Why Roadside Assistance Matters for Your Blue Car Rental Adventure
5 min read

Why Roadside Assistance Matters for Your Blue Car Rental Adventure

5 min read
Magnús Jóhann Björnsson
12 Nov. 2025
Blog / Driving in Iceland / Why Roadside Assistance Matters for Your Blue Car Rental Adventure
Magnús Jóhann Björnsson
12 Nov. 2025
Blog / Driving in Iceland / Why Roadside Assistance Matters for Your Blue Car Rental Adventure

Renting a car in Iceland opens the door to one of the world’s most unforgettable road trips — but it also means preparing for Iceland’s unpredictable nature. That’s where roadside assistance and full insurance become essential. With the right coverage from Blue Car Rental, you can explore volcanoes, glaciers, black sand beaches, and highland trails with total confidence. Iceland’s weather and road conditions can change fast, but with local support on your side, every kilometer becomes part of a safe and worry-free adventure.

But Iceland’s wild beauty comes with challenges. Sudden storms, gravel roads, wind damage, or flat tires can turn an adventure into stress if you’re not prepared. That’s why proper insurance and roadside assistance coverage are not optional — they’re essential for a safe and worry-free journey.

Key Notes

  • Iceland’s weather and terrain can change fast — coverage is your best safety net.

  • Blue Car Rental’s Roadside Assistance Waiver covers towing, flat tires, and key issues 24/7.

  • Full Cover Insurance eliminates excess and hidden costs.

  • Local experts at Blue Car Rental offer 24/7 help and know Iceland’s roads better than anyone.

  • Combine both for a truly worry-free self-drive experience.

Jeep Rubicon 4x4 rental car in Iceland highland.

Why Renting a Car in Iceland Unlocks Its Magic

Traveling by car lets you explore Iceland beyond the standard tours. With your own rental car, every waterfall, geyser, and lava field becomes part of your personal route. The Ring Road adventure circles the island, linking fjords, fishing villages, and wild landscapes that change every few kilometers.

With your own car, you can stop for sunrise at Seljalandsfoss, take a detour to Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, or follow hidden gems far from the crowds. You decide when to move, where to go, and how long to stay.

Yet Iceland’s terrain is as unpredictable as it is beautiful. Weather shifts quickly — sunshine turns into wind or snow within an hour. Some roads are paved, others are gravel or mountain F-roads, often remote with little traffic. Even experienced drivers can face surprises. That’s where insurance and roadside support truly matter.

Roadside Assistance Waiver: Real Protection, Not Just a Perk

Imagine a flat tire on the South Coast, getting stuck on a summer F-road, or locking your keys in the car on a windy Reykjavík day. Without proper coverage, towing and rescue can cost 35,000–70,000 ISK, and recovery from the Highlands or Westfjords can reach 350 ISK per kilometer.

The Roadside Assistance Waiver from Blue Car Rental removes that worry completely. For a small daily fee (about 1,300 ISK per day), you get:

  • Free towing anywhere in Iceland

  • On-site help for flat tires, dead batteries, or key issues

  • Retrieval from snow, mud, or sand

  • 24/7 emergency support via local staff

  • Unlimited call-outs with no hidden costs

This means that wherever you are — near the Golden Circle route, deep in the Westfjords, or crossing a highland pass — help is only a phone call away.

Many travelers underestimate how isolated some Icelandic roads can be. A rescue from an unpaved stretch can take hours, especially in winter. With this waiver, you skip the cost and hassle. You just call, wait safely, and continue your trip once help arrives.

If you’re planning to use navigation apps, Blue also offers advice on staying connected — see Can I Use Google Maps in Iceland? for practical tips.

Red tringle on a road in Iceland for assistance.

When Roadside Assistance Really Matters

Here are common real-life situations where travelers use roadside support in Iceland:

  • Flat tires from sharp gravel or potholes on rural routes.

  • Doors damaged by strong winds, common in the south and west.

  • Getting stuck in snow or mud, especially in spring or autumn.

  • Running a battery down after leaving lights on during long daylight hours.

  • Locking keys in the car, a surprisingly frequent mishap on windy or rainy days.

With the waiver, all these are handled smoothly and without extra charge — a small addition that can save tens of thousands of ISK and hours of lost travel time.

