Emergency Service & Vehicle Breakdown Assistance in Iceland

Facing an unexpected situation on the road? Höldur is here to help. Our team provides 24/7 support to guide you through breakdowns, damage, and roadside emergencies anywhere in Iceland.

Emergency Contact:

Customer Service Center: +354 461 6000 or customerservice@holdur.is

In case of breakdown or road assistance regarding your rental car please dial +354 419 2400

In case of breakdown or road assistance regarding camper or motorhome please dial +354 840 9853

After-Hours Emergency: +354 840 6000

In case of injury, call 112 immediately and contact the Icelandic police.

 

Help is only a phone call away

Traveling across Iceland is an unforgettable experience, but the unexpected can happen—a flat tire on a gravel road, a warning light on the dashboard, or a locked door in the middle of nowhere. Whatever the situation, Höldur is committed to getting you back on the road safely.

Below, you'll find clear, practical guidance for the most common situations rental customers face. Take a moment to review the first-aid actions you can take on the spot, and reach out to our team whenever you need professional support.

Your safety always comes first. Before doing anything else, make sure you and your passengers are out of harm's way, and call 112 if anyone is injured.

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Common emergency scenarios

Collision or vehicle damage

If your vehicle is involved in a collision or sustains damage, it's essential to document everything.

• Fill out an accident statement. You'll find the form in your vehicle's glove box, and you can also access it online here.
  
  
• Photograph the damage and the scene from multiple angles.
  
  
• If a dispute arises in the greater Reykjavík area, you may contact arekstur.is at +354 578 9090. Otherwise, contact the local police.
  
  
• Please note that a police report does not replace a completed accident statement.

If the vehicle is still drivable, please bring it to the nearest Höldur location. If it isn't, arrange for a roadside assistance provider to transport it to the nearest Höldur location. The renter pays the provider directly, and all costs for transporting a damaged vehicle are the renter's responsibility.

Water damage or river crossings

Rivers and water crossings pose a serious risk to any vehicle. If your car fails while in water, act quickly and carefully.

• Arrange to have the vehicle removed from the water as soon as possible, either with on-site help or by summoning roadside assistance.
  
  
• Under no circumstances should you attempt to turn on or start the vehicle again. Doing so can cause severe, unrecoverable engine damage.

Please remember that renters bear full responsibility for the vehicle when operating it in or through water.

Window damage

If a window breaks, your priority is to prevent further damage to the vehicle's interior.

• Seal the opening with plastic or another temporary measure.
  
  
• If sealed successfully, you may continue to the nearest Höldur location for a replacement vehicle.
  
  
• If you cannot seal the opening, summon roadside assistance or seek help from a nearby service station. The renter covers these costs.

If you're unable or unwilling to continue after a temporary patch, you may arrange for roadside assistance to transport the vehicle to the nearest Höldur location, paying the provider directly.

Immobilized vehicle

If your vehicle becomes stuck or immobilized, the renter covers any costs associated with freeing it. Höldur can refer you to nearby roadside assistance providers and connect you directly. If the vehicle becomes unfit to operate, the assistance provider will transport both you and the vehicle to the nearest Höldur location in consultation with our team.

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Roadside Assistance

Reliable support for life's unexpected moments — because anything can happen on the road.

What is Roadside Assistance?

Roadside Assistance provides professional, on-site support to resolve vehicle issues wherever you are in Iceland. When an incident occurs, our team assesses the situation individually to find the fastest, most effective way to get you back on the road safely.

Roadside Assistance (RSA) reduces the costs associated with calling a tow truck and covers a variety of general roadside services. The following services are included in Roadside Assistance (RSA):

• Lost keys or lockout: On-site assistance if keys are lost or locked inside the vehicle.
  
  
• Dead battery: Jump-start assistance to get the vehicle running if the battery dies.
  
  
• Flat or damaged tires: Assistance with installing a spare tire on-site or transporting the vehicle to the nearest tire repair shop.
  
  
• Rescue and towing on F-roads and gravel: Specialized rescue and towing services if the vehicle becomes undrivable on highland roads F-roads) or gravel roads (provided the vehicle was permitted to be driven on the road in question).
  
  
• General towing services: Transporting the vehicle to the nearest service center or rental location if it becomes undrivable for other reasons (e.g., due to a breakdown or an accident caused by the renter).

Transparency clause regarding Roadside Assistance costs

Roadside Assistance (RSA) fully covers the call-out fee and labor associated with the incidents listed above, as well as the cost of the tow truck. However, the service does not cover any material costs that may arise, such as the purchase of new tires, fuel drainage or damage resulting from using the wrong fuel, or the replacement/cutting of new car keys.

How it works

If you require Roadside Assistance, you may need to pay the third-party service provider directly at the scene. Should this happen, please keep your receipt. When you return your rental vehicle, simply present the receipt to our team, and Höldur will refund any eligible amount straight to your card.

