When planning a holiday or business trip, you may look to car rental for a cost effective, reliable and convenient form of transportation in new and unfamiliar surroundings. However, if you've never hired a car before, you may be worried about the process, requirements and documents you need to bring along. In this useful guide we will demonstrate step by step how to hire a car and what exactly you need. If you require further assistance, you can quickly contact our customer service team who will be more than happy to help.
Follow these simple steps for how to hire a car easily:
Step 1: Select your pick-up location and dates in the booking form
During the online booking process, specify which city and branch where you would like to pick-up and drop-off your rental car. Enter the exact date and time you'd prefer to collect your rental vehicle.
Step 2: Pick the right hire vehicle for your trip and journey
With many vehicles to choose from, it may be tough to select the ideal model. For example, for couples touring cities and surroundings, a compact saloon car may be best. Whereas families may benefit from an estate or SUV. On our vehicle selection you will be shown statistics about each car, including capacity and transmission. Browse around to find the best vehicle for your needs.
Step 3: Select the pre-paid rate or pay when you pick up in person
If you choose to pay straight away online, several benefits are provided, such as a greater mileage and insurance packages. The price is also notably lower. If it suits you better, you are also able to pay upfront in the branch. Payment methods accepted include all major UK credit cards and debit cards – cash is not accepted. Please note that some luxury vehicles must be paid by credit card.
Step 4: Select any optional add-ons or extra services you may require
Depending on your trip intentions and group requirements, you may need to choose some additional extras for your car. For example, you can select guaranteed sat nav, baby seats, additional drivers and more. Extra services that may benefit you include further insurance protection and mileage packages.
Step 5: Fill out your contact details so we know who's the driver
Once you have finalised your booking requirements, enter the driver's personal details such as name, contact information and home address. Should you wish to pay online, you will be prompted to fill out your payment details. All information of your rental (pick-up location, dates, vehicle details etc.) will be shown so make sure to double check everything is correct.
Step 6: Complete the booking process
After the process has completed you will receive a confirmation of the reservation via email (or post if requested). All that's left to do now is wait for the pick-up day. Should you need to adjust or cancel your rental agreement, simply visit our online portal
MySixt and login or enter your reservation number and security code.
Step 7: Pick up your rental vehicle with your identification documents
Head to your chosen branch with all required documents at the time you have selected and our friendly station staff will hand you the keys to your car. If you are unfamiliar with your rental vehicle, our helpful rental agents will introduce you to the car and any special features.
What documents do you need to hire a car?
When you rent a car,
you need to bring the following documents:
- A full driving licence. (UK customers must include the printed endorsement record or the code obtained from the DVLA website here for all named drivers, with details of all endorsements.) Driving licences printed with non-Roman Alphabet (Arabic, Japanese, Cyrillic etc) must be complemented by an international driving licence.
- A valid photo ID (passport, ID card, driving licence).
- A third form of ID that proves your address (only for UK residents). This would include a utility bill or bank statement.