How to book a car with Enterprise

Enterprise lets you reserve a car through their website, mobile app, or by calling their reservation line. You can book online at enterprise.com, search by location and dates, pick your car type, and complete payment in one session. The mobile app (Enterprise Rent-A-Car) works the same way and lets you modify or cancel a reservation after booking. You can also call 1-800-RENT-A-CAR to speak with an agent who can search availability and hold a reservation while you decide.

When you book, you'll need a valid driver's license, a major credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (your own policy or Enterprise's coverage). Enterprise will show you the daily rate, taxes, and fees upfront before you confirm. Rates vary by location, season, and how far ahead you book — booking earlier often costs less than booking the day before pickup.

Your reservation is not may provide until you complete payment. Enterprise holds the rate you saw at booking, but if you cancel within their cancellation window (usually 24 to 48 hours before pickup, depending on the location), you won't be charged. Check your confirmation email for the exact cancellation important date for your reservation.

Key Takeaways

  • Book through enterprise.com, the mobile app, or by calling 1-800-RENT-A-CAR, and you'll see the full price including taxes and fees before you pay.
  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance to complete a reservation.
  • Cancellation important date vary by location and reservation type, so check your confirmation email to know when you can cancel free of charge.
  • Enterprise's daily rates change based on demand, location, and how far in advance you book, so comparing dates and times can lower your cost.
  • If you're a member of Enterprise Plus, AAA, or certain corporate programs, you may see discounted rates when you enter your membership number at booking.

What to do before you pick up your car

A few days before your pickup date, log into your Enterprise account or check your confirmation email to review your reservation details. Confirm the pickup location, date, time, and car type. If any of those details are wrong, you can modify the reservation online or call the location directly to make changes.

Check whether your reservation includes insurance coverage. If you chose Enterprise's damage waiver or loss damage waiver (LDW), that's included in your quoted price. If you declined coverage and plan to use your own insurance, contact your insurance company before pickup to confirm they cover rental cars — some policies exclude them or require you to add a rider.

Arrive at the pickup location 10 to 15 minutes before your reserved time. Bring your driver's license, the credit card you used to book, and your proof of insurance. Enterprise will inspect the car with you, show you any existing damage, and review the rental agreement before you drive off.

Modifying or canceling your reservation

You can change your pickup date, time, or location through your Enterprise account online or in the app. Log in, find your reservation, and select "Modify Reservation." Enterprise will show you the new rate for your updated dates — if the price went up, you'll pay the difference; if it went down, you'll get a credit toward your rental.

To cancel, go to your account, find the reservation, and select "Cancel Reservation." If you cancel before the important date shown in your confirmation email, you won't be charged. If you cancel after that important date, you may lose your deposit or be charged a cancellation fee — the amount depends on your location and the type of rate you booked.

If you need to cancel or modify but can't do it online, call the pickup location directly or call 1-800-RENT-A-CAR. Agents can make changes over the phone, but it's faster to do it yourself through your account if the system is working.

Understanding Enterprise's pricing and fees

Enterprise's daily rate is the base cost, but your final bill also includes taxes, a vehicle license fee (usually $2 to $4 per day), and any optional add-ons you chose. Damage waiver, additional driver fees, GPS rental, and fuel options all add to the total. Enterprise shows the full breakdown before you confirm your booking, so you know the exact amount you'll be charged.

Rates change based on demand — renting during a holiday weekend or in a busy city costs more than renting on a weekday in a smaller town. Booking further in advance usually locks in a lower rate, but Enterprise also runs promotions and discount codes that can lower the price even for last-minute bookings. Check your email for Enterprise promotions if you're a frequent renter.

If you return the car late, Enterprise charges an additional daily rate for each day or partial day you keep it. Return the car on time to avoid extra charges. If you run out of fuel, Enterprise will charge you a refueling fee plus the cost of the gas — it's cheaper to fill the tank yourself before returning the car.

What happens at pickup and return

When you arrive at the Enterprise location, an agent will greet you and verify your reservation. They'll ask for your driver's license, the credit card you used to book, and your proof of insurance. They'll then walk you around the car, point out any existing scratches, dents, or damage, and document it on the rental agreement. Look at the car yourself and speak up if you see damage they didn't mention — this protects you from being charged for it when you return.

The agent will explain the fuel policy (usually "full to full," meaning you get a full tank and return it full), show you how to operate the car's features, and give you the keys. Before you drive off, make sure you understand where the gas cap, trunk release, and windshield wipers are.

At return, drive the car to the Enterprise location and park in the designated return area. An agent will inspect the car for damage, check the fuel level, and review the mileage. If there's new damage, they'll document it and may charge you. If the tank isn't full, they'll charge you for fuel at their rate, which is higher than a gas station. Once the inspection is done, you'll sign the final paperwork and receive a receipt.

Enterprise Plus membership and discounts

Enterprise Plus is a free loyalty program that gives you faster checkout, a dedicated phone line, and sometimes discounted rates. You can join at enterprise.com or at any Enterprise location. When you book, enter your Enterprise Plus number to see if a discount applies to your reservation.

Enterprise also honors AAA discounts, military discounts, and corporate discounts if you're part of a participating company. At booking, enter your membership or corporate code to see the discounted rate. Some credit cards and travel rewards programs also offer Enterprise discounts — check with your card issuer or rewards program to see if you're covered.

Discount codes from promotions, emails, or travel websites can also lower your rate. Enter the code at booking to see the new price. Not all codes work with all car types or locations, so if a code doesn't explore, try booking without it to see the standard rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book a car for someone else to pick up?

The person whose name is on the reservation must be the one to pick up the car and provide their driver's license. Enterprise requires the renter to be present at pickup. If you want to book for someone else, they can pick it up if their name is on the agreement, but you'll need to contact Enterprise to add them as an authorized driver before pickup.

What if I need to extend my rental after I've picked up the car?

Call the Enterprise location where you rented the car or call 1-800-RENT-A-CAR to extend your rental. They'll calculate the additional days at the current rate and add it to your bill. Extending early (before your return date) is usually cheaper than extending after you've already returned the car and then renting again.

Do I have to buy Enterprise's insurance, or can I use my own?

You don't have to buy Enterprise's coverage if your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars. Before pickup, confirm with your insurance company that rental cars are covered and ask whether you need to add anything. If you're not covered, Enterprise's damage waiver is available at booking and protects you if the car is damaged.

What happens if I return the car with damage?

Enterprise will document the damage at return and take photos. If you have damage waiver coverage, you won't be charged. If you don't have coverage, Enterprise will charge you for the repair. The amount depends on the damage — minor scratches may cost $100 to $500, while major damage can cost thousands. This is why having insurance or purchasing Enterprise's waiver is important.

Can I pick up a car at one Enterprise location and return it at another?

Yes, Enterprise allows one-way rentals. At booking, select a different return location, and Enterprise will show you the one-way fee (if any). Some locations charge extra for one-way rentals, while others don't. The price will be shown before you confirm your reservation.