Green Motion is a budget car rental company operating across Europe and beyond

Green Motion is a car rental brand owned by Europcar that operates rental locations in over 40 countries, primarily across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. The company positions itself as a lower-cost alternative to major rental chains, with a focus on economy vehicles and straightforward pricing. You'll find Green Motion desks at airports, train stations, and city centers in major cities.

The rental process works like most car rental companies: you reserve online or by phone, pick up a vehicle at your chosen location, and return it at the end of your rental period. Green Motion handles the booking, insurance options, and vehicle condition documentation. What sets it apart is typically lower daily rates than Europcar's main brand, though the vehicle selection and location network are smaller.

Key Takeaways

  • Green Motion is a budget rental brand owned by Europcar with locations in over 40 countries, primarily in Europe and the Middle East.
  • Rental rates are generally lower than major chains, but vehicle selection focuses on economy and compact cars rather than luxury or specialty vehicles.
  • You can book through Green Motion's website, by phone, or through third-party travel sites, and you'll need a valid driver's license, passport or ID, and a credit card to rent.
  • Insurance coverage varies by location and rental agreement, so review what's included and what optional coverage costs before you complete your booking.
  • Fuel policies, mileage limits, and cancellation terms differ by location and rental type, so check your specific rental agreement before pickup.

How to book a Green Motion rental

You can book directly through Green Motion's website by entering your pickup location, dates, and vehicle type. The site shows available cars, daily rates, and any current promotions. You'll need to provide your driver's license number, passport or national ID details, and a credit card for the reservation. Most bookings can be made online and confirmed when ready.

Third-party travel and rental comparison sites like Kayak, Rentalcars.com, and Booking.com also list Green Motion inventory. These sites sometimes show different pricing or package deals than booking direct. You can also call Green Motion directly to book by phone, which may help if you have questions about vehicle options or rental terms specific to your location.

Cancellation policies vary depending on the rate you book and the location. Some rates are fully refundable up to a certain date; others charge a cancellation fee or are non-refundable. Check the terms before you confirm your booking, as these details appear in your confirmation email and rental agreement.

What documents and requirements you'll need at pickup

At pickup, you'll need to present your valid driver's license, a passport or national ID card, and the credit card used for the reservation. The rental agent will verify your identity and check your driving record. In some countries, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required or recommended alongside your home country license, particularly if your license is not in Latin characters.

You must be at least 18 years old to rent from Green Motion in most locations, though some locations set the minimum at 21. Drivers under 25 may face a young driver surcharge added to your daily rate. The rental agent will explain any age-related fees when you arrive for pickup.

You'll also need to review and sign the rental agreement, which outlines fuel policy, mileage limits, insurance coverage, damage liability, and late return fees. Take time to read this document and ask questions about anything unclear before you sign. The agent will also inspect the vehicle with you and document its condition in writing.

Insurance coverage and damage liability

Green Motion rental agreements include basic liability coverage required by law in each country, but this typically covers only third-party damage (damage you cause to other vehicles or property), not damage to the rental car itself. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection are optional add-ons that reduce or eliminate your financial responsibility if the rental car is damaged or stolen.

The cost of optional coverage varies by location, vehicle type, and rental duration. CDW might cost €8 to €15 per day, while theft protection adds another €3 to €8 per day. Some credit cards offer rental car coverage if you charge the entire rental to that card, so check your card's benefits before paying for optional coverage through Green Motion.

Your personal auto insurance may also cover rental cars, depending on your policy. Contact your insurer before you travel to confirm what's covered and what's not. If you decline all optional coverage and the car is damaged, you'll be responsible for repair costs up to the vehicle's full value, so understand your liability before you leave the lot.

Fuel, mileage, and return policies

Green Motion offers several fuel options. The most common is "full to full," where you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full; you pay for any fuel you use. Some rentals include a pre-purchased fuel package where you pay a set price per liter upfront, which can be cheaper if you drive a lot but costs more if you use less fuel than expected. A few locations offer "full to empty," where you return the car empty and pay a flat fuel fee, though this is less common.

Mileage limits depend on your rental agreement. Some rentals include unlimited mileage; others include a daily or total mileage allowance with overage charges (typically €0.15 to €0.30 per kilometer) if you exceed it. Check your confirmation email to see whether your rental has a mileage limit and what the overage cost is.

Late returns incur additional charges, usually calculated as a full day's rental rate if you're more than a few hours late. Some locations charge an hourly rate for minor delays. Return the car during business hours at your designated location to avoid confusion about timing. If you need to extend your rental, contact Green Motion as soon as possible; extending online or by phone is usually cheaper than paying late fees.

Vehicle condition and damage documentation

Before you drive away, the rental agent will walk you around the vehicle and document any existing scratches, dents, or damage on the rental agreement. This is called the vehicle condition report. Take this seriously: point out every mark you see, no matter how small, and ask the agent to note it. Take photos or video of the car's condition yourself as backup, especially if you're renting in a country where you don't speak the language fluently.

When you return the car, the agent will inspect it again and compare it to the original report. Any new damage not documented at pickup will be charged to you. If you're involved in an accident or damage occurs during your rental, report it to Green Motion when ready and file a damage claim with your insurance if you have coverage. Keep all documentation, including photos, the rental agreement, and any police or accident reports.

What to do if something goes wrong

If you experience a mechanical problem with the rental car, contact Green Motion's roadside information number when ready. This number is on your rental agreement and in your confirmation email. Green Motion will arrange a repair, replacement vehicle, or tow service depending on the issue and your location. Do not attempt major repairs yourself or take the car to an unauthorized mechanic, as this may void your coverage.

If you're in an accident, stay at the scene, call the police if required by local law, and get contact information from other parties involved. Take photos of the damage and the scene. Call Green Motion's emergency line as soon as possible and report the incident. You'll need to file a damage claim and provide police report details if available. Keep all documentation for your insurance company.

For billing disputes, cancellation issues, or other concerns, contact Green Motion's customer service through their website or the phone number on your confirmation. Response times vary by location, but most issues are resolved within a few business days. If you booked through a third-party site, you may need to contact that site first, as they handle the transaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a Green Motion car if I have an international driver's license from outside Europe?

Yes, but you'll typically need both your home country license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not in Latin characters. Some European countries accept non-Latin licenses alone, but others require the IDP as proof of translation. Check the specific country's requirements before you travel, as this varies by location.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late return fees are charged as a full day's rental rate if you're significantly late, or an hourly rate for minor delays (usually a few hours). The exact policy depends on your rental agreement and location. Contact Green Motion when ready if you know you'll be late; they may waive or reduce the fee if you notify them in advance.

Is fuel included in the rental price?

No, fuel is not included. You pay for fuel separately under the fuel policy outlined in your rental agreement. Most rentals use "full to full," where you pay for what you use. Some offer pre-purchased fuel packages or "full to empty" options. Check your confirmation to see which policy applies to your rental.

Can I add a second driver to my rental?

Yes, most Green Motion locations allow additional drivers for a fee, typically €5 to €10 per day per driver. The second driver must meet the same age and license requirements as the primary renter and must be present at pickup to sign the rental agreement. Add additional drivers when you book or contact Green Motion before pickup to arrange this.

What if I need to return the car to a different location than where I picked it up?

One-way rentals are available at many Green Motion locations, but they typically cost more than round-trip rentals. The additional fee depends on the distance between pickup and return locations. Specify your return location when you book, and the system will show you the total cost including any one-way surcharge.