When you rent a campervan in Iceland, you may feel overwhelmed by the number of insurance options available. It’s tempting to skip out on some types of insurance in the interest of saving money, but it can cost you in the long run. In the Land of Fire and Ice, insurance is critical, even sand and ash protection in Iceland. Here’s why.
What Is Sand and Ash Protection (SAAP) and Why Should You Have It?
In short, sand and ash protection in Iceland covers damage caused by blowing sand and ash. You may think that you aren’t driving through a desert, nor are volcanoes erupting at all times, so why would you need this type of insurance? The answer is simple; Icelandic winds and vast areas of sand and ash that can easily turn into a sand blasting machine.
Even though sand and ash protection can seem like an unnecessary expense, if you are caught in a windstorm in an area known for having a lot of loose sand and ash from past volcanoes, you will be glad you have it.
Understanding Iceland’s Volcanic Landscapes and Weather Risks
Iceland is a volcanic island, which means most of the ground is made up of volcanic rocks and ash. With few plants and trees to hold this ash in place, it has created vast deserts of volcanic ash and sand in certain parts of the country. These areas increase your risk of sand damage to the exterior of vehicles.
In addition to the volcanic landscape, Iceland is known for its high winds and rapidly changing weather patterns. Windstorms can send volcanic ash and sand flying at your vehicle, sand blasting the paint from the surface.
What Does SAAP Cover Beyond Other Insurance Options?
You may wonder why you need sand and ash protection in Iceland if you’ve already purchased other insurance options. SAAP insurance covers damage caused to the exterior of the vehicle when sand or ash is blown around at high speeds or in the event of an eruption that spreads large amounts of ash.
Sand and ash can sand blast the car, leaving it with a matte finish rather than its usual shine. SAAP pays for this damage when other policies don’t.
Luckily for you, Campervan Reykjavík’s Premium and Platinum insurance options include SAAP within its coverage. Add any of these packages when renting a camper in Iceland with us for extra piece of mind!
What Time of Year Do You Need Sand and Ash Protection?
The next question visitors have when renting a campervan is if there’s a specific time of year when sand and ash protection in Iceland is absolutely required. Here’s what you need to know to help you make your decision.
Spring and Summer: The High-Risk Seasons
If you will be traveling in February, March, or April, sand and ash protection is absolutely vital because the snow is in the process of thawing and grasses have not yet grown enough to hold the volcanic sand in place. However, this isn’t the only time to consider sand and ash protection in Iceland.
Severe winds can cause sand and ash damage at all times of the year, depending on weather conditions and the areas you will drive through. Volcanic eruptions can also occur at any time. For most drivers, it’s beneficial to get sand and ash protection for peace of mind.
Which Areas of Iceland Are at a Higher Risk?
In some cases, whether to get sand and ash protection in Iceland depends on where you plan to drive. The highlands are often a high risk due to the lack of vegetation. A significant portion of the South Coast and part of the Ring Road and offshoots in the Northeast are also at an increased risk for sand and ash damage.
Assessing the Risks During Winter Travel
When snow is on the ground in the winter, the risk of sand and ash damage is reduced. However, this doesn’t always mean your vehicle is completely safe from damage. If snow has already melted, winter can actually be more of a problem than summer because vegetation has not yet taken hold.
Campervan-Specific Challenges with Sand and Ash Damage
Campervans can be more susceptible to certain kinds of damage due to their large profile. The same is true with sand and ash damage.
Why Campervans Are More Vulnerable to Wind and Sand Damage
Campervans can be more vulnerable to wind and sand damage because they have a higher profile than other vehicles. If a campervan catches the wind, it can more easily blow off the road than a smaller car. In addition, the larger sides make a bigger target for blowing sand and ash, resulting in more significant damage if a sand storm occurs.
Tips for Parking and Driving Your Campervan Safely in Risk Zones
To ensure your safety and protect your campervan from damage, it’s essential to know how to park and drive safely. In windy conditions, it’s best to park into the wind to prevent door damage. You should also only open one door at a time.
As always, it’s essential to monitor road and weather conditions to ensure it’s safe to drive each day. If there will be high winds in areas more susceptible to sand and ash damage, it may be best to change your plans. In most cases, you should avoid driving your campervan in wind speeds over 15 m/s.
How to Protect Your Campervan from Sand and Ash Damage
While you can’t change the weather, you can take proper precautions to ensure you can return your campervan with no new damages. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your campervan in the best condition.
Monitor Weather Conditions and Road Alerts
First and foremost, always check the weather and road conditions before starting your drive for the day. Watch for weather warnings that will suggest you change your plans. For campervans, it’s best to avoid driving in any type of weather warnings, particularly if you are planning to drive near mountain passes or in areas with a higher risk of sand and ash damage.
Use the Road Administration Site and Other Helpful Tools for Travelers
The Road Administration website keeps updated road conditions in a color-coded map that’s easy to read. However, you can’t rely on road conditions along. There are many other helpful tools to help you decide whether it’s safe to drive. Safetravel.is is one of the most important resources to have on hand to guide your travel plans. 112 Iceland is another great option to get emergency services if needed.
Practical Tips to Reduce Your Risk on Your Trip
When traveling in Iceland, particularly in a campervan, it’s critical to be prepared for anything. Many visitors create an itinerary and get into trouble trying to follow it exactly, despite weather conditions and other issues. Flexibility is one of the best ways to reduce your risks and maintain safety in your journey.
If you will be traveling into the highlands, consider leaving your travel plans with the Safe Travel website. You will be asked to check in on your return. If you fail to do so, the Search and Rescue teams will know where to look for you.
As with any other vehicle, watch your speed and ensure you don’t drive anywhere off the roads. The fines for off-road driving are high, as are speeding fines. Don’t stop in the middle of the road; always find a safe place to pull over for pictures. Finally, avoid driving in high-risk areas when the weather is poor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sand and Ash Protection in Iceland
You may still have questions about sand and ash protection in Iceland. Your best resource is your rental company. Here are some of the most common questions campervan rental companies get from their customers.
Is SAAP Worth the Extra Cost?
Yes, getting sand and ash protection in Iceland, particularly if you plan to travel the South Coast or the Northeast, is essential to ensure you don’t get a large bill from the rental company at the end of your journey.
Can You Add SAAP to Your Campervan Rental After Booking?
Yes, in most cases you can add sand and ash protection up until the point you pick up the vehicle. Once you leave the rental company with your vehicle, it will be too late to add it, so make sure you do so at the rental desk at the absolute latest.
What Should You Do If a Sandstorm Hits While Driving?
Sometimes, even monitoring the weather can leave you in the midst of an unexpected sandstorm. When this happens, slow down and pull over whenever it is safe to do so. Close the windows and vents and set the emergency brake. Stay in your vehicle until the sandstorm passes. Having snacks, water, and blankets is essential for emergencies like this.
Why You Need Sand and Ash Protection in Iceland
It’s tempting to reduce travel costs by declining extra insurance on your campervan, but in general, it’s not a good idea due to the many risks of driving in Iceland. Sand and ash protection is essential for those traveling in the highlands, the South Coast, and the Northeast. Without it, you could find yourself with a much higher bill when you return your campervan rental in Iceland.