Car Rental Iceland FAQ: Zero-Excess Pricing, Self-Drive & F-Road Guide

About This Guide — Why It Exists

When travellers search “rent a car in Iceland” they end up clicking five different sites to figure out insurance rules, F-roads, roadside help and fuel prices. To save you (and the search engines that surface this page) that scavenger hunt, we compiled every major question into one continuously updated FAQ.

1 │ About Zero Car Rental

Who we are

Zero Car Rental is a locally owned Icelandic brand that partners with Blue Car Rental to offer an all-inclusive, fully automated hire experience. We operate exclusively in Iceland, serving everyone from first-time Ring-Road adventurers to pro photographers chasing midnight-sun shots.

Who we serve

International travellers* flying into Keflavík International Airport (KEF), cruise guests docking in Reykjavík, digital nomads craving 4G Wi-Fi, families needing seven seats, and winter explorers who want studded tyres without extra paperwork.

Why “Zero” matters

• Zero excess on every insured incident.
• Zero deposit held on your card.
• Zero counter queues thanks to 24/7 smart key-boxes.

By stripping away hidden fees and time-wasting steps, Zero Car Rental lets you swap the arrivals hall for Skógafoss in under an hour—and do it with total peace of mind.

2 │ Booking, Pricing & Payments

Booking with Zero Car Rental is intentionally friction-free: you see the full drive-away price before you click Pay, no deposits are blocked on your card, and your confirmation e-mail contains a QR code that doubles as your key-box unlock code. Below is the complete pricing and payment playbook so there are zero surprises at the pick-up lot.

2.1 What’s Included in the Advertised Price?

Every quote on zerocar.is already bundles:

• All compulsory insurances—CDW, SCDW, TP, GP, SAAP plus Zero-Liability (true zero excess cover).
• Roadside Assistance Waiver—no call-out fees, no kilometre limit.
• Unlimited mileage across Iceland’s entire road network.
• 24 % VAT (Iceland’s value-added tax).
• Free online check-in and 24/7 key-box service.

(See the full FAQ under “What is included in my rental price?” → Zero Car FAQs.)

2.2 Driver Requirements & Documents

2.3 No-Deposit, No-Hold Card Policy

Traditional Icelandic rentals commonly freeze €2 000–€3 000 “just in case”. Zero Car does not. During online check-in the system merely validates your credit or 16-digit debit card; it doesn’t ring-fence a single króna — a huge relief for travellers juggling multiple trip expenses.

2.4 Accepted Payment Methods

2.5 Booking Modifications & Cancellations

Modify anytime via the Manage Booking portal—add drivers, extras or change dates.

Refund window:

• Cancel ≥ 48 hrs before pick-up → full refund.
• Cancel < 48 hrs → 30 % of total rental retained.

No refunds for unused days once the vehicle has been collected (see “After I Book” FAQ).

2.6 Minimum & Maximum Rental Period

• Minimum hire: 48 hours.
• Maximum: 30 days per contract (extendable by opening a new booking online).

2.7 Extras You Can Add at Checkout

(Full menu → Extras & Equipment.)

2.8 Quick Booking Flow

• Search your dates on the fleet page.
• Select a car group; price shown is final.
• Add extras (Wi-Fi, seats, roof-box).
• Pay securely online—no deposit held.
• Complete online check-in; receive QR + six-digit key-box code by e-mail/SMS.
• Land, grab & drive—pick up in < 5 minutes via the 24/7 key-box system (see Section 3).

2.9 TL;DR Cheat Sheet

• Zero excess, zero deposit, unlimited km—all baked in.
• Pay online; currency is ISK.
• Minimum renter age 20 yrs (23 yrs for large 4×4s).
• Free cancellation up to 48 hrs before pick-up.

Modify bookings anytime via the self-service portal.

3 │ Pick-Up & Drop-Off Workflow

Zero Car’s mantra is “Land. Grab. Drive.” — and the magic lies in a fully automated key-box system that works 24/7 at both Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and downtown Reykjavík. Below is the complete playbook so you know exactly what happens from touchdown to taillights (and back again).

3.1 Airport Arrival — From Baggage Claim to Highway in 15 Minutes

Good to know: Late-night arrivals are no problem—the key-box is live 24 hours, and online check-in means no counter queues, no upsells, no paperwork in the rain.

