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

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a car rental company with locations at airports, in city centers, and in suburban areas across the United States and Canada. You can rent a car by visiting a location in person, calling their reservation line, or booking online through their website. Enterprise rents economy cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans by the day, week, or longer periods.

To rent a car from Enterprise, you need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (either your own policy or Enterprise's coverage). The rental agreement you sign at pickup spells out the daily rate, mileage terms, fuel policy, and damage liability. Most rentals are for 24-hour periods, though some locations offer hourly rentals through their Hourly service.

Enterprise operates differently from airport-based rental counters: many of their locations are off-airport, which can mean lower daily rates but requires you to arrange your own transportation to the lot. Some airports do have Enterprise counters, but you may find better pricing by renting from a nearby off-airport location.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise requires a valid driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance at the time of rental, whether your own policy or theirs.
  • Daily rates vary by location, vehicle type, and season, so the same car costs different amounts in different cities and at different times of year.
  • You can book online, by phone, or in person, and cancellations made 24 hours before pickup usually have no penalty.
  • Enterprise's damage waiver (called a Loss Damage Waiver) is optional but covers collision and theft if you decline your own insurance's coverage.
  • Fuel policies vary: some rentals require you to return the car full, while others charge a per-gallon rate if you return it empty.

How pricing works and what affects your daily rate

Enterprise's daily rental rate depends on the vehicle class you choose, the location where you rent, the dates you need the car, and current demand. 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 publishes rates online, and you can see the exact price before you commit to a reservation.

Weekly and monthly rentals often cost less per day than daily rates. If you need a car for seven days, the weekly rate may be lower than seven times the daily rate. Monthly rentals offer even steeper per-day discounts. Enterprise also runs promotions tied to credit cards, membership programs, and corporate accounts, so the price you see as a walk-in customer may not be the lowest available.

The final bill includes the base rental rate, taxes, and any add-ons you choose: roadside information, GPS, additional drivers, child seats, or damage waivers. Fuel charges appear on your bill if you return the car with less fuel than you picked it up with. Some locations charge a convenience fee if you return the car after hours.

Insurance, damage waivers, and what you're responsible for

Enterprise requires proof that you have collision and liability coverage before you drive off the lot. This can come from your own auto insurance policy, a credit card's rental car coverage, or Enterprise's own Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). If you decline all three, Enterprise will not rent to you.

Your personal auto insurance may already cover rental cars, so check your policy before you rent. Many credit cards (especially premium travel cards) include rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit. If your policy or card covers rentals, you do not need to buy Enterprise's damage waiver. If you have no coverage, Enterprise's LDW costs extra per day and covers collision damage and theft.

You are responsible for damage beyond normal wear and tear, even with a damage waiver in place. Damage from misuse, off-road driving, or violation of the rental agreement may not be covered. Enterprise inspects the car at pickup and return; document any existing damage in writing at pickup so you are not charged for it later.

Fuel policies and what happens if you return the car empty

Enterprise offers two fuel options at most locations. The first is a full-to-full policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. If you return it empty, you pay Enterprise's per-gallon rate, which is typically higher than gas station prices. The second option is a pre-purchase plan: you pay for a full tank upfront when you rent, and you can return the car with any amount of fuel left without additional charges.

The pre-purchase option is usually better if you will drive the car hard or cannot easily refuel before returning it. The full-to-full option is better if you will drive short distances and can refuel near the rental location before drop-off. Enterprise's website shows which option applies to your reservation, and you can change it before pickup.

If you return the car with less fuel than you picked it up with and did not pre-purchase, Enterprise charges you for the missing fuel at their per-gallon rate. This rate is set by Enterprise and is not negotiable, so refueling yourself before return is almost always cheaper.

Booking, cancellation, and what to bring to pickup

You can book a rental online at Enterprise.com, by calling 1-800-RENT-A-CAR, or by walking into a location. Online booking is fastest and shows you the exact rate before you reserve. You can cancel most reservations for free if you do so at least 24 hours before your pickup time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before pickup may incur a fee, depending on the location and rate type.

At pickup, bring your driver's license, the credit card you used to book (or another valid credit card), and proof of insurance. Enterprise will run your driver's license through their system to check for violations and accidents. If you have a poor driving record or are under 25, some locations may decline to rent to you or charge a young driver fee.

Enterprise will ask you to inspect the car and note any damage on the rental agreement before you drive away. Take photos of the car's exterior and interior if you can, and point out any scratches, dents, or stains to the agent. This protects you if Enterprise tries to charge you for damage you did not cause.

Drop-off, late returns, and additional charges

You must return the car by the time and date specified in your rental agreement. If you return it late, Enterprise charges an additional daily rate for each 24-hour period (or partial period) past the due time. A car due at 5 p.m. that you return at 6 p.m. may be charged a full extra day, depending on the location's policy.

Most Enterprise locations are open during business hours, typically 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and shorter hours on weekends. If you cannot return the car during these hours, ask about after-hours drop-off options when you book. Some locations have unmanned drop-off areas where you can leave the car and keys in a find box, but you will still be charged if the car is returned late.

If you lose the keys or damage them, Enterprise charges a replacement fee. If you lock the keys in the car, Enterprise can unlock it, but you will be charged for the service. These charges appear on your final bill along with any fuel, damage, or late fees.

Enterprise Hourly rentals and one-way rentals

Enterprise Hourly is available at select locations and allows you to rent a car for as little as one hour. You book through the Enterprise website or app, and the car is reserved for your exact time window. Hourly rentals cost more per hour than the daily rate divided by 24, but they are useful for short trips like airport pickups or quick errands.

One-way rentals let you pick up a car at one Enterprise location and return it to another. One-way fees vary by distance and direction. Renting a car in a city with high demand and returning it to a rural area usually costs more than the reverse. You can see the one-way fee before you book, and it is added to your total rental cost.

Both hourly and one-way rentals follow the same insurance and fuel rules as standard daily rentals. You still need proof of insurance and a valid driver's license, and you are responsible for fuel and damage unless you purchase additional coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own insurance to rent from Enterprise?

No. You need proof of coverage, but it can come from your personal policy, your credit card's rental benefit, or Enterprise's Loss Damage Waiver. If you have none of these, Enterprise will not rent to you. Check your policy and credit card before you book to see what is already covered.

Can I rent a car if I am under 25?

Yes, but Enterprise may charge a young driver fee (usually $15 to $25 per day) for drivers under 25. Some locations may decline to rent to drivers under 21. Call ahead or check the website for your specific location's policy.

What happens if I return the car with damage?

Enterprise will photograph the damage and send you a claim. If you have a Loss Damage Waiver or your insurance covers it, the claim goes to them. If you have no coverage, you pay the repair cost. Damage from misuse or violation of the rental agreement may not be covered even with a waiver.

Can I extend my rental after I pick up the car?

Yes. Call the location where you rented the car or use the Enterprise website to extend your reservation. The extension is charged at the rate for the new dates, which may be higher or lower than your original rate. Late returns are charged as additional full days, so extending ahead of time is cheaper.

What if I need to cancel my reservation?

Cancellations made at least 24 hours before pickup are usually free. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before pickup may incur a fee. You can cancel online, by phone, or at a location. Check your confirmation email for the cancellation important date for your specific reservation.