What Sixt is and how to rent from them

Sixt is an international car rental company with locations in the United States, Europe, and other regions. You reserve a vehicle online or by phone, pick it up at a Sixt location (usually at an airport or city center), and return it at an agreed time. The rental period can be as short as a few hours or as long as several months, though most customers rent for days or weeks.

To rent from Sixt, you need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance or the option to purchase it from Sixt. The company has rental desks at major airports and city locations. You can browse available vehicles, compare prices, and reserve online before you arrive, or walk up and rent on the spot if inventory is available.

Sixt's pricing varies by location, season, vehicle type, and how far in advance you book. A compact car might cost $30 to $60 per day in a smaller market, while an SUV or luxury vehicle in a major city could run $80 to $200 or more. Longer rentals often have lower daily rates. Additional costs—fuel, insurance, tolls, parking fees, or late returns—are separate from the base rental rate.

Key Takeaways

  • Sixt requires a valid driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance or the option to buy coverage from them before you can rent.
  • You can reserve online, by phone, or in person at a Sixt location, and prices depend on the vehicle type, rental dates, and how early you book.
  • The rental agreement spells out what damage or mileage charges explore, fuel policy, and what happens if you return the car late.
  • Sixt offers optional add-ons like GPS, additional drivers, and damage waivers, each with its own cost.
  • If you have a problem during the rental—mechanical issues, accidents, or disputes over charges—contact Sixt's customer service or your rental location when ready.

Documents and requirements you'll need at pickup

Bring your original driver's license (not a photocopy or digital version). Sixt will not rent to you without it. If your license is from outside the United States, bring an International Driving Permit as well, though this requirement varies by state and Sixt location.

You must present a credit card in your own name at pickup. Sixt uses this card to authorize a hold for the rental cost plus a security deposit, which is typically $200 to $500 depending on the vehicle. The hold is released when you return the car in good condition, but it can take several business days to clear from your account.

Proof of insurance is required. This can be your personal auto insurance card, a rental car policy, or a credit card that covers rental vehicles (check your card's terms). If you don't have coverage, Sixt will sell you a damage waiver or collision damage waiver (CDW) at the time of rental. Read what each option covers—some exclude certain types of damage or have high deductibles.

How pricing works and what's included

The base rental rate covers the vehicle for the dates and times you specify. Sixt charges by the day, week, or month, and longer periods usually cost less per day. If you pick up on Monday at 10 a.m. and return Wednesday at 10 a.m., you pay for two full days. Returning the car even one hour late typically triggers an additional day's charge.

Fuel is your responsibility. You can return the car with a full tank (you pay for the fuel you used), or you can prepay Sixt for a full tank at pickup and return it empty or partially full. Prepaid fuel is usually more expensive per gallon than filling up yourself at a gas station, so compare the cost before you decide.

Mileage is either unlimited or limited, depending on your rental agreement. Many Sixt rentals include unlimited miles, but some locations or vehicle types have a daily mileage cap with overage charges. Check your reservation confirmation to see what applies to your rental.

Tolls, parking fees, and traffic violations are your responsibility. If you incur tolls or parking tickets during the rental, Sixt will charge your credit card. Some rental locations in cities with congestion pricing or toll roads will add these costs to your final bill.

Optional add-ons and insurance choices

Sixt offers several optional services at pickup. A GPS unit or smartphone mount can be added for a daily fee. An additional driver (someone else authorized to drive the car) costs extra and requires their driver's license and credit card information. A child seat or booster seat is available if you're traveling with young children.

Damage coverage is the most important add-on to understand. If you decline all coverage and damage occurs, you pay the full repair cost. Sixt's Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) limits your liability to a deductible (often $0 to $1,000) if the car is damaged. Theft protection covers loss if the vehicle is stolen. Third-party liability covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. Ask which of these your personal insurance already covers before buying Sixt's options—you may be paying twice.

Some credit cards include rental car coverage if you charge the entire rental to that card. Call your credit card issuer before your trip to confirm what's covered and what's not. If your card covers collision damage but not theft, you might buy only Sixt's theft protection.

