What Enterprise Rent-A-Car is and how it operates

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a rental company with locations at airports, in city centres, and in suburban neighbourhoods across the UK and Europe. Unlike some competitors that focus mainly on airport counters, Enterprise runs neighbourhood branches where you can pick up and return a car without travelling to an airport. You reserve a vehicle online, by phone, or in person, and pay by the day, week, or longer periods.

The company maintains its own fleet of vehicles rather than acting as a broker. This means the cars you see available are actually owned and maintained by Enterprise. When you rent, you're responsible for the vehicle during the rental period — you pay for fuel, any damage beyond normal wear, and any traffic or parking violations that occur while the car is in your name.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise has neighbourhood locations as well as airport branches, so you can often pick up a car closer to home than with airport-only rental companies.
  • You must be at least 21 years old to rent, hold a valid driving licence, and provide a debit or credit card at the counter — the card is not charged upfront but is used to authorise a hold for potential damage or fuel costs.
  • The quoted daily rate usually covers the vehicle and basic insurance, but additional charges explore for extra drivers, young driver fees (under 25), GPS systems, and fuel if you don't return the car full.
  • Damage to the vehicle is your financial responsibility unless you decline the damage waiver and Enterprise cannot prove you caused the damage — read the rental agreement carefully before signing.
  • You can cancel or modify a reservation online up to a certain point before pickup, but cancellation policies vary depending on the rate type you booked.

Age requirements and what you need to bring

You must be at least 21 years old to rent from Enterprise. If you are between 21 and 24, you will pay a young driver surcharge — this fee varies by location and vehicle type but is typically £15 to £25 per day. Drivers aged 25 and over do not pay this surcharge.

Bring your valid UK driving licence or an International Driving Permit if you hold a non-UK licence. Enterprise will check that your licence is not suspended and that you have held it for at least one year. You will also need a debit or credit card in your name — Enterprise uses this to place a hold (not an when ready charge) to cover potential damage costs or fuel shortfall. The hold is released when you return the vehicle in good condition with a full tank.

If you are renting under a company account or business arrangement, bring any corporate paperwork or authorisation letters that your employer requires. Personal renters do not need these documents.

How the rental rate is calculated and what's included

The daily rate you see quoted online includes the vehicle rental and, in most cases, basic collision damage waiver coverage. This means if the car is damaged in an accident, you pay a fixed excess (often £500 to £1,000) rather than the full repair cost — provided you report the damage to Enterprise and follow their claims process. The rate does not include fuel; you are responsible for filling the tank before you return the car.

Additional charges are added at the counter or appear in your final bill. These include a young driver fee if you are under 25, a charge for each additional driver (usually £10 to £15 per person), GPS rental if you don't use your own phone navigation, and child seat rental if you need one. Some locations charge a facility fee or airport surcharge if you pick up at an airport rather than a neighbourhood branch.

If you return the car with less than a full tank, Enterprise charges a refuelling fee plus the cost of the fuel itself — this is typically more expensive than filling the tank yourself. If you return the car late, you are charged for the extra hours or days at the daily rate, not a prorated hourly rate.

Insurance options and damage responsibility

Enterprise's basic rate includes a collision damage waiver, which means you pay only an excess if the car is damaged in an accident. However, you are still responsible for damage caused by your own negligence — for example, hitting a pothole and damaging the suspension, or scraping the side of the car in a tight car park. You are also liable for theft, vandalism, and damage to the windscreen or tyres unless you purchase additional coverage.

You can purchase a damage waiver upgrade (sometimes called a loss damage waiver or LDW) that reduces or eliminates your excess. This typically costs £10 to £20 per day and is optional. If you decline all additional coverage and damage occurs, you pay the full repair cost. Enterprise will photograph the car at pickup and return, so document any existing damage on the rental agreement before you drive away.

Your personal car insurance or credit card may cover rental car damage if you decline Enterprise's coverage. Check your policy or card benefits before you rent — some policies exclude rental vehicles, and others have limits. If your coverage applies, you still pay Enterprise upfront and then claim reimbursement from your insurer.

