What Enterprise Rent a Car is and how to rent from them

Enterprise is a car rental company with locations at airports, in city centers, and in suburban neighborhoods across North America. Unlike some competitors, Enterprise operates many off-airport locations, which means you can often rent a car near your home or workplace rather than driving to an airport first. You reserve a car online, by phone, or in person; show up with a driver's license and payment method; and drive away in a vehicle for the number of days you booked.

The rental process itself is straightforward: you pick your car class (economy, midsize, SUV, truck), agree to the terms, pay a daily rate plus taxes and fees, and sign a rental agreement. Enterprise charges by the day, and you return the car to any Enterprise location — not necessarily the one where you picked it up, though returning to the original location is usually cheaper. The company also offers one-way rentals, meaning you can pick up in one city and drop off in another, though that costs more.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise has locations throughout cities and suburbs, not just at airports, so you may be able to rent near home rather than traveling to an airport.
  • Daily rates vary by location, season, and how far in advance you book, so the same car class costs different amounts on different dates.
  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit or debit card in your name, and proof of insurance before you can rent.
  • Enterprise's damage waiver (called a Loss Damage Waiver) is optional but costs extra; your own auto insurance or credit card may already cover rental cars.
  • Returning the car late incurs hourly charges that can add up quickly, so confirm your return time when you book.

Daily rates, mileage, and what the total cost includes

Enterprise's base daily rate depends on the car class you choose, the location where you rent, the dates you need the car, and how far ahead you book. A compact car in a suburban location might cost $35 to $50 per day, while the same car at an airport location or during peak travel season could run $60 to $100 per day or more. Enterprise does not charge per mile on most rentals — you pay a flat daily rate and can drive as much as you want within the rental period.

The total cost also includes taxes, which vary by state and county. Some locations add a facility charge, airport concession recovery fee, or vehicle license recovery fee on top of the base rate. These fees are shown before you complete your reservation, so you can see the full price before committing. If you add a Loss Damage Waiver, additional driver, GPS unit, or fuel service, those appear as separate line items.

One-way rentals — picking up in one city and dropping off in another — cost significantly more than round-trip rentals at the same location. The difference depends on the distance and direction. Returning the car to a different location than where you picked it up (but still within the same metro area) usually costs less than a true one-way rental across state lines.

Insurance, damage waivers, and what you need to bring

Enterprise requires you to have a valid driver's license and a credit or debit card in your own name. The card is used to authorize the rental and to cover any damage charges if you decline their damage waiver. Enterprise does not require proof of insurance at the time of booking, but you should know whether your own auto insurance covers rental cars before you arrive, because that affects whether you need to buy Enterprise's waiver.

Enterprise's Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is an optional daily charge, usually $15 to $30 per day depending on the car class and location. If you buy it, you are not responsible for damage to the rental car (except for items like glass, tires, or the undercarriage, which may have separate limits). If you decline it, you are responsible for any damage, and Enterprise will charge your credit card for repairs. Your personal auto insurance policy may cover rental cars, or your credit card company may offer rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit — check both before you rent, because buying the waiver when you are already covered is wasted money.

Bring your driver's license, the credit card you used to reserve the car, and your proof of insurance (a policy document or digital copy). Some locations ask for a second form of ID. If you are renting under a corporate account, bring your corporate ID or authorization letter.

How to reserve and what happens on pickup day

You can reserve a car on Enterprise's website, through their mobile app, or by calling 1-800-261-7331. Online and app reservations let you see available cars, compare prices across dates, and lock in a rate when ready. When you book, you choose your car class (not a specific vehicle), your pickup and return dates and times, and your pickup location. Enterprise will show you the total price including taxes and fees before you confirm.

On pickup day, arrive at least 15 minutes before your reserved time. Bring your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance. The agent will verify your information, show you the car, walk you through any existing damage (documented on the rental agreement), explain the fuel policy, and answer questions about the car's features. You then sign the rental agreement and drive away. The entire process usually takes 10 to 20 minutes if the location is not busy.

Enterprise's fuel policy varies by location. Some locations give you a full tank and expect you to return it full; others charge you a per-gallon rate if you return it less than full. Confirm the fuel policy when you pick up the car, because it affects your total cost. If you buy a fuel service (pre-paying for a full tank at a set price), you can return the car with any amount of fuel remaining.

