Am I allowed to drive on unpaved roads (e.g., F-roads in Iceland)?
Driving on unpaved roads, like the famous F-roads in Iceland, can be a wonderful adventure!
Since standard vehicles usually aren't suited for these routes, you'll just need to make sure you book a specialised 4x4 vehicle and check that your hire supplier allows it.
Step-by-Step Guide:
You'll want a 4-wheel drive (4x4 or AWD) vehicle for these roads.
Standard cars and 2-wheel drive SUVs generally aren't equipped for F-roads or rough terrain.
Before you book, click the "Hire conditions" link on the car offer.
Take a quick look at the "Driver Requirements" or "Geographic Restrictions" section to see if the supplier allows driving on unpaved or F-roads.
Driving on a marked gravel or dirt road (unpaved) is perfectly fine if your supplier allows it.
However, driving completely "off-road" (such as across open fields, beaches, or nature where there is no marked road) goes against local regulations and standard rental agreements, which means your insurance wouldn't be able to cover you.
When you arrive at the hire desk, it's worth asking the agent to confirm that your specific vehicle is cleared for the routes you're planning to take.
"I've rented an SUV, so I can drive anywhere."
Many SUVs are actually 2-wheel drive and are meant to stay on paved roads. To make sure you're covered on an F-road, it's best to always use the "4x4" filter when searching for your car!
"My Full Coverage plan covers tyres and undercarriage, so I'm protected on F-roads."
Full Coverage protects you well, as long as you're driving on approved roads. If you happen to drive on a restricted road, it goes against the rental agreement, which unfortunately means the coverage won't be able to step in and protect you.
💡 Did You Know?
F-roads in Iceland are closed by local authorities during the winter and spring. Even with a rugged 4x4, driving on a closed road goes against local guidelines and rental policies, meaning insurance coverage won't apply. It's also worth keeping in mind that river crossings generally aren't covered by most insurance policies!
What To Do Next:
If you're planning to tackle rougher roads, use the "4x4 / AWD" filter when searching for a car on our website.
If you're ever unsure whether your booked car is allowed on a specific route, just get in touch with our support team or ask the hire supplier directly before you travel. We're always happy to help!
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