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
Follow the 'Return' signs
Park the vehicle in the designated area
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
Sign in on the website or in the SIXT app
Open "Manage Booking" and select the relevant rental
Open the Lost Item form
Describe the item in as much detail as possible (type, colour, where you left it in the vehicle)
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
Drive into the Car Gate lane
Car Gate captures the vehicle automatically with a drive-through scanner — fitted with cameras, sensors and a dedicated lighting system
Images are anonymised immediately and automatically
The system compares the current condition with the photos taken at pick-up (provided the pick-up branch also has a Car Gate)
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.