941]

Anyone have an reccomendations on what insurance to get for campers travelling in July? The company we are looking at has the basic coverage but that is it

[@serenaluo88]

I’m renting a camper from Happy Camper in April and I’m getting their “Premium Plus” insurance which comes with Third Party Liability, Super Collision Damage Waiver, Gravel Protection, Sand & Ash, Theft, Scratch & Dent & Tire. Not sure I’ll need all those things but I like the peace of mind it gives me.

[@lmv153]

for my trip in November I plan to go no further than Vik would it be smart to get a 4WD or is 2W ok?

[@AllThingsIceland]

2WD is totally fine 😊

[@riteshvs4949]

Where can i get uber and cab driver

[@almurry8943]

Are there services in Iceland similar to Uber and Lyft? Does Iceland have cabs?

[@AllThingsIceland]

Iceland has cabs. Sadly, there is no Lyft or Uber services here. Maybe that will change in the future.

[@miriamperez4762]

Sorry. What's the name of your fave insurance company? Been to Iceland 3x and twice had windshield damage. I had the gravel coverage but I think I paid $200 for the gravel coverage alone.

[@miriamperez4762]

Just saw it. Go Car Rental

[@AllThingsIceland]

Glad you found it. 😊 They are the rental car company. Yea, it’s crazy how much some companies make people pay for insurance here on their rental.

[@ClaudiaEdwardvideos]

I tried using your code and it didnt work, Is it still active?

[@FurtHDVideoStudioYT]

Hello, I am planning a trip to Iceland from 30.5. until 6.6. is it possible that highlands F roads will already be open?

[@AllThingsIceland]

Hi! It all depends on the weather but typically F-roads are open in June but the date is not set in stone. Authorities check the conditions and then make the call so, unfortunately I can’t say for sure if they will be open when you come. I recommend checking out road.is It provides the list of roads that are open.

[@FurtHDVideoStudioYT]

@@AllThingsIceland Thank you for answer 🤍

[@angelharper2176]

June 2023, would not recommend GO car rental Iceland. You will get an email that someone will pick you up at the "arrival hall." Nope. You need to go outside to the shuttle. Its a blue shuttle. From the airport you will be taken to the old location. You have to find a way to contact the company. I had to go across the road to blue rental and they were nice enough. Then had to wait to be picked up and taken to the new location. No apologies. No help. Some how it was my sister and I's (and the other group's that also were taken to the old location) fault. "There is nothing I can do now." -employee

[@nettle7005]

Hey do you think it is possible to rent a car being 19 years old and having drivers license for more than a year?

[@AllThingsIceland]

The rental car companies I know about in Iceland require you to be at least 20 years old.

[@Oahuhooligan]

Hey Jewels, I would love it if you could make a video about the Icelandic lgbtq+ community. I am thinking about studying abroad in Iceland but I am a bit unsure as to what to expect, since it is such a small country. F.e. you could interview someone about what it's like to be queer in Iceland. Maybe some of your viewers would be interested in that 😊 Thank you so much for your lovely videos! All the best 🌈

[@AllThingsIceland]

Hi, Sina Marie! Thank you for the comment and suggestion. I interviewed one of the local drag queens here a while back and we talked a little bit about queer culture but I think expanding on the topic is a great idea. I’m writing that down. I definitely think my viewers would find it interesting and helpful. 😊 My pleasure and thank you so much for watching!

[@vladmihailciuc4368]

If i rent a car during February to march. Is it real that i should keep the engine working otherwise the combustible will freeze?

[@AllThingsIceland]

You can definitely turn the car off. It’s not that cold here.

[@vladmihailciuc4368]

@@AllThingsIceland thank you 😁

[@LifeOfRiley2166]

Is my US insurance usable in Iceland?

[@AllThingsIceland]

I’m not sure. I suggest asking your car insurance provider about that.

[@DOCBos]

👍🏽

[@livelyviobenny4640]

Which car rental company would you recommend?

[@AllThingsIceland]

Go Car Rental Iceland. If you use my code Iceland10, you save 10% with them. www.gocarrental.is

[@donnalouison3288]

Hello how are u doing.though about you because of the earth be safe

[@ewa9758]

up

[@AllThingsIceland]

🤗

[@kennyburris158]

Are there any handicapped cars to rent?

[@AllThingsIceland]

I’ve not seen that but I assume some companies have them.

[@jonbragi23]

Hello Jewels! Did you delet my comment?

[@AllThingsIceland]

Hi. No, I don't normally delete comments but sometimes KZbin might hold a comment if it thinks it doesn't meet some guidelines. I'll check to see if I have any comments held for review.

[@mamudoucolley6106]

You're such a yang beautiful lady...wish to meet you in real life in Iceland 😊

[@AllThingsIceland]

🤗❤️

[@laurenmallon4963]

too much talking........................................................