1st Time to Iceland Car rental Questions

In Iceland we always get the extra insurance as it is very different than other places. That is one thing we do not skimp on and we opt for the full insurance.

Thanks so much for your quick reply! Will follow suit!

One more question...when you say full insurance, is that Max coverage with 0 liability excess? Super Collision waver? Windsheild protection? Theft?

I am a bit confused on the offerings from the rental agency.
Thanks again!

Yes each car rental company has their own version. One of the big things in Iceland is the sand and ash, so don’t think you are being scammed when you see that.

We have rented through Blue 5x so far. The first 4 times were great but the latest rental was in September and they were terrible. Dents, dirty inside, very high mileage, wipers that were useless and the car would randomly die. Plus they did not give us what we had rented and tried to say it was similar, yet the one we got was priced lower. So obviously not similar. The kicker though was after we returned home I emailed them and relayed this with the sole purpose of giving constructive criticism. The GM replied with a trail of emails with his people and one guy did not realize I was included and said I didn’t know what I was talking about. I emailed the GM about that and he said “can’t we just forget that “. So, while I the past they were great but unless something changed I can’t recommend them.

We always rent from Blue in Iceland and always take the full coverage -- including wind and sand. Who are you thinking of renting from, James?

We were thinking of Avis or Hertz, as those are our go-to's.
Both offer many coverages, asd as I said, are a bit overwhelming.
Thanks!

Take a look at Lotus. it is a highly regarded company and they are locally owned. That is who I plan to use next time, but a handful of friends have used them and were very pleased, FWIW.

We will be there, Reykjavík, for 2 days in late May on a cruise ship. Would like to rent a car for a day and at least drive the golden circle. Are there car rental agencies at the cruise port rather than having to go into town or to the airport? Names?
Tks. .

Brian--I do not believe there are any car rentals at the cruise ports. Blue does have an office in Reykjavik down on the wharf though.

I had rented a car from Key Car Rental / Northbound for 9 days. They had very poor customer service. We had to wait 2 hours to get the car, and we received no discount or apology for that. The car tank was not full, but we returned it full. There was no discount provided for that either. Upon returning the car, they said that there are some minor scratches on the rear bumper of the car, and they will charge me for that. We were not aware of any incident, and the vehicle was driven with utmost care and caution. They have not sent any clear picture or evidence of the damage. I have sent them multiple emails to which there is never any response. Also, to repair the few light scratches, they have charged me 1,414+ USD. This is daylight robbery. The damage charge was issued by some car wash company, who is not authorized to charge my credit card. Not sure how such car companies with pathetic customer service and fraudulent intentions are allowed to operate in Iceland. It creates a very poor impression of Iceland for American travelers like me.
If you want to avoid nightmares and have a pleasant trip without being ripped off, avoid this company like the plague. That is what we are advising all our friends and neighbors. I have filed complaints against them with the Iceland authorities. They are a fraudulent company.

too bad, lali. That's why we always recommend using the local companies Blue or Lotus. Many people gave had good experiences with both of them.

Should foreign visitors to Iceland have an International Driver's License?

lalli000–yes, that is why we always suggest going with one of the local companies that have good reputations and taking the full insurance.

Gail—No, you do not need and IDP for Iceland:)