Green motion, still scamming?

Andrea15

Hi,

I have just booked a hired car (which I can cancel if I wish) through Green Motion, although it was on a comparison website.

I didn't know anything about this, but I have found out totally by chance that in the (recent?) past they had a history of making spurious claims on the smallest of issues. Bearing in mind that I have excess cover, should I be concerned? The issue was so bad that one insurer is not insuring them. ReduceMyExcess don't seem to have issues with them, but maybe I ought to speak to them tomorrow to be sure.

Any advice on the matter?

WellKnownSid

I have literally used them over 20 times - never had a single issue, although every time I collected there would be someone in the queue without the right paperwork (usually proof of address) and when I dropped off the person in front was usually being charged £800 for a missing parcel shelf or similar - “it’s just a parcel shelf can’t you buy one of eBay?”

What they are like these days I don’t know but they were always very hot on return condition, as are most companies.

Andrea15

I don't even know what a parcel shelf is. 🤣🤣

TadleyBaggie

A shelf where you place parcels.

user1977

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81964686#Comment_81964686

Or a shelf where it would be rather dangerous and inconvenient to place parcels…

twopenny

Numerous threads on TripAdvisor. Som go back years. This is the most recent

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g186216-i15-k4154008-Green_Motion_car_rental_deception-United_Kingdom.html

And this one last post October is 3 yes old

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g187069-i236-k14189308-Green_motion_scam-Manchester_Greater_Manchester_England.html

If you go to the UK site and put the name in the forum search box you'll get pages of this.

But you pays your money and takes your choice.

facade

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81964640#Comment_81964640

It is that flat thing behind the rear seats to cover the boot space (where your nodding dog fits) that people take out when they drop the rear seats to carry something.

They are often missing when you buy a second hand car, and offered for sale on eBay.

Goudy

A lot of excess insurance policies won't cover claims from Green Motion and to be truthful you are wise to check, but generally Green Motion are best avoided where possible.

I tend to hire a lot of cars, either here in the UK on a works account and 5 or 6 each year abroad and have used them a couple of times and a lot depends on the franchise.

The big multinationals will have their own set ups in popular, high traffic areas like major airports but tend to franchise out business at smaller, local areas to established local hire companies. You usually notice these as they will have a few brand names hanging over their door.

At these own set ups, you get what you get and everyone knows Green Motion do have a strict and thorough returns policy that catches a lot out. Particularly things like underbody damage, wheel trims and stained or dirty interiors .

Now I visit family in Greece a lot and use the same local company, they used to handle Green Motion in the past and they tell me these sorts of franchises tend to either treat everyone the same, so the franchisee uses their own standards for whatever brand it was booked through, but some will actually use the Green Motion reputation to appear less than fair.

There are some things you can do though to help.

Not all hire companies do a thorough appraisal of the vehicle at pick up anymore, but if they do, check everything and make sure they mark it. Things like scuffs under the bumpers, wheels, interior, lower sills (under the doors). Don't forget the spare wheel, tools and other items like fire extinguishers some countries require drivers to carry.

Two or more sets of eyes are better, but don't gang up on whoever is handing it over. One person signs, so that person deals with the rep, everyone else deals/talks to you.

If they say oh we don't mark small stuff like that, joke about it's only a bit of ink and if you feel it's a bit on a con, when they hand the form to sign, mark it on yourself.

Take your time and don't appear to be in a rush, I know it's hard as you want to start your holiday.

By polite and try not to get annoyed or angry. Keep it simple, particularly abroad. "No Thank You" and "Yes Please". The add on insurance sales push can be a key area, so it's a simple no thank you (repeated often), don't ever tell them you have it already, that's a red rag.

Go over the vehicle before you return it, check it properly and clear out any rubbish. If there are a few marks that can be wiped off, do it. Make sure it's presentable, it doesn't take long. Bring it back in a right state and they'll be very eager to get the fine toothed comb out.

Get a receipt when you filled it back up and keep that handy.

Return it early (or appear to return it early). Panic can set in at drop off if it's too close to your flight. I tend to book a return later than I would actually drop off if it doesn't push the rental into another days hire charge to give the appearance I've got plenty of time. Again keep calm, polite and relaxed.

In the event of a incident, make sure you know what to do. They'll be traffic laws AND the car rental firm will have rules. Make sure you know what they are.

And if you do dink, dent, scratch or damage it, be prepared for what is to come. Often a bit of humility is needed. I've managed to negotiate some accident damage down in the past with a bit of cash, but if you rant and rave at them, they'll not entertain that.

Penelopa.Pitstop

Wouldn't it be easier to just rent from other company, especially as you OP has excess insurance anyway. Less hassle, no need to go along the above list. I rent a lot, I just look at the damage, check how it looks and that's it. Sometimes very small scratches are marked.

I wasn't charged in years for any damage. And the one I was charged, was either my fault, can't confirm it was there at all or it was spurious charge and damage which wasn't there at all. These are my 3 cases, all claimed on insurance anyway.

born_again

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81964962#Comment_81964962

To add to this if you have to drop off before they open or after they close. Go round & video the car. At least gives some protection to "We found this damage"

Andrea15

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81965868#Comment_81965868

Collection is likely to be when they are closed as I can be there at about 9pm or something. Pick up is another story.