At pick-up, we check your documents and payment method, go through the hire agreement with you, and hand over the key.
At the SIXT counter
Present your driving licence, ID, and payment method
Change the vehicle category or add protection packages and Add-ons if you like
Review the hire agreement together and confirm the price summary on the tablet
At the vehicle
Depending on the branch, a member of our SIXT team will accompany you to the vehicle for a brief condition check. We record any damage together with you and you confirm it — so it is clear from the start what condition you received the vehicle in.
Key handover
How you receive the key depends on the branch:
directly from our SIXT team
by PIN at the key box near the branch entrance or in the car park
Next step
Have your driving licence, ID, and payment method ready for check-in.
Still need help? Find our contact options below.
The SIXT deposit consists of the rental amount plus a fixed surcharge based on the vehicle group. If it seems higher than expected, this is usually because only the surcharge was anticipated.
Common reasons
The rental amount is part of the deposit – so rental amount + surcharge
Vehicle category: Premium, Luxury, Sports and minibuses have higher surcharges
Exchange rate or bank display can make the amount appear temporarily higher
Note: You can find the exact deposit amount for your vehicle group in the rental information on the website.
After return
The deposit is released within one working day after the end of the rental. Depending on your bank, the refund (Vpay or Maestro cards) or release of the deposit amount (credit or major debit cards) usually takes 5–10 working days.
Still need help? Find our contact options below – please have your booking number ready.
Yes – at your SIXT branch you can upgrade to a higher vehicle category on the day of pick-up, subject to availability. The SIXT staff member will tell you the exact daily surcharge before you confirm.
How the upgrade at the branch works
The SIXT staff member checks which higher categories are currently available. If a suitable category is on hand, they'll quote you the daily surcharge – you decide before confirming.
Still need help? Find our contact options below – please have your booking number ready.
With SIXT Digital Check-in, you can pick up your vehicle quickly and contactless – even outside opening hours. You verify yourself online in advance, receive your PIN by email and collect the key directly from the key box at your branch.
Before your trip: verify online
Open sixt.co.uk/check-in/
Upload your driving licence (front and back)
Upload a selfie
SIXT will check your documents within minutes
Tips for good photos:
Take the photo in good light (daylight, no harsh shadows or reflections)
Place the document flat – don't hold it in your hand
All four corners and all details must be fully visible
For the selfie: look straight into the camera, evenly lit, no sunglasses or hat
On the day of pick-up
Receive your PIN by email – around 1 hour before pick-up time
Go to the key box at your SIXT branch
Enter your PIN and take out the key
The digital rental agreement is created automatically when you take the key – you can drive off straight away
Where it's available
Available at many branches in Germany and across the Corporate countries – the number is growing every month. You'll see whether your pick-up is via key box in your booking confirmation, under the note "Your key will be available via self-pickup".
Next step
Upload your documents in advance at sixt.co.uk/check-in/.
Still need help? Find our contact options below.
If your booked car class is not available when you arrive at the SIXT branch, you will be upgraded to a larger, suitable vehicle at no extra cost — keeping you on the road without changing what you pay.
The usual outcome: a free upgrade
Our goal is to always have your reserved vehicle ready and waiting
If your specific car class is unavailable on arrival, you are automatically upgraded to a larger, suitable vehicle
You pay the rate of your original booking — the upgrade itself is free
In rare cases: alternative transport
Unexpected operational issues — for example, a sudden maintenance need or a delayed return — can mean only a smaller vehicle is available, or in extreme cases, no vehicle at all
Our branch management team will work with you on the spot to arrange alternative transport
Any out-of-pocket expenses you incur while we sort this out are refunded
Next step
Speak to the SIXT branch team on arrival — they will arrange your upgrade or your alternative transport directly
Still need help? Find our contact options below.
This article helps with damage that was already present at pick-up. Did new damage or an accident happen during your rental? To find out how to proceed, see the article "What should I do if there’s parking damage on my SIXT hire car?" and "What should I do after an accident in my SIXT hire car?"
First, check which damage is already recorded — you'll find it in your rental agreement, which we sent you by email, or in your SIXT account under your booking (website or app).
Is the damage already listed?
Then everything is documented — there's nothing more you need to do. Please report any damage that is not listed there, no matter how small it may seem.
The damage isn't listed and you picked up your rental car less than an hour ago?
Then report it right away — you have two options:
Via link: Right after you rent the car, you automatically receive a WhatsApp or SMS with a link. Simply tap it to add the missing damage.
Through your booking: Open your booking in the SIXT app or on the website and add the missing damage during the vehicle check.
In both cases, you'll be guided step by step through the report and the photos. Your details are assigned to your rental and reviewed by our team. During our opening hours, you can also speak to our staff at the branch directly.
The damage isn't listed and you picked up your rental car more than an hour ago?
Then no direct report is needed — simply document the damage for yourself:
Take clear photos of the affected area and of the vehicle from all four sides.
Also photograph the odometer reading.
Keep this documentation. If our damage team contacts you later about a possible charge, point out that the damage was already there at pick-up and share your photos with the team. The damage team will assess the case on that basis. As long as no one contacts you, there's nothing more you need to do.
Tip: Did you spot the damage while still on SIXT premises? If possible, photograph it with the SIXT parking lot in the background — this can help with any later clarification.
Please note: If you notice damage that affects your safety — for example to the tires, brakes, lights, or windshield — please contact our staff or our roadside assistance immediately and do not continue driving.
Still need help? Find our contact options below.