18-03-2025
Once you hit the road in your rental car, you don’t want anything to get in the way of your travel plans. Unfortunately, accidents can happen, leaving you to wonder how to keep going without additional issues. When you encounter a rental car cracked windshield, knowing what to do can help you continue your journey with minimal disruptions.
It’s always important to be prepared for damage to your rental vehicle while traveling. Windshield damage is among the most common issues drivers encounter in Iceland. The unique weather and driving conditions can sometimes lend themselves to this type of damage, which is why proper insurance is so vital.
While Iceland’s main road is paved, there are many minor roads that are made from gravel. Even if you don’t intend to drive on the F-roads, a cracked windshield in a rental car can happen driving basic gravel roads. High winds can also send debris flying, especially during weather warnings, leading to the potential for a cracked or damaged windshield.
High winds and volcanic sandstorms are also common in Iceland, particularly in areas with mountain passes or large areas of volcanic sand with little protection from the wind or vegetation to keep the sand in place. In these situations, the sand can easily damage the windshield if it is propelled by high winds.
When you rent a car, you will need to be aware of whether your insurance will cover a rental car cracked windshield. The basic insurance may not provide the coverage you need, making it essential to evaluate adding other insurance options to give you the full protection you need.
The Collision Damage Waiver most car rental companies require renters to carry will not cover damage to your windshield in Iceland. This basic insurance is included with many rental cars and covers body damage suffered during your trip. You will most likely have a deductible to pay toward the damages.
However, if you opt for the Super Collision Damage Waiver, you will get coverage for more types of damage, at least in part. SCDW reduces the amount of your deductible, but it still typically only covers body damage. Ask your rental agency what is covered with this insurance policy. In many cases, you will also need Gravel Protection insurance.
In addition to opting for SCDW insurance, Gravel Protection insurance is highly recommended in Iceland. Because many of the side roads aren’t paved outside the towns, you will likely end up driving on at least a few during your trip. Gravel Protection Insurance will increase your coverage for a rental car windshield crack.
Some travel and personal insurance policies cover rental car damage in certain conditions. However, every policy is different, and it’s best to contact your insurance company before traveling to ask about coverage. A thorough understanding of what your existing policies will cover can help you decide if you need additional insurance in Iceland.
If you do fall victim to a rental car cracked windshield during your journey and don’t have the appropriate coverage, the repair can be costly. Car repairs in Iceland are generally higher than many travelers are used to. Repairs or windshield replacement can cost between 70,000 and 200,000 ISK.
What happens if the windshield cracks on a rental car? Knowing how to handle the situation can help you avoid delays on your trip while keeping your costs down. Fast action may be required to keep the crack from spreading before you return the vehicle. If you experience a rental car cracked windshield, here are the steps you should take:
As soon as you notice the crack in your windshield, find a safe place to stop so you can assess the damage. Don’t stop anywhere along the roadside. Find a designated pull-off or parking area. Check the extent of the damage to determine whether the crack allows you to continue driving safely.
Contact your rental company using the information they provided when you picked up the vehicle. You should always notify the rental company of any damage and ask for further instructions. Following their instructions will minimize damages and reduce your expenses in the long run.
Verify the type of insurance coverage you have and whether a windshield crack is covered under the policy you chose. If it is covered, follow the detailed steps to file your claim. Every insurance company has its own steps to follow to file a claim properly. You may have to wait until you have a repair estimate to file your claim.
It may be tempting to try a DIY repair, especially on a smaller chip or crack, to avoid letting the rental company know. However, these fixes are often temporary and don’t protect the integrity of the windshield. Using them can violate your contract with the rental company, increasing how much you will pay when you return the car.
While not all windshield cracks are avoidable, there are things you can do to reduce your risks as you drive around Iceland. Driving safely and following these tips will decrease your potential for a rental car cracked windshield.
Driving on gravel roads naturally kicks up some gravel that could hit the vehicle behind you. In addition to driving at a reasonable speed for gravel roads, you should maintain a safe distance from the driver ahead of you. The more space you leave, the less likely your windshield will be hit by a stray piece of gravel.
In addition to keeping your speeds lower on gravel roads, if you’re traveling through a volcanic sand area or a particularly windy stretch, you may want to reduce your speeds. Driving slower will allow you to react more quickly if you notice debris flying your way, allowing you to avoid a cracked windshield in your rental car.
Storms are common in Iceland, particularly in the fall, winter, and spring. If you are in Iceland during one of these severe storms that can trigger an orange or red warning, it is better to park your vehicle indoors if possible. This can be more challenging for tourists, but if you’re in the city, choose a parking garage over street parking. If no parking garage is available, ask your accommodations for suggestions.
Knowing how to handle a rental car cracked windshield is critical to eliminate stress on your trip and give you peace of mind that you can take quick action to keep your costs low. Here are answers to the most common questions visitors have about windshield damage on their rental cars.
Basic rental insurance generally does not include coverage for windshield damage. The basic insurance often only covers body damage, such as what you might get in a collision. You will also have a deductible to pay for a portion of the repairs required.
Whether you can drive with a cracked windshield in Iceland depends on the size of the crack and its location. Small cracks that don’t impede the line of sight for the driver are generally permissible. However, if the crack is large, runs across the entire windshield, or otherwise impedes the driver’s line of sight, driving the vehicle in that condition may be deemed illegal and is certainly dangerous.
The cost of fixing a cracked windshield in Iceland can vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle and the size and location of the crack. Overall, windshield crack repairs can range from 70,000 ISK to 200,000 ISK, depending on if repair is possible or it needs to be replaced.
Having the right insurance for your rental car is essential to give you confidence as you drive around the country. With proper insurance, you don’t have to let a rental car cracked windshield slow you down or cause financial strain at the end of your trip. When you rent a car in Iceland, make sure you get the best possible insurance so you can drive without worries.