Return your hire car with a full tank (or above 80% charge for electric vehicles). If the tank isn't full, SIXT will refuel the vehicle and add the cost of the fuel plus a service fee to your final invoice. If you've opted for the Prepaid Fuel option, there's nothing further to do.
Full-to-full option
Return the vehicle with a full tank (8/8) or above 80% battery charge
Fill up at a petrol station near the return location before dropping off
Keep your receipt until your final invoice arrives
Fuel prepayment (Prepaid Fuel)
Return the vehicle at any fuel or charge level
No refund for unused fuel
How the fuel charge is calculated
The missing litres or kWh needed to reach a full tank or charge are calculated
SIXT's fuel price includes a local surcharge plus a service fee — both are shown on your rental agreement
Next step
Find petrol stations near your SIXT return location.
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 or send us a WhatsApp message — 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 or in the SIXT App.
Still need help? Find our contact options below – please have your rental agreement number ready.