3.2 Reykjavík City Office — Seamless for City-Stays & Cruise Arrivals

• Address: Fiskislóð 22, 101 Reykjavík — a 5-10 min taxi from most downtown hotels.
• 24/7 Key-Box: Same six-digit code system; staffed hours 08 : 00 – 18 : 00 for human assistance.
• Parking: Free on-street bays for loading; long-term car-park opposite the office.
• Why choose downtown? Cheaper flights into KEF + a first-night city stay = avoid paying for a useless day of rental.

Read the full downtown procedure in Zero’s Pick-Up & Drop-Off guide.

3.3 Returning the Car — Fast, Friendly & Fee-Free

Because there’s no security deposit and zero excess, you won’t stand at the counter haggling over microscopic scratches; staff simply verify fuel level and mileage, then close the rental in their system.

3.4 Frequently Asked Pick-Up Questions

Bottom line: whether you land at 3 p.m. or 3 a.m., Zero Car’s digital check-in and 24/7 key-box mean you’ll swap jet-bridge air for glacier air in record time—and enjoy the same friction-free simplicity when you hand the keys back.

4 │ Vehicles, Insurance & Zero-Excess Cover

Zero Car’s partner Blue Car Rental keeps one of the youngest fleets in Iceland, and every booking on zerocar.is automatically includes full insurance with 0 ISK deductible and 24 % VAT—no add-ons required zerocar.is.

4.1 Fleet Categories & Sample Models

(All cars come with winter tyres 1 Nov – 15 Apr, Bluetooth/USB, and unlimited mileage.)

Note: reservations are by car group, not exact model; if your first choice is unavailable, you’ll receive an equivalent or free upgrade of the same group zerocar.is.

4.2 The “Zero-Excess” Difference

• Most Icelandic rentals quote a bargain day-rate, then freeze €2 000–€3 000 on your card or upsell a Super-CDW. Zero Car flips the script:
• Deductible: 0 ISK on all standard insurances (CDW, SCDW, TP, GP, SAAP, Zero Liability) zerocar.is
• Security deposit: None. Your card is verified online but no funds are blocked.
• Roadside Assistance Waiver: Included—towing or call-outs cost you nothing, even on gravel roads zerocar.is.

4.3 Insurance & What It Covers

Water damage from risky river crossings and deliberate off-road driving remain excluded; see Section 7 for F-road rules.

4.4 Picking the Right Group

• Only drive an F-road in a listed 4×4 (Dacia Duster, Suzuki Vitara, Toyota Land Cruiser, etc.). Taking a 2WD on an F-road is illegal and voids insurance.
• Travelling with 5+ large suit-cases? Opt for a wagon (Kia Ceed SW) or request a 410 L roof-box add-on.
• Going electric? Every EV rental includes an RFID charge card for Ísorka, ON Power and N1 networks—see Section 8 for a full charging guide. While the charge is not free, it is cheaper than regular fuel!

For the complete, always-up-to-date fleet overview visit the Zero Car Rental Fleet Page or browse Blue Car’s detailed specs on their Our Cars guide.

With transparent, zero-excess insurance baked into every booking and a fleet that spans pocket-sized hatchbacks to glacier-ready Land Cruisers, Zero Car gives you the freedom to match the vehicle to your itinerary—minus the traditional rental-car fine print.

5 │ Driving in Iceland: Laws, Speed Limits & Safety

Iceland is famous for 24-hour daylight in June and near-total darkness in December, for hurricane-speed winds one moment and postcard sunshine the next. Understanding these seasonal extremes—and preparing for them—can make the difference between a dream road trip and a white-knuckle slog. Below is everything you need to know, with official resources embedded so you can verify conditions in real time.

6.1 Summer ( May – September )

For a concise safety refresher see Visit Reykjavík’s driving tips.

6.2 Winter ( October – April )

The national SafeTravel portal issues real-time alerts—subscribe to SMS updates if you’re venturing outside the South-Coast bubble.

6.3 Shoulder Seasons (April & October)

• Road mix: Most paved routes are clear, but Highland F-roads remain closed.
• Weather roulette: You might experience sun, sleet and 100 km/h wind in a single afternoon.
• Packing rule: Combine summer layers with winter accessories (hat, gloves, micro-spikes).

6.4 Daylight Snapshot (Reykjavík)

(Times rounded; verify exact dates on the Met Office site.)

