Enterprise Rent a Truck is a truck rental service run by Enterprise, the same company that rents cars
Enterprise operates a separate truck rental division alongside its car rental business. You can rent pickup trucks, cargo vans, and moving trucks by the hour, day, week, or longer through their website, phone, or by visiting a local branch. Unlike some truck rental specialists, Enterprise locations are often in residential areas and shopping districts rather than only at airports or industrial parks, which can make them easier to reach.
The service is straightforward: you reserve a truck for your dates, show up with a valid driver's license and payment method, sign the rental agreement, and drive away. You return it to the same location (or a different one if the company allows) at the agreed time. What you pay depends on the truck size, how long you rent it, your location, and current demand.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise rents pickup trucks, cargo vans, and moving trucks from local branches, not just airport locations, so you can often pick one up near your home.
- You need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance or the option to buy their coverage, and a credit card to complete a rental.
- Prices vary by truck size, rental length, location, and time of year, so calling your local branch for a quote is more accurate than online estimates.
- Damage waivers and insurance coverage are optional add-ons that protect you if the truck is damaged, but your personal auto insurance may already cover rentals.
- Late returns incur extra charges, and fuel is your responsibility — you pick it up full and return it full, or pay Enterprise's fuel rate.
What you need to rent a truck from Enterprise
You must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license. Enterprise will run a check on your driving record, and a poor history or recent violations may disqualify you or require you to pay a higher rate. Some locations have a minimum age of 21 for certain truck types.
You also need a credit card in your name to hold the reservation and cover the rental cost. Debit cards are sometimes accepted but usually require additional verification. Enterprise will place a hold on your card for the rental amount plus a damage deposit, which is released when you return the truck undamaged.
Insurance is the third piece. You can bring proof of your own auto insurance policy — most personal policies cover rental vehicles, though you should call your insurer first to confirm — or you can buy Enterprise's damage waiver and liability coverage at the rental counter. If you have no insurance and do not buy theirs, you are liable for any damage to the truck.
How pricing works and what affects your quote
Enterprise does not publish fixed rates online. Instead, prices depend on the specific truck you want, how many days you rent it, your location, the time of year, and how far in advance you book. A pickup truck in a rural area during winter will cost far less than the same truck in a city during summer moving season. Renting for a week is usually cheaper per day than renting for a single day.
The easiest way to get an accurate price is to call your local Enterprise branch directly and tell them the truck type, dates, and purpose. Online quotes can give you a ballpark figure, but the branch can often offer discounts for loyalty, corporate accounts, or current promotions that do not show up on the website.
Mileage is typically unlimited on truck rentals, unlike some car rentals, so you do not pay extra for driving distance. However, fuel is always your responsibility. You pick up the truck with a full tank and must return it full, or Enterprise will charge you for the fuel at their rate, which is usually higher than what you would pay at a gas station.
Damage coverage and insurance options
When you rent, Enterprise will offer you a damage waiver (sometimes called a Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) and liability coverage. The damage waiver means Enterprise will not charge you for dents, scratches, or other damage to the truck during your rental, as long as you did not cause it through reckless driving. Liability coverage protects you if you damage someone else's property or injure another person while driving the rental.
These add-ons cost extra — typically $15 to $30 per day depending on the truck size and location — but they protect you from potentially large bills. Before you buy them, check your personal auto insurance policy or call your insurer. Most policies cover rental vehicles at the same level they cover your own car, which means you may already have the protection Enterprise is selling you. If your policy does cover rentals, buying Enterprise's coverage is redundant and a waste of money.
Credit card companies sometimes offer rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit, but this usually applies only to cars, not trucks, and it often has limits. Read your card's benefits guide or call the issuer before relying on it.
Reservation, pickup, and return process
You can reserve a truck online at Enterprise.com, by phone at 1-800-736-8222, or by walking into a local branch. Online reservations let you lock in a price, but you still need to visit the branch in person to complete the rental — Enterprise does not do fully remote rentals for trucks. When you arrive, bring your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance (if you have it). The staff will verify your information, show you the truck's condition, and have you sign the rental agreement.
