Common Mistakes That Wreck A Kef Car Rental

1) Booking the cheapest car before picking a route

A tiny car looks smart online. Then the trip plan changes. Now there’s gravel, steep hills, or winter roads. That “great deal” turns into a stressful drive.

Pick the route first, then pick the car. Main roads in good weather can suit a small car. Rough gravel, long mountain days, or winter travel call for a stronger car. F-roads need a real 4x4.

2) Thinking “airport rental” means “inside the airport”

Some companies have desks in the terminal. Many do not. Some use a shuttle to a nearby office. That is normal at KEF, but it adds time.

Read the pickup details before you fly. Save the instructions on your phone.

3) Buying insurance without knowing what it skips

Iceland roads can be rough. Gravel can chip paint and crack glass. Wind can slam doors. Sand and ash can scratch the body. Insurance can help, but only if it matches the risk.

Ask one question: “What does this NOT cover?” Also check the deductible. “Covered” does not always mean “free.”

4) Skipping the photo check at pickup

People rush the car check because they want to leave. That rush can backfire at return.

Take clear photos before driving away. Get all sides, bumpers, wheels, and the windshield. Take one photo of the fuel gauge too. If a mark is already there, proof helps.

5) Forgetting fuel type and fuel rules

Some cars take petrol. Some take diesel. Mixing them up can wreck the car and kill the day.

Check the fuel label near the fuel door. Know the fuel policy as well. Full-to-full is common. Return it full or expect a nasty charge.

6) Not understanding deposits, holds, and cards

Many rentals place a hold on the card at pickup. If the card is not accepted, the pickup becomes a mess.

Bring the same card used to book. Make sure it has room for a hold. If more than one person will drive, confirm extra driver rules.

7) Driving too fast on gravel

Speed limits in Iceland are strict. Town driving is often 50 km/h. Paved rural roads are often 90 km/h. Gravel roads are often 80 km/h. Always follow the sign first.

Gravel is where tourists lose money. Braking takes longer and stones fly. Slow down before corners. Leave a big gap behind other cars. If someone comes toward you fast, ease off the speed to avoid rock hits.

8) Missing basic rules that locals follow

Keep lights on while driving, even during the day. Seatbelts are a must for everyone. Never drive off-road. It can cause heavy fines and serious damage.

These rules sound simple, but breaking them can end a trip early.

9) Letting wind, bridges, and roundabouts surprise you

Wind can push the car on open roads. It can also rip a door wide open. Hold the door with both hands and step out slowly. Park so the wind hits the front when you can.

One-lane bridges are common. If a car is already on the bridge, wait. Roundabouts in Reykjavík can feel odd too. Signal early and avoid sudden lane moves.

10) Planning long drives with no buffer time

Iceland looks small on a map. Driving is slower than people expect. Weather flips fast and stops are constant.

Keep daily drives realistic. Add time for road work, photo stops, and slow sections. In winter, finish driving before it gets dark.

11) Ignoring weather and road warnings

A road that looks fine in the morning can turn rough by afternoon. Wind, fog, and ice happen.

Check the forecast and road status each day. If warnings show up, change the plan.

12) Getting burned by parking rules in Reykjavík

Reykjavík parking is simple when you follow the signs. It gets expensive when you guess. Some areas have paid zones and time limits.

Check the zone sign, pay for the right time, and set a reminder so it doesn’t run out.

Pro Tips That Make Renting At Kef Feel Easy

Use a card that works at self-service fuel pumps

Many fuel stations are self-service. Some pumps need a card with a PIN. If there’s no PIN, you can get stuck.

Set up a PIN before the trip. Carry a backup card. Refuel early.

Pack two small things that save the day

Bring a phone mount and a charging cable. Keep offline maps ready in case signal drops. That one move makes long drives feel calmer.

Choose a company that answers fast

A cheap rental is not cheap if nobody helps when plans change. In Iceland, quick support matters.

If simple pickup and fast help are important, MyCar is a solid option to consider. They focus on newer, low-mileage cars, 24-hour customer service, and options from small city cars to strong 4x4 models. That means less stress right from KEF.

Return Day: Avoid The Last-Minute Mess

Return day is where people panic. Leave extra time. Clean out the car. Take return photos. Fill fuel to the required level.

If a shuttle is needed back to the airport, add time for that too. A smooth return keeps the trip ending clean.

Renting at Keflavík Airport can be simple. Pick the right car. Respect wind and gravel. Take photos. Follow signs. Do that, and Iceland becomes the drive you came for.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) Do you really need a 4x4 when renting at Keflavík Airport?

Not always. A normal car is fine for Reykjavík, the Golden Circle, and most of the Ring Road in good weather. But a 4x4 is a smarter choice for winter trips, rough gravel routes, and remote areas.

2) What’s the biggest mistake people make with car rental insurance in Iceland?

Buying the cheapest option without checking what it does not cover. Gravel hits, sand damage, and wind-related issues can still cost money. Always ask what’s included and what the deductible is.

3) Can you rent a car at KEF and return it somewhere else?

Yes, many rental companies offer different pickup and drop-off locations. It depends on the provider and may cost extra, so it’s best to confirm before booking.

4) How can you avoid extra charges when returning the car?

Take pickup and return photos, refill fuel if the policy requires it, and return the car on time. Also remove trash and check the car for personal items before handing over the keys.