Insurance & roads
In plain words.
Icelandic roads are beautiful and unforgiving. Here's exactly what's covered, what isn't, and how to get home without a bill.
What's covered
| BASICIncluded | PLUS+2,900 kr/day | MAX+4,900 kr/day | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Collision damage waiver (CDW)Damage to the car in a collision or if you leave the road. | Included | Included | Included |
| Super CDW (SCDW)Cuts your excess right down. | No | Yes | Yes |
| Gravel protection (GP)Stone chips on the windscreen, lights and paint. The most common damage in Iceland. | No | Yes | Yes |
| Sand and ash (SAAP)South Coast sandstorms can strip a car's paint in minutes. | No | No | Yes |
| Theft protection (TP)If the car is stolen. | Included | Included | Included |
| Tyres and glassPunctures and broken windows. | No | No | Yes |
| ExcessThe most you pay if something happens. | 350,000 kr | 90,000 kr | 0 kr |
Water damage is never covered.
Road rules
Five rules that save you money.
- 01
Never drive through rivers
No insurance, at any rental company, covers water damage. Not even in a 4x4. If in doubt, turn around.
- 02
F-roads only in a 4x4, and only when open
Highland roads usually open in late June and close in September. Driving off-road is illegal and the fines are heavy.
- 03
Hold on to the door
The wind rips doors back on their hinges. That isn't covered. Park facing the wind and open carefully.
- 04
Slow down on gravel
Tarmac turns to gravel without warning. Drop to 60 and keep your distance from oncoming cars to avoid stone chips.
- 05
Check the road before you set off
Conditions change fast, especially in winter. Check umferdin.is and safetravel.is every morning.