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 or debit card with 16 digits, a CVC code, and an expiry date.
How old do I need to be to rent a car?

Age requirements depend on several factors:

  • Small & Medium Vehicles, Dacia Duster, RAV4 Roof-Tent Models: Minimum age is 20 years.
  • Large & Luxury Vehicles, 9-Seater Vans, California Models, Hilux Campers: Minimum age is 23 years.
  • Young Driver Fee: If you do not meet the minimum age but have a valid driver’s license, you may rent a vehicle by paying a Young Driver Fee.
I have a foreign driver’s license, can I use your service?

Yes, you can. We accept all foreign licenses as long as it´s in English or written in Latin characters. If it does not follow this format make sure to bring an international driver's license. A picture is not acceptable.

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.

Can I use a debit car and do I have to leave a deposit?

Customers can rent a car with a debit card through our online booking system. However, if paying with a debit card, a deposit will be charged upon arrival. This deposit is fully refundable, provided the car is returned in the same condition as when it was rented.

The deposit amount depends on the chosen insurance package:

  • Silver Insurance: 150,000 ISK deposit
  • Gold Insurance: 65,000 ISK deposit
  • Platinum Insurance: No deposit required (0 ISK)

If you have a valid credit card, no deposit will be charged upon arrival.

What insurance options do you offer?

We offer three different insurance packages:

  • Silver: Included in all bookings automatically. Covers Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) with a 150,000 ISK deductible.
  • Gold: Adds gravel protection and sand & ash protection. Lowers the SCDW deductible to 65,000 ISK.
  • Platinum: Provides full protection with 0 ISK deductible for all insurable incidents. However, exclusions apply. Towing assistance costs 35,000 ISK, and all damages have 0 ISK deductible, except in cases of negligence.
    • Platinum Insurance Exclusions

      Platinum insurance does not cover:

    • Loss of keys
    • Wrong fuel usage
    • Driving off-road
    • Driving on closed roads
      • For a full list of exclusions, see Article 24 in our Terms & Conditions.

      What is included in the rental price?

      All rental prices include:

      • CDW, SCDW, and TPL insurance
      • Unlimited mileage
      • Cheaper fuel and discounts at N1 gas stations
      • 24% VAT tax
      • Free cancellation for cancellations made more than 24 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?

      Cancellation Policy

      You may cancel your booking following our cancellation policy.

      • Full Refund: If you cancel more than 24 hours before your scheduled pick-up time, you are eligible for a full refund.
      • No Refund: If you cancel less than 24 hours before your scheduled pick-up time, no refund will be provided. However, we are happy to offer a credit voucher for the full amount, valid for up to one year for a future reservation (non-transferable).
      • Voucher Expiry: Once the voucher's expiration date has passed, it cannot be redeemed, and no refund will be issued for the amount.

      To cancel your booking, please follow the cancellation process outlined in your confirmation email or contact our customer support team.


      Picking up your rental car

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

      Pick-up process at the airport (including self-service pick-up):

      We provide a convenient pick up service pick-up service at the airport. After your arrival, our representative will be waiting for you at the meeting point.

      As soon as you exit customs, make an immediate left and follow the signs to the meeting point. Our representative will meet you there and 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.

      This is also the procedure for the self-service pick-up.

      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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