Frequently Asked Questions

Common Iceland car rental queries

Which documents are required to rent a car?

To rent a car with us, please ensure you have the following documents for both the main driver and any additional drivers:

  • The driver´s valid passport (same applies to additional drivers).
  • The driver´s valid driving license (same applies to additional drivers).
  • A valid credit card.
How old do I need to be to rent a car?

The minimum age requirement to rent a car is at least 20 years old, and renters must have been driving for at least 12 months. However, for specific types of vehicles such as 7-seater SUVs, luxury vehicles, and 9-seater vans, the minimum age requirement is 23 years.

I have a foreign driver’s license, can I use your service?

Yes, we accept all foreign driver’s licenses as long as they are in English or contain Latin characters. If your license is in a different format, please ensure you also bring an International Driving Permit (IDP).

How can I pay for my rental car?

We accept both credit and debit cards as payment methods. If you pay with a valid credit card, no deposit will be charged upon arrival. We accept all major debit and credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, and Union Pay. If you wish to use a different debit card, please check with us in advance of your arrival that it will be accepted. We do require all debit cards to be issued in the name of the main driver of the rental car and to be valid throughout your rental period.

Do I need to pay a deposit?

If you pay with a valid credit card, no deposit is required. If you choose to pay with a debit card, a deposit of 150,000 ISK will be required upon arrival. This deposit will be fully refunded when the car is returned in the same condition as when it was rented, with no extra fees. For those opting for our Gold Insurance Package, the deposit is reduced to 65,000 ISK. If you choose the Platinum Insurance Package, no deposit is required.

What insurance options do you offer?

We offer three different insurance packages:

  • Silver Package: Includes third-party liability, collision damage waiver (CDW), and theft protection with a deductible of 150,000 ISK.
  • Gold Package: Adds gravel, sand, and ash protection, lowering the deductible to 65,000 ISK.
  • Platinum Package: Includes all coverages like river crossing, F-road insurance, and tire insurance, with a 0 ISK deductible. Free Wi-Fi is also included.
What is included in the rental price?

All rental price include:

  • CDW, SCDW and TP insurances
  • Unlimited mileage
  • Cheaper fuel and discounts at N1 gas stations
  • 24% VAT tax
  • Free cancellation for cancellations made more than 48 hours before the start of the rental
  • No hidden fees upon arrival
Is there a minimum rental period?

Yes, the minimum rental period is 24 hours.

Do you offer roadside assistance?

Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency roadside assistance, which can be reached at 00-354-787-4444. Lotus Car Rental has service affiliates all around the country if maintenance is required for your rental. In case of a life-threatening emergency, please contact 112.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel your booking by following our cancellation policy. If you cancel more than 48 hours before pick-up time you are eligible for a full refund minus a cancellation fee. No refund will be provided if you cancel less than 48 hours before pick-up time.


Picking up your rental car

How can I pick up my car after arriving at the airport?

We provide a convenient pick up service at the airport. After you arrive at the airport, our representative will meet you in the arrival hall with a sign. Please wait close to the information desk in the arrival hall. Our representative will take you to our office where you will pick up your rental vehicle. If you don't see our representative, give us a call at +354-787-4444 for assistance.

Where do I find the Lotus Car Rental office in Iceland?

You can find us at our main office located at Flugvellir 6, 230 Keflavik. 

What are the office opening times?

Our Keflavik Office is open 24/7.

What is self service pick up?

Our self-service pick-up allows you to collect your rental vehicle independently without direct interaction with a representative. Please note that self-service pick up is only available to those who have purchased Platinum Insurance coverage. Upon arrival, you'll receive instructions via email or text on how to access your vehicle and complete the pick-up process using a secure key box or other self-service methods.

Choosing your vehicle

What vehicle types do you offer?

We offer a wide variety of vehicles, including small, medium, large and luxury cars. Our fleet also features 4x4s, minivans and campers. We also offer electric car rental options like the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 for your Icelandic adventure. Learn more about renting an electric car in Iceland.

How can I be sure the vehicle I’ve selected is available?

If the vehicle you’ve reserved is unavailable during pick up, we will supply you with a similar model. We always guarantee the category, but cannot always guarantee the same brand or model.

Do I need a 4×4 car?

The type of car you need depends on your travel plans. If you are going to drive on F-roads (Highland roads), a 4×4 is essential for driving on these challenging roads. F Roads are closed in the winter months (November-April), but it is still recommended to rent a 4×4 for driving around the country because of icy road conditions. In the summer it’s not essential to rent a 4×4 to drive the Ring Road, but it can offer added comfort and safety.

Do all vehicles have studded tires during the winter?

Yes, all of our rental cars are equipped with studded or spiked winter tires from the 1st of November through the 15th of April to ensure safe driving in winter conditions.

What extras can I get with my rental car?

In addition to the essentials, we offer a range of extras to customize your rental experience:

  • GPS navigation systems
  • Child seats
  • Additional drivers
  • Studded tires (essential for driving safely on icy roads during winter) between 1st November and 15th April
  • Wi-Fi hotspots
  • Roof boxes


Returning your rental car

How can I return my rental car?

You can return the vehicle at our Keflavik Airport office, which is open 24/7. Our Airport office is located at Flugvellir 6, 230 Keflavik. Our shuttle will then take you to the airport.

Is it possible to return the car outside of opening hours?

Yes, you can return the car outside of regular office hours. Our drop-off service is available 24/7.

What condition should the car be returned in?

The car should be returned in the same condition it was provided. This includes:

  • Fuel: The tank must be full or at the same level as when you picked up the car. If not, a refueling charge will apply.
  • Cleanliness: The interior of the car should be in a clean and tidy condition; we ask customers to properly dispose of all their rubbish before returning the car.
  • Interior and exterior: The vehicle should be free of any damage beyond normal wear and tear. Any damage will be subject to repair costs unless customers have purchased Platinum Insurance.
If I bring the car back early can I have a refund?

No. Unfortunately, no refunds can be given for unused or partly used car rental vouchers. If you need to cancel your booking, please refer to our cancellation policy for details on eligibility for refunds.


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