Permission to drive on dirt or unpaved roads depends on the rental company's rules, the category of vehicle reserved, the destination, and the rental agreement. Not all rental companies allow driving off paved roads, and purchasing protection does not automatically guarantee coverage for damage that occurs on these types of terrain.
Important: driving on unpaved roads without authorization may void the vehicle's protection entirely and result in contractual penalties.
What should I check before driving on unpaved roads?
If your travel itinerary includes unpaved roads, follow these steps before picking up the rental vehicle:
Route authorization: check directly with the rental company whether driving on the intended road is permitted.
Vehicle category: make sure the reserved vehicle category is suitable for the terrain.
Usage restrictions: review any driving restrictions and the terms of the rental agreement.
Financial responsibility: confirm which vehicle damages you may be responsible for in the event of an incident, even if you have purchased protection.
Optional protection: ask the rental company whether additional protection or services specifically designed for this type of use are available.
How do protection plans and coverage work on this type of terrain?
Having vehicle protection included in your reservation does not mean that damage caused on dirt roads will be covered. Coverage and exclusions vary according to the rental agreement and the rental company.
Some rental companies offer additional protection plans or services for specific driving conditions. Availability, prices, rules, and excess amounts vary by company and destination. When available, these additional coverage options can be purchased directly at the rental counter when picking up the vehicle.
Destinations where unpaved roads require extra attention
Some tourist routes naturally include stretches of dirt, gravel, sand, or rough roads. Examples include regions such as:
Atacama Desert (Chile)
Patagonia (Argentina/Chile)
Iceland
Remote areas of Australia (Outback)
At these destinations, check with the rental company whether your planned route is permitted and what damage coverage rules apply to the protection plans you have purchased.
What is considered an unpaved road?
Unpaved roads have uneven surfaces, such as gravel, sand, dirt, rocks, mud, potholes, and rough terrain, which considerably increase the risk of damage.
Common types of damage include:
Damage to tires and wheels;
Damage to the underside of the vehicle (chassis, oil pan, and exhaust);
Damage to the suspension system;
Scratches and dents to the paintwork and bodywork;
Damage caused by rocks, sand, mud, or other obstacles;
An increased need for a tow truck, towing services, or 24-hour roadside assistance.