Enterprise is a rental company with locations in most U.S. cities, but the actual cost and terms depend heavily on where you rent, when you rent, and what type of car you choose

Enterprise operates over 10,000 locations across the United States and Canada, making it one of the largest rental networks by branch count. Unlike some competitors, Enterprise focuses on neighborhood locations rather than airport-only counters, which means you may find a branch closer to home. The company rents economy cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans, with pricing that varies by location and season.

What you pay at Enterprise depends on three main factors: your rental dates, the specific location, and the car class you choose. A compact car in a rural area during winter will cost far less than the same car in a major city during summer travel season. Enterprise also charges separately for insurance, fuel options, and additional driver fees, so the advertised daily rate is not your final bill.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise's daily rates vary by location and season, with airport locations typically costing more than neighborhood branches in the same city.
  • You must be at least 21 years old to rent, but drivers under 25 may pay a daily surcharge that can add $15 to $30 per day to your bill.
  • Enterprise's collision damage waiver (CDW) costs extra and does not cover theft or vandalism, so your personal auto insurance or credit card coverage may be cheaper.
  • The company offers one-way rentals, but returning a car to a different location than where you picked it up typically adds a substantial fee.
  • Enterprise's fuel options include prepaying for a full tank, paying per gallon at return, or bringing the car back empty — each has different cost trade-offs depending on how much you drive.

How Enterprise's Daily Rates Work

Enterprise publishes rates on its website and through third-party booking sites, but the price you see is almost never what you pay. The advertised rate covers the car rental only. Insurance, taxes, location fees, and driver surcharges are added at checkout or at the counter.

Rates change based on demand. A mid-size sedan might cost $35 per day on a Tuesday in February but $85 per day on a Friday in July at the same location. Booking in advance sometimes locks in a lower rate, but Enterprise also offers last-minute deals if a location has excess inventory. Comparing the same dates across different locations can save you money — a branch five miles away might charge half the price of the airport location.

Enterprise's loyalty program, Enterprise Plus, waives some fees for frequent renters and can reduce the daily rate by 10 to 15 percent, but you must enroll before booking to receive the discount. The program is free to join.

Age Requirements and Young Driver Surcharges

You must be at least 21 years old to rent from Enterprise. Drivers aged 21 to 24 pay a daily young driver surcharge that ranges from $15 to $30 per day depending on the location. This fee is mandatory and non-negotiable at most branches, though some locations may waive it for Enterprise Plus members.

Drivers 25 and older do not pay this surcharge. If you are renting for a week and you are 23 years old, that surcharge alone could add $105 to $210 to your total cost. Some competitors charge the same surcharge, while others charge less or none at all, so comparing across rental companies is worth the time if you fall into this age group.

Insurance Options and What They Cover

Enterprise's collision damage waiver (CDW) costs between $15 and $25 per day and covers damage to the rental car from collisions. It does not cover theft, vandalism, or damage from weather or animals. The deductible is typically $1,000, meaning you pay that amount out of pocket before the CDW kicks in.

Before buying Enterprise's CDW, check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card already covers rental cars. Many credit cards (particularly premium cards) include rental car coverage at no extra cost, and many personal auto policies extend to rental vehicles. If you are already covered, paying Enterprise's daily CDW fee is money wasted. If you are not covered and you do not buy CDW, you are liable for the full repair cost if the car is damaged.

Enterprise also offers supplemental liability coverage and personal effects coverage. Supplemental liability covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property; personal effects coverage reimburses you for stolen items from the rental car. These are optional and rarely necessary if your auto insurance is current.

One-Way Rentals and Drop-Off Fees

Enterprise allows one-way rentals, meaning you can pick up a car in one city and return it to a different location. This is useful for one-way trips, but the drop-off fee can be substantial. A one-way rental from New York to Boston might add $150 to $300 to your bill, depending on the car class and how far apart the locations are.

