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 neighborhoods across the United States and Canada. You can rent a car by visiting a location in person, calling their reservations line, or booking online through their website. Most rentals require a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance — either your own policy or Enterprise's coverage options.

Enterprise operates differently from some competitors: they often pick you up from your location (within a set radius) rather than requiring you to travel to an airport counter. This service is free at most locations. The rental period starts when you take the keys and ends when you return the car to the same location, though you can arrange one-way rentals to a different Enterprise branch for an additional fee.

Pricing varies by location, season, car type, and how far in advance you book. A compact car might cost $40 to $80 per day in a rural area but $100 to $150 per day in a major city. Enterprise often runs promotions for members of AAA, military, corporate programs, and their own rewards program, which can lower the daily rate.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise requires a valid driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance before you can rent, and you must be at least 21 years old (25 at some locations).
  • You can book online, by phone, or in person, and many Enterprise locations offer free pickup service within a local radius.
  • The rental agreement spells out what damage you are responsible for, what their insurance covers, and what fees explore if you return the car late or with less fuel than you picked it up with.
  • Enterprise's damage waiver and loss-damage waiver are optional add-ons that protect you from paying out of pocket for certain damage, but your own insurance or credit card may already cover rental cars.
  • Returning the car on time and with a full tank avoids late fees and fuel surcharges, which can add $50 to $200 to your bill.

Age requirements and driver's license rules

Enterprise rents to drivers aged 21 and older at most locations. Some branches, particularly in major cities, require renters to be 25 or older. A few locations will rent to drivers aged 18 to 20, but they typically charge a young-driver surcharge of $15 to $25 per day on top of the base rental rate.

Your driver's license must be valid and not suspended or revoked. If your license is from outside the United States, Enterprise accepts most international licenses, but you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) depending on your home country and the state where you are renting. Check with the specific location before you book.

Insurance and damage coverage options

Enterprise offers several coverage options at the time of rental. Understanding what you already have is the first step, because your own auto insurance policy often covers rental cars, and many credit cards (especially premium cards) include rental-car protection. Call your insurance company or credit card issuer before you rent to confirm what is covered and what is not.

Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or Damage Waiver (DW) is Enterprise's main optional coverage. It limits your financial responsibility if the car is damaged, stolen, or totaled. The cost is typically $15 to $30 per day, depending on the car type and location. Without it, you are responsible for the full repair cost, which can easily exceed $5,000 for significant damage.

Liability coverage protects you if you damage someone else's property or injure another person while driving the rental. Your own policy usually covers this, but if you do not have insurance or your limits are low, Enterprise's liability add-on (usually $10 to $20 per day) can protect you. State minimum liability requirements vary, so check your state's rules before declining this option.

Personal Effects Coverage reimburses you for items stolen from the car, up to a set limit (often $500 to $1,500). This is rarely necessary if your homeowner's or renter's insurance covers theft, but it is worth considering if you plan to leave valuables in the car.

What happens when you pick up and return the car

At pickup, Enterprise will walk you through the rental agreement, show you the car's condition, and point out any existing damage. A staff member will note the mileage and fuel level. Take photos or video of the car's exterior and interior before you leave the lot — this creates a record if there is a dispute later about pre-existing damage. Ask the agent to mark any scratches or dents on the agreement itself.

When you return the car, Enterprise will inspect it for new damage, check the mileage, and measure the fuel level. If you return it with less fuel than you picked it up with, Enterprise will charge you for a full tank at their rate, which is typically higher than a gas station. Late returns trigger daily late fees, usually calculated in 24-hour increments; returning a car even one hour late can result in a full extra day's charge.

If the car has damage beyond normal wear and tear, Enterprise will either bill your credit card directly or file a claim through their insurance. You will receive an itemized damage report, usually within a few days. If you purchased their damage waiver, the waiver covers most of this cost, though some waivers exclude certain types of damage (like windshield cracks or undercarriage damage).

