What Enterprise offers and how it differs from other rental companies

Enterprise is a rental company owned by the same parent company as National and Alamo, but it operates as a separate brand with its own pricing, locations, and customer experience. The main difference you'll notice: Enterprise has far more neighborhood locations than airport-only competitors. Most Enterprise branches sit in regular commercial areas rather than airport terminals, which means you can often rent a car closer to home and avoid airport surcharges.

Enterprise's fleet is typically newer mid-size and economy cars — sedans, SUVs, and crossovers — rather than luxury vehicles or specialty trucks. Prices tend to fall in the middle range: cheaper than premium brands like Hertz or Avis at major airports, but not the rock-bottom rates you might find from budget-focused online brokers on a specific date. The company also runs a separate Enterprise Plus program for frequent renters, which waives some fees and offers faster checkout.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise has thousands of neighborhood locations, so you can often rent without going to an airport and avoid airport rental taxes and surcharges.
  • You'll need a valid driver's license, a major credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your own policy or Enterprise's coverage) before you can pick up a car.
  • The quoted daily rate does not include taxes, airport fees, or optional add-ons like extra driver coverage or damage waiver, so your final bill will be higher than the advertised price.
  • Enterprise's damage policy holds you responsible for any harm to the car unless you purchase their damage waiver, which costs extra and has a deductible.
  • Returning the car late triggers per-day overage charges that can exceed your daily rental rate, so confirm your return time when you book.

What you need to bring and have ready before you arrive

Enterprise requires three things at pickup: a valid driver's license, a major credit card in your own name, and proof of insurance. Your proof of insurance can be your personal auto policy (bring the card or a printout showing your name, policy number, and coverage limits), your credit card's rental car coverage if it includes it, or Enterprise's own damage waiver that you purchase at the counter. If you're under 25, Enterprise charges an additional daily fee — the amount varies by location and car type, but expect $15 to $30 per day.

Bring your reservation confirmation (email or printed), though Enterprise can look it up by name and phone number. If you're paying with a debit card instead of a credit card, call ahead — some locations allow it, but many require a credit card, and policies vary. If a second person will drive the car, that person must be present at pickup with their own valid license; adding a driver after you've already rented costs extra.

How pricing works and what gets added to your quote

The daily rate you see online or quoted over the phone does not include taxes, location fees, or optional coverage. Most Enterprise locations charge a local rental tax that ranges from 5% to 15% depending on your state and city. If you rent from an airport location, you'll also pay an airport concession recovery fee — typically 10% to 12% of the rental cost — plus any state or local airport taxes, which can add 20% or more to your bill.

Optional add-ons that appear at checkout include a damage waiver (also called a loss damage waiver or LDW), which costs roughly $15 to $25 per day and reduces your out-of-pocket responsibility if the car is damaged. Without it, you're liable for the full repair cost. Enterprise also offers additional liability coverage if your personal insurance doesn't cover rental cars, and roadside information packages. None of these are included in the base rate.

If you book through a third-party site like Kayak or Autoslash, the quoted price may or may not include taxes — read the fine print. Booking directly through Enterprise.com usually shows taxes upfront, but always confirm the final total before you complete the reservation.

Understanding Enterprise's damage policy and insurance requirements

When you rent from Enterprise, you are responsible for any damage to the car — dents, scratches, broken windows, mechanical problems caused by misuse — unless you purchase their damage waiver at pickup. If you decline the waiver and the car is damaged, Enterprise will bill your credit card for repairs. The bill can range from a few hundred dollars for minor damage to thousands for major accidents.

Your own auto insurance may cover rental cars, but you need to verify this before you rent. Call your insurance company and ask whether your policy covers rental vehicles, what the deductible is, and whether it applies to damage you cause or only to theft and collision. If your policy does not cover rentals, you have two options: purchase Enterprise's damage waiver, or use a credit card that includes rental car coverage. Many premium credit cards (American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture) include rental car damage coverage at no extra cost, but the coverage has limits and exclusions — read your card's benefits guide or call the card issuer to confirm.

