Renting Cars: Options For Ohio State University Students

Ohio State University students have a variety of options when it comes to renting a car. The university has a contracted supplier agreement with Enterprise, National, and Hertz, which offers benefits such as unlimited mileage and liability coverage. Additionally, Zipcar is available in over 500 cities across North America and Europe, providing a convenient car-sharing service for students. Other rental car companies like Expedia also offer rentals near the university, with a range of vehicle options to choose from. Ohio University, a different institution, has a vehicle rental contract with Enterprise/National and Hertz for business rentals, which may be an option for Ohio University students.

Car rental companies near Ohio State University

If you're an Ohio State University student looking to rent a car, there are a few options available to you, both for short-term rentals and long-term leases. Here is some information about car rental companies near the university:

Zipcar

Zipcar offers a car-sharing service with vehicles available in over 500 cities across North America and Europe, including near Ohio State University. You can use their website or app to find and book a car by the hour or day. To use the service, you need to apply online with a valid driver's license and then use the app to unlock and lock the car during your trip. Zipcar also offers university rate discounts, which can help make renting a car more affordable for students.

Expedia

Expedia is an online travel agency that allows you to search for and compare car rental deals from various companies. They offer a range of vehicles, from economy cars to premium options, and you can often save money by packaging your flight, hotel, and car rental together. One Key members can also save 10% or more on car rentals.

Enterprise/National and Hertz

Ohio University, in collaboration with the Inter-University Council of Ohio, has a vehicle rental contract with Enterprise/National and Hertz for business rentals. While this may not apply to all Ohio State University students, it is worth noting that these rental companies have agreements with the university and may offer discounted rates or special benefits.

In addition to these options, there are likely other car rental companies operating near Ohio State University that you can explore by searching online or using travel booking platforms. It is always a good idea to compare prices and reviews before deciding on a rental company.

Student discounts

Ohio State University has partnered with Zipcar to offer students discounted rates on car rentals. Zipcar is a car-sharing service with a wide network across North America and Europe, allowing students to easily rent cars for running errands, grabbing groceries, or going on weekend trips. The application process is simple and instant approval is common, requiring only a valid driver's license and enabling students to book a car in minutes. Zipcar's user-friendly app allows students to unlock and lock the car during their trip, and they can conveniently park the car back in the same location where they picked it up.

Ohio University, on the other hand, has a vehicle rental contract with Enterprise/National and Hertz specifically for business rentals. While this may not directly benefit students looking for personal rentals, it sets a precedent for potential student rental programs in the future. Additionally, Ohio University offers a full-service fleet of rental vehicles for official university business and travel needs, catering to both university departments and student organizations. This service includes sedans, mini-vans, SUVs, and various passenger and cargo vans, with daily, monthly, and long-term lease options available.

Students at Ohio State University have access to discounted car rental options through Zipcar, making it convenient and affordable to rent a car for their daily needs or leisure trips. Additionally, Ohio University's fleet rental program provides a comprehensive solution for students travelling for official university purposes, ensuring they can easily navigate their travel destinations.

Insurance and waivers

When renting a car, insurance and waivers are important to consider, as they can provide financial protection in case of accidents or damage. Here's what you need to know about insurance and waivers for Ohio State University students renting a car:

Understanding Rental Car Insurance

The coverage offered at the rental counter is typically a waiver, releasing you from financial responsibility if the car is damaged or stolen. This waiver is optional and may duplicate your existing coverage. Before renting a car, it's essential to understand what insurance you already have and if it covers rental cars.

Personal Auto Insurance

Your personal auto insurance policy may extend to rental cars, providing similar coverage as it does for your owned vehicle. However, it's important to check with your insurance provider to confirm the extent of this coverage, as it may have limitations or deductibles.

Credit Card Coverage

Many credit cards offer rental car coverage, which can be valuable, especially if your personal auto insurance has limitations. This coverage typically acts as secondary coverage, kicking in after your personal auto insurance pays. It can reimburse you for your deductible and provide protection for collision damage or loss. However, it's important to note that credit card coverage may have exclusions and limitations on vehicle types and rental duration.

Supplemental Insurance Options

If you feel you need additional coverage, you can consider purchasing supplemental insurance. Rental companies often offer collision damage waivers and loss damage waivers, which release you from financial responsibility for damage or theft of the rental car. While these waivers are optional, they can provide peace of mind and protect you from unexpected costs.

Additionally, services like RentalCover.com offer comprehensive protection against theft and damage to your rental vehicle at a lower cost than rental companies' waivers. This coverage can include flat tires, cracked windshields, additional authorised drivers, and rentals longer than 30 days.

University-Specific Information

Ohio University, as part of the Inter-University Council of Ohio, has a vehicle rental contract with Enterprise/National and Hertz for business rentals. This contract includes liability and collision damage waivers, which must be accepted at the time of pickup. When renting within the US and Puerto Rico, optional insurance is included in the negotiated rate and should be declined. However, when renting outside the US or Puerto Rico, it is necessary to accept the optional insurance.

In summary, when renting a car as an Ohio State University student, it's important to understand your existing insurance coverage and carefully consider the insurance and waiver options available to make an informed decision that provides adequate protection.

Payment methods

Ohio University has a vehicle rental contract with Enterprise/National and Hertz for business rentals. The minimum age for rentals from these companies is 18 years, and all drivers must be either Ohio faculty, staff, or a student on university business. A credit card in the name of the renter is required for all Enterprise/National and Hertz rentals.

Ohio University also offers a full-service fleet of rental vehicles for official university business and travel needs for OHIO departments and student organizations. Drivers must be at least 18 years old, possess a valid US driver's license in good standing, and have an active OHIO ID.

For Ohio University's fleet of rental vehicles, a Voyager Fuel Card is provided at the time of rental pick-up. This card works just like a debit card, and the PIN number must be entered correctly to avoid card lock-out. If an individual uses their personal funds or purchasing card for fuel purchases, they must keep their receipts and contact tps@ohio.edu for further instruction on reimbursement processing.

Toll payments can be made using purchasing cards or personal funds when operating a university fleet vehicle and are considered allowable expenses for university reimbursement.

Minimum age requirements

Ohio State University has a vehicle rental contract with Enterprise/National and Hertz for business rentals. The minimum age for rentals from these companies is 18 years. However, there are vehicle restrictions for young renters. For example, renters must be 21 or older to rent 12-passenger vans, box trucks, luxury sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans.

Ohio University also offers vehicle rental services for official university business and travel needs. Drivers must be at least 18 years old, have a valid US driver's license, and possess an active Ohio University ID.

It is important to note that rental companies and policies may have different age requirements and restrictions. Therefore, it is recommended that renters call the rental location to ensure eligibility criteria.

Frequently asked questions