What Enterprise Rent-a-Car is and how it operates
Enterprise Rent-a-Car is a rental company with locations at airports, in city centers, and in suburban neighborhoods across North America. Unlike some competitors that focus mainly on airport counters, Enterprise runs neighborhood branches — you can often find one near your home or workplace. The company rents economy cars, SUVs, trucks, and vans by the day, week, or month.
When you rent from Enterprise, you pick up a vehicle at a location you choose, drive it for your rental period, and return it to the same location (or a different one, though that usually costs more). You pay a daily or weekly rate, plus taxes and fees. The rental agreement specifies the mileage allowance, fuel policy, and damage liability — the financial responsibility if the car is damaged or involved in an accident.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise has neighborhood locations in addition to airport branches, so you may be able to rent without traveling to an airport terminal.
- Your rental rate depends on the vehicle type, rental length, location, and how far in advance you book — booking online usually costs less than walking in.
- You will need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance before you can rent.
- Enterprise's damage waiver (called Loss Damage Waiver) covers collision and theft but costs extra and has a deductible you still pay out of pocket.
- Returning the car late, with damage, or with less fuel than you picked it up with will result in additional charges on your credit card.
What you need to bring and have ready
To rent from Enterprise, bring your valid driver's license (a state ID, passport, or military ID works if you do not have a standard license). You will also need a credit card in your own name — debit cards are not accepted as the primary payment method, though some locations may accept them as a secondary option. The credit card is where Enterprise will charge your rental rate, taxes, fees, and any damage or late-return charges.
You must also have proof of insurance. This can be your personal auto insurance card, your employer's fleet insurance if you are renting for work, or a credit card that offers rental car coverage (check your card's benefits guide). If you do not have any of these, Enterprise will sell you their own damage waiver, which covers collision and theft — but this costs extra and still leaves you with a deductible (usually $500 to $1,500 depending on the vehicle and location).
Some locations ask for a second form of ID and a recent utility bill or lease to verify your address. If you are under 25, Enterprise charges an additional daily fee (typically $15 to $25 per day, though this varies by location). Drivers under 21 may not be able to rent at all, depending on state law and the specific location.
How pricing works and what affects your rate
Enterprise's daily rate varies based on five main factors: the vehicle type (economy sedan versus full-size SUV), the rental length (daily rates are higher than weekly rates), the location (airport branches cost more than neighborhood branches), the time of year (peak travel seasons cost more), and how far in advance you book. A one-day economy car rental in a suburban location might cost $35 to $50, while the same car at an airport location during summer could cost $60 to $80 or more.
The quoted rate does not include taxes, which vary by state and county. In most places, expect taxes to add 10 to 20 percent to your base rate. You will also see separate line items for the Loss Damage Waiver (if you purchase it), additional driver fees (if you add a second driver), and fuel charges (if you return the car with less fuel than you picked it up with).
Booking online through Enterprise's website or app usually shows lower rates than calling or walking into a location. If you book in advance and the price drops, you can often rebook at the lower rate. If you book a weekly rate, the total is usually cheaper per day than renting day-by-day, so if you know you need the car for five or more days, ask about weekly pricing.
The rental agreement and what you are responsible for
When you arrive to pick up your car, you will sign a rental agreement that spells out the terms. Read the mileage allowance section carefully — some rentals include unlimited miles, while others allow a set number of miles per day (typically 100 to 150) with overage charges of 25 to 50 cents per extra mile. If you are planning a long road trip, unlimited mileage is worth the extra cost.
The agreement also covers fuel. Most Enterprise rentals use a "full-to-full" policy: you pick up the car with a full tank and return it full. If you return it with less fuel, Enterprise charges you for the missing fuel at a per-gallon rate that is usually higher than what you would pay at a gas station. Some locations offer a "pre-purchase" option where you pay for a full tank upfront; if you return the car with fuel left, you do not get a refund, so this only makes sense if you plan to use nearly all the fuel.
