If you need assistance
with the UCAR Program:
Call: 206-221-3594
E-mail: mpreserv@u.washington.edu
UCAR Information Page
Sign up now for a UCAR account here!
UCAR Program Procedure: Contains Complete Instructions for Using the UCAR system
Fleet Services Operations Program Policy Manual For Drivers: Operation manual to be read by all drivers
UCAR F.A.Q'S
- What is a UCAR?
- How Much Does UCAR Cost?
- How do I pay for a UCAR?
- What if I Need to add a Budget Number to my UCAR account ?
- Who Can Rent a UCAR?
- Can I rent a UCAR for Personal Use?
- Who is Authorized to Drive and Ride in a U-Car
- What if I Need to Transport a Passenger Who is Not on the Authorized List?
- Where are UCAR's Located?
- How does the UCAR Reservation System Work?
- What Happens When U-Car Reservations are Fully Booked?
- What Kind of Cars Are Available in the UCAR Program
- How Does Insurance Work
- How does UCAR benefit the University of Washington
- How can UCAR benefit you and your department?
- What About Fueling?
- How Do I Start the UCAR?
- How Long Can I Reserve a UCAR?
- What About Parking?
- Are There Any Membership Fee's or Annual Dues Required for Using UCAR?
- How do I sign up for a UCAR account?
- Can I Use UCAR Outside of Washington State?
What is UCAR
- The UCAR is a conveniently located and economically priced Fleet Services rental vehicle available for hourly rentals. The UCAR program is dedicated to supporting the short term transportation needs of the UW community for education, research, outreach and business. Any UW member with a valid UWNet ID and driver's license will be able to reserve and access the UCAR 24/7. Trip tracking occurs automatically and billing is charged directly to a UW budget number. A copy of the receipt is sent to the reservation contact and department billing contact via email.
How much does UCAR cost?
- Please refer to the Rates and Fees page.
How do I pay for a UCAR?
- UCARs are charged to departmental budget numbers. When you set up a UCAR account you can add as many budget numbers to your account as you like.
What if I need to add a budget number to my UCAR Account?
- If you need to add a budget number to your UCAR account, please send an e-mail request to mpreserv@u.washington.edu
Who can rent a UCAR
- Anyone with a UW Net Id and a valid driver's license.
Can I rent a UCAR for personal use?
- A UCAR may only be used for official University business and charged to a University budget number.
Who is authorized to drive and ride in a UCAR?
- UCAR insurance covers the following drivers
- UW Faculty with valid UW identification card
- UW Staff with valid UW identification card
- Currently enrolled UW Student with valid UW identification card
- Student groups approved by the Office of the Director of Student Activities
- Authorized volunteers formally affiliated with an official UW program and directly supervised by a UW employee
- Temporary employees with a letter of authorization from their sponsoring department
- Individuals under contract to the University with a letter of authorization from their sponsoring department
- Government employees (State, Federal, County, and Municipal) covered by a specific indemnification agreement
- UW Insurance covers the following passengers
- UW Faculty with valid UW identification card
- UW Staff with valid UW identification card
- Currently enrolled UW Student with valid UW identification card
- Student groups approved by the Office of the Director of Student Activities
- Authorized volunteers formally affiliated with an official UW program and directly supervised by a UW employee
- Temporary employees with a letter of authorization from their sponsoring department
- Individuals under contract to the University with a letter of authorization from their sponsoring department
- Government employees (State, Federal, County, and Municipal) covered by a specific indemnification agreement
- Research subjects unable to transport themselves
- Patients and patient's families requiring transport for patient care services
- Vendors in the course of University business
- Visiting dignitaries, speakers, scholars
- Recruits, prospective employees, and/or graduate school candidates
- Participants in UW programs - DOES NOT include conference attendees (see below)
- Disabled persons attending conferences sponsored by the University
- UW Insurance does not cover drivers or passengers as follows:
- Conference attendees*(see Disabled Persons above)
- Spouses, children, friends, and acquaintances of faculty, staff, and students
- Experimental College students and instructors
- Student groups not approved by the Office of the Director of Student Activities
- Work experience program participants
What if I need to transport a passenger that is not on the authorized list?
- The Fleet Services Rental office will be able to provide you with alternative transportation options through one of our Outside Rental Agencies
- Another viable option is FLEXCAR. U-PASS holders enjoy special membership benefits. Find out more information here:U-Pass Web Site
Where are UCARs located?
