I'm a US expat, working in the Netherlands. In 2013, I rented a car from Sixt-Amsterdam for 12 months (had to change it a few times, per their rules). I paid them over 13K euros during this period. When I returned one of the cars, they said that I had to pay 500 euros damage because there were scuffs on the bumper. They claim that I signed a form saying I took responsibility for the damage, and I absolutely did not. They sent photos of the scuffs, and there are indeed scuffs. I dispute that I caused the scuffs and that 500 euros is a reasonable damage claim for a scuffed bumper. I have had many email communications with Sixt on this, and they have likely sent this to a collections agency. On another occasion in 2013, I was told that a stone had nicked the hood and I would have to pay for that as well, but I never received paperwork on that. I've been renting cars frequently for the last 20 years, and have never had a single problem until now. I believe that Sixt uses these outrageous damage claims as an additional revenue stream. Be careful with Sixt . . .
Returned car to Rome at end of rental period. BIG MISTAKE to return car when no attendant was on duty (although according to the hours of operation there should have been someone there)- Needed to check-in for International flight so followed check in procedure to leave keys and contract in box. SHOULD NOT HAVE DONE THAT! Of course they claimed there was damage to the car-$450.00 USD worth- there was NONE!
Then tried to dispute- called the 800 number that was provided when I booked my reservation- Spent NUMEROUS hours on the phone with the US Sixt Office who couldn't do anything about the charges because the ITALY branch is franchised and out of their control. SO be careful because even though they provide a US Customer Service number... they can't do anything!
Lesson learned.... probably would NEVER rent from them again! They are a SCAM! My credit card company wouldn't do anything either! SIXT knows they can get away with this! WHAT A SCAM!
As an FYI- Car was picked up on 4/22/13 at Downtown Florence Location and believe me I had to insist they come out and inspect the car before I drove off. Also the car was returned on Monday 4/29/13 7:10am to the Rome Fumicino Airport location (within car rental return parking garage)- Attendant should have been on duty beginning at 7am. BUT then they couldn't pull their little scam!
From reading posts, this company appears to make numerous fraudulent damage claims-Thankful for the internet so other people can be aware of SIXT ITALY's RENTAL SCAMS! WHAT A JOKE!
When I went to pick up the car at Malaga airport I told the agent that I had already purchased collision damage waiver insurance through the booking agent, rentalcars.com. The agent lied to me and said that the insurance I purchased through rentalcars.com was not valid. In addition, the agent added glass and tire insurance, which I did not ask for. Since I had a very early flight, I did purchase the petrol refill, which was exorbitant!
When I next looked at my email there was a message from rentalcars.com warning me NOT to purchase insurance from Sixt because it was not necessary-the rentalcars.com insurance covered everything!
When I complained the company did not offer any refund or compensation of any kind.
Since then I have read numerous reviews from others that have had the same experience, or worse. Their business model is based on defrauding their customers. Sixt is the absolute worst rental car/car hire experience I have ever had!
I hired a car from Sixt at Verona airport. I was given the keys and told I'd find the car at the far end of the large covered parking shed. When I found my car I walked around it and it seemed fine - although it was anthracite Grey and the lighting was not very good. As I stooped to get in I noticed some dents in the roof. When I looked more closely the roof and rear tailgate were covered in small dents. I reported this to the agent and she marked "hail damage" on the diagram of the car on the paperwork.
I returned the car to Sixt at Milan, Malpensa Airport. As I parked, the Sixt agent came to me and took the hire papers and started checking the car and fuel whilst I removed my belongings from the car. He finished his inspection and thrust the papers back to me and said "OK, sign here". I signed, without really looking as I thought all was "oK". At home the following day I found that he had drawn a small dot next to the wing mirror and written" Graffico" - the italian for "mark" on the form. It was done so you did not notice it at first glance. At no time did he indicate anythingwas wrong and he made no attempt to show me any damage. Sixt are now charging 80 Euros to my credit card. I have e.mailed them 6 times and received no useful responce other than "we'll contact you in a few days". Attempts to phone their customer services are unanswered, I spent 1 hour listening to an announcement that they would be with me in a minute.
This was a deliberate fraud. I do not believe there is any damage. I was stupid enough to sign, when the guy said "OK".
Sixt gave me a car covered in damage and did not warn me. Would I now be being charged for Hail damage, had I not spotted it and got it recorded?
This was my first time with Sixt- it will also be my last time.
Beware, they seem to be a very unethical company, with very poor control of their staff and absolutely no care about customer service.