You are responsible for any damage to the vehicle — dents, scratches, broken windows, interior stains, or mechanical damage caused by your use. Enterprise's Loss Damage Waiver covers collision and theft damage but has a deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket). Without the waiver, you are liable for the full repair cost, which can easily exceed $1,000 for moderate damage. Your personal auto insurance may cover rental car damage, so check your policy before paying for Enterprise's waiver.
Damage, late returns, and extra charges
When you return the car, Enterprise staff will inspect it for damage and note the mileage and fuel level. If there is damage beyond normal wear, they will photograph it and estimate the repair cost. This charge will appear on your credit card within a few days to a few weeks. If you dispute the charge, contact Enterprise's customer service with photos of your own showing the car's condition when you returned it.
If you return the car after your rental period ends, Enterprise charges a late fee. This is typically a full day's rental rate for each 24-hour period (or portion thereof) that you are late. If you rent for one day at $40 and return the car 2 hours late, you will be charged for a second full day. Plan your return time carefully, especially if you are renting near a busy time of day.
Exceeding your mileage allowance also costs money — usually 25 to 50 cents per mile over the limit. If you are unsure how far you will drive, choose unlimited mileage or a weekly rate, both of which are often cheaper than paying overage fees.
One-way rentals and returning to a different location
You can return your rental car to a different Enterprise location than where you picked it up, but this costs extra. The fee depends on the distance between locations and the vehicle type — returning a car to a location 50 miles away might cost $25 to $50 more, while a 200-mile return could cost $100 or more. Some one-way rentals are cheaper than others; Enterprise's website will show you the one-way fee when you search, so compare it to the cost of a round-trip rental before you book.
One-way rentals are useful if you are relocating, taking a one-way trip, or need to drop the car off near your destination. However, if you are making a round trip, returning to the original location is always cheaper.
How to book and what to expect at pickup
You can book through Enterprise's website, mobile app, or by calling a specific location. Online booking usually offers the lowest rates and lets you lock in a price. When you book, you will enter your pickup and return dates, location, and vehicle preference (economy, midsize, SUV, truck, or van). Enterprise will show you available vehicles and the total price including taxes and fees.
On pickup day, arrive at least 15 minutes early. Bring your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance. The staff will verify your information, review the rental agreement with you, and walk you around the vehicle to document its current condition. Take photos or video of the car's exterior and interior before you drive away — this protects you if Enterprise later claims damage that was already there.
Ask the staff to show you how to operate the vehicle's key features: the fuel door, windshield wipers, headlights, and any technology like the infotainment system. If anything is broken or not working, tell the staff when ready so it is not charged to you later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car if I do not have insurance?
Yes. Enterprise will sell you their Loss Damage Waiver, which covers collision and theft. However, you will still pay a deductible (usually $500 to $1,500) if the car is damaged. Some credit cards offer rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit, so check your card's terms before paying for Enterprise's waiver.
What happens if I return the car with damage I did not cause?
Report the damage to Enterprise staff before you leave the location. They will document it in writing and photograph it. If you do not report it, Enterprise may charge you for the damage later. If you believe you are being charged unfairly, contact Enterprise's customer service with your own photos and documentation.
Can I add another driver to my rental?
Yes. Additional drivers must have a valid driver's license and be at least 18 years old (or 21 in some states). Enterprise charges a daily fee for each additional driver, typically $10 to $15 per day. You can add a driver when you book online or at pickup.
What if I need to extend my rental after I have picked up the car?
Call the location where you rented the car and ask to extend your rental period. If the vehicle is available and you have not exceeded your mileage allowance, they can extend it. You will be charged the daily rate for the extra days, plus any applicable taxes and fees. Extending online through the app is usually faster than calling.
Do I have to fill the tank before returning the car?
Yes, under the full-to-full policy. Return the car with a full tank of fuel. If you return it with less fuel, Enterprise will charge you for the missing fuel at a per-gallon rate higher than the station price. If you purchased the pre-pay fuel option, you do not need to refill — but you will not get a refund for unused fuel.