What Enterprise Rent a Car offers in the Los Angeles area
Enterprise operates rental locations across Los Angeles County, including downtown LA, the airport, and neighborhood branches in areas like Santa Monica, Long Beach, and Pasadena. You can rent a car by the day, week, or month, and return it to the same location or a different Enterprise branch depending on your needs. The company maintains a fleet that ranges from economy sedans to SUVs and vans, so the specific vehicles available depend on which location you visit and when you book.
Enterprise differs from airport-focused rental chains because most of its Los Angeles locations are in neighborhoods rather than only at LAX. This means you can pick up a car closer to where you actually are, which saves time if you're renting from a local address rather than arriving by plane. The company also offers one-way rentals between Los Angeles locations, though fees explore if you return to a different branch than where you picked up.
Pricing varies by location, vehicle type, and how far in advance you book. Enterprise publishes rates on its website, and you can see the price before you commit. Insurance, fuel options, and additional driver fees are separate charges that appear during checkout, not hidden until the end.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise has multiple Los Angeles locations including airport, downtown, and neighborhood branches, so you can often pick up closer to home than at LAX alone.
- You need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance (yours or the rental company's), and a credit card in your name to rent a vehicle.
- Daily rates, insurance costs, and fuel charges all appear separately during booking, so you can see the full price before you reserve.
- One-way rentals between Los Angeles locations are possible but include a drop-off fee that varies by distance and vehicle type.
- Enterprise allows you to modify or cancel reservations online up to a certain point, though cancellation policies depend on the rate type you chose.
How to reserve a car through Enterprise
Start by visiting Enterprise's website or calling a local Los Angeles branch directly. On the website, you enter your pickup location, pickup date and time, and return date and time. The system shows available vehicles and the daily rate for each. You can filter by vehicle type—economy, midsize, SUV, van—to narrow your options. Once you select a vehicle and rate, you proceed to checkout where you enter your driver's license information, billing address, and payment method.
During checkout, Enterprise asks whether you want to purchase its collision damage waiver (CDW) and liability insurance, or whether you're declining coverage. This is a critical decision: if you decline, you are responsible for any damage to the rental car, and your own auto insurance or credit card may or may not cover rental vehicles. Read your personal insurance policy or call your insurer before you book to understand what you're covered for. If you're unsure, purchasing Enterprise's coverage removes that uncertainty, though it adds to your daily cost.
You also choose your fuel option: prepay for a full tank at a set price per gallon, or return the car with a full tank yourself and pay Enterprise's pump price for any fuel you used. Prepaying is simpler if you're unsure how much you'll drive; returning full yourself is cheaper if you use less than a tank. Enterprise will charge you a refueling fee if you return an empty or nearly empty tank without prepaying.
What to bring and what to expect at pickup
Bring your valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance. Enterprise accepts most major credit cards. If you're paying with a debit card, Enterprise may place a hold on your account for the rental amount plus a deposit, which can be substantial. Using a credit card avoids this complication.
At pickup, Enterprise staff will walk you around the vehicle, point out any existing damage, and ask you to confirm that the car matches the condition on the rental agreement. This is your chance to report dents, scratches, or interior damage before you drive away. Take photos or video of the car's condition if you want a record. The staff will explain how to operate the vehicle's key or keyless entry, where the fuel door is, and how to adjust mirrors and seats.
Enterprise will also explain its fuel and mileage policies. Most Los Angeles rentals are unlimited mileage, meaning you pay the same rate whether you drive 50 miles or 500 miles. Some promotional rates or specialty vehicles may have mileage limits, so confirm this before you leave the lot. If your rate includes a full tank of fuel, the staff will confirm the tank is full before you take the keys.
Understanding insurance and damage responsibility
Enterprise's collision damage waiver (CDW) covers damage to the rental car from collisions, theft, or vandalism if you purchase it. The cost varies but typically ranges from $15 to $30 per day depending on the vehicle and location. If you decline CDW and the car is damaged, you are liable for repair costs, which can easily exceed $1,000 for moderate damage.
