Return the vehicle at the level agreed at pickup — usually fully fueled or fully charged (8/8 tank or over 80% battery). You'll find the agreed level in your rental agreement.
If the tank or battery isn't sufficiently full at return, SIXT takes care of refueling or recharging and bills the fuel or electricity plus a service fee on the final invoice. These total costs are usually significantly higher than the price at a gas station.
Want to skip that last fuel or charging stop?
With our "Refueling and Charging Service" or "Prepaid Fuel" extras, you can return the vehicle at any level. To learn exactly how the fuel policy and the options work, see here: "How does the SIXT fuel policy work?"
Next step
Find a gas station or charge point near your return branch.
Still need help? Find our contact options below.
A refuelling charge applies if the vehicle is not returned fully refuelled or fully charged. For each missing litre of fuel (or kWh for electric vehicles), the amount stated in your 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 are stated 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 camera. Either way, the level is logged.
How to avoid the charge
Refuel or fully charge the vehicle shortly before returning, so the gauge shows full
Keep your fuel receipt as proof in case of any queries
Alternative: Prepaid Fuel or charging
Choose the Prepaid Fuel or charging option when booking — you can then return the vehicle at any level without a refuelling charge.
Still need help? Find our contact options below — please have your rental agreement number ready.
The quickest way to dispute a fuel charge is to contact us via Live Chat — ideally with your last fuel receipt and, if available, a photo of the fuel gauge at the time of return.
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
Have your rental agreement number to hand
Contact us via Live Chat
Share your rental agreement number, describe your query and upload any 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 Live Chat on the SIXT website.
Still need help? Find our contact options below — please have your rental agreement number ready.