Roadside Assistance Pricing

ISK 1,500 per day for passenger cars
ISK 2,000 per day for SUVs and larger vehicles

The deductible is ISK 35,000 for passenger cars and/or ISK 55,000 for SUVs and larger vehicles.

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Vehicle troubleshooting

Many common issues can be resolved on the spot. Work through the guidance below before calling for assistance.

The vehicle won't start

Follow these steps in order:

 

Flat or punctured tires

Without tire insurance (TWP), a punctured tire falls under the renter's responsibility. The tools to change a flat are located in the vehicle's trunk. Please note that some vehicles are not equipped with a spare tire and instead carry a patch kit and air pump.

If the flat cannot be changed without help, summon roadside assistance. The renter covers all associated costs, including those related to the damaged tire.

Car can't be unlocked

• Lost key: A spare key cannot be made available. Contact Höldur to arrange a replacement vehicle. You must cover the cost of a replacement key if the original isn't returned.
• Key locked inside: A service provider can sometimes gain access, though this isn't always possible. Contact Höldur if a spare key needs to be delivered—please note this can be costly. Retrieving a key locked inside is the renter's responsibility.

Car can't be locked

Make sure all doors and the trunk are properly closed—open and close each one carefully. If the problem persists, please come to the nearest Höldur location.

Unusual sounds

If your vehicle makes an unusual noise, transporting it may incur costs for the renter. If no malfunction is found, the renter is responsible for retrieval costs according to the after-hours or roadside assistance provider's rates.

Loud squealing sound: This is often caused by a small rock lodged between a brake pad and rotor. It isn't dangerous, and the rock will usually dislodge on its own while driving.

Wrong fuel type

If the vehicle's power comes on but the engine won't turn over, the wrong fuel was likely added to the tank. Contact an auto service center to drain the tank. The renter covers all associated costs.

Leaking vehicle

Stop the vehicle immediately and turn it off. Contact roadside assistance, who will transport you to the nearest Höldur location to resolve the matter.

Other minor issues

If your issue isn't listed above and doesn't pose a danger—meaning the vehicle is accessible, drivable, and safe—you may refer the matter to customerservice@holdur.is.

Höldur covers the cost of replacement windshield wipers, available at fuel stations. You may pay out of pocket and collect reimbursement when the vehicle is returned. The same applies to bulbs, AdBlue/diesel exhaust fluid, and washer fluid.

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Dashboard warning lights guide

As a rule of thumb, a yellow warning light draws attention to an issue that doesn't require immediate action. A red light indicates it is not safe to continue driving.

If a red warning light appears and is not the emergency brake or door/trunk ajar indicator, stop the vehicle in a safe place, turn it off, and contact roadside assistance. The provider will offer further guidance on-site or transport the vehicle to the nearest location.

Tire Pressure (TPMS)

Check your tires for correct pressure and any leaks. If a leak is evident, find the nearest tire service station. Note that no coverage applies to tire damage, so the renter covers all related costs.

AdBlue / Exhaust Fluid (DPF)

Add more AdBlue before the tank empties—if it runs dry, the vehicle won't start. AdBlue is sold at all fuel stations; add at least 5 liters. Keep the receipt for reimbursement.

Check Engine

Usually indicates a sensor issue. If yellow, you may continue driving but go directly to the nearest auto service center. If red, stop immediately in a safe location and call our emergency number.

Temperature Warning

If red, stop driving and turn off the engine immediately—the engine is at risk of overheating. Once safely stopped, call our emergency number.

Service Vehicle

A reminder that service is due soon. This is not a reason to stop; you may continue driving.

Emergency Brake

The emergency brake has been engaged.

Master Warning

Can be yellow or red, and is often accompanied by other indicators such as door ajar or low washer fluid.

Washer Fluid

Washer fluid is low.

AEB Collision Avoidance

When illuminated, the automatic emergency braking system is unavailable or requires attention.

Auto-Start-Stop

Indicates idle stop mode is engaged. This feature can be turned off.

Glow Plugs (diesel only)

Diesel vehicles cannot be started until this indicator has gone off.

Fuel Filter

The fuel filter is full and must be emptied.

Oil Pressure

If red, stop driving immediately. If yellow, check the oil level and add oil if needed.

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Our locations and opening hours

Wherever your Icelandic adventure takes you, Höldur is never far away. With 20+ locations across the island and three main service hubs in Reykjavík, Akureyri, and Egilsstaðir, help is always within reach. Find your nearest Höldur location and get in touch or stop by in person.

Opening hours may differ on public holidays.

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We're here whenever you need us

Trouble on the road can be stressful, but you're never on your own with Höldur. Whether you need step-by-step guidance or professional roadside support, our team is ready to help you travel Iceland with confidence.

Customer Service Center: +354 461 6000 or customerservice@holdur.is

In case of breakdown or road assistance regarding your rental car please dial +354 419 2400

In case of breakdown or road assistance regarding camper or motorhome please dial +354 840 9853

After-Hours Emergency: +354 840 6000

Contact Höldur for Assistance