Are you a U.S. federal government employee or a service member preparing for official travel? Discover how you can access premium car rental services with significantly reduced rates and a host of exclusive benefits through the U.S. Government Rental Car Program. This initiative, formalized under the U.S. Government Rental Car Agreement #5, ensures that government travelers receive exceptional value and convenience when renting vehicles for official duties. While it’s not literally a “Government Free Car Program”, the savings and included perks can feel like you’re getting much more for less.
This program covers rentals of cars, passenger vans, and SUVs from a range of approved rental car companies. One of the standout benefits is the vehicle class guarantee. If your reserved vehicle size isn’t available upon arrival, rental companies are obligated to provide you with a vehicle of equal or higher class at no extra cost. Furthermore, in the rare event of significant delays – if your reserved vehicle isn’t available within an hour of reaching the counter – the rental company will arrange and cover the cost of alternate transportation to your destination and ensure a vehicle is delivered to you when available, again at no additional charge. Enjoy the flexibility of no blackout dates or minimum rental periods, and benefit from unlimited mileage on most rentals (excluding one-way rentals), allowing for cost-effective and unrestricted travel across your official journeys. While rates are structured to be competitive, they are also capped, ensuring you always receive favorable pricing within established maximum rate guidelines.
Beyond the base rental rates, the U.S. Government Rental Car Program eliminates many common rental surcharges. There are absolutely no additional fees for authorized additional drivers, or for drivers aged 21 and older. Even for drivers aged 18-20, while an underage/young driver fee might be initially charged, it is fully reimbursable, ensuring younger government personnel on official duty are not penalized. Crucially, the program includes comprehensive insurance coverage at no extra cost to you. This encompasses Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) and Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), protecting you from financial liabilities for vehicle damage. Additionally, Liability Insurance is included, providing substantial coverage: up to $25,000 for property damage, $100,000 per person, and $300,000 per incident for personal injury or wrongful death. Due to this built-in, extensive coverage, it is imperative that you decline any additional insurance offerings at the rental counter, as these would be redundant and unnecessary expenses.
For a comprehensive understanding of all facets of the program, detailed information is readily available. You can consult the full U.S. Government Rental Car Agreement #5 and the schedule of established maximum rates for in-depth specifics. Additionally, a concise Rental Car fact sheet provides a quick overview of the program’s key features and benefits. Take advantage of the U.S. Government Rental Car Program to ensure your official travel is both economical and hassle-free, with built-in benefits that truly enhance your travel experience.
