Update: Louis from the claims department was able to more carefully review my claim and photos and has since closed the claim. So they indeed did act in good faith for this rental. With that being said I’ll adjust my rating to 4 stars, minus one for the hastle of dealing with claims. Take very good photos of pre existing damage and carefully read the check out agreement everyone, I would not have had the proper evidence otherwise.
I recently rented a car on Expedia that went through Sixt. It was the second time I had used Sixt while visiting Boston. The first time
I was mistakenly charged for an insurance fee which took quite a bit of persuasion and time to get removed from my account, but they eventually did get it removed.
This second time, however, I made sure to refuse the rental insurance since I already had it through Expedia. They made sure to explain I’ll be responsible for any damage and even responsible for the rental charges for the time the car is out of service for repairs. They then upgraded me to a premium BMW…strange I thought but ok thanks. I always photograph my rentals before I leave the rental lot in case any false claims attempt to be made. For this rental I photographed scratch damage to the hood and passenger side of the car, paint chipped on the back bumper and the car smelled like weed. Whatever I thought I have my proof and don’t mind the smell. I should’ve refused the rental at this point however and have learned my lesson.
Upon return of the car after a week of use where it was parked in a private lot with absolutely no possibility of receiving damage, I return the car to Sixt. The agent, Larry, comes over and photographs the car and simply tells me “you are all good”, and hands me the phone sized check out device to sign. I sign but neglected to read the full contract stating I am responsible for the scratches found on the passenger side door. To me that is outright predatory practice on their part. At least bring it to my attention and allow me to show the pictures I took at pickup. Instead they opened a claims case and after providing evidence their angle is “sorry you signed the agreement on drop off”saying the damage is mine. This is DESPITE having evidence to the contrary. They stated that there was no damage recorded on the rental agreement upon pickup. OK then what about the photo documentation I took showing scratches and paint chipping?
I post this review while this issue is still in the claims process. I will update it with the outcome and mention if they actually act in good faith. I’m skeptical, however, and will elevate this to my credit card company with my photographs if they persist. It’s a shame really because they are the cheapest rental out of the Boston airport, but there is a reason that when you get off the airport shuttle at the rental building everyone goes to the other counters. I was the only one at the Sixt counter out of a full shuttle…I guess I didn’t get the memo.