All questions
What condition is my vehicle expected to be returned in?
Every effort is made to ensure that vehicles dispatched out of Fleet Services are clean and ready for department use. To keep operational costs low, Fleet requests that vehicles return without excessive dirt and debris.
At Fleet's discretion, an Excessive Cleaning Fee of $50 may be charged to a department (outside professional cleaning costs are approximately $250 in current market conditions). This fee can be waived if the department is willing to use Fleet’s detail bay to clean the vehicle before its return.
What if I need to drive off-road for field work/research?
When vehicles are used for field work, please take reasonable care to protect the vehicle. We are all stewards of University property.
This includes, but is not limited to, these guidelines:
- Drive slowly on dirt and gravel roads
- Avoid driving large vehicles down heavily-forested areas
- Put all research chemicals into plastic totes
We appreciate your cooperation.
What if I need to transport animals in my rental?
For the health and comfort of subsequent renters of the vehicle who may be allergic to animal dander, unless the passenger has a service animal, no pets or animals may ride in a passenger vehicle (trucks and cargo vans may be used for contained transport). The vehicle must be returned in its original condition with no animal hair or feathers anywhere. Renters whose vehicles require a detailed cleaning to remove animal hair or address sanitary issues will be assessed a cleaning fee of $50.
What if I need to transport a canoe on my rental?
Renters are responsible for ensuring canoes and kayaks are properly secured to a Fleet vehicle. Departments will be held responsible for any damage caused by negligence. Fleet has a limited number of canoe straps to provide for free.
When can I pick up a vehicle at Fleet for rental?
Vehicles can be picked up during regular business hours. If you need a vehicle for a weekend trip, please contact the Fleet Front Desk.
How is insurance paid for?
All vehicles come with an insurance card stored in a brightly colored zippered pouch stored in the glove box. Insurance, fuel and maintenance are included in the vehicle mileage charge.
How many drivers can be signed up for one trip with multiple vehicles?
There is no limit. As long as drivers are 18 years of age and have a valid U.S. or Canadian driver’s license, they can drive University vehicles. Fleet’s front desk staff need to see either the actual license or a copy of it. We do not keep driver's license information on file at Fleet, so the license needs to be presented each time a vehicle is picked up.
Do I need to fuel the vehicle prior to returning it to Fleet?
Fleet requests you fill up your vehicle either at the Fleet fuel pumps using the attached blue fuel fob or at a gas station using the provided Voyager credit card.
Instructional video
Who is responsible for tickets, tolls or other citations?
Tickets, unpaid tolls, and other citations are the responsibility of the driver, not the department. See the University of Minnesota Board of Regents Policy.
Tolls are reimbursable travel expenses, however, late fees associated with unpaid tolls are the responsibility of the driver.
How do I pay for repairs if I have a problem with a vehicle?
All rental vehicles come with a Voyager credit card that can be used for fuel and maintenance. There is a 24-hour customer service and roadside assistance phone number to be used to report maintenance or breakdown issues.
How do I purchase fuel while out on a long trip?
All rental vehicles come with a Voyager credit card that can be used for fuel and maintenance. There is a 24-hour customer service and roadside assistance phone number to be used to report maintenance or breakdown issues.