What Enterprise Rent-a-Car is and how to rent from them
Enterprise Rent-a-Car is a car rental company with locations at airports, in city centers, and in suburban neighborhoods across the United States and Canada. Unlike some rental companies that operate only at airports, Enterprise has branches in regular commercial areas, which often means shorter wait times and sometimes lower rates than airport locations.
To rent a car from Enterprise, you need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (either your own policy or Enterprise's coverage). You can reserve a car online, by phone, or by walking into a location. When you arrive to pick up your car, the agent will verify your license, run a credit check, and review the rental agreement with you before handing over the keys.
Enterprise operates on a daily, weekly, or monthly rental basis. You pick up the car at one location and can return it to the same location or, depending on the branch, to a different one. The company charges by the day, and rates vary based on car type, location, season, and how far in advance you book.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise has neighborhood locations in addition to airport branches, so you may find a closer pickup point than other major rental companies.
- You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card, and proof of insurance before you can rent, and the company will run a credit check at pickup.
- Daily rates vary widely by location and season, so comparing prices online before you book can save you money.
- Enterprise charges for gas, damage, late returns, and additional drivers, so read the rental agreement carefully before signing.
- If you have roadside trouble during your rental, Enterprise provides 24-hour roadside support through their customer service line.
What documents and information you need to bring
Bring your valid driver's license — Enterprise will not rent to you without one, and it must not be expired. If your license is from outside the United States, bring your passport or travel visa as well. The company also requires a credit card in your own name; debit cards are not accepted for the security deposit, though some locations may allow them as a secondary payment method.
You will need proof of insurance. This can be your own auto insurance policy (bring the card or a printed declaration page), or you can purchase coverage from Enterprise at the time of rental. If you use your own insurance, check your policy first — some policies do not cover rental cars, and some require you to pay the deductible if there is damage. Enterprise's coverage options range from basic liability to full collision and comprehensive protection.
Bring any reservation confirmation number or email if you booked online. This speeds up the check-in process. If you are renting under a corporate account or with a discount code, bring that information as well.
How pricing works and what costs to expect beyond the daily rate
Enterprise's daily rate depends on the car class (economy, midsize, SUV, truck), the rental location, the time of year, and how far ahead you book. Rates are typically lower in off-season months and higher during summer and holidays. Booking a week in advance usually costs less than booking the day before.
The daily rate does not include gas. You can return the car with a full tank and pay nothing extra, return it partially full and pay Enterprise's per-gallon rate (which is usually higher than local gas stations), or prepay for a full tank at pickup and return it empty. Most renters find it cheaper to fill the tank themselves before returning the car.
Additional costs include damage to the car (whether you have coverage or not, you may owe a deductible), late returns (charged at a daily rate, sometimes higher than the original rate), additional drivers (usually $10 to $15 per day), and tolls or parking tickets incurred during the rental. Some locations charge a fee if you return the car to a different branch than where you picked it up.
Insurance and damage coverage options
Enterprise offers several coverage options at the time of rental. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) covers damage to the rental car from an accident, minus a deductible (usually $0 to $1,000 depending on what you choose). Liability coverage covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. Comprehensive coverage covers theft, vandalism, weather, and other non-collision damage.
Before you buy Enterprise's coverage, check your own auto insurance policy. Many personal policies cover rental cars at the same level as your own vehicle, which may be cheaper than buying coverage from Enterprise. If your policy does cover rentals, bring proof of that coverage to avoid paying twice. Credit card companies sometimes offer rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit — check your card's terms before you rent.
If you decline all coverage and damage occurs, you will owe the full repair cost. Enterprise will document the damage with photos and send you an invoice. Disputing damage charges is possible if you believe the damage was pre-existing or not your fault, but you will need evidence (photos you took at pickup, witness statements, or a police report if another vehicle was involved).
Pickup and return procedures
When you arrive at the Enterprise location for pickup, check in at the counter with your license and credit card. The agent will review the rental agreement, which includes the daily rate, mileage policy (most Enterprise rentals are unlimited mileage), insurance choices, and your responsibility for damage and late returns. Read this agreement before signing — this is where you find out about extra charges and what happens if you return the car late.
Before you drive away, walk around the car with the agent and point out any existing damage — dents, scratches, stains, or mechanical issues. The agent will note these on the agreement. Take photos or video of the car's condition yourself as well, in case there is a dispute later. Check that the gas tank is full, the spare tire is present, and all equipment (jack, jumper cables) is in the trunk.
At return, drive the car to the same location or the designated return location. If you are returning after hours, Enterprise has after-hours drop-off procedures — the agent will explain where to park and how to leave the keys. The company will inspect the car for damage and charge you if repairs are needed. If you prepaid for a full tank, return the car with a full tank. If you did not prepay, fill it yourself before returning to avoid Enterprise's per-gallon rate.
What to do if you have a problem during the rental
If the rental car breaks down or you have a mechanical problem, call Enterprise's 24-hour roadside support number (provided in your rental agreement). They will dispatch a tow truck or send a replacement vehicle to you. You are not responsible for the cost of roadside service — Enterprise covers it.
If you are in an accident, call the police and get a report number. Then call Enterprise's claims line (also in your agreement) to report the damage. Do not admit fault or sign anything at the scene except the police report. Take photos of all damage, get the other driver's insurance information, and keep all receipts and documentation.
If you need to extend your rental, call the location where you rented the car as soon as possible. They will adjust your agreement and charge you for the extra days. Returning a car late without notifying Enterprise may result in additional charges beyond the extended rental rate.
How Enterprise's one-way rentals and location transfers work
Enterprise allows one-way rentals at many locations, meaning you can pick up a car in one city and return it in another. One-way rentals usually cost more than round-trip rentals because the company has to move the car back. The price difference depends on the distance between locations and the car type.
Not all Enterprise locations participate in one-way rentals, and availability varies by car class. When you search for a rental online or call, specify your pickup and return locations — the system will show you whether one-way is available and what the cost is. Some locations are connected by a shuttle service, which may offer lower one-way fees than distant locations.
If you need to change your return location after you have picked up the car, call the original location when ready. They may be able to arrange a transfer to a different branch, but this often incurs an additional fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car from Enterprise if I am under 25?
Yes, but Enterprise charges an underage driver fee (usually $15 to $25 per day) for drivers under 25. You still need a valid driver's license and a credit card. Some car classes may not be available to underage drivers, and insurance requirements may be stricter.
What happens if I return the car late?
Enterprise charges a late fee, usually calculated as a full day's rental rate for each day (or partial day) the car is overdue. If you are more than a few hours late, you may be charged for an extra full day. Call the location as soon as you realize you will be late — sometimes they can adjust the agreement if you notify them in advance.
Can I add another driver to my rental after I pick up the car?
Yes, but you will need to return to an Enterprise location with that person's driver's license and pay the additional driver fee. You cannot add a driver remotely. Plan ahead and add all drivers at pickup if possible.
Does Enterprise charge for mileage?
No, most Enterprise rentals include unlimited mileage. However, some specialty rentals or long-term rentals may have mileage limits — check your agreement at pickup.
What if the car has a mechanical problem and I need a replacement?
Call Enterprise's roadside support line when ready. They will arrange a replacement vehicle or tow service at no cost to you. You are not responsible for the mechanical failure, and the company will not charge you extra for the replacement.