What Sixt Car Subscription Includes
Sixt's subscription service, called Sixt+, bundles a car rental, insurance, roadside information, and maintenance into a single monthly payment. You pick a vehicle from Sixt's fleet, keep it for as long as your subscription lasts, and return it when you cancel. The service operates in select U.S. cities and in Europe, though availability varies by location.
Your monthly fee covers third-party liability insurance, collision and comprehensive coverage with a deductible (typically $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the vehicle class), roadside information, and routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations. You pay for fuel yourself. Mileage limits vary by plan—some allow unlimited miles, while others cap you at 1,500 or 2,500 miles per month, with overage charges if you exceed the limit.
Unlike a traditional lease, there is no long-term contract. You can cancel month-to-month, though Sixt may require a minimum subscription period (often 30 days) before you can end the service without penalty. The exact terms depend on which Sixt location you use and which subscription tier you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Sixt+ bundles the car, insurance, maintenance, and roadside help into one monthly payment with no long-term lock-in.
- Monthly costs range widely depending on vehicle type and location, and you need to check mileage caps and overage fees for your specific plan.
- Insurance is included but comes with a deductible, and you are responsible for fuel and any damage beyond normal wear.
- Availability is limited to certain U.S. cities and European markets, so you must confirm Sixt+ operates in your area before considering it.
- The subscription can be canceled after the minimum period, but early termination may carry fees depending on your contract terms.
How Monthly Costs Break Down
Sixt+ pricing depends on the vehicle class you choose and your location. A compact car in a major U.S. city typically costs between $400 and $700 per month, while a mid-size sedan or SUV runs $600 to $1,200 or more. European pricing is often quoted in euros and varies by country. These figures are examples—you must check Sixt's website for your specific city and vehicle to see actual rates.
The monthly fee includes the insurance deductible mentioned above, but does not include fuel, tolls, or parking fees. If your plan has a mileage cap and you go over, overage charges typically run $0.25 to $0.50 per extra mile, though this varies. Some Sixt+ plans offer unlimited mileage for a higher monthly rate, which may save money if you drive frequently.
Compare this to renting a car daily from Sixt (which costs $30 to $80+ per day depending on vehicle and location) plus buying your own insurance. If you need a car for more than two weeks per month, a subscription often costs less than daily rentals. If you need it only occasionally, daily rentals or a traditional car-share service may be cheaper.
Insurance, Deductibles, and What You Pay For Damage
Sixt+ includes liability coverage (required by law) and collision and comprehensive insurance. The deductible—the amount you pay out of pocket if there is damage—typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,500 depending on the vehicle tier. Luxury or high-performance vehicles usually carry higher deductibles. You can sometimes purchase a deductible waiver or reduction for an extra monthly fee, though not all locations offer this option.
Normal wear and tear (worn tires, minor scratches, small dents) is covered under the subscription and does not trigger the deductible. Damage from accidents, vandalism, or misuse is your responsibility up to the deductible amount. If damage exceeds the deductible, Sixt's insurance covers the rest, up to the vehicle's value. You are also responsible for any traffic violations, parking tickets, or tolls incurred during your subscription.
Before signing up, ask Sixt whether the deductible waiver is available in your location and what it costs. A $500 annual waiver might make sense if you are a nervous driver or live in a high-accident area; it does not make sense if you rarely have incidents. Read the fine print on what counts as normal wear—some locations are stricter than others.
Mileage Limits and Overage Charges
Sixt+ plans come in different mileage tiers. Some offer unlimited miles, while others cap you at 1,500 or 2,500 miles per month. If you exceed the limit, you typically pay $0.25 to $0.50 per extra mile, though rates vary by location and plan. Over a year, even a small overage adds up: 500 extra miles per month at $0.35 per mile costs $2,100 annually.
Before you choose a plan, estimate your monthly driving. If you commute 30 miles each way five days a week, that is roughly 1,500 miles per month—enough to hit a 1,500-mile cap. If you drive 2,000 miles per month, an unlimited-mileage plan (if available) may cost less than paying overages. Sixt's website usually shows mileage options and prices side by side, so you can do the math for your situation.
Keep in mind that mileage limits reset each month. Unused miles do not roll over, so there is no benefit to driving less one month to bank miles for the next.
