The U.S. Government Rental Car Program is designed to offer advantageous rates and exclusive benefits when renting vehicles for official government travel. This program encompasses a range of vehicle types, including cars, passenger vans, and SUVs, available through several pre-approved rental car companies. It is specifically for federal government employees and service members on official duty. The program’s framework is detailed in the U.S. Government Rental Car Agreement #5 [PDF, 56 pages].
Key Advantages of the Program
One of the primary benefits is the vehicle upgrade policy. Should your reserved vehicle class be unavailable upon arrival, the rental company is obligated to provide a vehicle of equal or higher class at no extra charge. In situations where a vehicle is not available within an hour of your arrival at the rental counter, the company is required to arrange and cover the cost of reasonable alternative transportation to your destination. Furthermore, the company will deliver a vehicle to you as soon as one becomes available, also at no cost. The program also eliminates blackout dates and minimum rental periods, providing maximum flexibility. Unlimited mileage is another significant perk, except for one-way rentals. While rates can fluctuate, they are capped and cannot exceed established maximum rates [PDF, 20 pages].
Elimination of Extra Fees
The program stands out by waiving additional fees that are often standard in car rentals. There are no extra charges for adding authorized drivers to the rental agreement. Similarly, drivers aged 21 and older are not subject to young driver fees. Even for drivers aged 18-20, while an underage/young driver fee may be initially charged, it is reimbursable. It is important to note that all drivers, including those under 21, must be listed on the rental agreement.
Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
Insurance is a crucial aspect of any car rental, and this program includes substantial coverage at no additional cost. Renters automatically receive Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) / Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which protects against financial loss from vehicle damage or theft. Additionally, Liability Insurance is included, covering personal injury, wrongful death, and property damage. The liability coverage limits are set at $25,000 for property damage, $100,000 per person for personal injury or wrongful death, and $300,000 total for all persons per incident. Due to this comprehensive coverage, it is explicitly advised not to accept any additional liability, collision, damage, or other insurance offered by the rental company, as this would be redundant and unnecessary.
For a concise summary of the program’s features, refer to the Rental Car fact sheet [PDF, 1 page].