The agreement lists the truck's mileage, fuel level, and any existing damage. Walk around the truck with the staff member and point out any scratches, dents, or mechanical issues before you sign. Take photos on your phone if you want a record. Once you sign, you are responsible for any new damage that occurs during your rental.
When you return the truck, bring it back to the same location at the agreed time with a full tank of fuel. The staff will inspect it, compare the condition to the original notes, and process your return. If you return it late, you will be charged for the extra time at the daily rate or an hourly rate, depending on how late you are. If the truck has damage, the staff will document it and either charge you directly or send you a bill later if you bought the damage waiver.
Common reasons Enterprise truck rentals fall through
The most common issue is availability. During peak moving season (May through September) or around holidays, trucks can be fully booked days or weeks in advance. If you need a truck on short notice during these times, call multiple Enterprise locations in your area to find one with availability, or consider renting from a competitor like Home Depot, U-Haul, or Penske.
The second issue is your driving record. If you have recent accidents, traffic violations, or a suspended license, Enterprise may refuse to rent to you or charge a much higher rate. There is no way around this — you cannot dispute it at the counter. If you are declined, you will need to wait for your record to improve or try a different rental company with looser standards.
The third issue is insurance. If you cannot prove you have insurance and do not want to buy Enterprise's coverage, some locations will not complete the rental. This is a liability issue for the company. If this happens to you, you will need to either buy their coverage or go elsewhere.
How Enterprise truck rentals compare to other options
Enterprise competes mainly with U-Haul, Home Depot, Penske, and local independent truck rental shops. Enterprise's advantage is convenience — most people have a branch near them, and the company has a reputation for customer service. The disadvantage is price: Enterprise is often more expensive than U-Haul or Home Depot for straightforward moving jobs, especially for longer rentals.
U-Haul is the largest truck rental company in the country and often has lower daily rates, but their trucks are older and their locations are fewer in some areas. Home Depot rents trucks only at Home Depot locations, which limits your options but can be cheaper for short jobs. Penske sits between Enterprise and U-Haul in price and truck condition. Local independent shops sometimes offer the best rates but may have limited inventory and less predictable service.
If you are moving across the country, U-Haul is usually the better choice because they specialize in long-distance moves and have more flexible drop-off locations. If you need a truck for a few hours to pick up supplies or move a single room, Enterprise or Home Depot is often faster and easier. If you want the newest trucks and do not mind paying for it, Enterprise is a solid choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent an Enterprise truck if I do not have insurance?
Yes, but you will need to buy Enterprise's damage waiver and liability coverage at the rental counter. Without your own insurance or their coverage, you are personally liable for any damage to the truck or injuries you cause while driving it. This can be expensive, so buying their coverage is the safer option if you have no insurance of your own.
What happens if I return the truck late?
You will be charged for the extra time. If you are a few minutes late, some locations may waive it, but do not count on it. If you are more than an hour late, you will typically be charged for a full extra day at the daily rate. Always plan to return the truck early if possible, and call the branch if you think you will be late.
Does my car insurance cover an Enterprise rental truck?
Most personal auto insurance policies cover rental vehicles, including trucks, at the same level they cover your own car. However, some policies exclude trucks or have lower limits. Call your insurer before you rent to confirm what is covered. If your policy does cover it, you do not need to buy Enterprise's damage waiver.
Can I rent a truck one-way to a different city?
Enterprise allows one-way rentals at some locations, but there is usually a drop-off fee that can be substantial, especially for long distances. Call your local branch to ask if one-way is available and what the fee would be. U-Haul is often cheaper for one-way moves because it is their core business.
What if the truck breaks down while I am renting it?
Call Enterprise when ready at the number on your rental agreement. They will arrange a replacement truck or a tow to the nearest Enterprise location. You are not responsible for mechanical failures — that is Enterprise's responsibility. Do not attempt to repair the truck yourself or take it to a mechanic without calling Enterprise first.