What Enterprise Rent a Car is and how the rental process works
Enterprise is a car rental company with locations at airports, in city centres, and in suburban areas across North America and Europe. Unlike some rental companies that operate only at airports, Enterprise runs neighbourhood branches, which means you can often pick up and drop off a car near your home or workplace rather than driving to an airport terminal.
When you rent from Enterprise, you reserve a vehicle online, by phone, or in person, then show up on your rental date with a valid driver's licence, proof of insurance, and a payment method. The rental agent checks your licence, reviews the vehicle's condition with you (documenting any existing damage), and hands over the keys. You return the car on your agreed date and time, and the agent inspects it again before charging your card. The entire process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes at pickup and 10 to 15 minutes at return.
Enterprise charges a daily rate that varies by vehicle type, location, and season. You also pay for fuel (either by returning the car with a full tank or by pre-paying for a tank at pickup), and you may be charged for optional add-ons like additional drivers, GPS, or roadside information. Damage to the vehicle beyond normal wear is your responsibility unless you purchase damage coverage at rental time.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise has neighbourhood locations as well as airport branches, so you can often rent and return near your home instead of at a terminal.
- You need a valid driver's licence, proof of insurance, and a payment method at pickup; the rental agent will document the car's condition before you leave the lot.
- Daily rates vary by vehicle size, location, and how far in advance you book, and you pay separately for fuel and optional services like GPS or extra drivers.
- Damage to the rental car is your financial responsibility unless you purchase a damage waiver or decline coverage and use your own insurance.
- Enterprise's cancellation policy typically allows free cancellation up to the rental date, but check your confirmation email for the specific terms of your reservation.
Understanding daily rates and what they include
Enterprise's daily rate covers the vehicle itself and basic insurance liability (the minimum required by law in your state or province). The rate does not include fuel, tolls, parking fees, or damage to the car. Rates change based on demand: renting during peak travel season or on short notice costs more than booking weeks ahead during a quiet period. A compact car might cost £30 to £50 per day in an off-peak week but £80 to £120 during summer holidays or a major event.
When you book online, Enterprise shows you the total price upfront, including taxes and any loyalty discounts if you are a member of their rewards program. However, additional charges can appear at return time if you bring the car back late, if you return it with less than a full tank of fuel, or if damage is discovered during the return inspection. Read the terms on your confirmation email before pickup day so you understand what happens if you need to extend the rental or return the car early.
Fuel, damage, and insurance options at pickup
Enterprise offers two fuel options: you can return the car with a full tank (and pay for whatever fuel you used), or you can pre-pay for a full tank at pickup and return it empty or partially full. Pre-paying is usually more expensive per litre than filling up yourself at a petrol station, but it removes the risk of being charged a premium rate if you return the car on empty. Choose based on your trip: if you are renting for a day or two in the city, returning with fuel is often cheaper; if you are driving long distances, pre-paying may be simpler.
Damage coverage is optional and works differently depending on your own insurance. If your personal car insurance or credit card covers rental cars, you may not need Enterprise's damage waiver. If you decline their coverage and damage occurs, your own insurer pays (up to your deductible), and you are responsible for any amount above that. If you have no coverage, Enterprise's damage waiver protects you from paying for dents, scratches, glass damage, or theft—but it costs £10 to £20 per day and comes with a deductible (usually £500 to £1,500). Ask your insurer or credit card company what they cover before you rent, because buying duplicate coverage wastes money.
Age requirements and driver restrictions
Enterprise rents to drivers aged 21 and over in most of North America. Drivers under 25 may face an additional daily surcharge (typically £15 to £25 per day) and may not be able to rent certain vehicle types, such as premium or sports cars. Some locations have different age policies, so check when you book. You must have held your licence for at least one year in most cases, and your licence must be valid and not suspended or revoked.
If you want to add another driver to the rental, tell Enterprise at pickup. Additional drivers must meet the same age and licence requirements and must be present to sign the rental agreement. Some locations charge a small fee (£5 to £10) per additional driver, while others do not. If someone not listed on the agreement drives the car and is in an accident, the rental agreement may be void and you could be personally liable for all damage and injuries.
Picking up and returning your rental car
Arrive at your pickup location with your driver's licence, proof of insurance, and a valid payment method (credit or debit card). The agent will ask for your contact details, confirm your reservation, and show you the vehicle. Walk around the car together and point out any existing damage—dents, scratches, missing hubcaps, interior stains—so it is documented on the rental agreement. Take photos with your phone if you want a personal record. Do not sign the agreement until you are satisfied that all damage is noted.
At return time, drive the car to the agreed location by the agreed time. Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate, depending on how late you are. The agent will inspect the vehicle for new damage, check the fuel level, and review the mileage. If damage is found, the agent will photograph it and explain the charges. You will receive a receipt showing the total amount charged to your card. Keep this receipt and any photos you took at pickup in case a damage charge appears on your statement weeks later and you need to dispute it.
What to do if the rental car breaks down or you have an accident
Enterprise provides a roadside information number on your rental agreement and on the key tag. If the car breaks down, call that number when ready. Do not attempt to repair it yourself. Enterprise will arrange a tow truck or send a replacement vehicle to you, depending on the problem and your location. If you are stranded far from a service centre, they may arrange a hotel or transportation home.
If you are in an accident, call the police (in most places, police attendance is required for any accident involving injury or significant damage), then call Enterprise's claims line. Do not admit fault or sign anything except the police report. Take photos of the damage, get the other driver's insurance details and contact information, and collect the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Report the accident to Enterprise as soon as possible. If you purchased their damage waiver, they will handle the claim; if you declined it, your own insurance will handle it and you will pay your deductible.
Cancellation, changes, and loyalty programs
Enterprise typically allows free cancellation up to the rental date, though some promotional rates may have restrictions. If you need to cancel, log into your online account or call the location where you booked. Cancelling early does not earn you a refund or credit; it straightforward removes the reservation. If you need to change your rental dates or vehicle type, you can often modify your reservation online or by phone, though you may be charged a different rate if prices have changed.
Enterprise Plus is their free loyalty program. Members earn points on every rental, which can be redeemed for free rental days or upgrades. You can join online or at any location, and membership is when ready. If you rent regularly for work or travel, joining takes two minutes and saves money over time. Some corporate accounts also negotiate discounted rates with Enterprise, so ask your employer whether they have a contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car if I have a provisional or learner's licence?
No. Enterprise requires a full, valid driving licence. Provisional or learner's licences are not accepted. You must also have held a full licence for at least one year in most cases.
What happens if I return the car late?
Late returns are charged at your daily rate or a higher hourly rate, depending on how late you are and the location's policy. A car returned one hour late might be charged as a half-day or full day. Check your confirmation email for the specific late-return policy at your location.
Do I have to buy Enterprise's damage waiver?
No, it is optional. Before you rent, contact your car insurance company or credit card issuer to ask whether they cover rental cars. If they do, you do not need Enterprise's waiver. If you have no coverage and decline the waiver, you are personally liable for all damage.
Can I drive the rental car across a border or to another country?
Enterprise allows cross-border travel within North America (Canada and Mexico) on most rentals, but you must declare it at pickup and may need additional insurance. International travel to Europe or beyond requires special permission and is not available on all vehicles. Ask when you book whether your planned route is allowed.
What if I get a parking ticket or speeding fine while driving the rental?
You are responsible for all traffic violations and parking tickets incurred during your rental. Enterprise will provide your details to the issuing authority if you do not pay, and the fine may appear on your rental bill. Pay any tickets promptly to avoid additional fees.