Enterprise's damage waiver typically costs $15 to $25 per day and comes with a deductible of $500 to $1,500, meaning you still pay that amount out of pocket if damage occurs. Some locations offer a zero-deductible option for a higher daily fee.

How to book and what happens at pickup

You can book through Enterprise.com, by phone at 1-800-RENT-A-CAR, or through third-party booking sites. Booking directly through Enterprise usually gives you the best visibility into the final price, since the site shows taxes and fees before you confirm. When you book, you'll select your pickup location, dates, times, and car type (economy, mid-size, SUV, etc.). Enterprise does not may provide a specific model — you get a car in the category you booked, but the exact make and model may vary.

At pickup, arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. The agent will check your license, verify your insurance, show you the car's condition, and walk you through the rental agreement. This is when you'll decide whether to purchase the damage waiver or additional coverage. The agent will also explain the fuel policy: most Enterprise rentals require you to return the car with a full tank, or you'll be charged for fuel at a premium rate. Take photos of the car's exterior and interior before you leave the lot, especially any existing damage, and keep those photos until you return the car.

Return policies and late fees

You must return the car by the time and date specified in your reservation. If you return it late, Enterprise charges an overage fee for each day or partial day you keep it. The overage rate is often the same as your daily rental rate, but can be higher depending on demand and location. A one-hour delay might cost you a full day's rental charge, so if you're running late, call the location and ask whether you can extend your reservation — that's usually cheaper than paying overage fees.

Return the car with a full tank of fuel (or whatever fuel level was specified in your agreement). If you return it with less fuel, Enterprise will refill it and charge you a premium per gallon — typically 50% to 100% more than the local gas station price. Return the car to the same location where you picked it up unless you've arranged a one-way rental to a different city, which costs extra.

When you return the car, the agent will inspect it for damage, check the fuel level, and confirm the mileage. You'll receive a receipt showing the final charges. If damage is found after you leave, Enterprise may contact you weeks later with a bill, so keep your rental agreement and your photos for at least 30 days.

Enterprise Plus membership and frequent renter benefits

Enterprise Plus is a free loyalty program that waives the customer facility charge (a fee some locations add to each rental), offers faster checkout, and sometimes provides discounted rates. You can join at any Enterprise location or online. The program doesn't cost anything to join, but you do need to provide your email address and phone number. If you rent from Enterprise more than a few times per year, joining takes less than a minute and can save you money on facility fees alone.

Enterprise Plus members also get a dedicated phone line for reservations and can skip some of the paperwork at pickup if they've rented before. The discounts and benefits vary by location and membership tier, so check your account online or ask at pickup what benefits explore to your reservation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent an Enterprise car if I'm under 25?

Yes, but Enterprise charges an additional daily fee for drivers under 25, typically $15 to $30 per day depending on your age and location. You still need a valid driver's license and a credit card. Some locations may have a minimum age of 18, while others require 21; call your local Enterprise branch to confirm their policy.

What happens if I get in an accident with the rental car?

Call Enterprise when ready and report the accident. If you purchased their damage waiver, your out-of-pocket cost is limited to the deductible (usually $500 to $1,500). If you didn't purchase the waiver, you're responsible for the full repair cost unless your personal insurance or credit card coverage applies. Take photos, get the other driver's information, and file a police report if there are injuries or significant damage.

Can I extend my rental if I need the car longer?

Yes. Call your Enterprise location or log into your reservation online to extend the rental dates. Extending in advance is usually cheaper than paying late fees, and it guarantees the car will be held for you. If you can't reach the location before your return time, call 1-800-RENT-A-CAR to extend by phone.

What's the difference between Enterprise, National, and Alamo?

All three are owned by the same parent company but operate as separate brands. Enterprise focuses on neighborhood locations and mid-range pricing. National targets frequent business travelers with premium perks and airport locations. Alamo is positioned as a budget option. Prices and policies differ between the three, so compare quotes before booking.

Do I have to buy Enterprise's damage waiver if I have my own car insurance?

No, if your personal auto insurance covers rental cars. Call your insurance company before you rent and confirm that rental vehicles are covered, what the deductible is, and whether the coverage applies to damage you cause. If your policy covers rentals, you can decline Enterprise's waiver and rely on your own insurance instead.