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

Enterprise is a car rental company with locations at airports, in city centers, and in suburban neighborhoods across the United States and Canada. You can reserve a car online, by phone, or in person, and you pick it up at your chosen location on your rental date. You return the car to the same location (or a different one if you arrange it) when your rental period ends, and you pay based on the number of days you keep the car plus any add-ons you choose.

Enterprise operates differently from some competitors: they do not require you to pick up your car at an airport counter. Many of their locations are off-airport, which can mean shorter wait times and sometimes lower daily rates. If you do rent from an airport location, the process is similar to other rental companies, but you may see additional airport facility charges on your bill.

The company rents economy cars, sedans, SUVs, vans, and trucks. What vehicles are available depends on your location and the time you book. During peak travel seasons, popular vehicle types may not be in stock, so booking ahead increases your chances of getting what you want.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance before you can rent from Enterprise.
  • Daily rental rates vary widely based on location, season, vehicle type, and how far in advance you book—there is no single "Enterprise price."
  • Enterprise's damage waiver and roadside information are optional add-ons that cost extra but can protect you if something goes wrong during your rental.
  • You can pick up and return your car at different Enterprise locations, which is useful if you are taking a one-way trip.
  • Enterprise allows drivers as young as 18 to rent, but drivers under 25 typically pay a daily surcharge called a young driver fee.

What you need to bring to rent a car

You must have a valid driver's license issued by your state or country. Enterprise will scan or photocopy it. If your license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you cannot rent. If you have a learner's permit instead of a full license, you cannot rent either.

You need a credit card in your own name. Enterprise uses the card to hold a deposit (called an authorization hold) when you pick up the car. The hold is released when you return the car and pay your final bill. Debit cards are not accepted for the deposit hold, though some locations may accept them for payment after the fact—call ahead if you only have a debit card.

You must show proof of insurance. This can be your personal auto insurance card, a screenshot of your policy from your insurer's app, or a printed declaration page. Enterprise will ask to see it before you drive off the lot. If you do not have personal auto insurance, you can buy Enterprise's damage waiver (described below), but it is more expensive than adding a rental car to your own policy.

If you are renting under a business account or with a corporate discount code, you may need additional documents like a company ID or a letter from your employer. Check your confirmation email or call the location where you are picking up the car.

How daily rates work and what affects the price

Enterprise's daily rental rate depends on several factors that change constantly. The same car might cost $35 per day one week and $65 per day the next week. Location matters: renting in a major city or at an airport is usually more expensive than renting in a small town. Season matters: summer and holiday weeks cost more than winter weekdays. How far in advance you book matters: booking two weeks ahead often costs less than booking three days before pickup.

The vehicle type is the biggest factor. An economy sedan costs less per day than an SUV or truck. If you book an economy car but Enterprise does not have one available, they may upgrade you to a larger vehicle at no extra charge—this is called a complimentary upgrade. You do not pay more, but you also cannot demand an upgrade if they have the car you reserved.

The rental period length affects the daily rate. A three-day rental might have a lower per-day rate than a one-day rental for the same car. Weekly rates are usually lower still. Check the total price, not just the daily rate, because a longer rental can sometimes cost less per day even if the total is higher.

To see current rates for your dates and location, visit Enterprise's website or call the specific location. Rates shown online are not locked in until you complete your reservation. If you find a lower rate elsewhere, some locations will match it, but this is not may provide—ask when you book.

Optional add-ons and protection coverage

Enterprise offers several add-ons you can buy when you pick up the car or sometimes when you reserve online. The most common is the damage waiver (also called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW). This protects you from paying for damage to the rental car if you are in an accident or if the car is vandalized or stolen. Without it, you are responsible for repair costs, which can be hundreds or thousands of dollars. With it, you typically pay a daily fee (usually $15 to $30 per day, depending on location and vehicle type) and then owe nothing if damage occurs.

Before you buy Enterprise's damage waiver, check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card already covers rental cars. Many policies do. If your insurance covers rentals, you do not need to buy the waiver. If you do not have insurance and do not buy the waiver, you are liable for all damage.

Roadside information is another optional add-on. It covers towing, lockout service, and fuel delivery if you run out of gas or have a breakdown. The cost is usually a flat fee per rental (around $10 to $15). If you have roadside information through your personal auto insurance or a membership like AAA, you may not need this.

Enterprise also offers additional driver coverage if someone else will be driving the rental car. There is typically no extra charge to add a spouse or household member, but adding a friend or colleague may cost extra. All drivers must be present at pickup to show their license and sign the rental agreement.