Return procedures and late fees

Return the car to your reserved location by your reserved time. If you return it early, you are not refunded the unused days — you pay only for the days you used. If you return it late, Enterprise charges an hourly rate, typically $15 to $30 per hour depending on the location and car class, up to a maximum daily rate. Returning a car even one hour late can add $15 to $30 to your bill, so confirm your return time when you book and plan to arrive early.

When you return the car, the agent will inspect it for damage, check the mileage and fuel level, and compare the car's condition to the notes from pickup. If there is new damage and you bought the Loss Damage Waiver, there is no charge. If you declined the waiver, Enterprise will estimate the repair cost and charge your credit card. You will receive a final receipt showing the daily rate, taxes, fees, fuel charges (if any), damage charges (if any), and your total cost.

If you dispute a damage charge, contact Enterprise's customer service within a reasonable time — usually within a few days of your rental. Have your rental agreement and photos of the car at pickup and return if you took them. Enterprise will review the claim, but damage charges are often difficult to reverse once the car has been inspected and the rental agreement signed.

Comparing Enterprise to other rental companies

Enterprise competes primarily with Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National. Enterprise's main advantage is its network of neighborhood locations, which makes it convenient for local rentals and one-way trips within a region. Hertz and Avis have strong airport presence and loyalty programs. Budget and National often advertise lower base rates, though their total costs (including fees) sometimes match or exceed Enterprise's.

All major rental companies charge similar daily rates for the same car class on the same date, because they monitor each other's pricing. The real differences are in location convenience, loyalty program benefits, and customer service reputation. If you rent frequently, joining Enterprise Plus (their free loyalty program) earns you points toward free rental days and faster checkout. If you need a car only occasionally, the loyalty program matters less than whether the rental location is convenient and whether the total price fits your budget.

Special situations: Corporate accounts, one-way rentals, and long-term rentals

If your employer has a corporate account with Enterprise, you may get a discounted rate and simplified billing. Ask your company's travel coordinator or administrative assistant for your corporate account number and any discount codes. Corporate rates are often 10 to 20 percent lower than the public rate for the same car and dates, but you must use your corporate account number when booking.

One-way rentals are useful when you are relocating, taking a road trip, or need a car in a different city than where you started. Enterprise charges a one-way fee on top of the daily rate, and the fee depends on the distance and direction. A one-way rental from New York to Boston might cost $50 to $100 extra; a one-way rental across the country could cost $200 or more. Always compare the one-way fee to the cost of a round-trip rental plus a return flight or train ticket, because sometimes round-trip is cheaper.

Long-term rentals (typically 30 days or more) often may have access to for a discounted weekly or monthly rate. If you need a car for a month, booking it as four one-week rentals is usually cheaper than booking 30 individual days. Contact Enterprise directly or use their website to compare pricing for your specific dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car 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 in your name. Some car classes may not be available to drivers under 21. Check the age restrictions when you book, because the fee is added to your total cost.

What happens if I get into an accident?

If you bought the Loss Damage Waiver, you report the accident to Enterprise and they handle the claim with their insurance. If you declined the waiver, you are responsible for the repair cost, and Enterprise will charge your credit card. Either way, contact Enterprise when ready — do not wait until you return the car. Take photos of the damage and get a police report if another vehicle was involved.

Can I modify my reservation after I book?

Yes. You can change your pickup or return date, time, or location through the Enterprise website, app, or by calling 1-800-261-7331. If the new dates have a lower rate, you pay the difference. If the new dates have a higher rate, you pay the increase. Cancellations are usually free if you cancel before your pickup time, but check your confirmation email for the specific cancellation policy for your reservation.

What if the car breaks down during my rental?

Call Enterprise when ready using the number on your rental agreement or the roadside information number provided. Enterprise will arrange a replacement car or towing to the nearest Enterprise location. You are not charged for the breakdown or the replacement car. If you are stranded and need when ready help, call 911 or a roadside information service, then contact Enterprise to report the issue.

Do I need to buy the GPS unit or can I use my phone?

You can use your phone's GPS or a navigation app like Google Maps or Apple Maps at no charge. Enterprise's GPS rental (usually $10 to $15 per day) is optional. Most people use their phone instead, but if your phone does not have a data plan or you prefer a dedicated device, the rental GPS is available.