What Sixt is and how to book a car

Sixt is a car rental company that operates in over 100 countries, with locations at airports, city centres, and train stations. You book online, by phone, or through their mobile app, and you pick up your car at a Sixt location on your chosen date. You return it to the same location or, at many Sixt branches, to a different one for a drop-off fee.

The booking process is straightforward: you enter your pickup location, dates, and times, then choose a car class—economy, compact, mid-size, SUV, or premium. Sixt shows you the daily rate, total cost, and what insurance and extras cost. You pay when you book or sometimes at pickup, depending on the rate you choose. You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your own or Sixt's).

Sixt's fleet is newer than many competitors—they replace vehicles regularly—so you're less likely to rent a car with high mileage or wear. That also means their rental rates tend to be higher than budget chains, but the vehicles themselves are more reliable.

Key Takeaways

  • Sixt charges by the day and includes unlimited mileage on most bookings, but daily rates are higher than budget rental companies.
  • You must buy insurance through Sixt, use your own car insurance, or decline coverage entirely—Sixt does not include it in the base price.
  • Fuel is your responsibility; you can prepay for a full tank at booking or refuel yourself before returning the car.
  • Damage to the car is your liability unless you purchased Sixt's damage waiver, so read the damage terms before you book.
  • Young drivers (under 25) pay a daily surcharge and may face restrictions on which car classes they can rent.

Insurance and damage liability

Sixt does not include collision or theft insurance in the rental price. You have three options: buy Sixt's damage waiver (called a Damage Waiver or Super Damage Waiver depending on your location), use your own car insurance if it covers rentals, or decline coverage and accept full liability for any damage.

If you buy Sixt's waiver, you pay a daily fee—usually £8 to £15 per day in the UK, but this varies by location and car class. The waiver reduces your out-of-pocket cost if the car is damaged, but it typically comes with a deductible (you still pay the first £500 to £1,500 of damage). Read the terms carefully: some waivers exclude damage to the windscreen, tyres, or undercarriage, and some don't cover damage caused by off-road driving or towing.

If you use your own insurance, contact your insurer before you book to confirm they cover rental cars and what your deductible is. Many personal policies do cover rentals, but some exclude them or charge extra. If your insurance doesn't cover rentals, Sixt's waiver becomes your only protection.

Fuel, mileage, and additional charges

Most Sixt rentals include unlimited mileage, so you won't be charged per mile. Fuel is not included: you pick up the car with a full tank and must return it full, or you'll be charged for the missing fuel at a premium rate (usually 50% to 100% above the local pump price). You can prepay for a full tank at booking and return the car empty, which locks in the fuel cost upfront.

Additional charges explore for young drivers (under 25), additional drivers, GPS units, child seats, and one-way rentals (dropping the car at a different location). Some locations charge for parking or tolls if you incur them during the rental. Check the full price breakdown before you confirm your booking—these extras add up quickly.

If you return the car late, Sixt charges a late fee per hour or per day depending on how late you are. The first 30 minutes to an hour is often free, but after that the charges escalate. Return the car on time to avoid this cost.

Pickup and return process

Arrive at your pickup location 15 to 30 minutes before your reserved time. Bring your driver's license, the credit card you used to book, and proof of insurance. Sixt staff will inspect the car with you, document any existing damage, and explain the car's features. This inspection is crucial: if you don't report a dent or scratch at pickup, you may be charged for it at return.

Take photos or video of the car's condition—front, back, sides, and interior—before you drive away. This protects you if Sixt later claims you caused damage you didn't. Keep the rental agreement and any photos until after you've been charged and the rental is closed.

At return, fuel the car to full if you didn't prepay for fuel. Drive to the return location and park in the designated area. Sixt staff will inspect the car again and compare it to the pickup condition. If there's damage, they'll tell you the cost and charge your credit card. You'll receive a final receipt and your rental will be closed.

Age restrictions and young driver surcharges

Sixt rents to drivers aged 21 and up in most locations, though some branches require drivers to be 23 or 25. Drivers under 25 pay a daily young driver surcharge—typically £15 to £25 per day depending on location and car class. Some car classes (premium vehicles, large SUVs) may not be available to drivers under 25 at all.

If you're under 21, you generally cannot rent from Sixt. If you're 21 to 24, expect the surcharge to significantly increase your total cost. Factor this into your budget before you book.

Comparing Sixt to other rental companies

Sixt's main competitors are Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. Sixt typically costs more per day than Budget or Enterprise but less than Hertz or Avis. Sixt's advantage is a newer fleet and straightforward online booking. The trade-off is higher daily rates and mandatory insurance purchases.

Budget and Enterprise often have lower daily rates but older vehicles. Hertz and Avis fall in the middle on price and fleet age. If you're renting for a week or longer, the daily rate difference compounds—Sixt might cost £50 to £100 more over a week. If you're renting for one or two days, the difference is smaller and may be worth paying for a newer car.

Check what's included in each company's base price: some include a second driver or GPS, others charge extra. Read the damage terms carefully—they vary widely and affect your true cost if something goes wrong.

How to reduce your Sixt rental cost

Book as far in advance as possible. Sixt's rates are lower when you book weeks ahead than when you book days before pickup. Avoid peak travel times (summer holidays, Christmas, Easter) if you can, as rates spike during these periods.

Decline optional extras you don't need: GPS (use your phone), additional drivers (if you can drive alone), and premium insurance (if your own insurance covers rentals). Prepay for fuel if you know you'll use most of a tank—it locks in a known cost and avoids the premium rate at return.

Use a Sixt loyalty program or credit card that offers rental discounts. Some corporate travel programs and insurance companies negotiate rates with Sixt. Ask your employer or insurer if they have a Sixt discount code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a Sixt car if I have an international driver's license?

Yes, but you must also carry your passport or national ID. Sixt accepts International Driving Permits (IDP) alongside your home country license. If you're renting outside your home country, bring both documents to avoid delays at pickup.

What happens if I damage the car and didn't buy the damage waiver?

You're liable for the full repair cost. Sixt will assess the damage at return, get a repair quote, and charge your credit card. Costs can range from hundreds to thousands of pounds depending on the damage. This is why buying the waiver or confirming your own insurance covers rentals is important.

Can I extend my rental after I've picked up the car?

Yes, contact Sixt as soon as possible—ideally before your return date. Availability and pricing depend on demand at that location. Extending online or by phone is usually cheaper than paying a late fee, so call ahead if you think you'll need more time.

What if the car breaks down during my rental?

Call the Sixt roadside information number on your rental agreement when ready. Sixt will arrange a repair or replacement vehicle at no cost to you. Keep all receipts and documentation of the breakdown for your records.

Do I need to buy Sixt's GPS or can I use my phone?

You can use your phone's GPS (Google Maps, Apple Maps, or a dedicated navigation app) at no cost. Sixt's GPS rental is optional and costs extra. Most modern phones have better navigation than rental car GPS units, so skipping it saves money.