The U.S. Government Rental Car Program is designed to offer significant advantages for federal employees and service members when they need to rent vehicles for official travel. This program, detailed in the U.S. Government Rental Car Agreement #5, provides reduced rates and a host of special benefits when renting cars, passenger vans, or SUVs from a range of approved rental companies. For those on official duty, understanding these benefits can lead to considerable savings and a smoother travel experience.
One of the primary advantages of the program is the assurance of vehicle availability. If the reserved vehicle class isn’t available upon arrival, rental companies are obligated to provide a vehicle of equal or higher class at no extra charge. Furthermore, if there’s a delay exceeding one hour, the program ensures that alternative transportation is arranged to get the traveler to their destination, also without any cost to the traveler. When a vehicle becomes available, it will be delivered at no additional charge. This eliminates common travel hassles and ensures government personnel can maintain their schedules effectively. The program also offers the convenience of no blackout dates or minimum rental periods, alongside unlimited mileage on most rentals, providing exceptional flexibility for official travel needs.
Another significant benefit is the elimination of extra fees. The government program waives additional driver fees for authorized personnel and drivers aged 21 and over. Even for drivers aged 18-20, while a young driver fee might be initially charged, it is reimbursable. Crucially, the program includes comprehensive insurance coverage at no additional cost. This includes Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)/Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and liability insurance, offering substantial coverage limits: $25,000 for property damage, $100,000 per person, and $300,000 per incident. Because of this built-in coverage, travelers are explicitly advised not to purchase any supplementary insurance, simplifying the rental process and ensuring cost-effectiveness.
For federal employees and service members undertaking official travel, the U.S. Government Rental Car Program presents a valuable resource. It not only ensures cost savings through reduced rates but also provides peace of mind with comprehensive benefits and insurance coverage, making it a smart choice for government travel needs. Detailed information and further specifics can be found in the Rental Car fact sheet, ensuring users have all the information necessary to leverage this beneficial program.