What happens during pickup and return

When you arrive to pick up your car, an Enterprise employee will check your driver's license, insurance, and credit card. They will show you the car and point out any existing damage (dents, scratches, stains). You should walk around the car and note any damage you see. If the employee does not mention a scratch you spot, point it out so it is not charged to you when you return the car. Some locations take photos of the car's condition; others use a damage checklist you sign.

The employee will explain the car's features—where the fuel door is, how to adjust the mirrors, where the spare tire is—and will ask you to sign the rental agreement. Read it before you sign. It lists the daily rate, any add-ons you bought, the fuel policy, and your liability if the car is damaged. Once you sign, you are responsible for the car.

When you return the car, drive it to the location you reserved. If you rented at an airport, return it to the airport location unless you arranged otherwise. The employee will inspect the car for new damage, check the fuel level, and calculate your final bill. If you bought a damage waiver and there is new damage, the waiver covers it and you owe nothing extra. If you did not buy a waiver, you will be charged for repairs.

You will receive a receipt showing the daily rate, any add-ons, fuel charges (if you did not return it full), and taxes. Keep this receipt for your records, especially if you are renting for business and need to report it as an expense.

Fuel, mileage, and late return policies

Enterprise's standard fuel policy is "full to full": you pick up the car with a full tank and return it with a full tank. If you return it with less fuel, Enterprise will charge you for the missing gas at a per-gallon rate that is usually higher than what you would pay at a gas station. To avoid this charge, fill up the car at a gas station near the rental location before you return it.

Some locations offer a "pre-purchase fuel" option where you pay for a full tank upfront when you pick up the car. If you return the car with fuel still in the tank, you do not get a refund. This option makes sense only if you know you will use most of a tank.

Mileage is usually unlimited on Enterprise rentals. You can drive as many miles as you want without extra charge. This is different from some competitors that charge per mile or include a daily mileage limit.

If you return the car late, you will be charged for the extra days at the daily rate for your rental period. If you are running late, call the location as soon as you know. Some locations are flexible if you call ahead; others charge the full daily rate for any portion of a day you are late.

Young driver fees and age restrictions

Enterprise rents to drivers as young as 18, which is younger than some competitors. However, drivers under 25 pay a daily surcharge called a young driver fee. This fee varies by location but typically ranges from $10 to $25 per day. The fee is added to your daily rental rate, so a $40-per-day car becomes $50 to $65 per day if you are under 25.

Drivers under 21 may face additional restrictions depending on the state and location. Some states do not allow drivers under 21 to rent at all. Others allow it but require the young driver to be accompanied by someone 25 or older, or they restrict the types of vehicles available. Call the location where you plan to rent to confirm whether you can rent and what the fees will be.

Drivers 25 and older do not pay a young driver fee. There is no upper age limit, but drivers over 75 may be asked additional questions about their driving history or insurance.

One-way rentals and drop-off locations

You can rent a car at one Enterprise location and return it at a different location. This is called a one-way rental and is useful if you are traveling between cities. The cost is usually higher than a round-trip rental because Enterprise has to move the car back to where it started. The one-way fee varies based on the distance between locations.

To arrange a one-way rental, specify your pickup and return locations when you reserve. Enterprise will show you the one-way fee before you confirm. Some locations are more expensive drop-off points than others—returning to a major airport, for example, may cost more than returning to a suburban location.

If you decide to return the car to a different location after you have already picked it up, call Enterprise as soon as you know. They may be able to change your return location, though you may be charged an additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I have a suspended or revoked license?

No. Enterprise requires a valid, current driver's license. If your license is suspended, revoked, or expired, you cannot rent. You must have a clean, valid license to drive off the lot.

What if I get into an accident with the rental car?

Call Enterprise when ready and report the accident. If you bought the damage waiver, you typically owe nothing for repairs. If you did not buy the waiver, you are responsible for repair costs. Your personal auto insurance may cover the damage if your policy includes rental cars. Do not admit fault at the scene; let the police report and insurance determine liability.

Can I cancel my reservation and get a refund?

Yes, but the refund depends on when you cancel. Cancellations made 24 hours or more before your pickup time are usually refunded in full. Cancellations within 24 hours may be charged a fee. Check your confirmation email for the specific cancellation policy for your reservation, or call the location directly.

What if the car breaks down during my rental?

Call Enterprise roadside information or the location where you rented the car. If you bought roadside information coverage, they will tow the car and provide a replacement. If you did not buy coverage, you may still get help, but you could be charged for towing. Your personal auto insurance may cover towing if your policy includes it.

Do I need to buy insurance from Enterprise if I already have auto insurance?

Probably not. If your personal auto insurance covers rental cars, you do not need to buy Enterprise's damage waiver. Check your insurance policy or call your insurer before you rent. If you do not have insurance, buying the waiver is cheaper than paying out of pocket for damage.