Renting Car in Germany

[MADBMWX5MC]

Was stationed in Germany for about 7 yrs and renting a car while in the military was no issue. Now, I am retired and would like to visit my son in Germany (stationed there too), but would like to rent a car. Since I am no longer under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), and thus do not have a military sponsored DL...would there be any issues presenting a valid US DL to rent a car at the airport? Sorry, dumb questions here...just wondering.

[chassis]

No issues.

One word for you: Sixt

[MADBMWX5MC]

Originally Posted by chassis

No issues.

One word for you: Sixt

Excellent, thx for the quick reply

[Buug959]

I second the Sixt recommendation. I've used them a few times and wouldn't hesitate to use them again.

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by chassis

No issues.

One word for you: Sixt

We had a red flag incident with Sixt. Although to be fair, that was in 2009. But we rented a nice MB sedan in Munich and brought it back in flawless condition. They didn't do any walk-around when we picked it up, but they went over it with a fine toothed comb when we brought it back. The guy inspecting it signed off that it was fine and we thought that was it. Two weeks after we got home, I got an email from Sixt saying the car had suffered rear end damage and they wanted my insurance info. I checked with my insurance agent and she said, "Yeah, Sixt does that a lot. Usually it's easier to just pay them." She told me I was fully covered and it wouldn't hurt my rates. I told her I did not damage the car and this was all BS. She said, "Yeah, I know, but this is a common issue." I told her I won't go along with this, so she suggested getting a lawyer.

Instead I wrote back to Sixt and told them their inspector signed off on the car and I have the paperwork saying it was ok. If they insisted on me accepting blame for damage, I would notify the German authorities about this case and have someone there look into it. A couple of days later I got an email saying they had made a mistake and the car I had rented was fine. Sorry for the confusion, yada, yada.

We've avoided using Sixt ever since, but it's possible that was a legit mistake and Sixt is fine. I would think if Sixt really did pull that stunt often, that they'd have a bad reputation.

My advice on renting any car from any agency in Europe is to take a lot of pics of the car before and after. European rental agencies do not overlook *any* damage, unlike the U.S. agencies. I took out the full insurance package on a rental in the UK once just because it wasn't a big additional cost, so why not. They ended up claiming I had scuffed the wheel rims, but "Don't worry, you have the full insurance, so it's fine." I think they waited for someone to rent that car with full insurance to get new wheels for it.

[fraschusa]

[QUOTE=M_Six;31184724]
My advice on renting any car from any agency in Europe is to take a lot of pics of the car before and after. European rental agencies do not overlook *any* damage,

I fully agree with M_Six's statement above. They are typically super sticklers for damage/scratches, it doesn't matter how small, etc. Make sure you check the damage report that comes with the agreement before you leave the garage to make sure ALL damage is reported on it.
I have rented from basically every major rental agency in Europe and several smaller ones. Sixt has some nice 'performance car options,' but if you are ok with just a regular car, any major rental agency (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, National, Enterprise, Thrifty) will be fine.
If you are not comfortable with stick-shift, make sure you specifically request "automatic transmission," as it's still the exception in many categories. The only downside with some of the lower-cost carriers is that you might have to walk further to get to your car (only sometimes, though)

[chassis]

I have had problems with the car return "inspection" in Poland and in Italy. Never in Germany, never with Sixt. I have rented many cars in Europe over the past 25 years. Poland (last year) and Italy (15 years ago) were the only issues.

Rent from Sixt with confidence.

[ppointer]

When renting in Italy on several occasions, they also wanted an international license. Those cost $25 at AAA.

[MADBMWX5MC]

International DL -- I have. Stick Shift -- I know...thank's to my DAD (RIP) who gave the keys to a 1972 VW Super Beatle and said..."here learn" I normally do take the renter's insurance if not too crazy expensive. Lots of great comments here....

[Buug959]

Originally Posted by MADBMWX5MC

International DL -- I have. Stick Shift -- I know...thank's to my DAD (RIP) who gave the keys to a 1972 VW Super Beatle and said..."here learn" I normally do take the renter's insurance if not too crazy expensive. Lots of great comments here....

My dad did the same with me but it was a '75 Bug. He took me up the road to an old gravel pit, marked out a track around some rocks and stock piles and said make lots of starts and stops, especially on the slopes and don't come back until you think you'll pass my test. I had to walk back to get him to refill the gas tank for me. I did pass his test.

[MADBMWX5MC]

^Respect to Dads who cared and taught lessons.