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

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a rental company with locations at airports, in city centers, and in suburban areas across the United States and several other countries. You can rent a car for a day, a week, or longer by visiting a location in person, calling their reservation line, or booking online through their website. Enterprise handles everything from compact cars to SUVs and vans, and they also offer one-way rentals if you need to drop the car off somewhere other than where you picked it up.

The basic process is straightforward: you reserve a vehicle for your dates, show up with a valid driver's license and payment method, sign the rental agreement, and drive away. Enterprise charges by the day or week, and your total cost depends on the car type, how long you rent it, where you pick it up, and any add-ons you choose. Rates vary by location and season, so the same car might cost different amounts in different cities or at different times of year.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit or debit card in your name, and proof of insurance to rent from Enterprise, though their insurance options can cover you if you don't have your own.
  • Enterprise locations are spread across cities and suburbs as well as airports, so you may be able to rent near your home rather than only at an airport counter.
  • Rental rates are per day or per week and vary by location, vehicle type, and season, so calling or checking their website for your specific dates gives you the actual price.
  • You can add a driver, purchase damage coverage or liability insurance, and rent GPS or child seats, but these extras increase your total bill.
  • Enterprise's one-way rental option lets you pick up in one city and drop off in another, though this usually costs more than a round-trip rental.

What you need to bring and have ready

To rent a car from Enterprise, you must have a valid driver's license — a state ID, military ID, or passport with a driver's license photo all work. The license must not be expired or suspended. You also need a credit or debit card in your own name; Enterprise will run a hold on the card to cover potential damage or fuel charges, so the card must have available credit or funds even if you pay with cash later.

Enterprise will ask about insurance. If you have your own car insurance, bring your policy number or a photo of your insurance card — your personal policy may cover rental cars, which can save you money. If you don't have insurance or your policy doesn't cover rentals, Enterprise sells damage coverage and liability insurance at the counter. Some credit cards also cover rental car damage if you charge the rental to that card, so check with your card issuer before you rent.

You'll also need to know your address and phone number, and if you're under 25, Enterprise may charge a young driver fee (usually $15 to $25 per day). Some locations require a second form of ID or proof of address, so calling ahead to confirm what your specific location needs saves time at the counter.

How pricing works and what affects your rate

Enterprise charges by the day or by the week, and the weekly rate is usually cheaper per day than renting day-by-day. A compact car might rent for $40 to $60 per day in a smaller city but $70 to $100 per day at a busy airport location. An SUV or van costs more — often $80 to $150 per day depending on size and location. These are rough ranges; your actual price depends on when you rent, where you rent, and current demand.

Several factors change your final bill. Renting at an airport location typically costs more than renting at a city or suburban branch. Renting during peak travel times (holidays, summer weekends) costs more than off-peak times. The distance you plan to drive may affect the rate if you're renting for a long trip. Damage coverage, liability insurance, GPS rental, child seat rental, and fuel options all add to the base rate. If you return the car with less than a full tank, Enterprise charges a refueling fee, which is usually higher than filling it yourself before return.

To find out what you'll actually pay, visit Enterprise's website or call your local branch with your rental dates and the type of car you want. Rates change frequently, and a quote online is only good for a short time, so book as soon as you have confirmed dates if you've found a price you like.

Insurance and damage coverage options

Enterprise offers several insurance and protection products at the rental counter. Damage waiver (sometimes called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) means you won't pay for damage to the rental car up to its full value, though you may still pay a deductible. This typically costs $15 to $30 per day. Liability insurance covers injury or property damage you cause to other people or their property; it usually costs $10 to $20 per day and is required by law in every state, so you must have it from either your personal policy, your credit card, or Enterprise.

Before you buy Enterprise's insurance, check what you already have. Your personal auto insurance usually covers rental cars at no extra cost, though some policies exclude certain types of rentals or have limits. Your credit card may cover damage if you charge the full rental to that card — call your card issuer to confirm what's covered and what the limits are. If you have both personal insurance and a credit card that covers rentals, you may not need to buy anything from Enterprise.