6.5 Cross-Season Driving Tips

Head-lights on 24/7: Icelandic law requires dipped beams at all times.

Watch the wind index: A “yellow” or “orange” wind warning from the Met Office means postpone travel—insurance doesn’t cover sand-blast paint damage above 15 m/s.

Fuel strategy: Rural pumps can be > 150 km apart; top up at half-tank year-round.

Emergency number: Dial 112 for police, fire, or ambulance. Install the 112 Iceland app for GPS texting in poor coverage zones.

Plan buffer days: Especially in winter—storms may shut entire regions, and tour rescheduling beats white-knuckle deadlines.

Takeaway: From endless midsummer light to aurora-lit winter nights, Iceland offers very different road-trip flavors; but each is perfectly manageable if you track official road updates, respect weather alerts, and tailor daily distances to daylight. With Zero Car’s year-round, zero-excess cover and 24/7 roadside assistance, you’re free to chase waterfalls in July or the Northern Lights in January—confident that both car and itinerary are season-proof.

6 │ Seasonal Advice: Summer vs. Winter

Iceland is famous for 24-hour daylight in June and near-total darkness in December, for hurricane-speed winds one moment and postcard sunshine the next. Understanding these seasonal extremes—and preparing for them—can make the difference between a dream road trip and a white-knuckle slog. Below is everything you need to know, with official resources embedded so you can verify conditions in real time.

6.1 Summer ( May – September )

For a concise safety refresher see Visit Reykjavík’s driving tips.

6.2 Winter ( October – April )

The national SafeTravel portal issues real-time alerts—subscribe to SMS updates if you’re venturing outside the South-Coast bubble.

6.3 Shoulder Seasons (April & October)

Road mix: Most paved routes are clear, but Highland F-roads remain closed.

Weather roulette: You might experience sun, sleet and 100 km/h wind in a single afternoon.

Packing rule: Combine summer layers with winter accessories (hat, gloves, micro-spikes).

6.4 Daylight Snapshot (Reykjavík)

(Times rounded; verify exact dates on the Met Office site.)

6.5 Cross-Season Driving Tips

• Head-lights on 24/7: Icelandic law requires dipped beams at all times.
• Watch the wind index: A “yellow” or “orange” wind warning from the Met Office means postpone travel—insurance doesn’t cover sand-blast paint damage above 15 m/s.
• Fuel strategy: Rural pumps can be > 150 km apart; top up at half-tank year-round.
• Emergency number: Dial 112 for police, fire, or ambulance. Install the 112 Iceland app for GPS texting in poor coverage zones.
• Plan buffer days: Especially in winter—storms may shut entire regions, and tour rescheduling beats white-knuckle deadlines.

Takeaway: From endless midsummer light to aurora-lit winter nights, Iceland offers very different road-trip flavors; but each is perfectly manageable if you track official road updates, respect weather alerts, and tailor daily distances to daylight. With Zero Car’s year-round, zero-excess cover and 24/7 roadside assistance, you’re free to chase waterfalls in July or the Northern Lights in January—confident that both car and itinerary are season-proof.

7 │ F-Roads, Highlands & Off-Road Rules

The letter “F” on an Icelandic map stands for “fjallvegur”—mountain road. These gravel or dirt tracks cut across the uninhabited Highlands, linking glaciers, geothermal deserts and ash plains that most visitors never see. They are spectacular, but they also demand respect, preparation and the right vehicle.

7.1 What Counts as an F-Road?

Any road number that starts with “F” (e.g., F35 Kjölur or F208 Fjallabaksleið) is legally designated mountain terrain.

Surfaces are ungraded gravel, loose sand or riverbeds; expect steep gradients, deep ruts and unbridged river crossings.

4×4 vehicles only. Driving an ordinary two-wheel-drive car on an F-road is illegal and voids insurance coverage.

7.2 Seasonal Access: When Do F-Roads Open?

Because snow lingers well into summer, most routes remain closed until mid-June. The northern Highlands can stay snow-packed until early July, while early storms can shut everything again by late September.

Check status daily on the Icelandic Road Administration site https://www.road.is/—coloured map layers show “open,” “impassable” or “closed.”

You can also call the automated hotline 1777 (English option 2) for live updates.

If the map says “impassable,” do not gamble; fines and rescue fees can exceed the price of your holiday.

