The University of California (UC) provides a system-wide car rental program designed to offer economical and convenient options for university business travelers. This comprehensive program includes partnerships with several major car rental companies, including Enterprise, Hertz, National, Dollar, and Thrifty. For individuals affiliated with the University of California, understanding the benefits and details of this program, especially concerning Thrifty car rental, is crucial for both business and personal travel.
The UC system’s agreements with these car rental agencies are structured to provide the most cost-effective pricing. A significant advantage of this preferred program is the inclusion of comprehensive insurance for rentals within the United States. This built-in insurance coverage simplifies the rental process and ensures travelers are protected while on university business. For rentals outside of the United States, it’s important to verify if additional insurance is necessary, as coverage may vary depending on the location.
Within the UC car rental policy, there are guidelines regarding the size of vehicle that should be rented. The policy specifies that economy, compact, or intermediate models should be prioritized. These car sizes are deemed sufficient for most business travel needs. Larger vehicles are permissible only when a complimentary upgrade is provided, or if there is a clear justification for needing a bigger car. Requests for reimbursement for vehicles larger than a midsize model may require additional explanation to ensure compliance with university policy.
It’s also important to note specific restrictions within the UC car rental program. For safety reasons, UC employees and students are prohibited from renting vans with a capacity of ten or more passengers (including the driver) from rental car agencies for university-related activities. This regulation is in place due to safety concerns and licensing requirements associated with larger passenger vans. To accommodate larger groups, the university recommends utilizing multiple smaller vehicles, such as minivans that can seat seven to eight passengers, ensuring safer transportation arrangements.
A frequently asked question regarding the UC car rental program is about personal use of the preferred rates. The program does allow active UCLA employees to take advantage of these rates for personal travel. Reservations for personal use can be made through the Connexxus portal, using your UC credentials. After logging in, navigate to the Personal Travel section and select either Hertz or Enterprise to book your rental. It’s essential to have proof of UC employee affiliation readily available when picking up the rental vehicle. For UC students, discounted car rental rates are also available through a dedicated student program, offering similar benefits.
Another key consideration is insurance coverage when rentals include personal days. Specifically, National and Enterprise are noted for extending the UC contract coverage to personal days, provided that a portion of the rental is for business purposes and is being reimbursed by the university. This extension of coverage means that even if a business trip is extended for personal exploration or spans a weekend, the agreed-upon rental coverage for the country will still apply, offering peace of mind and consistent protection.
For specific needs such as renting cargo vans or ¾ Ton Pick Up 4WD trucks, the UC program also provides resources. The Commercial Truck Program, accessible through the Connexxus portal and specifically the Enterprise Commercial Truck Program, caters to these requirements. For further details and additional frequently asked questions about the UC Car Rental Program, the Car Rental Program FAQs page offers comprehensive information and guidance. Through these partnerships, including Thrifty, the University of California aims to streamline travel and provide valuable benefits to its employees and students.
