Return the vehicle at the level agreed at pickup — usually fully fuelled or fully charged (8/8 tank or over 80% battery). You'll find the agreed level in your rental agreement.
If the tank or battery isn't sufficiently full at return, SIXT takes care of refuelling or recharging and bills the fuel or electricity plus a service fee on the final invoice. These total costs are usually significantly higher than the price at a petrol station.
Want to skip that last fuel or charging stop?
With our "Refuelling / recharging service" or "Prepaid Fuel" extras, you can return the vehicle at any level. To learn exactly how the fuel policy and the options work, see here: "How does the SIXT fuel policy work?"
Next step
Find a petrol station or charge point near your return branch.
Still need help? Find our contact options below.
A SIXT refuelling charge applies if you don't return the vehicle fully refuelled or fully charged. For each missing litre of fuel (or kWh for electric vehicles), an amount specified in the rental agreement is charged and shown separately on your final invoice.
How the charge is calculated
For each missing litre of diesel or petrol, the amount stated in your rental agreement is charged
For electric vehicles, the charge is calculated per missing kWh at the rate stated in your rental agreement
Note: The exact amounts per litre and per kWh can be found in your rental agreement.
How the fuel level is recorded
The SIXT staff member reads the fuel or charge level at return. At branches with a Car Gate, this is recorded automatically by the camera. Either way, the level is logged.
How to avoid the charge
Refuel or fully charge the vehicle shortly before reaching the return branch, so the gauge shows full
Keep your fuel receipt – as proof in case of any queries
Alternative: prepaid fuel or charging
If you'd rather skip the stop at a petrol station or charging point, you can choose the prepaid fuel or charging option at the time of booking – you can then return the vehicle at any level.
Still need help? Find our contact options below – please have your rental agreement number ready.
The quickest and easiest way to dispute a fuel charge is to start a chat with us — ideally with your last fuel receipt and, if you have one, a photo of the fuel gauge at the time of return. We'll look into it straight away.
What to submit
Your last fuel receipt, including the time and location
A photo of the fuel gauge at return, if available
Your return inspection report, if you have one
How to submit — step by step
Have your booking or rental agreement number to hand
Start a chat directly on our website
Share your booking number, describe your query, and upload your supporting documents
Our team will review everything and get back to you directly
What we check
The fuel level at both pick-up and return
Your fuel receipt, photos, and any other supporting evidence
Next step
Submit your fuel charge dispute via chat on the website.
Still need help? Find our contact options below – please have your rental agreement number ready.