VEHICLE LEASING AND PURCHASING
Vehicle Purchasing Process
The multi-step vehicle purchasing process starts with the department reviewing this page, then reviewing the Fleet Management Fleet Manual, selecting and completing the Request to Purchase/Lease Vehicle Form, and obtaining all the necessary signatures before submitting the form to the Fleet Management Office. For additional information, please get in touch with Angel Driver with Fleet Management (205-348-4809), Tony Johnson with Fleet Management (205-348-8798), or Catherine Johnson with Purchasing (205-348-0064).
Please review the following before completing the Vehicle Request Form for options for obtaining a vehicle:
Leasing Program
The department will pay a monthly lease for each vehicle they operate. The vehicle’s lease will continue until the department turns the vehicle in and determines it is no longer needed. Otherwise, the department will follow a replacement cycle defined by Fleet Management. Departments will be required to sign and follow the fiscal year lease agreement. The lease agreement will expire on September 30th, and departments will enter into a new lease agreement for the new fiscal year, beginning in October.
Monthly Lease Payment
The monthly lease payment includes the following:- Monthly use of the vehicle
- University insurance for physical coverage (Effective October 1, 2024, the deductible cost is $3,000/incident)
- Basic Preventive Maintenance (PM) Services intervals, such as:
- Oil and Filter Change
- 30 Point Inspection
- Tire Rotation
- Wiper blades (twice a year)
- Refilling Vehicle Fluids:
- Windshield Wiper Fluid
- Engine Coolant
- Transmission Fluid
- Power Steering Fluid
- Damage caused by failure to have routine preventive maintenance performed.
- Repairs performed that are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty due to neglect, departmental abuse, accidents, vandalism, insurance deductible, wear, and tear items, etc. Fees for these repairs will be charged back to the department at the established Automotive Services rate.
- Fuel costs are billed to the department.
- Departments assigned a vehicle give prior approval to Automotive Services to authorize repairs up to $2,500 when the Director of Automotive Services or Fleet Management determines repairs are the best option.
- Excessive wear and tear include but are not limited to, damaged glass, damaged body panels, lights, fenders, paint, dysfunctional accessories, any damage to the interior, and any items that interfere with the safe and lawful operation of the vehicle.
- Departments are responsible for knowing and following Risk Management and Fleet Management Policies related to University vehicles in the Fleet Management Fleet Manual.
Monthly Lease Rate (subject to change each October)
| MONTHLY LEASE PAYMENT | VEHICLE COST |
|---|---|
| $375.00 | >$35,000 |
| $475.00 | $35,000 – $45,000 |
| $575.00 | $45,001 – $55,000 |
| Upfittings | Upfittings will increase the monthly lease payment |
Outright Purchase Program:
Departments that Fleet Management approves to purchase a vehicle by state, university, or grant funds will be required to:- Pay a non-refundable administrative fee for each vehicle purchased
- The administrative fee will be required to be paid when the department takes ownership of the vehicle.
- The grant agency may reject the administrative fee; therefore, the department is still required to pay the administrative fee.
Department Responsibility
Departments are financially responsible for the following- Routine preventive maintenance and repairs that are not covered by the manufacturer’s warranty due to neglect, departmental abuse, accidents, vandalism, insurance deductible, wear, and tear items, etc. Fees for these repairs will be charged back to the department at the established Automotive Services rate.
- Fuel costs are billed to the department.
- Departments that have been assigned a vehicle, give prior approval to Automotive Services to authorize repairs up to $2,500 when the Director of Automotive Services or Fleet Management determines repairs are the best option.
- Excessive wear and tear include but are not limited to, damaged glass, damaged body panels, lights, fenders, paint, dysfunctional accessories, any damage to the interior, and any items that interfere with the safe and lawful operation of the vehicle.
- Departments are responsible for knowing and following Risk Management and Fleet Management Policies related to University vehicles contained in the Fleet Management Fleet Manual
- Physical Insurance Coverage is paid to Risk Management.
- Note: The department must request this coverage with Risk Management before an accident occurs.
- If a department elects to have no Physical Insurance Coverage, then the department will be responsible for all damages. Please contact Risk Management for additional information.
Vehicle Rental Requirements
Rental vehicles are for official UA business only. Personal use of these vehicles is strictly prohibited. All drivers must complete a Motor Vehicle Release (MVR) form and be approved by Risk Management to operate a University vehicle. In addition, all approved drivers must complete an online defensive driving course.
Before operating a 12-passenger van, drivers must contact Risk Management at (205)348-4535 for instructions on completing an additional online van training course.
Student groups requesting to reserve a vehicle must have their advisor or appropriate supervising faculty/staff member submit the request on their behalf. Students are prohibited from submitting reservation requests.
Please note: All fleet rental vehicles are covered under the University’s Motor Vehicle insurance policy. However, in the event of an accident or damage to a rented vehicle, the department will be responsible for the deductible cost. Effective October 1, 2024, the deductible cost is $3,000/incident.
Deductible waiver for Rental Vehicles
For an added fee of $2.00/day, Fleet Services will assume the deductible cost in the event of an accident. The election of the waiver option must be selected before the trip
Vehicles & Rates
| Vehicle Types | Daily Rates |
|---|---|
| Sedan | $71.00 |
| Mini-Van (7 Passenger) | $81.00 |
| SUV (8 Passenger) | $81.00 |
| SUV Tahoe | $101.00 |
| Cargo Van | $111.00 |
| 12 Passenger Van | $111.00 |
| 2500 Pick Up Truck 4×4 | $111.00 |
| Low-Speed Vehicle | $101.00 |
exclamationPlease Note
The daily rate does not include fuel costs. A fuel charge will be calculated based on the number of miles driven*
Vehicle Reservation
While Fleet Services will always strive to meet all departmental needs, we highly advise that vehicles be requested as early as possible in advance of the trip. There are two types of vehicle requests; a Reservation Form or a Contracting Grant & Rental Form.
The Vehicle Reservation Form is for all general vehicle rentals and can be utilized by all University departments.
The Contracting Grant & Rental Form is for any reservation funded through a contract or grant. The forms are to be completed and emailed to fleet@ua.edu and the requests must be made by the designated departmental requester. The following information is required on the reservation form to process the request:
- Driver(s) Name
- Department FOAP to be charged (COA, Fund, Org, Program)
- Departure Date & Time/ Return Date & Time
- Destination(s)
- Purpose of Trip (e.g., Conference, Field Trip, Research, etc.)
- Type of Vehicle Requested (Sedan, Minivan, SUV, 12 passenger Van, Cargo)
- Departmental Contact Name & Email (for Accounting/Budget correspondence)
- Approval Signature from Dean/Department Head
- Deductible Waiver Election
Once the request is received and processed, a confirmation email with a reservation number will be sent back to the requester. Fleet Services will keep the completed reservation form on file for the driver at pick-up. The driver is no longer required to bring in an additional form at the time of pickup.
Vehicle Pickup & Hours of Operation
All vehicles will be picked up at the Fleet Services Office, located at 1450 Warrior Drive, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404. Our hours of operation are Monday-Friday 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Cancellations
All cancellations must be made at least 48 hours before the scheduled pick-up time to avoid incurring a late cancellation fee.
Standby Reservations
If a vehicle is not available for the time frame requested, customers have the option of making a standby reservation. This will allow the requester to hold a vehicle that may become available in the event of a cancellation.