If you don't have personal insurance and your credit card doesn't cover rentals, buying Enterprise's damage waiver and liability coverage is the safest choice. The daily cost is worth the protection against a large bill if you're in an accident or damage the car.

One-way rentals and drop-off locations

Enterprise allows one-way rentals, meaning you can pick up a car in one city and drop it off in another. This is useful if you're relocating, taking a one-way trip, or don't want to drive back to your starting point. One-way rentals almost always cost more than round-trip rentals because Enterprise has to move the car back to where it's needed or reposition it for other customers.

The extra charge for a one-way rental depends on the distance between pickup and drop-off locations. A one-way rental from one city to a nearby city might add $50 to $100 to your bill, while a cross-country one-way rental can add several hundred dollars. Enterprise will show you the one-way fee when you book, so you can decide whether it's worth it compared to a round-trip rental or another option.

Enterprise has thousands of locations, but not every location is open 24 hours or on weekends. If you need to pick up or drop off outside normal business hours, call ahead to confirm the location is open. Some airport locations have extended hours, but suburban and city locations often close in the evening or on Sundays.

What happens at pickup and return

When you arrive to pick up your car, the agent will check your driver's license, run your payment method, and review the rental agreement with you. You'll walk around the car together while the agent or you document any existing damage — dents, scratches, or interior wear — on a form. Take photos or video of the car's condition yourself if you want a record. The agent will explain the fuel policy (usually you return it with a full tank or pay a refueling fee) and show you where the fuel door and spare tire are.

At return, you drive the car back to the same location (or a different one if you booked one-way) and park it in the return area. An agent will inspect the car for new damage, check the mileage and fuel level, and process your return. If there's new damage beyond normal wear, Enterprise will charge you for repairs. If you return the car with less than a full tank, they'll charge a refueling fee. Your final bill will be printed or emailed to you, and any hold on your credit card will be released within a few business days.

Common add-ons and extras

Beyond the base rental and insurance, Enterprise offers several extras. GPS rental costs $10 to $15 per day if you don't want to use your phone's navigation. Child seats rent for $10 to $15 per day and come in infant, toddler, and booster sizes — you must tell Enterprise when you book if you need one. Additional drivers can be added at the counter, usually at no charge, though some locations charge $5 to $10 per additional driver per day.

Enterprise also offers fuel options where you prepay for a full tank at a discounted rate, so you don't have to refill before returning. This works well if you're renting for a long trip and won't have time to find a gas station before return. Some locations offer toll passes if you'll be using toll roads, which is simpler than paying tolls separately later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I'm under 25?

Yes, but Enterprise charges a young driver fee, usually $15 to $25 per day, for drivers under 25. Some locations may have a minimum age of 18 or 21, so call ahead to confirm. You'll still need a valid driver's license and a credit card in your name.

What if I damage the car during the rental?

If you bought damage waiver coverage from Enterprise, you won't pay for repairs up to the car's full value (though you may pay a deductible). If you didn't buy coverage, you'll be charged for repairs. If you have personal auto insurance or credit card coverage, contact them when ready after the damage occurs — they may cover the cost instead of Enterprise charging you.

Can I extend my rental if I need the car longer?

Yes, you can usually extend your rental by calling Enterprise or visiting the location where you rented. Rates for the extension may be different from your original rate, and the car may not be available if it's already reserved for another customer. It's best to call as soon as you know you need more time.

What happens if I return the car late?

Enterprise charges a late fee, usually the daily rate for each day or partial day you're late. If you're running behind, call the location when ready — sometimes they can hold the car or adjust the charges if you're only a few minutes late. Returning the car significantly late may result in additional fees or a report to your credit card company.

Do I have to buy insurance from Enterprise if I have my own car insurance?

No, if your personal auto insurance covers rental cars, you don't need to buy Enterprise's coverage. Check your policy or call your insurance company before you rent to confirm you're covered. If you're not sure, buying Enterprise's damage waiver is safer than risking a large bill for repairs.