The U.S. Government Rental Car Program is designed to offer substantial benefits and reduced rates to federal government employees and service members when they rent vehicles for official travel. Whether you need a car, passenger van, or SUV, this program, governed by the U.S. Government Rental Car Agreement #5, ensures cost-effectiveness and convenience.
Key Advantages of the Government Rental Car Program
This program provides several significant advantages that enhance the rental experience for government travelers. One notable benefit is the vehicle upgrade policy. If your reserved vehicle class is unavailable upon arrival, rental companies are obligated to provide a vehicle of equal or higher class at no extra cost. Furthermore, should there be a delay exceeding one hour in vehicle availability, the program ensures alternative transportation to your destination, arranged by the rental company and without charge. A vehicle will then be delivered to you when available, also free of charge. The program also eliminates common rental restrictions such as blackout dates and minimum rental periods, and offers unlimited mileage on most rentals, excluding one-way rentals, providing greater flexibility for travel itineraries. Rates are competitive and are capped at established maximum rates, ensuring budget control.
No Hidden Fees and Comprehensive Insurance Coverage
The Government Rental Car Program stands out by eliminating extra charges commonly associated with rental agreements. There are no additional fees for adding authorized drivers or for drivers aged 21 and older. Even for drivers aged 18-20, while an underage fee might be initially charged, it is reimbursable. Critically, the program includes Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)/Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and liability insurance at no additional cost. The liability coverage is robust, covering up to $25,000 for property damage, $100,000 per person, and $300,000 per incident for personal injury and wrongful death. Government travelers are explicitly advised not to purchase additional insurance as these comprehensive coverages are already in place.
For complete details and to fully leverage the benefits of this program, refer to the official Rental Car fact sheet and the U.S. Government Rental Car Agreement #5. Utilizing the government rental car program ensures that official travel is both economical and well-protected.
