Don't rent at Sixt

TL;DR: We got scammed during a rental on vacation. A lawyer told us about several similar cases and confirmed the tactics; Sixt just said, "It is what it is now."

I reserved the car in Germany with the "pay on-site" option. I had read the terms and conditions (T&Cs) at the time of reservation.

On-site, I was told in English that I absolutely had to take out the "Smart Protection" insurance. Otherwise, Sixt would charge me "€1,700 per damage." I asked several times what exactly the employee meant. Of course, I am aware that I am liable for up to €1,700 in the event of an accident. However, she insisted that Sixt reserved the right to charge €1,700 for every scratch found.

I told her several times that no other provider does this. Upon inquiry, it was also confirmed to me that the money is not used to repair the car afterwards.

When I wanted to withdraw from the contract, she pressured me again to take out the insurance, otherwise I would have to pay a "no-show" fee. The car was already reserved, she said, and therefore I would have to pay the price for it regardless.

I reported this incident to Sixt. Instead of apologizing for the inconvenience or considering any gesture of goodwill, I was informed that the contract is binding with my signature and that I had accepted the T&Cs during reservation. Huh?

Verdict: Stay away!