I provide a great deal of E-Gov Travel System training to our various customers’. During training, it seems the same question arises during my coverage of the rental car section. The very popular question is: Do I have to pay the GARS (Government Administrative Rate Supplement) fee? The answer to this question is yes, all Government travelers must pay the GARS fee. However it should be noted; The GARS fee and the optional insurance that may be offered are two different things. The GARS fee is $5.00 per day worldwide and is paid by all Government renters. Travelers should be aware, that the $5.00 fee is in addition to the daily rate and is not automatically included in the daily rental rate of the vehicle.
The GARS fee is an administrative fee which reimburses the rental car company for the following: administrative costs incurred by rental car businesses which are peculiar to doing business with the Government; application of the agreement terms on a worldwide basis; a guarantee of the rates for at least 60 days; the rental of vehicles to employees under age 25; and the acceptance of properly-licensed Government employees on official business as additional drivers.
When reserving a rental car, please remember to add the $5.00 per day to the daily cost of the rental car. On your rental car bill, the GARS fee will appear as an itemized daily expense. Other charges that will be itemized and included are state and local taxes. Taking these fees into account on your travel authorization will ensure a more accurate estimation of your total rental car cost.
by Brian Shears