What if my SIXT car wasn't completely full when I picked it up?

SIXT's standard fuel rule is full-to-full: you pick up the vehicle with a full tank (or a full battery for electric vehicles) and return it fully refuelled or fully charged. If returned below full, SIXT refuels or recharges the vehicle and charges for the fuel or electricity plus a service fee. The prepaid fuel and charging service is an optional alternative.

How it works

1. Pick up the vehicle with a full tank or fully charged battery

2. Drive as normal

3. Refuel or fully recharge at any gas station or charging point before return

4. Keep the receipt — useful if any queries arise

When returned below full

SIXT will refuel or recharge the vehicle and charge for the fuel or electricity plus a service fee on your final invoice. Prices per gallon or kWh are displayed at the branch and stated in your rental agreement.

Prepaid fuel and charging

Pay for a full tank or a full charge in advance at a fixed SIXT price and return the vehicle at any level.

Benefits:

• No last-minute stop at a gas station or charging point before return

• Return the vehicle at any fuel or charge level

• Fixed price known in advance — no surprises

• No receipt required at return

Tip: The prepaid option is especially worthwhile for longer rentals or when you expect to return the vehicle nearly empty.

Next step

Add the prepaid fuel or charging service to your booking on the SIXT website or in the SIXT app.

Still need help? Find our contact options below.

In rare cases, the tank might not be completely full at pickup. If that happens, we'll note the actual fuel level in eighths on your rental agreement — and all you need to do is return the vehicle at that same level.

How it works

1. We note the fuel level in eighths on your rental agreement — for example, 7/8. You'll find your rental agreement in your email or in the SIXT App.

2. Return the vehicle with that same fuel level noted on your agreement.

Tip: Snap a photo of the fuel gauge at pickup. That way, you'll have proof on hand if there's ever any question about it.

Level doesn't match? Here's how to sort it out

If your rental agreement shows 8/8 but the tank isn't actually full at pick-up, you've got two easy options:

• At the branch: Just let our team know on-site during business hours — they'll adjust the fuel level for you right away.

• Through our Support Team: Let us know the correct level via Live Chat, and we'll update it so you can return the vehicle at the level it was actually at when you picked it up.

Already returned the vehicle and got charged?

Contact our support team with your rental agreement number, and we'll take a look.

Still need help? You'll find our contact options below.

Always use the fuel type indicated on the sticker on the fuel cap or filler door of your SIXT rental car. This ensures you use the correct fuel regardless of which country you are driving in.

How to identify the correct fuel

• The sticker on the fuel cap or filler door shows the fuel type for your rental car

• Across the EU, standardised fuel symbols are displayed at every pump:

• Circle = Petrol (E5, E10, E85)

• Square = Diesel (B7, B10, XTL)

• Diamond = Gaseous fuels (LPG, CNG, H2)

• If the symbol on the pump matches the one on your fuel cap, it is the correct fuel

Common fuel types by country

Note: In the USA, octane is measured by AKI, not the RON rating used in Europe. US Regular (87) is roughly equivalent to EU 91, and US Premium (91–93) is roughly equivalent to EU 95–98.

Good to know

• Electric vehicles: find charging points via the vehicle's navigation system or a charging app

• Unsure? Contact SIXT Roadside Assistance or use Live Chat rather than refuel on a guess

• Wrong fuel? Do not start the engine — contact SIXT Roadside Assistance immediately

Still need help? Find our contact options below.

Yes — pets are welcome in SIXT rental vehicles, provided they are properly secured, kept under control at all times and the vehicle is returned in a clean condition. A cleaning fee may apply in case of heavy soiling.

Securing your pet

Pets must be secured at all times — e.g. in a transport crate, with a harness or using a boot divider — to prevent driver distraction or injury to the animal.

Protecting the interior

• Just use a protective blanket or seat cover

• Always remove all pet hair and coarse dirt before returning the vehicle

• Resulting cleaning fees may apply in case of heavy soiling

• Always ensure the vehicle is returned clean to avoid additional charges

Travelling abroad with a pet

Bringing pets across borders is subject to country-specific regulations (e.g. pet passport, microchip, rabies vaccination) — please check the relevant requirements before travelling.

Next step

Book a pet-friendly vehicle on the SIXT website or in the SIXT app.

Still need help? Find our contact options below.

A strict no-smoking policy applies in all SIXT rental vehicles so that our cars stay fresh and clean for every customer. If a vehicle is returned smelling of smoke, a special cleaning fee is charged as the vehicle must be taken out of the fleet for an extended period.

What counts as smoking in the vehicle

The no-smoking policy covers anything that produces smoke or vapour inside the vehicle:

• Cigarettes, cigars and pipes

• E-cigarettes, vapes and similar vaporisers

• Heated and cold tobacco devices (e.g. IQOS, Glo)

Why we have a no-smoking policy

Smoke and vapour residues cling to the interior and are clearly noticeable to subsequent customers. The specialist cleaning required takes considerably longer, during which the vehicle is unavailable for rental.

What is permitted

Smoking outside the vehicle is of course fine — please ensure that ash, cigarette ends and vape residue do not enter the interior.

Did the vehicle smell of smoke at pick-up?

Please report this to the SIXT staff member at the branch before driving off — we will offer you an alternative vehicle.

Still need help? Find our contact options below.

You can charge your SIXT electric rental car at any public charging station. Find and pay for charging via common charging apps or directly at the charging point — electricity costs during your rental are your responsibility.

How to find a charging point and charge

1. Find a charging point via the vehicle's navigation system or a charging app

2. Charge and pay — depending on the provider, directly at the point, via app or with the network's charging card

3. Keep your receipts as proof of your charging sessions

Electricity costs

Charging costs during the rental period are the responsibility of the renter

Tip: With the prepaid charging option, you pay for a full charge in advance at a fixed SIXT price and can return the vehicle at any charge level.

Charge level at return

Return the vehicle with the charge level agreed at pick-up (usually full / 100%). If the level is lower, a service fee applies — unless you have booked the prepaid charging option

Help on the road

• Finding charging points: use the vehicle's navigation system or a charging app

• Charging issues: try a different cable or charging point. If the problem persists, contact SIXT Roadside Assistance (number on your rental agreement)

• Empty battery on the road: pull over safely, switch on hazard lights and contact SIXT Roadside Assistance — do not push or tow the vehicle yourself as this can damage the drivetrain

Tip: Use route planning in your vehicle or a charging app to plan charging stops before setting off.

Still need help? Find our contact options below.