04 July 2025
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.
Core Promise | What It Means in Practice | Learn More |
---|---|---|
All-Inclusive Pricing | CDW, SCDW, TP, GP, SAAP and Zero-Liability are baked into the headline rate—no excess, no upsell, no deposit. | https://www.zerocar.is/info/faqs |
24/7 Roadside Assistance | Flat-tyre fix, tow or lock-out anywhere in Iceland with zero call-out fee. | https://www.zerocar.is/info |
Key-Box Pick-Up at KEF & Reykjavík | Six-digit code unlocks your keys; skip the counter even on 03 : 00 arrivals. | https://www.zerocar.is/info/pickup-dropoff-process |
Minimalist Three-Step Booking | Pick dates → choose car group → pay. Confirmation e-mail contains your QR + key-box code. | https://www.zerocar.is/info |
Locally Operated & Traveller-Focused | Icelandic staff, Icelandic road-knowledge, transparent English-language docs. | https://www.zerocar.is/info |
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
Requirement | Detail |
---|---|
Minimum age | 20 yrs for Small–Medium cars; 23 yrs for Large SUVs & 7–9-seat vans. |
Licence validity | Must be held ≥ 12 months; non-Roman scripts need an International Driving Permit. |
Online check-in | Upload licence photo + payment card details before arrival—no paperwork at the lot. |
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
Method | When It’s Charged |
---|---|
Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx) | At the time of booking; currency is Icelandic króna (ISK). |
16-digit debit cards | Treated like credit; charged at booking and verified for security. |
Pre-paid or virtual cards | Not accepted—use a physical card for booking & guarantee. |
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
Extra | Daily ISK | Why It’s Handy |
---|---|---|
4G Portable Wi-Fi | 1 700 | Unlimited data for 10 devices—ideal for navigation + streaming. |
GPS Navigator | 1 700 | Redundant sat-nav if mobile signal drops. |
Infant / Booster Seats | 4 500 / 1 000 | EU-approved; pre-installed before you land. |
Roof-box (410 L) | 4 000 | Essential for ski or camping kits. |
(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
Stage | What Happens | Useful Links |
---|---|---|
1 · Clear Customs | Follow signs for Car-Rental Shuttle Service in the arrivals hall. | |
2 · Free Shuttle (2 stops) | Board the blue-and-white shuttle; Zero/Blue Car Rental is the second stop (≈ 3 min ride). | Official shuttle instructions |
3 · Key-Box Access | 30–60 min before your scheduled pick-up you’ll receive an e-mail + SMS containing your six-digit code. Enter the code, grab the envelope with your name, and locate your vehicle right outside the office. | How the key-box works |
4 · Vehicle Walk-Around | Snap photos of all four sides (insurance is zero-excess, but images speed any third-party claim). Extras like Wi-Fi routers or child seats are pre-installed. | |
5 · Hit Route 1 | Cars leave the lot with a FULL TANK or if electric, at least 70% battery | KEF airport rental tips |
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
Task | Airport (KEF) | Reykjavík City |
---|---|---|
Fuel / Charge Level | Return with the same level you left (≥ 70 %). A flat 25 000 ISK service fee applies if significantly lower. | Same policy. |
After-Hours Drop | Park in any Zero/Blue bay, lock the car, place keys in the Return slot of the key-box. You’ll get a confirmation e-mail the next morning. | Identical process—city key-box has a dedicated return chute. |
Shuttle Back to Terminal | Free shuttle every 15 min; departs directly outside the office door. | N/A (you’re already downtown). |
Walk-Around & Photos | Optional but smart—take final timestamped pictures. | Optional. |
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
Question | Fast Answer |
---|---|
My flight is delayed past midnight—will someone be there? | No staff needed; the key-box lets you collect 24/7 as long as you completed online check-in. |
Can I add an extra driver on the spot? | Yes—log in to Manage Booking on your phone, pay the small fee, and the system auto-updates your rental agreement. |
Where do I find the child seat I pre-ordered? | Inside the car, pre-fitted to the ISOFIX anchors; adjust straps before departure. |
Do you offer in-person briefings? | Absolutely—during staffed hours at either location; otherwise the online tutorial covers every dashboard button. |
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.)
