39 3-Star reviews for Northern Lights Car Rental
Verified reviews from our customers that rented a car from Northern Lights Car Rental
At the drop off I have been told that there is a damage (two dents and small scratches) on passenger's front door, which supposedly occured during my rental period. I was very doubtful because we really took care and parked car in campsites or elsewhere in safe distance from other cars. Because I was stressed due to approaching flight and intimidating attitude of your employee, I signed the »acknowledge of responsibility« and was charged the amount of 80.000 isk.
On our way to the airport my children told me that they have noticed the damage already at the pick-up, but they didn't think it is important. I myself haven't inspected the car carefully, because I trusted that this has been done by staff (which was the case on our arrival). But we did made some photos at pick-up and the dent can be seen on the photo. I wote to the company asking for refund (and attached the photo), but received no answer....
Mojca
rented a vehicle
in July 2022
Fine
The Duster was alright. We knew we were renting an older vehicle, being a rental since 2017, but it was apparent that maintenance had not been kept up with on the vehicle. The passenger floorboard carpet was peeled up, there was rattling in the engine compartment when in gear, the car had not been cleaned thoroughly, and there was no windshield washer fluid which was problematic when driving on wet dirt roads. We also ran into another couple that had issues with maintenance on their vehicle, except theirs was a much bigger problem as their brake pads were completely gone and it was metal on metal.
The rooftop tent was also very frustrating. The quality of the tent was good and the fabric kept water out and did well in the wind, but a vent on the top had lost a seal and had not been replaced and subsequently the mattress got soaked while we were driving on a very rainy day and we were forced to sleep in the car and then had to put the mattress in the car while we drove for the next two days to dry it out. Northern lights did refund us 2 of our 10 days for the inconvenience of the tent leak, but it's something that I would have expected to not happen. We also ran into another couple that had the same experience, but their vent fell completely out. These see a lot of use and Northern lights should maintain them better.
Taylor
rented a vehicle
in June 2022
Fine
We got icerental 4x4, or Northern Lights as they also are called, as our car providers. I am really unhappy with the whole rental experience and to show this I can copy here the review I wrote on google:
"Beware of this company, couldn't recommend it to anyone. Worst carhiring experience I've ever had.
Really many damages externally to the car, we tried to get everything on pictures before we drove off which turned out to be an impossible task. They said there was new damages to the car, charged 80000ISK for repair cost that, considering previous damages, never will be repaired. Really felt like a scam in so many ways and it was sad our otherwise great trip ended on this bad note!
Also the extra insurance I had purchased had such a high selfrisk amount that this money came out of our own pockets. They also accused us of going on F-roads which was not the case, and impossible with a Hyundai i10.
Another family at dropoff seemed to have similair problems and were likewise just as frustrated as us.
Also got a clearly older model of the car then we had booked.
Oh and no one tells you they take a 2500€ deposit on your credit card.
Couldn´t recommend this company to anyone!
Beware also that some companies act as umbrellas and you could end up with them even if it seemed like you booked through someone else. Like I had booked through Northbound and ended up with this company."
Lara
rented a vehicle
in June 2022
Fine
At the beggining we were not satisfied as the child seats were not already installed, the employees said they don't have the training for it. At the end the very friendly employee - driver from the airport - helped me with one of the seats. Into our initial Dacia also the water was leaking, what we found out the next morning, after rainy night. The car also broke down that morning, but in one hour (lucky for us we were still in Reykjavik) we got another Dacia. That one was newer and much better, so the experience was good. The staff was always very helpful and frielndly. If there were no trouble at the beggining, the rate would have been much higher as this was a good value for money experience. So I would rent a car there again!
Martin
rented a vehicle
in April 2022
Fine
Had I known I was renting a car with that many miles, I would have researched further. Fuel gauge did not work which forced us to feeling up too many times, not knowing how full the tank was. Drove in a snowstorm without winter tires and the car not going into 4WD, the main reason for selecting it. The main warning light was on from start to finish, something that should not be. The car did fine, but I would have gladly paid more for a newer, better functioning car.