Full-Cover Insurance: Your Shield Against Iceland’s Elements

Basic collision damage waivers (CDW) in Iceland usually cover only third-party liability and vehicle collisions. But many common types of damage — like gravel chips, sandstorms, river crossings, or wind damage — are excluded. Deductibles can also be high, often up to 300,000 ISK (over $2,000).

That’s where Full Cover Insurance from Blue Car Rental makes a difference. It bundles all major waivers — CDW, SCDW, GP, SAAP, and TP — into one complete package. You’re covered for:

  • Gravel damage to paint, headlights, and windshields

  • Sand and ash storms, which can corrode the car’s surface

  • Theft, vandalism, or accidental damage

  • Wind-blown door damage

  • Water damage from puddles or unexpected flooding

Full cover means no self-risk, no hidden fees, and no post-trip surprises. It’s true peace of mind — you enjoy the drive, not the paperwork.

To understand why this protection is vital, see Why Do I Need Insurance When Renting a Car in Iceland?.

Women calling for assistance in the snow in Iceland.

Why Local Experts Make All the Difference

In Iceland, local knowledge equals safety. Blue Car Rental’s team knows every region — from the snow conditions on Hellisheiði to which roads reopen first after winter. They offer advice that helps you plan smarter and avoid risks.

Their service is also faster and more personal than international brands — as shown in Why Local Experts Beat Global Brands. When something happens, you don’t get routed to a call center abroad. You talk to local staff who understand Icelandic weather, terrain, and travel habits.

Their 24/7 helpline coordinates help quickly, no matter how remote you are. Offices at Keflavík International Airport and Reykjavík city center make pickup and return simple, especially when combined with their online check-in and key box service for late or early arrivals.

For travelers who value connection and flexibility, Stay Connected in Iceland explains how to keep Wi-Fi and navigation working even in the Highlands.

Smart Planning for a Smooth Road Trip

Adding a Roadside Assistance Waiver and Full Cover Insurance might seem like a small decision, but it changes your whole trip experience. You can confidently take that scenic detour, drive through unexpected weather, or park at remote viewpoints without worrying about what might happen next.

Here’s a quick plan to prepare before hitting the road:

  1. Choose the right vehicle. For winter or Highland travel, pick a 4x4 — ideal for areas described in F-Roads in Iceland: A Rental Car Guide to the Highlands.

  2. Check the road conditions. The Icelandic Road Administration (road.is) updates closures daily.

  3. Know your coverage. Review your insurance and waiver details before driving.

  4. Save the helpline number. Blue’s 24/7 service ensures help anywhere in Iceland.

  5. Use navigation wisely. Learn by using smart solutions like AI for reliable driving tips.

  6. Avoid risky habits. Read What Not to Do When Driving in Iceland to steer clear of common mistakes.

These small steps — plus the right protection — make Iceland’s open roads feel safe, simple, and yours to enjoy.

Stress-Free Adventures in the Land of Fire and Ice

Driving through Iceland is about freedom — discovering quiet valleys, crossing bridges between glaciers, and watching the northern lights from your own car. That freedom feels even better when you know you’re protected.

With Blue Car Rental’s Roadside Assistance Waiver and Full Cover Insurance, every kilometer becomes part of a smooth, secure adventure. You travel with confidence, backed by local support that understands Iceland’s roads better than anyone.

Blue Car Rental makes it simple: fast online check-in, transparent pricing, and zero hidden fees. You focus on the road ahead — they handle the rest.

Whether you’re planning a self-drive around Iceland, exploring the Highlands, or following the Ring Road, this combination of protection and expertise ensures your trip is not just memorable — but truly carefree.

FAQ

What does Blue Car Rental’s Roadside Assistance Waiver include?

It covers towing, flat tires, dead batteries, and key issues anywhere in Iceland — 24/7, with no call-out fees. Learn more on the Roadside Assistance page

Is the waiver included in every rental?

It’s an optional add-on, around 1,300 ISK per day. You can add it online or at pickup.

Why choose Full Cover Insurance instead of basic coverage?

Full cover protects against gravel, ash, wind, and theft — and removes excess completely. See Insurance Bundles and Winter Safety Tips

Does assistance cover the Highlands or F-roads?

Yes. Blue’s coverage extends to all regions, including F-roads and remote areas — ideal for Highland driving

Why rent from a local company instead of a global brand?

Local teams know Iceland’s roads, weather, and laws. Read more in Why Local Experts Beat Global Brands

What’s the best way to stay connected on the road?

Check Stay Connected in Iceland for Wi-Fi and navigation advice.