Your personal auto insurance may cover rental cars, but not all policies do, and some have limits. Credit card companies sometimes offer rental car coverage if you charge the rental to that card, but the coverage is often secondary (meaning it pays only after your personal insurance) and may exclude certain damage types. Call your insurance company or credit card issuer before you book to confirm what they cover. If you're uncertain, purchasing Enterprise's CDW is the safest choice.
Liability insurance covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. Enterprise's liability coverage is required by California law and is included in your rental rate. However, the coverage limits may be lower than your personal policy, so if you cause significant damage, you could be personally liable for amounts above Enterprise's limit. Review the coverage limits on your rental agreement.
Returning the car and what happens after
Return the car to your chosen Enterprise location on your return date by the time you booked. If you're late, Enterprise will charge you for additional hours or days at the daily rate. Return the car with a full tank of fuel if you didn't prepay for fuel; if you return it empty or low, Enterprise will charge you a refueling fee plus the cost of fuel at a higher per-gallon rate than you'd pay at a gas station.
At return, Enterprise staff will inspect the car for damage, check the mileage and fuel level, and compare the vehicle's condition to the condition report from pickup. If there is new damage, they will document it and explain the damage claim process. If you purchased CDW, the damage is covered and you pay nothing. If you declined CDW, you will receive a damage invoice within a few days, either by email or mail, with photos and repair estimates.
Your final bill will include the daily rental rate, any insurance you purchased, fuel charges, taxes, and any damage fees. Enterprise will charge your credit card on file. If you dispute a charge or believe damage was pre-existing, contact Enterprise's customer service with photos or documentation within a reasonable timeframe.
Modifying or canceling your reservation
You can modify your reservation—changing the pickup or return date, location, or vehicle type—through Enterprise's website or by calling your local branch. Modifications are usually free if you're changing dates or locations, though prices may change if you're extending your rental or moving to a different vehicle class. If you're shortening your rental, you may receive a refund of the difference.
Cancellation policies depend on the rate type you booked. Standard rates are typically refundable up to 24 hours before your pickup time, though some promotional or discounted rates are non-refundable. Check your confirmation email for the cancellation policy tied to your specific reservation. If you need to cancel, do so through the website or by calling Enterprise directly; cancellations made through third-party booking sites may have different terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car from Enterprise Los Angeles if I'm under 25?
Yes, but Enterprise charges an underage driver fee (typically $15 to $25 per day) for drivers under 25. You still need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name. Some vehicle types or premium locations may have higher age minimums, so check when you book.
What if I get into an accident with the rental car?
Contact Enterprise when ready and report the accident. If you purchased collision damage waiver, the damage is covered and you pay your deductible (usually $0 to $1,000 depending on the coverage level). If you declined coverage, you are responsible for repair costs. Do not admit fault to anyone except police and Enterprise; let Enterprise handle the claim with the other party's insurance if applicable.
Can I add another driver to my reservation?
Yes. Additional drivers must be at least 18 years old (21 for some vehicle types), have a valid driver's license, and be present at pickup to sign the rental agreement. Enterprise charges an additional driver fee, usually $10 to $15 per day. You can add drivers when you book online or at pickup.
Does Enterprise charge for extra mileage in Los Angeles?
Most Enterprise rentals in Los Angeles include unlimited mileage, so you don't pay extra for miles driven. Some promotional rates or specialty vehicles may have mileage limits, which will be stated in your rate details before you book. Always confirm the mileage policy for your specific reservation.
What if I need to keep the car longer than my reservation?
Contact Enterprise as soon as possible. If the car is available, you can extend your rental at the current daily rate. If the car is already reserved for another customer, you may not be able to extend. Extensions can usually be arranged by phone or at the rental location, and you'll be charged for the additional days when you return the vehicle.