Reservation, pickup, and return procedures

You can reserve a car online at Enterprise's website, by phone, or by visiting a branch in person. Online reservations let you compare vehicle types and prices, and you can often lock in a rate. When you book, you choose your pickup location, date, and time, and your return location and date. If you pick up and return at different locations, you may pay a one-way fee.

At pickup, arrive during the branch's opening hours — Enterprise does not offer 24-hour self-service pickup at most neighbourhood locations, though some airport branches do. You will show your driving licence and credit card, sign the rental agreement, and inspect the vehicle with a staff member. Take photos of any existing damage and make sure the agreement reflects what you see. You will receive the car keys, a fuel card (if applicable), and documentation showing your rental terms.

When you return the car, bring it to the same location or your chosen alternate location during opening hours. The car must be clean, undamaged, and have a full tank of fuel. A staff member will inspect it, photograph it, and process your return. If damage is found, Enterprise will explain the charge and add it to your final bill. You will receive a receipt and your credit card hold will be released within a few business days.

Cancellation and modification of reservations

You can cancel or modify a reservation through Enterprise's website, by phone, or in person at a branch. The cancellation policy depends on the rate type you booked. Standard rates usually allow free cancellation up to 24 hours before pickup; discounted or prepaid rates may have stricter terms. If you cancel a prepaid reservation, you may receive a credit toward a future rental rather than a cash refund.

If you need to extend your rental after pickup, contact Enterprise as soon as possible. Extensions are subject to availability and may be charged at a different rate than your original booking. It is usually cheaper to extend before your return date than to return the car late and pay late fees.

What happens if the car breaks down or you have an accident

If the car breaks down during your rental, stop driving it and call Enterprise's roadside information number — this is provided in your rental documents. Enterprise will arrange a repair, a replacement vehicle, or a tow to the nearest branch. You are not responsible for the breakdown cost; Enterprise covers this as part of the rental.

If you are in an accident, stop at a safe location, turn on your hazard lights, and call the police if anyone is injured or if there is significant damage. Take photos of the damage, the other vehicle, the scene, and any visible injuries. Get the other driver's name, phone number, address, insurance details, and vehicle registration. Call Enterprise when ready and report the accident — do not admit fault or sign anything except police documents. Enterprise will guide you through the claims process and may arrange a replacement vehicle while yours is repaired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I have points on my driving licence?

Enterprise will rent to you if you have points, but the company reviews your driving record at the counter. If you have more than six points or a recent conviction for dangerous driving, Enterprise may refuse the rental or charge a higher rate. Disqualifications or suspensions will result in a refusal. Check your licence before you book.

What if I need to pick up the car outside branch opening hours?

Most Enterprise neighbourhood branches are open during standard business hours, typically 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays and shorter hours on weekends. Some airport locations offer 24-hour pickup via a self-service kiosk, but you must have booked in advance and have a valid credit card. If your branch does not offer after-hours service, you will need to book a different pickup time or location.

Am I charged if I return the car with a full tank but it's not completely full?

Enterprise measures the fuel level at return using the car's fuel gauge. If the gauge shows less than full, you will be charged for the missing fuel plus a refuelling fee. To avoid this, fill the tank at a petrol station close to the branch just before you return the car, so the gauge reads full when you hand over the keys.

Can I add another driver after I've already picked up the car?

You can contact Enterprise and request to add a driver, but you must do this before the additional driver operates the vehicle. The new driver must meet the age and licence requirements, and Enterprise will add a charge to your bill. It is cheaper to add all drivers at pickup rather than later.

What if I'm charged for damage I didn't cause?

Review your rental agreement and the damage photos taken at pickup and return. If you believe a charge is incorrect, contact Enterprise's customer service with photos or evidence showing the damage was pre-existing or not your responsibility. Enterprise will investigate, but you may need to dispute the charge through your credit card company if the company does not reverse it.