Is Sixt legit?
Legit — a major international brand. Complaints cluster around post-return damage claims and pricing at the counter, not around fraud.
What to expect at the counter
- Expect an upgrade-and-waiver pitch at pickup. Declining the desk waiver is fine when you carry standalone excess insurance — have the policy ready to show.
- Do a full timestamped video walkaround before driving off, even if staff say existing marks are "all noted" — Sixt settled a US class action in 2025 over charging for repairs never made.
The deposit
Credit-card hold sized to the vehicle class and excess — typically a few hundred euros, more for premium cars. Released days to weeks after return.
The hold must be on a card with sufficient free limit — a declined deposit at the desk usually means being pushed into the expensive counter waiver. Check your card limit before you travel, not at the airport.
How to rent from Sixt without getting stung
- Buy standalone excess insurance before the trip — compare policies here — and bring proof of it.
- Video the car at pickup and return — our 3-minute evidence routine makes charges indefensible.
- Get every existing mark on the condition report before signing.
- If a charge appears later anyway: the Sixt dispute guide has the escalation path — including free conciliation that binds the company.
Frequently asked questions
Is Sixt legit or a scam?
Legit — a major international brand. Complaints cluster around post-return damage claims and pricing at the counter, not around fraud.
How big is the Sixt deposit?
Credit-card hold sized to the vehicle class and excess — typically a few hundred euros, more for premium cars. Released days to weeks after return.
Do I need Sixt's damage waiver?
No — the desk waiver is optional. Standalone excess insurance covers the same liability (usually including tyres, glass and undercarriage that desk waivers exclude) for a fraction of the price. The desk cannot require you to buy theirs, though declining it means a larger deposit hold.
What if Sixt charges me after the rental?
Post-return charges must be backed by condition reports, dated photos and a real repair invoice. If they aren't, dispute the charge — see our Sixt dispute guide for the exact escalation path.
Booking with Sixt? Cover the excess before you fly
Standalone excess insurance refunds what the rental desk charges you — damage, tyres, windscreen, admin fees — for a fraction of the desk's own waiver price.
Get covered from ~£3/day →✓ Covers the full excess · ✓ Tyres, glass & undercarriage included · ✓ Annual policies for frequent renters
We may earn a commission if you buy through this link. It never costs you extra. Compare all excess insurers