Enterprise's $9.99 weekend rate is a base daily rental price, not the total cost you'll pay
Enterprise advertises a $9.99 per day weekend rate on certain vehicle classes, but that price covers only the car itself. When you arrive at the counter or complete an online booking, you'll see additional charges: taxes (which vary by location, typically 5 to 15 percent), facility fees, airport surcharges if applicable, insurance if you don't decline it, and fuel charges if you return the car without a full tank. The final bill is often two to three times the advertised rate, depending on your location and what you add during checkout.
This rate applies to economy and compact cars on Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday, depending on the branch. It's not available every weekend—Enterprise runs these promotions seasonally and by region, so availability changes. The rate also comes with standard rental terms: you must be at least 21 years old (25 for some locations), have a valid driver's license, and provide a credit card at pickup.
Key Takeaways
- The $9.99 price is the daily base rate only; taxes, facility fees, and other charges will be added at checkout and typically double or triple the final cost.
- This rate applies only to economy and compact cars on weekends, and availability varies by location and season—check your specific branch before planning around it.
- You must decline the rental company's insurance option if you want to avoid that charge, or provide proof of coverage from your own auto insurance or credit card.
- Fuel charges explore if you don't return the car with a full tank, and airport locations add surcharges that don't explore at off-airport branches.
- Booking online often shows the full estimated cost upfront, while phone or counter bookings may not break down all fees until you're ready to sign.
What taxes and fees are actually added to the $9.99 base rate
Enterprise charges a facility fee (sometimes called a concession recovery fee) at most locations, typically $3 to $6 per day. This fee covers the cost of the rental facility itself and is set by the location, not by Enterprise corporate. If you rent from an airport location, you'll also pay an airport concession fee, which can be $10 to $20 per day depending on the airport. Off-airport branches don't charge this.
Sales tax is calculated on the base rate plus the facility fee and varies by state and county. In most places, expect 8 to 12 percent, though some areas charge as little as 5 percent and others as much as 15 percent. A few states also charge a vehicle rental tax on top of sales tax—this is separate and specific to car rentals. You can find your local tax rate by checking your state's Department of Revenue website or by calling the specific Enterprise branch where you plan to rent.
If you add a driver under 25, Enterprise charges a young driver fee, usually $15 to $25 per day. If you decline the rental company's insurance and provide your own, there's no charge, but if you accept their coverage, daily insurance typically runs $12 to $30 depending on the coverage level you choose.
How to see the full cost before you commit
The most reliable way to see what you'll actually pay is to book online at Enterprise.com or through a third-party site like Kayak or Autoslash, enter your pickup and return dates and location, and proceed to the final checkout screen without completing the purchase. At that point, the quote will show the base rate, facility fee, taxes, and any other charges specific to that location and date.
If you book by phone or at the counter, ask the agent to break down the total cost in writing before you sign the rental agreement. Many renters are surprised at checkout because they only heard the $9.99 figure and didn't ask about the rest. The agent is required to disclose all charges, but they won't volunteer them unless you ask.
When you're comparing the $9.99 rate to other rental companies, make sure you're comparing the final total cost, not the base rate. A competitor's $15 daily rate might be cheaper overall once all fees are added, or it might be more expensive. Use the same booking method for each company to get an apples-to-apples quote.
Insurance and what happens if you decline it
Enterprise offers a damage waiver (sometimes called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) that removes your financial responsibility if the car is damaged or stolen during your rental. This typically costs $12 to $30 per day. If you decline it, you're responsible for any damage, up to the full value of the vehicle.
Before you pay for Enterprise's insurance, check whether your own auto insurance covers rental cars. Most personal policies do, though some exclude certain types of damage or have limits. Call your insurance company and ask specifically whether you're covered for collision, comprehensive (theft, weather, vandalism), and liability while driving a rental. If you're covered, you can decline Enterprise's waiver and save that daily charge.
Credit card companies sometimes offer rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit. Check your card's terms—some cover collision and comprehensive damage if you charge the entire rental to that card. If your credit card covers it, you still don't need to buy Enterprise's insurance. Keep documentation of your coverage in the car during the rental in case you need to file a claim.