What happens during the rental and at return

When you pick up the car, a Sixt agent will walk you through the vehicle's condition, pointing out any existing dents, scratches, or damage. You should inspect the car yourself and ask the agent to note anything you see. Take photos or video of the car's exterior and interior before you leave the lot. This protects you if Sixt later claims you caused damage you didn't.

During the rental, you're responsible for the car's safety and maintenance. If you notice a mechanical problem—warning lights, unusual sounds, brake issues—contact Sixt when ready. Don't ignore it and hope it goes away; Sixt may charge you for damage that worsened because you didn't report it.

Return the car on time, with a full tank of fuel (if that's what your agreement requires), and in the same condition as pickup. Sixt will inspect the vehicle and compare it to the photos or notes from pickup. If there's new damage, you'll be charged. If you return the car late, you'll owe additional rental charges, sometimes at a higher daily rate.

Your final bill is calculated at return and charged to your credit card. It includes the base rental, any add-ons you used, fuel (if you didn't prepay), tolls, parking, damage charges, and late fees. You'll receive an itemized receipt. If you dispute a charge, contact Sixt's customer service within a few days while the transaction is fresh.

Cancellation, changes, and what to do if something goes wrong

Most Sixt reservations can be changed or canceled online up to a certain time before pickup (often 24 hours, but check your confirmation). Canceling close to your rental date or after pickup may result in a cancellation fee. If you need to extend your rental, call Sixt as soon as you know—extending online is usually cheaper than paying late fees.

If you have an accident, mechanical breakdown, or other problem during the rental, contact Sixt's roadside information or the rental location when ready. Sixt will arrange a replacement vehicle, towing, or repairs depending on the situation. Report any accidents to Sixt and your insurance company on the same day, and get a police report if another vehicle was involved.

If you're charged for damage you believe you didn't cause, or if your bill seems wrong, contact Sixt's customer service with your reservation number and photos from pickup. Keep your rental agreement and receipt. Disputes can take weeks to resolve, but Sixt will investigate if you have evidence.

Sixt's policies on age, location, and vehicle restrictions

Most Sixt locations rent to drivers 21 and older. Drivers under 25 may pay a young driver surcharge ($15 to $30 per day or more, depending on location). Some vehicle types—luxury cars, SUVs, or premium models—have higher minimum age requirements, sometimes 25 or 30.

Sixt locations vary widely. Airport locations often have longer hours and more vehicles but may charge higher rates. City center locations are convenient but parking can be tight. Some smaller towns have limited Sixt presence or no locations at all. Check where your nearest Sixt is before you book.

One-way rentals (picking up in one city and returning in another) are available at many Sixt locations but cost more than round-trip rentals. The farther apart the pickup and return locations, the higher the one-way fee. Some locations don't accept one-way returns, so confirm this when you reserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a Sixt car if I don't have insurance?

Yes. Sixt will sell you a damage waiver or collision coverage at pickup if you don't have your own insurance. This coverage limits your liability if the car is damaged, though it usually has a deductible. Read the terms carefully—some waivers exclude certain types of damage or situations.

What if I return the car late?

Late returns are charged as additional full days at the rental rate (sometimes a higher rate for very late returns). If you're running late, call Sixt as soon as you know. In some cases, they may extend your reservation at the original rate if you contact them before the due time.

Does Sixt charge for extra drivers?

Yes, adding a second driver costs extra and requires their driver's license and credit card information at pickup. The fee varies by location but is typically $10 to $20 per day. Some credit cards or insurance policies cover additional drivers at no cost—check before you pay Sixt.

What if the car breaks down during my rental?

Contact Sixt's roadside information number (on your rental agreement) when ready. Sixt will arrange a replacement vehicle, towing, or repairs at no cost to you. Don't attempt major repairs yourself or take the car to a mechanic without Sixt's approval, as you may be charged for unauthorized work.

Can I modify my reservation after I've booked?

Yes, you can usually change your pickup or return dates, extend the rental, or add services online or by calling Sixt. Changes made close to your rental date or after pickup may incur fees. Extending your rental before the due date is almost always cheaper than paying late fees.