What Green Motion is and how it operates

Green Motion is a car rental company that operates across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, with a focus on offering vehicles at lower daily rates than major international chains. The company is owned by Europcar but operates as a separate brand, which means you book through Green Motion's own website or app rather than through Europcar's channels. Green Motion locations are typically at airports, city centres, and train stations in over 50 countries.

The rental process works like any standard car rental: you reserve a vehicle online or by phone, pick it up at your chosen location on your arrival date, and return it at the same or a different location on your departure date. Green Motion charges you a daily rate plus fuel, insurance, and any optional extras you add. The company does not require membership fees to rent, though it does offer a loyalty programme for repeat customers.

Key Takeaways

  • Green Motion operates in over 50 countries across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, with pickup locations at most major airports and city centres.
  • Daily rental rates are typically lower than Europcar or Hertz, but you pay separately for fuel, insurance, and extras like GPS or additional drivers.
  • You must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid driving licence for at least one year, and provide a credit card at pickup to cover the security deposit.
  • Damage to the vehicle is your responsibility unless you purchase their collision damage waiver, which costs extra and comes with an excess (deductible) you still pay if damage occurs.
  • Fuel is sold on a "full to full" basis: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full, or you pay Green Motion's per-litre rate, which is usually higher than local petrol stations.

Rental rates and what is included in the daily price

Green Motion's advertised daily rate covers the vehicle itself and unlimited mileage on most bookings. The rate does not include fuel, insurance, or optional extras. When you see a price quoted online—say €25 per day—that is what you pay for the car only. You add the cost of fuel, any insurance you purchase, and extras like a second driver or GPS when you check out.

The company offers vehicles across several categories: economy cars (small hatchbacks), compact cars, mid-size sedans, SUVs, and vans. Larger or newer vehicles cost more per day. Prices vary by location, season, and how far in advance you book. Booking several weeks ahead usually costs less than booking a few days before pickup. If you cancel, Green Motion's cancellation policy depends on the rate type you chose at booking—some rates are non-refundable, while others allow free cancellation up to a certain number of days before pickup.

Insurance, damage liability, and what happens if the car is damaged

Green Motion does not include insurance in the daily rate. At pickup, you must decide whether to purchase their collision damage waiver (CDW), which reduces your financial responsibility if the vehicle is damaged or stolen. The CDW costs extra per day and typically comes with an excess—usually between €500 and €1,500 depending on the vehicle category and your location. This means if damage occurs, you pay the excess amount out of pocket, and Green Motion's insurance covers the rest.

If you do not purchase CDW, you are liable for the full cost of any damage, no matter how minor. This includes dents, scratches, broken windows, and damage to the undercarriage from potholes or rough roads. Green Motion photographs the vehicle before and after rental to document its condition. If damage is found on return, they will charge your credit card for repairs. Some credit cards and travel insurance policies include rental car coverage, so check your existing policies before paying for Green Motion's CDW—you may already be covered.

Theft, vandalism, and accidents must be reported to Green Motion when ready. If you are involved in an accident, you are required to file a police report and provide Green Motion with the report number and the other driver's details. Failure to report an incident or provide required documentation can result in higher charges or denial of coverage.

Fuel, mileage, and additional charges

Green Motion operates on a "full to full" fuel policy. You pick up the car with a full tank and must return it with a full tank. If you return it with less fuel, Green Motion charges you for the missing fuel at their per-litre rate, which is typically 20 to 40 percent higher than local petrol station prices. You can avoid this by refuelling at a petrol station near the return location before you hand the car back. Some bookings include a pre-purchase fuel option, where you pay for a full tank upfront at a set price; if you return the car with fuel remaining, you do not get a refund, so this option only makes sense if you expect to use most of the tank.

Mileage is unlimited on most Green Motion rentals, so you do not pay extra for driving long distances. However, some promotional rates or rentals in certain countries may have mileage limits, so check your booking confirmation. Additional charges explore for extras: a second driver (usually €5 to €10 per day), GPS navigation (€5 to €8 per day), child seats (€8 to €12 per day), and tolls or congestion charges in cities like London or Paris, which Green Motion adds to your final bill after your rental ends.

