How do I return my SIXT hire car, step by step?

Drive to your chosen return location, park the vehicle in a SIXT parking area and hand in the keys — that’s it.

Before you arrive

• Fill the tank (unless you purchased Prepaid Fuel)

• Remove any heavy dirt and rubbish from the vehicle to avoid extra charges

• Take out any personal belongings

At the SIXT branch

1. Follow the 'Return' signs

2. Park the vehicle in the designated area

3. Return the keys (in the key drop box or at the counter)

If you wish

• SIXT staff can inspect the car with you

• Sign the return report and have it emailed to you

After drop-off

• The security deposit will be released as quickly as possible

• You will receive the final invoice by email within 48 hours

• Check your final rental charges

Next steps

Find your return location and all the information you need on our website or in the SIXT app.

Still need help? Find our contact options below.

The return receipt is an overview of the vehicle recorded at the time of return — mileage/odometer reading, fuel level and any existing damage. It is not the final invoice. The VAT?relevant final invoice will be sent by email within 48 hours and will include all rental charges incurred (for example tolls, fuel charges or special cleaning fees).

What the return receipt shows

• Return date, time and mileage/odometer reading

• Fuel level at return

• Any newly recorded vehicle damage, where applichible

What the final invoice may include

• Fuel charges for vehicles not returned with a full tank

• Charges for returns outside opening hours

• Late?return fees

• Other subsequent items, such as tolls or special cleaning

Keep both documents

• Please keep the return report until the final invoice is correct

• If there is a discrepancy, the report is your primary proof

Next step

Download the final invoice from our website or via the SIXT App.

Still need help? Find our contact options below.

Report a lost item by signing into your SIXT account, opening the relevant booking and submitting the Lost Item form — the team at the branch will then check whether your belongings have been handed in.

How to report a lost item

1. Sign in on the website or in the SIXT app

2. Open "Manage Booking" and select the relevant rental

3. Open the Lost Item form

4. Describe the item in as much detail as possible (type, colour, where you left it in the vehicle)

5. Submit the form

What happens next

• The branch where you picked up or returned the vehicle checks whether the item has been found

• You will be contacted with an update once the search is complete

• If your item is found, the branch will agree the next steps with you, including return arrangements

Next step

Submit a Lost Item form under "Manage Booking" on the website or in the SIXT app.

Still need help? Find our contact options below.

At selected branches, SIXT uses Car Gates to capture the condition of your vehicle. As the car leaves and re-enters the branch parking area — at the start and end of your hire — the vehicle is photographed automatically and its condition is fully documented. This significantly simplifies the pick-up and return process and improves your overall rental experience. The final assessment of any potential damage is always made by our trained staff.

How it works

1. Drive into the Car Gate lane

2. Car Gate captures the vehicle automatically with a drive-through scanner — fitted with cameras, sensors and a dedicated lighting system

3. Images are anonymised immediately and automatically

4. The system compares the current condition with the photos taken at pick-up (provided the pick-up branch also has a Car Gate)

5. If new damage is suspected, our trained staff review the images carefully. SIXT only opens a damage case when the damage is clearly identified as new

Your benefits

• Transparent and objective documentation of the vehicle's condition

• Faster and noticeably simpler pick-up and return

Your privacy

• Car Gate meets the requirements of applicable data protection law (e.g. UK GDPR)

• Anyone who might be identifiable in the images is automatically and permanently anonymised — for example by blurring faces or vehicle windows

• The images are used exclusively for rental administration and damage documentation — as set out in our Privacy Policy

If new damage is detected

• The system flags possible damage points — the final assessment is always carried out by a trained SIXT staff member

• If the damage is confirmed, you will receive an email from SIXT with all the relevant information and the corresponding photos for documentation

• If you have any questions, use the contact details in the email to get in touch with SIXT directly

Still need help? Find our contact options below.