Question 1

When two rental options cost the same, does it matter who you book with?

Accepted Answer

Já, sure it does. The daily rate is usually the one thing that looks similar across companies. The part that varies is everything attached to it. One provider might take a card imprint with no fixed amount, another a deposit of 400,000 ISK or more, and another almost nothing at their top insurance tier.

The vehicle can be identical, but the conditions, fees, and terms is where the difference shows up.

Question 2

Is a small Icelandic rental company riskier than a big international brand?

Accepted Answer

Size alone is not a guarantee of quality. A smaller operator might have a newer fleet and better service (they know Iceland better, after all). Or they might be an unproven desk. Brand recognition helps, but what really matters is a proven track record of real customer reviews and actually knowing the roads you'll be driving on.

Question 3

How do I know if a company's rating is actually trustworthy?

Accepted Answer

Always check the number of reviews, not just the star rating. A 5.0 from two people is not the same as a 4.6 from a thousand. Unless a provider has at least a few dozen reviews, treat their score with a little caution.

Question 4

Does it matter if I book directly with a company versus through a broader reseller site?

Accepted Answer

Booking direct does not always mean booking better. It depends on the provider. Third-party sites and brokers can sometimes offer lower rates or exclusive deals that you will not find elsewhere. Just make sure you double-check that the vehicle, coverage, and rental conditions are exactly the same before you book.

Question 5

Will my debit card actually work, or do I need a credit card?

Accepted Answer

Whether you can use a debit card depends on the provider and the insurance level you choose. And it is one of the biggest hidden differences between companies. Some will not accept debit at all. Others only allow it on their most expensive coverage and quietly require credit for the rest.

On our comparison page, we make each provider's card policy clear so you are not guessing.

Question 6

What's the actual difference between a "deposit" and an "insurance excess"?

Accepted Answer

The deductible, or excess, is the amount you would pay if the car gets damaged. It is part of your insurance, not a charge you see upfront.

The deposit is a different thing. It is a hold or charge taken when you pick up the car. Sometimes it matches the excess. Sometimes it is not even given as a fixed number. Some companies do not hold an excess at all. They simply take a "card imprint," your card number, and only charge the deductible if there is an accident or damage.

Do not assume they are the same figure until you have checked with the company you are booking.

Question 7

Why does the deposit disappear if I pay for better insurance?

Accepted Answer

The company is shifting risk. You are basically paying more per day to protect yourself from paying more later. This is fairly standard across most providers in Iceland.

Question 8

Can I avoid a deposit altogether?

Accepted Answer

You can usually only avoid a deposit by going for the top insurance tier. But even then, some providers still require a credit card specifically, no matter what the deposit amount is. "Zero deposit" does not always mean you can use any card.

Always verify both policies independently before booking. Our comparison breakdown clearly highlights card acceptance rules for every provider so there are no surprises at pickup.

Question 9

What if the company claims damage I don't remember causing?

Accepted Answer

Always protect yourself. Photograph the entire vehicle at pickup, including any existing scratches or scuffs, with timestamps. Do the same at return, preferably with a staff member present. If this happens to you, your documentation is your only argument.

Also, try not to panic if the full deductible is blocked on your card. This is standard practice across providers. The damage needs to be assessed, and the final cost will be updated, releasing the remaining amount. A hold does not necessarily mean that is what you will pay.

Question 10

Can a company charge more than the amount I originally signed for?

Accepted Answer

It should not happen. If they ask you to sign anything when you return the vehicle, make sure you get a copy before you walk away. And if the final charge does not match what you signed, dispute it directly with your card issuer.

Question 11

What if I'm asked to sign something at return while I'm rushing to catch a flight?

Accepted Answer

If you cannot verify a claim on the spot, put it in writing. Email, or write directly on the form, that you are signing under time constraint and disagree. Do not accept it verbally. Dispute it properly once you are home.

At Travel to Iceland, we always recommend dropping the vehicle off with enough time for both the administrative procedure and the shuttle to the airport. It saves you from a lot of stress.

Question 12

Is there a way to check a company's track record for handling problems, not just their star rating?

Accepted Answer

Read a handful of the lower-starred reviews specifically, not just the average. They tend to describe exactly this kind of dispute.

Pay attention to whether it is a pattern or a one-off. A company with thousands of reviews and a few damage complaints is very different (and normal) from a company with a dozen reviews where almost all of them are about damage disputes.

Question 13

What car rental companies can I actually compare here?

Accepted Answer

A mix of long-standing international names and well-known Icelandic operators, all shown with their real fleet category, rating, and starting price. No need to visit every site individually. We bring them together so you can compare at a glance.

Question 14

Which of these companies also rent campervans?

Accepted Answer

Quite a few providers have campervans, either as their main thing or as part of a larger fleet. But not all of them. Use the "Campers" filter to see only the ones that actually carry them, rather than assuming every car rental company also rents campers.

Question 15

So, what is the best car rental company in Iceland?

Accepted Answer

The "best" company depends on your route, your budget, and what matters most to you, whether that is debit card acceptance, a lower deposit, or a cheaper daily rate.

That is exactly why this directory exists as a comparison, not a single ranked pick. You choose what fits your trip.

Question 16

Can I put two specific companies head-to-head?

Accepted Answer

Já, yes! That's a separate tool on this page. Pick any two companies from the directory and compare them directly side by side.

Question 17

Does every company here offer pickup at Keflavík Airport?

Accepted Answer

No, pickup varies by company. Some have a desk inside the terminal. Others operate a shuttle to a nearby depot. Some are city-only offices in Reykjavík with no airport option at all.

Each listing shows its actual pickup method, so you are not assuming "Keflavík" means the same experience everywhere.

Question 18

Why isn't a company I'm looking for listed here?

Accepted Answer

Either we have not added them yet, or they have not shared their fleet and pricing data with us. Placement here is not paid, and any operator that shares real terms can be listed. Tell us who is missing, and we will look into adding them.

Compare car & campervan rental companies in Iceland

All the providers, right here.

Compare Iceland top rental companies side by side

The full list of rental companies in Iceland, filtered.

Blue Car Rental

Campeasy

Geysir

Go Campers

Go Car Rental

Holdur

Iceland Campers

Icerental4x4

Key Car Rental

Konvin Car Rental

Lava Car Rental

Foxie Campers

Green Light

McRent

EasyRent

Rent.is

Rijo

Round Car Rental

RV Iceland

Star Car Rental

Touring Cars

How to choose the best car rental company in Iceland

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