Car Gate

Car Gate

At selected locations, SIXT uses Car Gates, also known as AI scanners, to photograph each vehicle as it leaves and re-enters the branch’s parking area. This ensures full transparency regarding the vehicle’s condition, supports fair and consistent damage handling, streamlines the return process, and enhances the overall rental experience. While advanced technology supports the process, all decisions are reviewed by trained staff to ensure fairness, accuracy and the ability to apply goodwill as appropriate. Learn more here.

Why does SIXT use Car Gates?

Car Gates help us deliver a smoother and more transparent rental experience.

They:

• Improve efficiency by reducing waiting times at pick-up and return.
• Increase clarity by automatically photographing the car at the start and end of each rental.
• Minimize disputes by providing objective photo documentation that is shared with customers.

Car Gates serve solely as a documentation tool and never make claims decisions. While advanced technology supports the process, all decisions are reviewed by trained staff to ensure fairness, accuracy and the ability to apply goodwill as appropriate. 

How does the Car Gate work?

The Car Gate is a drive-through scanner equipped with cameras, sensors, and a dedicated lighting system. It automatically photographs the vehicle as it leaves and re-enters the branch’s parking area – that is, at the start and end of the rental, provided both the pick-up and return location are equipped with a Car Gate.

All images are immediately anonymized to ensure that customers are not visible. The photos taken at the end of the rental are compared with the existing vehicle documentation and, where available, the exit photos from the Car Gate (if the pick-up location was equipped with a Car Gate) to ensure that the vehicle’s condition at return matches the documented condition at the start of the rental.

If new damage is detected, it is carefully reviewed by trained staff to ensure a fair and accurate assessment throughout the damage review process. Only if the damage is clearly identified by a staff member as new can a damage claim be initiated by SIXT. In such cases, SIXT informs the customer and seeks clarification – for example, if a third party was involved.

Does the Car Gate replace review by staff?

No. The Car Gate is only a documentation tool. Any potential damage identified by the Car Gate is always reviewed by trained staff. The Car Gate never decides whether a claim is initiated. Every instance of potential damage flagged through AI vehicle damage detection is reviewed by trained staff to ensure a fair and accurate assessment.

Will SIXT provide its customers with the photos of the exit and return?

Yes. If new damage is identified during the review – based on available photos from the vehicle’s exit and return – customers are notified by email. This email also includes the photo documentation to ensure full transparency. In addition, SIXT may use other available documentation, such as external accident reports, to ensure a complete and fair review. Customers also receive the documented vehicle condition together with their rental contract at the start of the rental.

How does SIXT ensure fairness in damage billing?

Fairness is at the heart of our process. A damage claim is only initiated if our trained staff confirms the damage is new. To ensure transparency, customers receive photo documentation.

How does the Car Gate process the images in which customers could be seen?

Car Gate is compliant with relevant privacy laws. Any individuals who might be visible in the images are automatically and irreversibly anonymized – for example, by blurring faces or vehicle windows.

What happens if there is a discrepancy?

If potential damage is detected, it is always reviewed by trained staff to ensure a fair and accurate assessment. If a discrepancy occurs, we review the matter further to ensure a fair and accurate outcome. If a customer is uncertain whether the damage is new or not, our team will re-review the case upon request.

Who can customers contact if they have a question about a claim recorded by the Car Gate?

If customers have questions about a documented damage claim, they can contact SIXT using the SIXT contact information provided in the email containing the claim documentation.

What happens if a Car Gate is not available?

In the United States, fewer than 10 percent of SIXT branches are currently equipped with Car Gates, primarily at large airports. At all other locations, our staff document the vehicle’s condition after each return through an in-person inspection, always following the same fairness and transparency principles.