- In the Central Plaza Garage (Level C1, accessible from Kane Hall and Gerberding Hall entrances from Red Square or the Parking Gatehouse entrance on 15th Ave NE.) at the South Campus Center (Mid-Level between M17 and M18. Located behind the UW Medical Center on the 2nd floor, near the north main stairwell) in the E2 Parking Lot and in the UW Tower A Garage (Level 4E in the A Garage next to the elevator) . Additional satellite locations are currently in the works in the near future. Please let Fleet Services know your location suggestions at mpreserv@u.washington.edu
How does the UCAR reservation system work?
In four simple steps:
- Reserve: Log on to the Fleet Services Reservation site and select the UCAR option. This option will be available once your UCAR account has been set up. Click here to set up your UCAR account .
- Pick Up: When you arrive at your site location, enter your key manager access code. at the key manager kiosk, open the door and take the key indicated by the green light.
- Return: Park the vehicle in the same parking location where you picked it up. Return the key to the key manager kiosk by using your original key manager access code.
- UCAR billing system will automatically track your trip information and bill your budget via an ISD. A copy of the ISD billing detail will be sent via email to your department budget billing contact.
What happens when UCAR reservations are fully booked?
- Fleet Services has a large selection of vehicles available for daily rentals We also have contracts with Enterprise, Budget and Thrifty rentals. Email mpreserv@u.washington.edu if a UCAR isn't available.
- Another viable option is ZIPCAR. U-PASS holders enjoy special membership benefits. Visit Commuter Services for more information.
What vehicles can I choose?
- Currently the UCAR fleet is composed of Toyota Hybrid Prius and Toyota Hybrid Camry's. Both vehicles include air conditioning, cruise control, power steering, automatic transmission and cd player. We have also added two Chevy Suburbans, a Ford Taurus, and a Ford Ranger pick up truck to the South Campus Center location. Please let Fleet Services know your vehicle type suggestions at mpreserv@u.washington.edu
How does insurance work?
- Collision: Coverage protects authorized drivers from vehicle damages not recovered from a third party. However, property damage sustained from a vehicle accident may be charged back to the responsible department. Liability: Coverage protects authorized drivers from claims of third parties for bodily injury or property damage, provided the vehicle was operated for and on behalf of the University. Personal Injury: University employees, student employees, and authorized volunteers traveling on official University business are insured for any injuries under the Worker's Compensation Program. Students and passengers who are not University employees are not insured by the Worker's Compensation Program and are responsible for providing their own medical insurance.
How can UCAR benefit you and your department?
- Using the UCAR for UW business means you don't need to bring your car to campus. Save on parking, maintenance and high fuel costs.
- Reduce your valuable time by not having to complete travel reimbursement paperwork as well as making an extra trip to the bank to deposit your reimbursement.
- UCAR provides roadside assistance if the vehicle should break down.
- Insurance is included in the hourly fee. No out of pocket insurance deductibles.
- Reduce administrative effort to process reimbursements and track reimbursements.
- Billing is automatically charged to the budget via ISD and a copy of the trip detail is sent to the billing contact via email.
Do I need to refuel my UCAR?
- You're required to refuel your UCAR when there's a 1/4 tank left. If you're within 5 miles of campus, refuel at Fleet Services, 4549 25th Ave NE, Seattle Washington, 98105 (next to University Village). Every UCAR also comes with a Voyager Fuel Card, for those times you're further away. This card can be used at any major gas station. All Voyager cards will require a pin number and odometer reading. The pin number can be found in the Voyager brochure, which is located in the glove box.
How do I start my UCAR?
- Not only do all UCARs have a special wand to start the vehicle, but the Prius and Camry don't even have a typical car key.
- How to start a Camry
- How to start a Prius
How long can I keep my UCAR?
- UCAR reservations can be made by the hour, day, week or month. Fleet Services provides other transporation options for permanent rentals (365 days or longer).
If you need to rent a vehicle for more then 30 days please submit a Long Term Request Form.
What about Parking?
- UCARs can be parked free of charge in any general UW parking location, as well as any metered parking stall within the City of Seattle. UW reserved parking rules, City of Seattle metered parking guidelines, and other parking notices must be followed.
- Personal vehicle parking is not available for UCAR rentals.
How is the UCAR different from other rental options?
- Comparison Grid Coming Soon
- return to index
Are there any membership fees or annual dues required for UCAR?
- No. Anyone with a UWNet ID and a valid drivers license can get a UCAR account
Can I use my UCAR outside of Washington State?
- Yes. However, if you plan to travel south of Eugene, OR, east of Moscow, ID or north of Vancouver, BC, you'll need approval from your department and the director of Transportation Services. You'll also need to complete a UoW 1521, Request to Operate a Fleet Services Vehicle Outside of a Prescribed Area form: Out-of-Area Travel
How do I sign up for a UCAR account?
- Complete the online UCAR Account form