I recently rented with Sixt in Dublin airport and had a serious problem with the car (after 10 minutes of use). They claim that I am liable and charged me for the damage. Details are evident from below communication. Does anyone have an idea what my options are in this case? I am not sure if the Credit Card covers anything (Mastercard World Elite), or if it is better to look for a lawyer in Ireland. I do not know any there, and I live on the European continent.

Mail 1 from Fleet Administrator, Sixt rent a car

We write with reference to your recent car rental. When the vehicle was returned, the Sixt rent a car check-In agent identified additional damage that was caused during your rental period. This was brought to your attention by the agent; you accepted liability and signed as detailed in the attached Extra Damage Report. Per the terms of your Rental Agreement, you are responsible for the first €1500.00 of damage to the rental vehicle during your rental period. As agreed on your Rental Agreement, we have debited the amount of €1500.00 from your Credit Card Account for repairs to the rental vehicle. Please submit this letter together with the attachments should you wish to claim from your insurance company. Should you have any queries, please email [email protected]

Mail 2 from me to customer service

You have informed me that you will deduct EUR 1,500 from my credit card as a deductible for damages that I would allegedly be liable for. I protest against this Interpretation of events and course of action, and I ask you to return the EUR 1,500 to me immediately. On xx May xx, I rented the car, a Renault Megane, from the Sixt counter at the Dublin airport. When I came to the car, I had to look for it because the exact position was not known to the counter staff, and when I finally found it, there were tests of fruit (a box with grapes) in the car. It made me doubt the car was ready for me, but there was no Sixt representative to complain in the garage. I drove the car for five minutes, when smoke came out of the engine, and I called roadside assistance immediately. I waited for two hours and then brought the car back to the Sixt office at the airport. There, the representative asked me if I knew how to drive on the left side. I explained that I have driven in Australia, South Africa, and Indonesia, including manual cars, and never had a problem. He said "then you deny liability for the damage, please sign here“, which I did. I do not understand how you can claim that I accepted responsibility for the damage. I emphatically deny it, I have not done anything wrong with the car. If you keep on claiming that I would be liable for the damage, I will evaluate my legal options.

Mail 3 from Customer Service

According to the fleet department, the vehicle was collected with less than 4000km on the odometer, and was checked out in perfect working order. After you reported an issue with the vehicle, a mechanic attended the scene who reported the clutch was damaged. An engineer then assessed the damage, and it was determined the damage occurred as a result of driver error and repairs wouldn’t be covered under warranty. As such, we are not in a position to offer a credit on the costs.