What protection is included in my SIXT car hire in the UK?

At SIXT, we recommend checking in advance whether your personal car insurance covers rental vehicles. Many policies do not automatically include coverage for rentals.

Benefits of SIXT protection options:

With our protection options, you are fully covered – for both passengers and the vehicle – without worrying about potential gaps in your personal insurance. This way, you can enjoy your ride with complete peace of mind.

If you want to use your own insurance. Please contact your insurer to:

• Confirm whether the rented SIXT vehicle is covered.
• Check for any exclusions or limitations.
• Understand the deductible you would be responsible for in case of damage.

During the booking process, in the step “Which protection package do you need?”, you can see which coverages are included as standard. You also have the option to add additional protection for your rental car – for maximum safety and peace of mind.

Optional protection during booking

SIXT offers a range of optional protection products that can be added flexibly to your booking. These cover a variety of scenarios, for example:

• Damage Waiver (LDW) & Theft Protection
• Tyre and Windscreen Protection
• Roadside protection

For more information on our protection options, click here.

All-Inclusive Protection Package

Our All-Inclusive Protection Package minimizes your financial liability in the event of accidental damage to the rental vehicle, providing you with maximum security during your journey. Enjoy peace of mind – wherever the road takes you.

Additional drivers

To ensure additional drivers are covered, they must be listed on the rental agreement:

• Drivers may only operate the vehicle if they meet the age requirements for the booked vehicle category.
• All optional protection products also apply to registered additional drivers, provided no rental agreement violations occur.
• A daily fee applies for each additional driver.
• Fees vary depending on the rental country and duration. Please check the charges for your specific rental location and dates.
• Booking through third-party portals

Protection purchased through third-party booking portals (e.g., Expedia) may provide limited coverage

• Many policies do not offer full financial protection (e.g., no GBP 0 deductible).
• Third-party protection is often secondary to your personal auto insurance.
• Please review all terms carefully before relying on coverage not provided directly by SIXT.

Using credit card coverage

Some credit cards provide additional rental car protection:

• This is often secondary coverage – you may need to file a claim with your personal auto insurance first.
• Limitations may apply to vehicle types or rental duration.
• Review your credit card’s terms carefully before relying on this coverage.

Changes during the rental

Once you have taken possession of your rental vehicle, protection options cannot be added or removed. Please select your desired protection packages carefully when booking or at the rental station during the creation of the rental agreement.

The Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) reduces your financial responsibility for damage to or theft of the rental vehicle. In Great Britain, LDW is mandatory, except for customers from the US or Canada who are covered through their own credit card insurance.

Under the Damage Protection Programme, you are only responsible for the actual damage and reasonable administration fees related to handling the claim.

Each time the vehicle or a replacement vehicle is damaged, or if a replacement vehicle is lost or stolen, you may be required to pay up to the damage excess amount.

If the damage is caused by a third party, SIXT will attempt to recover the repair costs from the responsible party. If successful, all or part of your damage deposit may be refunded.

What does the protection cover?

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): Covers damage you cause to the rental vehicle.

Theft Protection: Protects you in case the vehicle is stolen.

Important: Damage caused by gross negligence is not covered.

Examples of gross negligence:

• Driving under the influence of alcohol
• Leaving the vehicle unlocked and it gets stolen
• Driving into prohibited countries
• Driving by a person not listed on the rental agreement

Excess and Options

• The excess amount depends on the vehicle type – higher-class vehicles usually have a higher excess.
• The maximum excess per claim is displayed during booking.
• You can reduce the excess to a minimum, either online or at the counter before your rental begins.

Note: Please refer to the General Terms and Conditions (GTC) for all applicable rules.

With SIXT Tyre and Windscreen Protection, you are fully covered – whether your trip is short or long. Even with careful driving, tyres or windows can be damaged by small stones or other road hazards. This protection reduces your costs and effort in case of damage, so you can enjoy your journey with complete peace of mind.

What does the protection cover?

Tyre and Windscreen Protection covers:

• Tyre damage
• Windscreen and rear window
• Side windows

Benefits:

• GBP 0 excess in case of damage
• Reduced liability for damages, even if you already have Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Theft Protection

Important:

• Tyre damage is not covered by CDW.
• Damage to windscreen, rear window, and side windows is covered under CDW or Theft Protection with excess.
• If you choose CDW with GBP 0 excess, Tyre and Windscreen Protection is included.

How can I book Tyre and Windscreen Protection?

During the booking process, select the protection package that includes Tyre and Windscreen Protection. Alternatively, you can add the protection separately under Extras.

If you booked your SIXT rental vehicle through a third-party portal, you may already have insurance coverage for damages through that provider. Please check your booking documents to confirm the scope of your protection.

Coverage through your credit card provider

Some credit card providers offer coverage in case of damage and may reimburse costs depending on your card’s terms. Please review your credit card conditions for details.

How does SIXT support you in case of damage?

1. Reporting the damage to SIXT

• Provide all relevant details about the incident via WhatsApp or Chat.
• All provided details will be attached to your rental agreement via a remark on SIXT's internal systems.
• Providing detailed information helps to speed up the claims process.
• The damage team will take over and provide you with your damage report and further details after the vehicle has been returned.

2. Informing your insurer or credit card provider

• You can notify your insurance company or credit card provider about the damage at the same time.

3. Payment process

• If the damage must initially be settled with SIXT, convenient payment options are available.

When you rent a vehicle from SIXT, Third Party Liability cover for bodily injury and property damage is always included, in line with legal requirements. Additionally, all UK rates include a Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), giving you peace of mind during your rental. 

Can I reduce or remove my excess?

SIXT offers a range of optional protection products to help reduce or remove your excess in various situations. Detailed information about these options can be found in the rental agreement and on our protection options page.

What if I am under 28 years old – do I need extra insurance?

Drivers under 28 are subject to a Young Driver Surcharge. The exact fee depends on the driver's age, location and rental period. Details are available on our rental information page.

Are additional drivers covered?

All additional drivers must be added to the Rental Agreement to be insured. They must meet the age and license requirements for the vehicle type rented. Additional drivers also benefit from any optional protection products purchased, provided there are no violations of the rental agreement.

A daily charge applies for each additional driver where allowed by law. Prices vary depending on rental length, location, and dates, so please check your booking for exact fees.

The SIXT Roadside Protection covers you during your rental in the UK and abroad against unexpected costs from minor incidents, so you can enjoy your journey with peace of mind.

You are protected in cases of:

• Key locked inside the vehicle
• Lost key
• Running out of fuel
• Dead battery / jump-start required
• Vehicle stuck or immobilized

Booking: The SIXT Roadside Protection can be added to any car category during the booking process.

Service Overview

Key locked inside / Lost key:

• Vehicle opening or replacement key provided by manufacturer or partner
• Towing to the nearest SIXT location
• Provision of a replacement vehicle
• Delivery/shipping of replacement key (in case of loss)

Running out of fuel:

• Roadside assistance
• Provision of required fuel

Dead battery / Vehicle stuck:

• Jump-start or towing
• Replacement vehicle if needed

Important Notice

All services must be requested via the 24-hour SIXT Roadside Service. SIXT determines the type and scope of assistance. Any damages not covered by Roadside Protection are the responsibility of the renter.