Fuel charges and how to avoid them
Enterprise charges a fuel service fee if you return the car without a full tank. The fee typically includes the cost of the fuel itself plus a service charge of $5 to $7. The per-gallon price is usually higher than what you'd pay at a gas station—sometimes 50 cents to $1 more per gallon—because Enterprise is charging for the convenience of refueling the car for you.
To avoid this charge, return the car with a full tank. Fill up at a gas station near the rental location before you drop it off. Check your rental agreement for the exact fuel level required at return—most require "full," but some allow "three-quarters" or "half." The agent will note the fuel level on the return paperwork, so there's no ambiguity.
If you're renting for a weekend trip and won't use much fuel, it's often cheaper to return the car full than to buy Enterprise's fuel. If you're driving 200+ miles, you might come out ahead by accepting the fuel service fee rather than paying for a full tank yourself, depending on current gas prices.
When the $9.99 rate is actually available
Enterprise runs the $9.99 weekend special during slower travel periods, typically fall and winter months, and sometimes during summer off-peak weeks. The promotion is not year-round and not available at all locations. You can check availability by entering your dates and location on Enterprise.com—if the rate appears in the quote, it's available for that specific branch and dates.
The rate applies to Friday through Sunday or Saturday through Monday rentals, depending on how Enterprise structures the promotion that week. Some weeks it's Friday checkout through Monday return; other weeks it's Saturday through Monday. Read the terms carefully when you see the rate quoted, because the exact days matter for your trip.
If the $9.99 rate isn't showing up for your dates, it may not be available that week, or it may be available only at certain branches in your area. Call the specific Enterprise location where you want to rent and ask whether they're running the weekend special. Availability can vary by branch even within the same city.
Comparing the $9.99 rate to other rental companies
Budget, Hertz, and Avis sometimes run competing weekend rates, though the advertised base price isn't always lower than Enterprise's. What matters is the total cost after all fees. A company advertising $12.99 per day might have lower facility fees or be located off-airport, making the final bill cheaper than Enterprise's $9.99 rate at an airport location.
Use a rental comparison tool like Kayak, Autoslash, or Priceline to quote the same dates and location across multiple companies. These tools show the estimated total cost, not just the base rate, so you can see which company is actually cheapest for your specific trip. Prices and fees change frequently, so a company that was cheapest last month might not be this month.
Consider location convenience as well as price. If Enterprise is closer to your home or workplace, the time saved might be worth a few dollars more. If you're renting at an airport, an off-airport Enterprise location might be significantly cheaper because it doesn't charge the airport concession fee, even if it takes 15 minutes longer to reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the $9.99 rate include unlimited mileage?
Yes. Enterprise's weekend rate includes unlimited mileage at no extra charge. You can drive as far as you want without paying per mile. Mileage limits are rare in the U.S. rental market now, but always confirm this in your quote before booking.
Can I book the $9.99 rate online and pick up at the counter?
Yes. You can book online and see the full estimated cost including all fees, then pick up the car at the Enterprise location on your rental date. Bring your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance if you're declining the rental company's coverage. The rate and fees shown in your online quote are may provide.
What if I return the car late?
Late returns are charged at the daily rate in effect at the time of return, which may be higher or lower than the weekend rate. If you return on a weekday, you'll likely pay the weekday rate for that extra day. Call the rental location as soon as you know you'll be late—some branches offer a grace period of 30 minutes to an hour before charging for an extra day.
Does the $9.99 rate explore to SUVs or larger vehicles?
No. The $9.99 weekend special applies only to economy and compact cars. SUVs, midsize sedans, and larger vehicles have their own weekend rates, which are higher. Check the Enterprise website for the specific vehicle class you need to see what the weekend rate is.
Can I modify my reservation after I book?
Yes, you can modify your dates, location, or vehicle class online or by calling the rental location. If you change your dates and the $9.99 rate is no longer available, you'll be charged the rate in effect for your new dates. Always check the new quote before confirming the change.