Sixt van hire damage charges

Rachel_Targett

My husband & I hired a van from Sixt back in January 2018. We returned it as arranged on a Sunday evening, and as the office was closed left the keys in the drop box and the van in a returned space. The next day we received an invoice noting the mileage and advising of the charge to our credit card, which was as expected.

However 5 days later we were contacted by Sixt’s damage department asking for £715 to cover the damage we had caused (which we hadn’t) and asking us for payment. We refused and asked for pictures of the damage which was shown on the van which had clearly been moved since we parked it.

Everything went quiet but we recently received a letter threatening legal proceedings as they were still holding us liable for the damage. We went through the facts again, and suggested arribration. They responded by offering to reduce the payment by £100.

We are at a loss what to do and what our legal rights are. Can anyone help?

agrinnall

Did you take photos at the drop off so that you had some evidence that there was no damage at that time?

robatwork

I hired a Sixt car a few weeks ago. When I dropped it off I videoed the entire outside - only took about 30 seconds but exactly to avoid the sort of issues you have now.

Anyway assuming you have no proof it was OK when you left it, and they have proof it's now damaged, you are now in a contract dispute.

What I don't get is why they're asking for money - normally all hire companies put a "held" excess of hundreds of pounds on your credit card that they take if there's any damage. Then you claim that back from your insurance.

If they're asking you for money just tell them you returned the car in pristine condition. They could then take you to court where a judge will decide who he believes.

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

Had this with Europcar and there was no way we damaged the car.

Complained to the CEOs office by email and got a "tough luck, pay up" response, emailed back asking they look again and if they charge the card it would be disputed with the card provider.

They then waived the fees based on the car having been moved from where we left it before they took the pictures.