Category | Typical Models in Group | Seats / Drive-train | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Small / Economy | Toyota Aygo (A/M), Kia Rio, Toyota Yaris | 4–5 seats, 2WD | City breaks, Golden Circle day-trips bluecarrental.is |
Medium & Family Hatch / Wagon | Kia Ceed, Kia Stonic, Dacia Jogger 7-seat | 5–7 seats, 2WD | Ring-Road touring on paved roads bluecarrental.is |
Mid-size SUV 4×4 | Dacia Duster, Suzuki Vitara, Jeep Renegade | 5 seats, 4WD / AWD | Summer F-roads, winter stability bluecarrental.is |
Large SUV & Highland 4×4 | Nissan X-Trail 7-seat, Toyota Land Cruiser, Land Rover Discovery Sport | 5–7 seats, high-clearance 4WD | Highlands, heavy snow, multi-generational trips bluecarrental.is |
Electric Vehicles | Opel Corsa-e, BYD Dolphin, Kia EV6, Tesla Model Y | 4–5 seats, 2WD | Emission-free touring on Iceland’s renewable grid bluecarrental.is |
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
Included Cover | What It Protects | Your Cost |
---|---|---|
CDW / SCDW | Collision damage, bodywork | 0 ISK excess |
TP | Theft, attempted theft | 0 ISK excess |
GP | Gravel chips to paint, head-lights, windscreens | 0 ISK excess |
SAAP | Sand & ash damage (common on South-Coast wind days) | 0 ISK excess |
Zero Liability | Bundles all above into a single shield | 0 ISK excess |
Roadside Assistance | Flat-tyre repair, battery jump, tow, lock-out | 0 ISK call-out |
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 )
Factor | What to Expect | Practical Tips |
---|---|---|
Daylight | Sun sets for as little as 2 hours around 21 June; true darkness never comes. | Plan early-morning hikes to beat tour-bus crowds, but schedule breaks every 2–3 hours—midnight sun can trick your body clock. |
Temperatures | 8 – 15 °C on the coast, occasionally 20 °C in Reykjavík. | Pack layers; a T-shirt and rain shell often suffice. |
Road Status | Ring Road (Hwy 1) is fully open; most F-roads unlock mid-June. | Check live openings on the Icelandic Road Administration map before committing to the Highlands. |
Wildlife Hazards | Sheep roam freely and love sun-warmed asphalt. | Slow down on blind crests and use the horn sparingly to shoo them. |
Crowds & Prices | Peak tourism = higher hotel rates and fuller car parks. | Book lodging and Blue-Lagoon slots weeks ahead. |
For a concise safety refresher see Visit Reykjavík’s driving tips.
6.2 Winter ( October – April )
Factor | What to Expect | Practical Tips |
---|---|---|
Daylight | Only 4–5 hours around 21 December; sunrise ~11 a.m., sunset ~3 p.m. | Keep daily mileage under 250 km to avoid after-dark driving on ice. |
Temperatures | –1 °C to 4 °C on the coast; wind-chill can feel like –15 °C. | All Zero vehicles ship with studded tyres (1 Nov – 15 Apr) at no extra cost. |
Road Conditions | Icy, snowy, and occasionally closed by blizzards. | Before setting off check road.is and the Icelandic Met Office forecast. |
Wind & Storms | Gusts > 30 m/s can flip doors or high-profile vehicles. | Park facing the wind; hold doors firmly when opening. |
Northern Lights | Peak visibility Sept–Mar, clearest on cold, cloud-free nights. | Use the Met Office’s aurora forecast and keep exposure gear handy. |
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)
Month | Sunrise | Sunset |
---|---|---|
January | 11 : 19 | 15 : 44 |
March | 08 : 38 | 18 : 45 |
June | 03 : 02 | 23 : 56 |
August | 04 : 55 | 22 : 12 |
October | 08 : 25 | 18 : 20 |
December | 11 : 22 | 15 : 29 |
(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 )
Factor | What to Expect | Practical Tips |
---|---|---|
Daylight | Sun sets for as little as 2 hours around 21 June; true darkness never comes. | Plan early-morning hikes to beat tour-bus crowds, but schedule breaks every 2–3 hours—midnight sun can trick your body clock. |
Temperatures | 8 – 15 °C on the coast, occasionally 20 °C in Reykjavík. | Pack layers; a T-shirt and rain shell often suffice. |
Road Status | Ring Road (Hwy 1) is fully open; most F-roads unlock mid-June. | Check live openings on the Icelandic Road Administration map before committing to the Highlands. |
Wildlife Hazards | Sheep roam freely and love sun-warmed asphalt. | Slow down on blind crests and use the horn sparingly to shoo them. |
Crowds & Prices | Peak tourism = higher hotel rates and fuller car parks. | Book lodging and Blue-Lagoon slots weeks ahead. |
For a concise safety refresher see Visit Reykjavík’s driving tips.