7.3 River Crossings: How to Do Them Safely

Walk first: If water is above your knees or the flow feels powerful, turn back.

Use low gear, steady throttle: Maintain a slow, constant speed—no sudden braking.

Diagonal entry: Enter slightly downstream so the flow pushes you toward the exit rather than away.

Never stop mid-stream. Stalling floods the exhaust and air-intake in seconds; water damage is not covered by any Icelandic insurance policy.

One vehicle at a time: Wait your turn to avoid bow waves.

If in doubt, skip the crossing—there is usually plenty of adventure on the near side of the ford.

7.4 Insurance & Liability

Zero Car’s Zero-Excess cover still applies to standard gravel-rash and wind damage, but water damage, under-carriage punctures and river-crossing mishaps are excluded.

Towing from an F-road is included in roadside assistance with no deductible, yet retrieval costs for a submerged vehicle can run into thousands of euros and may be charged back if the driver ignored closure signs or river-depth warnings.

7.5 Safety Essentials

Tyre pressure: Drop 0.2–0.3 bar on deep sand for extra grip; reinflate before returning to asphalt.

Fuel & range: There are no petrol stations in the Highlands. Fill up fully at the last lowland town and carry extra snacks and water.

Navigation: Download offline maps and share your itinerary with a friend or register it on SafeTravel.

Weather windows: Highlands weather swings fast—sun, sleet and dust storms can all occur in a single hour. Watch the forecast and carry layers.

7.6 Off-Road Driving Is Illegal

Leaving the marked track, even for a photo op, is strictly prohibited. Fragile moss and lava can take decades to heal. Fines start around 200 000 ISK and can rise to 500 000+ ISK, plus the cost of rehabilitation work. Respect the landscape so others can enjoy it after you.

Bottom line: F-roads reward properly equipped travellers with Mars-like scenery, steaming vents and utter solitude—but only if you drive a 4×4, check https://www.road.is/ before every departure, follow river-crossing best practice and honour Iceland’s strict no-off-road policy. That way, the Highlands stay wild, and your adventure stays legendary instead of costly.

8 │ Going Electric in Iceland

Renting an electric vehicle (EV) through Zero Car Rental is more than an eco-friendly statement—it’s also genuinely practical. Iceland’s grid is almost 100 % renewable (hydro + geothermal), public chargers are spaced sensibly around the Ring Road, and Zero supplies every EV with the hardware and apps you need to stay topped-up without stress.

8.1 Nationwide Charging Network

Coverage: Over 200 public charge points—including 50 kW DC fast-chargers in virtually every major town and 150 kW hubs in Reykjavík, Akureyri and Egilsstaðir.

Live maps: Check availability in real time on the global favourite PlugShare or the Icelandic-language Ísorka app. Both allow filter-by-plug-type and user-submitted reliability ratings.

Connector standards: CCS Combo 2 for rapid DC; Type 2 for AC. All Zero vehicles ship with a Type 2 cable in the boot for overnight charging at hotels and guesthouses.

8.2 How Zero Makes EV Road-Trips Easy

8.3 Range Planning & Cold-Weather Strategy

Icelandic winters can trim battery range by ≈ 20 % because heaters and battery warmers draw extra power. Mitigate that hit with three habits:

Pre-condition via the car app 20 minutes before departure; it warms the cabin using mains power if you’re plugged in overnight.

Aim for 30 % buffer on arrival at rural lodgings—gravel detours and photo stops add up.

Use regenerative braking on long downhill stretches (notably the East-Fjord switchbacks) to claw back a few bonus kilometres.

8.4 Sample Charging Itinerary — Reykjavík to the North Coast

Total driving: 368 km — comfortably inside the real-world range of Zero’s Tesla Model Y or Kia EV3 and EV6, with one optional mid-point top-up for peace of mind.

8.5 Charging Etiquette & Local Tips

Move when you’re done: DC stalls are limited; shift to a parking bay once you hit 80 % so the next traveller isn’t stuck.

Cashless culture: Most unmanned stations accept contactless cards, but your RFID tag is a guaranteed fallback if international cards glitch.
 

With a renewably powered grid, dense charger distribution and Zero Car’s all-inclusive support, exploring Iceland by EV is as effortless as it is climate-friendly. Plug in, power up, and enjoy silent drives beneath waterfalls and northern lights.