Age requirements, driving licence, and who can rent

You must be at least 21 years old to rent from Green Motion in most countries, though some locations require you to be 25 for larger vehicles or premium cars. Your driving licence must be valid and must have been held for at least one year. If your licence is not in Latin characters (for example, if it is in Cyrillic or Arabic script), you should carry an International Driving Permit alongside it, though this is not always required—check with Green Motion for your specific destination.

At pickup, you must present your driving licence, a valid credit card in your name, and a form of identification (passport or national ID card). The credit card is used to place a hold for the security deposit, which is typically €500 to €2,000 depending on the vehicle. This hold is released when you return the car undamaged, but it can take several days to clear from your account. If you do not have a credit card, some locations may accept a debit card, but this is not may provide—contact Green Motion before your rental to confirm.

Pickup and return procedures, and what to check before driving away

When you arrive at the Green Motion location, allow 15 to 30 minutes for the rental process. Staff will ask you to review and sign the rental agreement, confirm your insurance choices, and inspect the vehicle with you. This inspection is critical: walk around the car with the staff member and point out any existing damage—dents, scratches, stains, or mechanical issues. Ask them to note these on the contract. Take photos or video of the vehicle's condition yourself as well, using your phone. This protects you because Green Motion can only charge you for damage that occurred during your rental, not damage that was already there.

Before you drive away, check that the lights work, the wipers function, the mirrors are adjusted, and the fuel gauge shows full. Test the air conditioning and heating. Locate the spare tyre, jack, and warning triangle. If anything is broken or missing, report it when ready. Once you leave the location, Green Motion will assume you accepted the vehicle's condition.

At return, drive to the location with a full fuel tank. Park in the designated return area and inform staff that you are returning the vehicle. They will inspect it for damage, check the mileage and fuel level, and process your final bill. This usually takes 10 to 20 minutes. You will receive a receipt by email within a few days. If Green Motion finds damage after you leave, they will contact you and charge your credit card, so keep your photos and the rental agreement for reference.

Loyalty programme and booking tips to reduce costs

Green Motion's loyalty programme, called Green Motion Plus, offers members discounts on daily rates and insurance. Membership is free to join, and you earn points on each rental that can be redeemed for discounts on future bookings. If you rent frequently, joining takes only a few minutes on their website and can save you 10 to 15 percent on rates.

To reduce your overall rental cost, book as far in advance as possible—rates are usually lowest 4 to 8 weeks before your travel date. Compare prices across different pickup locations if you have flexibility; airport locations often cost more than city centre locations in the same city. Avoid renting on weekends or during school holidays if you can, as rates rise during peak travel periods. If you are renting for more than a week, ask about weekly rates, which are often cheaper per day than daily rates. Finally, decline optional extras you do not need—GPS is useful only if your phone does not have navigation, and a second driver is necessary only if you plan to share driving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a Green Motion car if I have an international driving licence?

Yes, but your licence must be valid and held for at least one year. If your licence is not in Latin characters, carry an International Driving Permit as well. Contact Green Motion for your specific destination to confirm what documents they accept, as requirements vary by country.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate, depending on how late you are. A few hours late may incur a small charge, but returning the car a full day late will cost you another full day's rental. Return the car on time or contact Green Motion in advance if you need to extend your rental.

Can I pick up the car at one location and return it at another?

Yes, Green Motion offers one-way rentals at most locations. One-way rentals usually cost more than round-trip rentals because the company must move the vehicle back to its home location. The additional charge depends on the distance between pickup and return locations.

What if the car breaks down during my rental?

Contact Green Motion's roadside information number when ready—it is on your rental agreement and in the vehicle. Green Motion will arrange a repair or replacement vehicle at no cost to you. Do not attempt repairs yourself or take the car to a mechanic without Green Motion's approval, as you may be charged for unauthorised work.

Do I need to buy Green Motion's insurance if my credit card covers rental cars?

Check your credit card's rental car coverage first. If it covers collision damage, theft, and third-party liability in the country where you are renting, you may not need Green Motion's CDW. However, verify the coverage limits and excess amounts—some credit cards have high excesses or exclude certain types of damage. If your coverage is limited, buying Green Motion's CDW may be worth the extra cost.