6.2 Winter ( October – April )
Factor | What to Expect | Practical Tips |
---|---|---|
Daylight | Only 4–5 hours around 21 December; sunrise ~11 a.m., sunset ~3 p.m. | Keep daily mileage under 250 km to avoid after-dark driving on ice. |
Temperatures | –1 °C to 4 °C on the coast; wind-chill can feel like –15 °C. | All Zero vehicles ship with studded tyres (1 Nov – 15 Apr) at no extra cost. |
Road Conditions | Icy, snowy, and occasionally closed by blizzards. | Before setting off check road.is and the Icelandic Met Office forecast. |
Wind & Storms | Gusts > 30 m/s can flip doors or high-profile vehicles. | Park facing the wind; hold doors firmly when opening. |
Northern Lights | Peak visibility Sept–Mar, clearest on cold, cloud-free nights. | Use the Met Office’s aurora forecast and keep exposure gear handy. |
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)
Month | Sunrise | Sunset |
---|---|---|
January | 11 : 19 | 15 : 44 |
March | 08 : 38 | 18 : 45 |
June | 03 : 02 | 23 : 56 |
August | 04 : 55 | 22 : 12 |
October | 08 : 25 | 18 : 20 |
December | 11 : 22 | 15 : 29 |
(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
Feature | What It Means on the Road |
---|---|
Start at 70 %+ SOC | Your car leaves the KEF or Reykjavík lot with at least 70 % State-of-Charge—enough to reach Vík or Borgarnes without stopping. |
RFID Charge Card | Found in the glove box; unlocks Ísorka, ON Power and N1 stations. Charges are added to your rental bill at face value—no mark-up. |
Integrated Navigation | In-car map layers highlight high-power chargers along your route and auto-suggest stops when range < 15 %. |
Zero-Excess Coverage | Standard roadside assistance includes flat-bed tow to the nearest DC station if an unforeseen battery issue leaves you immobile—still no deductible. |
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
Leg | Distance | Suggested Stop | Facilities |
---|---|---|---|
Reykjavík → Borgarnes | 73 km | ON Power 150 kW at Borgarnes N1 | Coffee, Wi-Fi, toilets |
Borgarnes → Blönduós | 150 km | Ísorka 50 kW at B&S Restaurant | Fast food, playground |
Blönduós → Akureyri | 145 km | ON Power 150 kW at Akureyri Orkan station | Supermarket, bakery |
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:
Add-On | Daily ISK | Why It Helps |
---|---|---|
Unlimited 4G Wi-Fi | 1 700 | Share photos live, avoid roaming fees |
GPS Navigator | 1 700 | Redundant nav in low-signal fjords |
Infant Seat (0–13 kg) | 4 500 | EU-approved rear-facing |
Booster (15–36 kg) | 1 000 | Required by Icelandic law |
Extra Driver | 1 050 | Split Ring-Road fatigue |
410 L Roof-Box | 4 000 | Ski or camping gear |
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.”)
Day | Route Highlights | Need-to-Know |
---|---|---|
1 | KEF ➜ Blue Lagoon soak ➜ Reykjavík food crawl | Key-box pick-up gets you on the road in < 5 min — no counter lines. zerocar.is |
2 | Classic Golden Circle: Þingvellir, Geysir, Gullfoss | Lunch inside the tomato green-house at Friðheimar; reserve ahead. zerocar.is |
3 | Reykjavík ➜ South-Coast Waterfalls (Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss) ➜ Sólheimajökull glacier hike | Opt for a Wi-Fi router add-on—cell signal dips near Sólheimajökull. |
4 | Black-sand Reynisfjara ➜ Vík ➜ Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon ➜ Höfn | Try “lava soup” at The Soup Company in Vík. zerocar.is |
5 | Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon & Diamond Beach ➜ East-fjords fishing villages | Parking is free at both lagoon and beach. |
6 | Höfn ➜ Hveragerði hot-river detour ➜ Reykjavík ➜ KEF drop-off | Zero’s key-box return takes under two minutes—fuel to gate faster. zerocar.is |
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.”
Direction | Why Go | Star Stops |
---|---|---|
Northbound | Fewer crowds, raw fjords, midnight-sun landscapes. Ideal for solitude seekers and whale watchers. zerocar.is | Akureyri • Mývatn Nature Baths • Húsavík whale capital • Dettifoss power-fall |
Southbound | Waterfall overload, glaciers, black-sand beaches, easy access straight from KEF. Suits first-timers and photo hunters. zerocar.is | Seljalandsfoss & Skógafoss • Reynisfjara • Vík • Jökulsárlón lagoon |
Can’t decide? | Drive the full Ring Road (1 332 km). Zero’s unlimited mileage means no extra fees, and you’ll sample BOTH vibes in 7–10 days. zerocar.is | Mix north & south gems; add Snæfellsnes or Westfjords if time allows. |
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
Topic | TL;DR |
---|---|
Minimum renter age | 20 yrs (23 yrs for large 4×4) |
Drive side | Right |
Head-lights | Mandatory 24/7 |
Speed limits | 50/80/90 km/h |
BAC limit | 0 .05 % |
Studded tyres | 1 Nov – 15 Apr |
Emergency number | 112 |
Key-box hours | 24/7 at KEF & Reykjavík |
Insurance excess | 0 ISK |
Off-road driving | Illegal |
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!