Does Sixt car hire zero excess cover you for wheel arch damage??

alstemp

Hi MSE people - OK so I have just returned from a holiday in Majorca. I rented a car from Sixt and paid extra for zero excess cover. I have used them several times before and always buy zero excess from them. Never had to use it before. Unfortunately this time I had a scrape in a teeny tiny multi-storey car park. This caused a scrape and dent on the passenger side front wheel arch approx 10cm long. Upon returning the car to Palma airport I declared the scrape to the Sixt attendant and told him I had zero excess and he said that I should not worry and won’t have to pay for it. He also took pictures of it.

Anyway today I received the claim form from Sixt who want more information around the circumstances of how it happened - if there were witnesses, if the police were called when, where and what time it happened how the damage occurred what happened if anyone else was involved. I have never had to do this before- please advise should I just be honest about everything basically I am worried if I put the wrong thing I won’t be covered. Or does zero excess at Sixt pretty much cover you for anything?? Is there anything I should avoid putting? Or is honesty the best policy??


Thanks in advance for your advice. Kind regards!

EveryWhere

Loss damage waiver (incl. theft protection)
Loss damage waiver (incl. theft protection) removes the drivers responsibility to a part of the vehicle in case of damage or theft.
If loss damage waiver (incl. theft protection) is accepted, the customer is entitled, depending on the vehicle, to a deductible of EUR 750.00 to EUR 4,000.00. In addition, a reduction of the deductible is possible.
In the event of willful or grossly negligent damage caused, a claim on the agreed fully comprehensive cover (incl. theft cover) can be reduced or lapsed.
If no fully comprehensive cover (incl. theft cover) has been arranged, the leaser is responsible for all damage to the car not proven to be caused by a third party, and shall be liable for up to the full value of the vehicle.

Wheel arch is covered. Tyres, rims etc not. So as long as the damage is just to the body of the car, not need to worry.

Just tell the truth. You weren't grossly negligent.

Personally if you actually paid that £13 a day extra and they are still asking you to fill in a claim form, I would consider just buying standalone insurance in the future, as that covers everything, such as; tyres, windows, keys, breakdown etc and it's cheaper.

Example; https://www.bettersafe.com/Products/Car-Hire-Excess-Insurance-Protection.

The only difference is that you get an invoice for the damage on the spot and then send off the invoice and proof of payment to the insurance for reimbursement.

I thought the point of paying for a waiver direct from the rental company protected you from the form filling. If not, kick it into touch the next time and save your money.
Though they'll need to block an amount on your credit card in most cases.