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Car Rental Review – Geysir Keflavik Airport (KEF) – Dacia Duster 4WD

Florian Buechting Other Transportation No Comments

Geysir Car Rental Keflavik Airport (KEF)

Geysir Car Rental Keflavik Airport (KEF)
3.8

Rating

 3.8/5

Flyctory.com Pros

  • Good location, close to the airport
  • Nice staff
  • Good value for money

Flyctory.com Cons

  • Damage report does not match the damage receipt

After so many other options failed, I opted to extend the coverage on Flyctory.com to the wonderful island of Iceland. It has been more than three years ago since I had been there the time before. One major reason was the significantly altered luggage policy at Icelandair. I really love Iceland, though, and was looking back to see some old, well known sights as well as visiting some new places. As I wanted to try out some highland roads, I went for a Dacia Duster, which I rented at Geysir Car Rental. Here are my thoughts in another car rental review.

 

Geysir Keflavik Airport (KEF) – The Rental

I had a six day rental from Geysir at Keflavik Airport (KEF). The car category I booked was the Dacia Duster 4WD, actually the car I finally received. The early booker rate in August was 551 Euro and included a Gold Coverage package at insurance. With that, the liability was maxed at 150,000 ISK (roughly 1,000 Euro) and there was a maximum gravel and glass protection liability of 50,000 ISK. At the time of booking, it was a very competitive, but not absolutely overwhelming rate. At the time of receiving the car, I would have paid more than 500 EUR for a Duster as a daily rate – book your cars in Iceland early, especially in the summer peak season.

 

Geysir Keflavik Airport (KEF) – The Rental Office

As most rental car company offices, Geysir has an office right next to the airport. Even though the Geysir one is a bit more far away, I recommend to walk there at reasonable weather. Nowadays, there is also a shuttle bus, but finally, it does not shorten your time significantly. Due to the weird flight times at Keflavik Airport (US flights typically arrive early morning, European flights either at the afternoon or around midnight), most rental car companies have long operating hours, especially during high season. Geysir is operating from 5:00 to 19:00 hrs, which is even comparably short. The drive from the Reykjanes penninsula to Central Reykjavik is a bit less than two hours.

 

Geysir Keflavik Airport (KEF) – Receiving The Car

Getting the car was a very efficient process. From getting into the office to grabbing the keys was less than ten minutes. There were a few questions about the car before I left. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Unfortunately, the handover report missed a couple of minor car damages (which you may be made responsible for at return). The car keys came with two discount badges for major Icelandic petrol station brands – which was quite handy.

 

Geysir Keflavik Airport (KEF) – Returning The Car

Overall, the return was very efficient as well. I returned the car with two damages (see below). You can fuel up your car either in Keflavik or right around the corner of the rental office. Like most petrol stations in Iceland, you pay at the pump by car. We set up the protocol of the damages and I paid the suggested fee. The day of return has been a Thursday, I have been told to receive the damage report by Monday. Again, the staff was very friendly and also felt very understanding in regards of the damage.

Damage Handling

There were two additional damages on the car when I returned it: without a doubt I have been responsible for a right rear tire damage. I had to change to the reserve wheel. In addition, the car lost its front licence plate. This may e.g. happen at hits or while crossing rivers. However, the plate has been loose at rental begin already and there were no hit marks around the area on the front of the car. Thus, I claimed that I rather see that as a failure of the frame of the plate than my own responsibility. I had the feeling that the Geysir staff agreed to that, the damage report was 350 Euro for the tire. I feel that the price is reasonable, I quickly checked corresponding tire prices before and they are about 200 Euro outside Iceland (which is likely more expansive), without damage handling fees and mounting. My damage receipt also solely shows the tire damage.

However, when I received the damage report on the Tuesday thereafter, the total was 350 Euro – but it was split into 300 Euro for the tire and 50 for the plate. I agreed to the report as it had the same net (and having a lawsuit in Iceland for 50 Euro is ridiculous) – but I don’t like it. I never signed being responsible for the plate loss.

 

The Car – Dacia Duster 4WD

I knew that I won’t take a rental car to the very tough roads in Iceland – nonetheless, I wanted to have a solid car for some of the F roads, especially F35 / Kjölur Route. The Duster was a pretty old model with some 130,000 km mileage. I do like that in a certain way because there are so many scars, it is hard to be made liable for new ones. The condition of the car was very good, a certain control light lit up the whole time – but I have been told that this is a general issue with that generation of Dusters. I was really amazed how well the budget Renault brand car made it even in more difficult territories. The car is typically one of the cheapest 4WD options, which then also allows you to go on F roads. Thus, I would overall recommend the Romanian mountain lady.

 

Geysir Keflavik Airport (KEF) – My View

Good and efficient handling, a good car and also overall a nice damage handling (including the phone support I had before) – overall, I have been really pleased with my Geysir car rental at Keflavik Airport (KEF). Of course, there is a need to reduce my rating due to the weird damage protocol.

 

Flyctory.com and Iceland

Here are all my postings related to Iceland:

 

Car Rental Reviews

Here are all my car rental reviews so far:

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