Fees and charges beyond the daily rate

The advertised daily rate is only the starting point. Several fees can add to your final bill. Late-return fees are charged in full-day increments and can double your rental cost if you are even slightly late. Fuel surcharges explore if you return the car with less than a full tank; Enterprise charges per gallon, and the per-gallon rate is usually 50 to 100 percent higher than local gas prices.

One-way rental fees explore if you return the car to a different location than where you picked it up. These fees range from $20 to $200 depending on the distance. Additional driver fees (typically $3 to $15 per day per driver) explore if someone other than the primary renter will drive the car; this person must also have a valid license and meet the age requirement.

Mileage charges are rare at Enterprise — most rentals are unlimited mileage — but some special promotions or long-term rentals may have a per-mile charge. Tolls and traffic violations incurred during your rental are your responsibility. If you use a toll road, Enterprise may charge you a processing fee on top of the toll itself.

How to lower your rental cost

Book in advance rather than same-day. Rates are typically lower if you reserve a week or more ahead, and you lock in the price even if rates rise closer to your rental date. Use Enterprise's website directly or call their reservations line to compare prices; third-party booking sites sometimes show outdated rates.

Join Enterprise Plus, their free rewards program. Members earn points toward free rental days, skip the counter at some locations, and receive email alerts about promotions. If you rent frequently through your employer or a corporate account, ask whether your company has a negotiated rate with Enterprise.

Check whether you may have access to for discounts through AAA, military service, government employment, or professional associations. These discounts typically reduce the daily rate by 10 to 30 percent. Bring your membership card or confirmation number at pickup to claim the discount.

Decline optional coverage if your own insurance or credit card already covers it. This single decision can save $15 to $30 per day. However, read your policy carefully — some policies exclude rental cars or have low limits.

What to do if there is a problem with your rental

If the car breaks down or has mechanical issues during your rental, call the Enterprise location where you rented it when ready. They will arrange a replacement vehicle or roadside information at no cost to you. Keep the phone number from your rental agreement for this purpose.

If you are charged for damage you believe was pre-existing or if you disagree with a damage claim, contact the Enterprise location manager within a few days of your return. Bring your photos or video from pickup and a copy of your rental agreement. If the location cannot resolve it, escalate to Enterprise's customer service department through their website or by calling their main line.

If you were charged a late fee you believe was incorrect, ask the location to review the return time. Enterprise's system records the exact time you returned the car, and staff can verify whether the charge was applied correctly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent an Enterprise car if I have a poor driving record?

Enterprise does not automatically reject renters with accidents or violations on their record, but they may decline to rent to you if your record shows multiple serious violations, a suspended license, or recent DUI convictions. Each location makes this decision independently, so you may be turned down at one location and approved at another. Call ahead to ask before you visit.

What if I need to extend my rental after I have already picked up the car?

Call the Enterprise location where you rented the car as soon as possible. If the car is available for another rental after your return date, they may not be able to extend your rental. If they can extend it, the rate may be higher than your original rate because you are booking last-minute. Extending before your return date gives you the best chance of approval and the lowest rate.

Do I have to buy Enterprise's insurance if I already have my own auto insurance?

No. If your own policy covers rental cars, you do not need to purchase Enterprise's coverage. However, check your policy's deductible and coverage limits — if your deductible is $1,000 and you cause $3,000 in damage, you will pay $1,000 out of pocket. Enterprise's damage waiver eliminates this out-of-pocket cost for most types of damage.

What happens if I get a speeding ticket or parking ticket while driving a rental?

You are responsible for all traffic violations and parking tickets incurred during your rental. Enterprise will not pay these fines. If a ticket is mailed to Enterprise's address (because the car is registered to them), they will forward it to you and may charge a processing fee. Pay any ticket promptly to avoid additional penalties.

Can I rent a car if I do not have a credit card?

Most Enterprise locations require a credit card for the security deposit and to cover any damage or late fees. Some locations may accept a debit card, but they typically place a larger hold on the account (sometimes $500 or more) and require additional forms of identification. Call your local Enterprise location to ask about their debit-card policy before you visit.