Sixt Rent a Car, LLC. Reviews
I'm a US expat, working in the Netherlands. In 2013, I rented a car from Sixt-Amsterdam for 12 months (had to change it a few times, per their rules). I paid them over 13K euros during this period. When I returned one of the cars, they said that I had to pay 500 euros damage because there were scuffs on the bumper. They claim that I signed a form saying I took responsibility for the damage, and I absolutely did not. They sent photos of the scuffs, and there are indeed scuffs. I dispute that I caused the scuffs and that 500 euros is a reasonable damage claim for a scuffed bumper. I have had many email communications with Sixt on this, and they have likely sent this to a collections agency. On another occasion in 2013, I was told that a stone had nicked the hood and I would have to pay for that as well, but I never received paperwork on that. I've been renting cars frequently for the last 20 years, and have never had a single problem until now. I believe that Sixt uses these outrageous damage claims as an additional revenue stream. Be careful with Sixt . . .
Returned car to Rome at end of rental period. BIG MISTAKE to return car when no attendant was on duty (although according to the hours of operation there should have been someone there)- Needed to check-in for International flight so followed check in procedure to leave keys and contract in box. SHOULD NOT HAVE DONE THAT! Of course they claimed there was damage to the car-$450.00 USD worth- there was NONE!
Then tried to dispute- called the 800 number that was provided when I booked my reservation- Spent NUMEROUS hours on the phone with the US Sixt Office who couldn't do anything about the charges because the ITALY branch is franchised and out of their control. SO be careful because even though they provide a US Customer Service number... they can't do anything!
Lesson learned.... probably would NEVER rent from them again! They are a SCAM! My credit card company wouldn't do anything either! SIXT knows they can get away with this! WHAT A SCAM!
As an FYI- Car was picked up on 4/22/13 at Downtown Florence Location and believe me I had to insist they come out and inspect the car before I drove off. Also the car was returned on Monday 4/29/13 7:10am to the Rome Fumicino Airport location (within car rental return parking garage)- Attendant should have been on duty beginning at 7am. BUT then they couldn't pull their little scam!
From reading posts, this company appears to make numerous fraudulent damage claims-Thankful for the internet so other people can be aware of SIXT ITALY's RENTAL SCAMS! WHAT A JOKE!
Never, ever rent/hire a car from Sixt Car Rental!
When I went to pick up the car at Malaga airport I told the agent that I had already purchased collision damage waiver insurance through the booking agent, rentalcars.com. The agent lied to me and said that the insurance I purchased through rentalcars.com was not valid. In addition, the agent added glass and tire insurance, which I did not ask for. Since I had a very early flight, I did purchase the petrol refill, which was exorbitant!
When I next looked at my email there was a message from rentalcars.com warning me NOT to purchase insurance from Sixt because it was not necessary-the rentalcars.com insurance covered everything!
When I complained the company did not offer any refund or compensation of any kind.
Since then I have read numerous reviews from others that have had the same experience, or worse. Their business model is based on defrauding their customers. Sixt is the absolute worst rental car/car hire experience I have ever had!
I hired a car from Sixt at Verona airport. I was given the keys and told I'd find the car at the far end of the large covered parking shed. When I found my car I walked around it and it seemed fine - although it was anthracite Grey and the lighting was not very good. As I stooped to get in I noticed some dents in the roof. When I looked more closely the roof and rear tailgate were covered in small dents. I reported this to the agent and she marked "hail damage" on the diagram of the car on the paperwork.
I returned the car to Sixt at Milan, Malpensa Airport. As I parked, the Sixt agent came to me and took the hire papers and started checking the car and fuel whilst I removed my belongings from the car. He finished his inspection and thrust the papers back to me and said "OK, sign here". I signed, without really looking as I thought all was "oK". At home the following day I found that he had drawn a small dot next to the wing mirror and written" Graffico" - the italian for "mark" on the form. It was done so you did not notice it at first glance. At no time did he indicate anythingwas wrong and he made no attempt to show me any damage. Sixt are now charging 80 Euros to my credit card. I have e.mailed them 6 times and received no useful responce other than "we'll contact you in a few days". Attempts to phone their customer services are unanswered, I spent 1 hour listening to an announcement that they would be with me in a minute.
This was a deliberate fraud. I do not believe there is any damage. I was stupid enough to sign, when the guy said "OK".
Sixt gave me a car covered in damage and did not warn me. Would I now be being charged for Hail damage, had I not spotted it and got it recorded?
This was my first time with Sixt- it will also be my last time.
Beware, they seem to be a very unethical company, with very poor control of their staff and absolutely no care about customer service.