Where Sixt+ Is Available and How to Start
Sixt+ operates in a limited number of U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Miami, and others, as well as in multiple European countries. Availability changes, so check Sixt's official website to confirm whether the service is offered in your area. If it is not, you may be able to use Sixt's traditional daily rental service instead, though that is a different product with different pricing and terms.
To start, visit Sixt.com or the Sixt mobile app, select your city, choose a vehicle and subscription tier, and review the terms. You will need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance (if required by your location), and a payment method. Sixt will conduct a background check and may place a hold on your credit card. Once approved, you pick up the vehicle at a Sixt location and begin your subscription.
The signup process typically takes a few days to a week from process to vehicle pickup. If you need a car urgently, call a Sixt location directly to ask whether they can expedite approval or have vehicles ready for when ready pickup.
Sixt+ Versus Leasing, Daily Rentals, and Car-Share Services
A traditional car lease locks you in for two or three years and charges a mileage limit (often 10,000 to 15,000 miles per year). Lease payments are usually lower than Sixt+ for the same vehicle, but you cannot cancel early without a hefty penalty. Sixt+ offers flexibility—you can cancel after the minimum period—but costs more per month. Choose leasing if you want a new car long-term and drive predictably; choose Sixt+ if you want to try different vehicles or may need to return the car within a year.
Daily car rentals from Sixt or competitors cost $30 to $100+ per day depending on vehicle and location. If you need a car for 15 days or more per month, Sixt+ is usually cheaper. If you need it for fewer than 10 days per month, daily rentals may cost less. Car-share services like Zipcar or Turo charge by the hour or day and work best for occasional trips, not regular commuting.
The table below compares these options for someone who needs a mid-size car for 20 days per month in a major U.S. city:
| Option | Monthly Cost (Estimate) | Commitment | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sixt+ (mid-size) | $700–$900 | Month-to-month after minimum | Regular use with flexibility |
| Traditional lease (mid-size) | $300–$500 | 24–36 months | Long-term, predictable driving |
| Daily rentals (20 days/month) | $600–$1,600 | None | Occasional use |
| Car-share (Zipcar, 20 days/month) | $400–$800 | None | Short trips, no commuting |
What Happens When You Cancel or Return the Car
When you cancel your Sixt+ subscription, you return the vehicle to a Sixt location during business hours. Sixt will inspect the car for damage beyond normal wear and tear. If there is damage, you pay the deductible (or the full cost if you purchased a waiver). The inspection usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. Once cleared, your subscription ends and you stop being charged.
If you cancel before the minimum subscription period (often 30 days), Sixt may charge an early termination fee. The amount varies by location and plan—some charge a flat fee, others charge a percentage of remaining contract value. Check your contract before signing to understand the penalty. If you cancel after the minimum period, there is typically no fee.
If you need to extend your subscription, you can usually do so through the app or by contacting Sixt. There is no penalty for extending; you straightforward continue paying the monthly rate. If you want to switch to a different vehicle class, Sixt may allow you to upgrade or downgrade, though policies vary by location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Sixt+ car for rideshare driving like Uber or Lyft?
Most Sixt+ subscriptions prohibit commercial use, including rideshare driving. Using the car for Uber or Lyft violates the contract and can result in when ready cancellation and liability for damages. Check your specific contract, but assume commercial use is not permitted unless Sixt explicitly states otherwise.
What if I get in an accident and it is not my fault?
Sixt's insurance covers accidents regardless of fault, but you still pay the deductible unless the other driver's insurance reimburses you. Sixt can help you file a claim against the other driver's insurance, which may recover your deductible. Report the accident to Sixt when ready and get the other driver's insurance information. The process typically takes several weeks.
Can I pick up a Sixt+ car at one location and return it at another?
This depends on your location and plan. Some Sixt+ subscriptions allow one-way returns at no extra charge; others require you to return the car to the same location where you picked it up. Check the terms for your city before signing up. If one-way returns are available, they are usually included in the monthly fee.
What if I need the car for longer than my subscription allows?
You can extend your subscription month-to-month through the app or by contacting Sixt. There is no penalty for extending, and you straightforward continue paying the monthly rate. If you know you will need the car longer, it is easier to extend before your current month ends rather than scrambling at the last minute.
Do I need my own insurance if I have Sixt+?
Sixt+ includes liability and collision coverage, so you do not need a separate policy for the subscribed vehicle. However, if you own another car or have a household, your personal auto insurance may still be required. Check with your insurance company to confirm whether Sixt+ coverage is sufficient for your situation.