Robert
rented a vehicle
in September 2021
Our flight had 3 hours delay, so I informed the rental company about it. However, as we arrived, there wasn´t anybody to pick us up. After 2 calls and ca 1 hour waiting somebody came to drive us to the car rental place. I chose the rental company because of the price and free GPS. But the GPS didn't worked at all. The guy showed us our car, but he did not check if the GPS was working properly. I had to return it 5 times!!! Every time he gave me a new one, it work for 2 minutes and then it shout down. It was because the adapter he gave us was not working, not the display. But he did not try it with us at all (after he gave us the keys, he had new customers and did not bother to help us). He told me, if we have problem with the GPS, he could offer us some discount as soon we return the car, so I gave up and we used our mobile phones whole time. As soon as we returned the car (ca 1,5 hours) before our flight there was no time to discuss the discount because there were 2 other customers waiting. Nobody told us, that we need to return the car at least 2,5 hours before our flight. Luckily, they arranged pick up for us and for another pair (who had not know about it also) and so we could catch our plane. We had dacia duster and we had no problem with it.
Veronika
rented a vehicle
in January 2020
Fine
The car was great and the staff were very nice, however there was some confusion with the pickup and we didn't get picked up until an hour after our designated pickup time. This was rather upsetting as it made us late for plans that we had. One, the sign used for pickup did not say northern lights car rental as the main company, but another company name instead, causing confusion. Additionally, the driver only stayed at the airport for about five minutes and did not ensure that all customers, including us, had been accounted for. I would suggest improving this part of the process.
Lauren
rented a vehicle
in December 2019
I'm rented a 4x4 in December. My flight was postponed until the next day because Keflavik airport was closed ( weather reasons). I had warned Northern Lights Car Rental.
Tomorrow, the agent couldn't no longer find our reservation. Once the car is in possession, after 15 min of driving, two orange LEDs light up. On the phone, we are told that it's nothing serious. Moreover, the wiper (water jet) didn't work. I'm disapointed especially in severe weather alert. It was the second time i came to island and the first time i rent by northern lights car rental
Estelle
rented a vehicle
in December 2019
Fine
Our experince with the agency varied from extatic to tottaly disapointing. We waited a while for a pick up at the airport, also for the transport back to the airport to the point that we got worried about catching the plane, even thoug we followed the instructions about timing of the drop off with time to spare.
We got an upgrade of the car, probably since it was a bit off season. They did provide almost all the information, precautions we have to take because of the strong winds and other small print as to what insurance doesn't cover.
Most of the trip went smoothly except only after changing the car did we realise the heating did not work and the weater was not the reason we were cold in the car with the heating almost to full.
Inspite of us being carefull wind broke the rear door.Substituting it near Vik would cost us more then renting a new one - and that was not in the contract - the costs of replacing a broken car. While dealing with the situation, ot being familiar with police attitude toward a broken car on the road an employee of the agency actually hung up on me. Unless I would treathen him in some way that is no way to treat any client.
At the end of course we paid for the damage. It cost us around 3200€. I understand that everything is pricier in Iceland. So I cheked at home and the same repair would be aroun 1000€ for new doors and half the price with used ones. With all the tourist crashing and breaking the cars, would it really be so hard to find used doors. Especially as the agency had some broken cars parked just next to their headquaters. Also the agency offered to sent us the invoice from the garage, so we can check the real invoice and it took two months and a demand to return the money if they don't provide the invoice.
In general, a nice agency to rent from, just make sure you don't damage your car in any way.
Spela
rented a vehicle
in October 2019
Fine
We had some issues with the car. Luckily it happened on days where we had some time to spare. So it didn't ruin anything, but it was a bit annoying.
When breaking (on any road) and taking turns on gravel roads, the steering wheel started shaking pretty bad. And on gravel roads you could feel the car drifting off.
The battery died after leaving the lights on for 15 minutes when we parked and stayed in the car. It was quite hard to put on the cables right, because the contact points of the battery were corroded.
Then a few days later the cooling liquid was empty and the engine kept overheating. After calling to ask which color liquid we needed to put in, a mechanic was sent to take the car for a checkup. After the checkup we would get a new car the next day. We drove to a camping to stay the night and would meet the driver with the new car the next day. He would be there at 8 but still wasn't there at 9. That's when we messaged our contact that we would start driving and could meet the driver along the road. In the end the driver met us around 2pm after driving quite a long distance, about 4 hours without any problems.
Thomas
rented a vehicle
in September 2019