Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Possible to Rent a Car in Iceland Without a Credit Card?

Renting a car in Iceland without a credit card is simpler than you might expect! While most car rental companies insist on a major credit card when picking up your vehicle, Saga Car Rental Iceland makes it straightforward for every traveler.

At Saga Car Rental Iceland, you can easily rent a car without a credit card by selecting our Gold insurance package at 35€ per day, which also gives you the benefit of zero excess coverage.

What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Iceland?

Before picking up your rental car in Iceland, make sure you have everything in order. Here is a quick overview of what is required:

A valid driver's license must be presented at pickup. Licenses not written in Latin script require an accompanying International Driving Permit or certified translation.
A credit card in the name of the main driver is required as a deposit guarantee. A debit card can be used as an alternative when our Gold insurance is added to your booking at 35€ per day.
Age restrictions apply depending on the vehicle: drivers must be at least 20 years old for 2WD and medium 4WD/AWD cars, and at least 23 years old for larger 4WD vehicles, SUVs, and luxury models.

Keeping these requirements in mind helps ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience across Iceland.

What is the Minimum Age to Rent a Car at Saga Car Rental Iceland?

Heading to Iceland and thinking about hiring a car? There are a couple of important eligibility requirements to be aware of before you book. Saga Car Rental Iceland requires drivers to be at least 20 years old, and your driver's license must have been valid for a minimum of one year.

We always recommend reading your rental agreement in full before you travel. These guidelines exist to ensure every visitor has a safe and enjoyable experience on Iceland's spectacular roads.

What Insurance Options Does Saga Car Rental Iceland Offer?

Planning a road trip around Iceland means thinking carefully about insurance before you go. While every rental company here is required by law to include third-party liability coverage, the reality is that basic coverage often leaves significant gaps.

At Saga Car Rental Iceland, we want every customer to feel confident behind the wheel. That is why we offer a full range of add-on insurance options, from collision damage waiver and gravel protection to tire insurance and theft protection. It is also worth asking about coverage in Iceland's more remote highland areas and the rules around who is permitted to drive the vehicle. Take the time to go through each package in detail and choose the level of protection that genuinely fits your travel plans and budget.

What Condition Should You Return Your Saga Rental Car In?

Returning your rental car at the end of your trip should be the least of your worries. At Saga Car Rental Iceland, we do not expect you to return the vehicle spotless. Iceland is made to be explored, and a bit of dirt comes with the territory.

All we ask is that you take your rubbish and personal items with you when you hand the car back. Our professional cleaning crew handles everything else, giving each vehicle a thorough clean and making sure it is ready for the next customer. So go ahead and make the most of Iceland's wild landscapes without giving the cleanup a second thought.

Does Saga Car Rental Iceland Provide Roadside Assistance?

Feeling a little uncertain about driving in an unfamiliar country is completely natural, but at Saga Car Rental Iceland we make sure no customer ever feels stranded. Our 24/7 roadside assistance is available every day of the year, so whether you hit trouble on a remote gravel road or closer to the city, just give us a call and we will get you sorted as quickly as possible.

Iceland's emergency services are also friendly and experienced when it comes to helping tourists with vehicle issues, no matter the size of the problem. Between our team and Iceland's reliable emergency services, you can explore this remarkable country with peace of mind.

How Does the Saga Car Rental Iceland Booking Process Work?

Getting behind the wheel in Iceland starts with a simple booking on the Saga Car Rental website. Choose the vehicle that suits your trip, select your dates, and head to our Keflavík location to collect your car. Just bring your reservation confirmation, driver's license, and credit card and our team will take care of the rest.

When your rental period ends, top up the fuel and return the vehicle and keys for inspection. Straightforward from start to finish.

What Should You Know About Iceland's Roads Before You Drive?

There is something truly special about driving in Iceland. The sheer scale of the landscapes, from glaciers and waterfalls to black sand beaches and lava fields, makes even a simple drive feel extraordinary. That said, Iceland's roads demand respect. Conditions vary greatly between seasons, weather can shift without warning, and F-roads present a real challenge even for experienced drivers.

At Saga Car Rental Iceland, we can help you choose a vehicle that matches your planned route and the time of year you are visiting. Iceland's main roads are well maintained and clearly signed, but venturing further afield requires the right car and a sensible approach. Follow local road regulations, stay informed about current conditions, and the reward is some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet.

Which Rental Car is Right for Your Iceland Adventure at Saga?

