The second hire car experience in South Africa was:
DK: Where do I hand in the keys?
Hire Car Agent: To me
DK: Shall we do the handover?
HCA: No problem, give me your form,
<HCA signs form>
HCA: Just put keys in box when you unloaded

And off he went! There wasn't any visible damage - but we had driven on quite a few "non-city" roads - so who knows what the underneath was like

Rather than take a picture, do an extensive video and be seen to be doing it.

I've used Sixt numerous times, sometimes I do a full inspection, sometimes I don't bother. I have never had an issue-and usually very good friendly customer service.


The last van had 25 marks documented, I went though each one and found a few new ones which I photographed (before I left). Showed it to the attendant, and she came out to verify and acknowledged. Everything went smoothly.


Just my personal experience, sorry to hear yours wasn't as positive.

My experiences have also been pretty positive, except for the need to drive the car up several levels in a tight garage.

Of course, I do always worry this may happen so I typically buy insurance and use a credit card which covers.

At the end of the day, i think its worth the fight simply on the principle of fairness. Sixth also has the option of using their insurance

Shame OP has not come back to give more detail on damage now claimed. If it was undercarriage or exhaust- then perhaps that makes a difference- as the employee would not have got under the van to check.