U.S. Government Rental Car Program

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If You Are in an Accident
If “GARS” is listed on your rental contract, you are covered if in an accident unless the vehicle was used in an unauthorized manner. See the U.S. Government Rental Car Agreement for a list of exceptions that void the terms of the Agreement.
	1. Obtain a police report. 2. Contact the rental car company directly. 3. Report the accident to your Authorizing Official. 4. Report the accident to the Defense Travel Management Office.

Travel Programs > U.S. Government Rental Car Program

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Rental Car Agreement #4

Rental Car Ceiling Rates

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Rental Car Program FAQs

Rental Car/Truck Program Fact Sheet

U.S. Government Rental Car Training for Rental Car Employees

Feedback

If you would like to submit feedback on a recent rental experience, you may contact the rental car company directly or submit it to the Defense Travel Management Office.

U.S. Government Rental Car Program

The U.S. Government Rental Car Program offers reduced rates and special benefits when renting cars, passenger vans, or small pick-up trucks through a variety of approved rental car companies. The program is open to federal government employees and service members traveling on official business. To receive program benefits including insurance, travelers must book the government rate, ensure “GARS” is listed on the rental contract, and present proof of official travel status.

How to Participate

1.	Book the Government Rate. Book the government rate through your Agency’s travel system or a government-contracted Travel Management Company (TMC). You may also obtain rates directly through a participating rental car company website, toll free numbers, or walk-up services, however, you must ensure that you are booking the government rate and “Government Administrative Rate Supplement” is listed on the contract. Rates will not exceed U.S. Rental Car Ceiling Rates.
2.	Present Proof of Official Travel Status. Present your travel authorization/orders or a Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) to validate official travel status.
3.	Look for the GARS fee on rental contract.Confirm that the “Government Administrative Rate Supplement” or “GARS,” a $5 per day fee, is listed on the rental contract at the time of pick-up and will be charged during use of the rental vehicle. This ensures that you are renting through the Program and are eligible for program benefits, including insurance. The GARS fee is intended to cover those costs incurred by the rental car company that are peculiar to doing business with the government.

Policy On Use

DoD travelers: The Joint Travel Regulations (JTR) para. 020209 authorizes reimbursement of rental vehicle expenses and fees. Per the JTR, a compact vehicle is the standard size for official travel, but the Authorizing Official may authorize or approve a larger vehicle if the traveler meets certain requirements.

Non-DoD federal travelers: Refer to the Federal Travel Regulations and your Agency guidance for policy related to rental vehicles.

Program Benefits

The Defense Travel Management Office administers the program through the U.S. Rental Car Agreement which outlines:

Benefits. If the size/class vehicle that you reserved is not available, the rental company must offer an upgraded vehicle at the same rate. The rental contract must be ready upon arrival. There are no blackout dates or minimum rental periods and unlimited mileage (except for one-way rentals). Rates can vary but may not exceed established ceiling rates.

No Additional Fees. There are no additional cost for additional authorized drivers or drivers between the ages of 18-25.

Included Insurance under GARS. When “GARS” is listed on the rental contract, travelers receive Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)/Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Supplemental Liability insurance at no additional cost. All other insurance coverage should be declined. Liability coverage for personal injury, wrongful death and property damage is set at the following limits: $25,000 for property damage, $100,000 per person, $300,000 for all persons, per incident. Coverage does not address theft of personal or government property from vehicles nor theft or loss of GPS units rented through the rental company.

Frequent Renter Program – Bypass the Counter & Start Earning Rewards

Earn rewards from rental car companies and enjoy additional perks like counter by-pass while ensuring you receive the benefits of the U.S. Government Rental Car Program. Sign up today, before you book your next rental!