Some locations charge a flat one-way fee, while others charge a percentage of the rental rate. The fee is disclosed before you complete the booking, so you can see the total cost before committing. If you are flexible on your return location, calling Enterprise directly sometimes reveals cheaper drop-off options than the website shows.

Fuel Options and How to Avoid Overpaying

Enterprise offers three fuel options: prepay for a full tank, pay per gallon at return, or return the car empty and pay Enterprise's fuel rate. Understanding the math on each option prevents you from overpaying.

The prepay option charges you for a full tank upfront at a per-gallon rate that is usually higher than local gas prices. If you return the car with a quarter tank still in it, you lose that money. The per-gallon-at-return option charges you only for the fuel you actually used, but at a rate that is typically 50 to 100 percent higher than what you would pay at a gas station. The empty-return option requires you to fill the tank yourself at a gas station before returning the car, which is almost always the cheapest choice if you have time to stop.

For a week-long rental, the difference between these options can be $20 to $50. Calculate your expected fuel use and local gas prices before choosing. If you are renting for a day or two and do not know the area, the prepay option is simpler even if it costs slightly more.

Additional Fees and Charges to Expect

Beyond the daily rate, insurance, and fuel, Enterprise charges for additional drivers (typically $10 to $15 per day per driver), GPS rental ($10 to $15 per day if you do not use your phone), and late return fees (usually $40 to $75 if you return the car after the agreed time). Some locations charge facility fees or local taxes that are not obvious until checkout.

Tolls are your responsibility. If you use a toll road, you either pay the toll yourself at the time or Enterprise charges your credit card later and adds a processing fee. Ask the rental agent whether tolls are common on your planned route and whether you should pay them directly to avoid the processing fee.

Damage to the car beyond normal wear — such as a broken windshield, flat tire, or interior stains — may result in charges even if you bought CDW, because CDW typically covers collision damage only, not maintenance or cleaning. Return the car clean and undamaged to avoid surprises on your credit card statement weeks later.

How Enterprise Compares to Other Rental Companies

Enterprise's main advantage is its location density. If you need to rent in a small town or suburban area, Enterprise often has a branch when Hertz, Avis, or Budget do not. The trade-off is that neighborhood locations sometimes have higher daily rates than airport locations at larger competitors.

Enterprise's young driver surcharge is standard across the industry, but some companies charge less. Hertz and Budget sometimes offer lower daily rates in major cities, while Enterprise's rates are often competitive in mid-sized markets. The best approach is to check the same dates and location across at least two companies before booking.

Enterprise's customer service reputation is mixed. The company has faced complaints about unclear fees and damage disputes, but these issues are common across all rental companies. Reading recent reviews for the specific location where you plan to rent gives you a better sense of that branch's practices than relying on company-wide ratings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car from Enterprise without a credit card?

Most Enterprise locations require a credit card for the security deposit, which is typically $200 to $500. Some branches may accept a debit card with additional verification, but this varies by location. Call the specific branch where you plan to rent to ask about their debit card policy before you arrive.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late return fees typically start after a grace period of 30 minutes to an hour and range from $40 to $75 per day depending on the location. If you are running late, call the rental location as soon as possible — some branches may waive the fee if you notify them in advance, though this is not may provide.

Does Enterprise charge a fee if I pick up and return the car on the same day?

No, same-day rentals are charged at the daily rate with no additional same-day fee. However, the daily rate for a one-day rental is often higher than the average daily rate for a week-long rental, so a short rental can be expensive per day.

Can I modify or cancel my Enterprise reservation?

You can modify or cancel online or by calling the location directly. Cancellations made at least 24 hours before your pickup time are usually free, but cancellations within 24 hours may incur a fee. Modifications to dates or car type are generally free if made before pickup.

What should I do if Enterprise charges me for damage I did not cause?

Document the damage with photos before you leave the lot and ask the agent to note any pre-existing damage on your rental agreement. If you are charged later, contact Enterprise's customer service with your photos and the rental agreement. Disputes can take weeks to resolve, so keeping detailed records is essential.