Renting a car is one of the best ways to experience Iceland at your own pace. At Saga Car Rental Iceland, we offer a range of vehicles to suit every type of traveler, from compact economy cars for city driving to robust 4x4 SUVs for exploring Iceland's more rugged terrain.

Not sure which vehicle is right for your trip? Browse our fleet or get in touch with our team and we will help you find the perfect fit.

Before booking my rental car

What Do You Need to Rent a Car at Saga Car Rental Iceland?

Before picking up your rental car in Iceland, here is a quick overview of what is required:

A valid driver's license must be presented at pickup. If your license is not in Latin script, you will need an International Driving Permit or an official translation.
A credit card in the name of the main driver is required as a security guarantee. A debit card can be used as an alternative when our Gold insurance is added to your booking at 35€ per day.
Minimum age requirements depend on the vehicle: drivers must be at least 20 years old for 2WD and medium 4WD/AWD vehicles, and at least 23 years old for larger 4WD, SUVs, and luxury models.

Does Saga Car Rental Iceland Require a Deposit?

We don't require a deposit for car rentals. However, a valid credit card must be presented upon arrival for an imprint as a guarantee.

If you don't have a credit card, you will need to purchase our Gold insurance package.

What is the Minimum Rental Period at Saga Car Rental?

Heading out for just a few hours? Keep in mind that all Saga Car Rental Iceland bookings have a minimum rental period of 24 hours. If you return the vehicle ahead of schedule, the full day rate will still apply.

This helps us make sure every car is thoroughly checked and prepared before it reaches the next customer.

Is a Foreign Driver's License Accepted at Saga Car Rental?

In most cases, yes. As long as your driver's license is written in Western alphabet characters, it will be accepted at pickup.

If your license uses a different script, you will need to provide either a certified English translation or a valid International Driving Permit.

Does Saga Car Rental Accept Debit Cards?

Yes, debit cards are accepted at Saga Car Rental Iceland. Simply add our Gold insurance package to your booking at 35€ per day and you are good to go.

This ensures both you and the vehicle are fully covered throughout your rental period.

Picking Up Your Rental Car

Where Do You Collect Your Car from Saga Car Rental?

Keflavik International Airport (KEF)

Saga Car Rental Iceland is situated at Fuglavík 43, 230 Reykjanesbær, just 5 minutes from Keflavík International Airport (KEF).

What Are Saga Car Rentals Opening Hours?

Keflavík International Airport (KEF)

Off Peak (October 1 to May 14) Regular pickup and return hours are 05:00 to 18:00. Our shuttle service operates during the same hours, and self service pickup and return is available around the clock.

Peak Season (May 15 to September 30) Regular pickup and return hours are extended to 05:00 to 20:00. Both the shuttle service and self service pickup and return are available 24/7 during this period.

What Happens if Your Reserved Car is Unavailable at Saga?

In the unlikely event that your reserved vehicle is unavailable, we will always provide a comparable model as a replacement. We believe you should get what you pay for, so if this situation ever arises, our team will discuss the options with you at the time of pickup to make sure you are happy before heading off.

Is a Credit Card Required to Pick Up Your Saga Rental Car?

At Saga Car Rental Iceland, a credit card is the preferred payment method at pickup due to its security and wide acceptance. That said, we understand not everyone travels with one, which is why we also accept debit cards.

If you are paying by debit card, our Gold insurance package at 35€ per day is required. This ensures both you and the vehicle are fully protected throughout your rental period.

Additional Equipment and Services

What Additional Equipment Does Saga Car Rental Offer?

To make your trip as comfortable as possible, Saga Car Rental Iceland offers a range of additional extras to add to your booking. Choose from child seats and Wi-Fi. Simply select the extras you need during the booking process or at pick up.

What if You Forgot to Add Extras to Your Saga Reservation?

Already booked but forgot to add extras? No problem. You can request any additional equipment directly when you arrive at our Keflavík location and our team will sort it out for you at pickup.

Can Saga Guarantee Your Requested Extras?

While we do our best to accommodate last minute requests, availability of additional equipment is not always guaranteed. To make sure you have everything you need for your trip, we recommend adding any extras at the time of booking.

What to Do with Rented Equipment When Returning Your Car?

When returning your vehicle, simply bring any rented equipment inside and hand it over to our team. Please make sure all items are returned in the same condition as when you received them.