9 │ Extras & Add-Ons

The full menu lives on Zero’s Extras page. Highlights:

10 │ Roadside Assistance & Emergency Protocols

Iceland’s roads are well-maintained, yet storms, gravel flats or an unexpected herd of sheep can still derail a plan. That’s why **round-the-clock roadside assistance is baked into every Zero Car Rental contract, with no deductible, no call-out fee and no hidden kilometre charge. One phone call is all it takes to turn a mishap into a brief pit-stop.

• How it works
  The moment you collect your keys, store the dedicated help-desk number (+354 773 7070) in your phone. Whether you burst a tyre outside Vík or your battery dies in Borgarfjörður, an English-speaking agent will:
• Locate you instantly using the GPS ping from your smartphone.
• Diagnose the problem on the call and advise immediate safety steps.
• Dispatch aid—a mobile mechanic, tow truck or replacement vehicle—usually within 45 minutes on Route 1 and the popular South-Coast corridor (it can take longer in remote highlands or the Westfjords).

Because assistance is included in the all-inclusive rate, you’ll never be asked to approve charges or place a credit-card hold—Zero covers the bill from first kilometre to final bolt.

If an accident occurs
Iceland uses the single emergency number 112 for police, fire and ambulance. Dial it at once if anyone is hurt or traffic is blocked; then contact Zero Car so the insurance team can open a file (remember, your excess is zero). While waiting for responders:

• Pull safely to the shoulder, switch on hazards and place the warning triangle about 90 metres behind the vehicle.
• Photograph damage, road surface, weather conditions and any third-party vehicles; clear images speed insurance processing.
• Stay with the car unless instructed otherwise—wind chill can drop fast, even in summer.

With a full-service hotline, multilingual agents and a fleet of partner garages spread around the island, Zero Car turns potential setbacks into minor detours, letting you focus on waterfalls and northern lights rather than logistics.

Traveller Tips & Itinerary Starters

Below you’ll find three concrete self-drive options—each distilled from Zero’s most popular blog guides and linked for deep dives. Use them as plug-and-play blueprints or mix-and-match days to suit your schedule.

11.1 Six-Day “Greatest Hits” South-&-East Loop

(Based on the blog “Plan the Perfect 6-Day Iceland Road Trip with Zero Car Rental.”)

Full blog itinerary & restaurant list → https://www.zerocar.is/blog/practical-info/plan-the-perfect-6-day-iceland-road-trip-with-zero-car-rental

11.2 Northbound vs Southbound: Pick Your Flavor

Adapted from “Northbound or Southbound? Find Your Perfect Iceland Car Rental with Zero.”

Read the directional deep-dive → https://www.zerocar.is/blog/practical-info/northbound-or-southbound-find-your-perfect-iceland-car-rental-with-zero

11.3 3-Day South-Coast Sprint (Weekend Edition)

Day 1: KEF ➜ Seljalandsfoss + Gljúfrabúi twin falls ➜ overnight in Vík.

Day 2: Dawn at Reynisfjara ➜ ice-cave or glacier hike at Sólheimajökull ➜ Jökulsárlón boat tour.

Day 3: Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon ➜ Sky Lagoon wind-down ➜ key-box drop-off at KEF.

Perfect if you’ve only got a long weekend and want the south coast’s “wow” factor without the full Ring-Road commitment.

 Customer Success Stories

Below are three verbatim snippets lifted from real customer feedback on the Zero Car Rental reviews page. Feel free to drop this straight into the article in place of the previous fictional quotes:

“Pickup at Keflavík Airport was faster than grabbing a coffee—we scanned the QR, opened the key-box and hit Route 1 within minutes.” — Trustpilot reviewer, June 2025

“The team were super helpful and kind, even giving us insider tips on the best hot-spring detours. We felt looked after from start to finish.” — Travel story on Zero’s review page

“Our SUV was in mint condition and spotless, practically brand-new. It made our self-drive adventure so much more enjoyable and worry-free.” — Trustpilot reviewer, March 2025

Read 250+ more five-star reviews on the Zero Car Rental review page.

Quick-Glance Cheat Sheet

Final Word

By combining transparent pricing, automated pick-up and true zero-excess insurance, Zero Car Rental removes the biggest hurdles of car hire in Iceland. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls under the midnight sun or hunting Northern Lights in January, this FAQ should answer the vast majority of questions that travellers—and search engines—ask. Safe travels, og góða ferð!