Are Winter Tires Included with Saga Car Rental Iceland?

All Saga Car Rental Iceland vehicles are fitted with studded winter tires from November 1 to April 15 each year, in line with local regulations. Outside of this period, studded tires are not permitted on Icelandic roads. You can rest assured that your vehicle will always be properly equipped for the season, no matter when you visit.

After Rental Car Pickup

How Are Toll and Parking Charges Handled at Saga Car Rental?

Iceland has a number of electronically charged roads, tunnels, national parks, and parking areas. As the renter, you are responsible for any toll fees, parking charges, or entrance fees incurred during your rental period. Keep an eye on these throughout your trip, as unpaid charges can result in additional fines.

What to Do if You Have an Accident or Breakdown with Saga?

If you find yourself dealing with a breakdown or accident during your rental period, help is just a phone call away. Saga Car Rental Iceland offers round the clock roadside assistance at +354 551-1115. First and foremost, make sure you and your passengers are safe, pull over where possible and put your hazard lights on.

The call itself is free of charge, but if a technician needs to come out to your location or a garage needs to be arranged, a fee of 12,500 ISK will apply. Please report any damage to us as soon as it happens.

Where Can You Find the Best Fuel Prices in Iceland?

Looking for the best fuel prices during your trip? Head to gsm bensin for up-to-date prices across all stations in Iceland. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive stations is usually only around 2-3 ISK krónur per liter, but it is a handy tool to have bookmarked during your stay.

How to Drive Safely in Iceland's Changing Conditions?

Iceland's weather and road conditions can change rapidly, so staying informed before and during your trip is essential. We recommend checking the following official websites before setting out each day:

road.is for real-time road conditions and closures
vedur.is for up-to-date weather forecasts
safetravel.is for general travel safety alerts and warnings

Always drive to the conditions, reduce your speed in bad weather, and avoid venturing into remote areas if a severe weather warning is in place. No view is worth the risk.

What Happens if You Drive Off-Road in Iceland?

Iceland's landscapes may look rugged, but they are surprisingly fragile. Driving off designated roads is illegal and can cause irreversible damage to the environment. Offenders face heavy fines, which will be passed on to the renter in full.

Please do your part to protect this remarkable country by sticking to marked roads at all times.

Who Do You Contact After a Collision in Your Rental Car?

If you are involved in an accident, you are required to either contact the police or complete an accident report form, which you will find in the glove compartment of your vehicle. Make sure all fields are filled out in full and that the form is signed by both parties involved.

When is a Police Report Required for Rental Car Damage in Iceland?

If the vehicle is still drivable and no one has been injured, you do not need to contact the police. However, any new damage or collision must be reported to us at Saga Car Rental Iceland as soon as it occurs, regardless of how minor it may seem.

Dropping Off Your Rental Car

What is Saga Car Rental's Fuel Policy?

Your rental car will be provided with a full tank of fuel and we ask that you return it the same way. If the tank is not full on return, a 30€ service fee will be added on top of the cost of the missing fuel.

For a more convenient end to your trip, you can add a pre-paid fuel option to your booking. This allows you to return the car without worrying about filling up beforehand, saving you time and hassle on your last day.

Do You Need to Wash Your Rental Car Before Dropping it Off?

No need to worry about giving the car a full clean before returning it. All we ask is that you take your rubbish with you when you hand the vehicle back. Mud, dust, and the inevitable traces of an Icelandic adventure are all part of the job for our cleaning team, who will take care of everything once the car is returned.

What is Saga Car Rental's Late Return Policy?

Running a little late? No problem. Saga Car Rental Iceland offers a 59-minute grace period after your scheduled return time at no extra charge. Just keep in mind that anything beyond that will result in a full additional day being added to your bill.

How Long Does the Car Return Process Take at Saga?

Plan to set aside around 30 minutes for your return, which includes the inspection process and shuttle transfer to Keflavík Airport. If any damage is identified on the vehicle, the process may take up to 60 minutes, so factor this in when planning your departure day.

What Happens if You Forget Something in Your Rental Car?

Left something behind in the car? Get in touch with our team in Keflavík as soon as possible and we will do our best to locate your belongings.

Can You Extend Your Saga Car Rental Booking?

Need a little more time? Extensions are possible at Saga Car Rental Iceland, subject to vehicle availability. Simply get in touch with our team as soon as you know you need extra days and we will do our best to accommodate you. Additional charges will apply for the extended period.