Enterprise's roadside information is an optional add-on you buy at the rental counter, not something included by default
When you rent from Enterprise, roadside information does not come automatically. You pay extra — the cost varies by location and rental length, but typically runs $5 to $15 per day. The coverage includes towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and tire changes, but only if you buy it before you drive off the lot. If you decline it at the counter and your car breaks down 200 miles away, you cannot add it retroactively.
Enterprise's roadside information is underwritten by a third party, usually Roadside information America or a similar provider. When you need help, you call the number on your rental agreement or the back of your temporary insurance card. The dispatcher sends a tow truck or service vehicle to your location. Enterprise does not handle the call directly — you are working with the contracted service network.
The real question is whether you need it at all. If you already have roadside coverage through your personal auto insurance, your credit card, or a membership like AAA, you likely do not need Enterprise's version. Most personal policies cover rental cars. If you do not have any existing coverage and you are renting in an unfamiliar area or for a long trip, the daily cost might be worth the peace of mind.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise roadside information is optional and costs between $5 and $15 per day, depending on location and rental duration.
- Coverage includes towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and tire changes, but you must purchase it at the rental counter before leaving the lot.
- Check your personal auto insurance, credit card benefits, and AAA membership first — most cover rental vehicles and make Enterprise's add-on redundant.
- The service is handled by a third-party contractor, not Enterprise directly, so response times depend on local availability in your area.
What Enterprise roadside information actually covers
Enterprise's roadside information package typically includes four main services: towing to a repair facility (usually up to 100 miles, though this varies), lockout service if you lock your keys in the car, fuel delivery if you run out of gas, and tire changes if you get a flat. Some plans also cover jump-starts for dead batteries and winching if you get stuck.
The coverage limits matter. Towing distance caps are common — if you need to go 150 miles to the nearest repair shop and your plan covers 100, you pay the difference. Lockout service is usually unlimited, but fuel delivery may have a limit on how much fuel they will bring (typically 5 gallons). Tire changes cover one tire per incident, not multiple flats on the same trip.
What it does not cover: collision damage, mechanical repairs once the car reaches a shop, rental car replacement if your car is disabled for days, or services for damage caused by your own negligence. If you hit a pothole and blow out two tires, the plan covers one. If you run out of gas three times in one week, the second and third calls may not be covered depending on the plan terms.
When your existing insurance or memberships already cover this
Most comprehensive and collision auto insurance policies cover roadside information for rental cars. Call your insurer before you rent and ask whether roadside service is included in your policy. If it is, you already have towing, lockout, and fuel delivery — paying Enterprise for the same thing is wasting money.
Credit cards often bundle roadside information too. Premium cards like American Express Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and several others include rental car roadside coverage as a cardholder benefit. Check your card's benefits guide or call the number on the back. If you are using that card to pay for the rental, the coverage is active.
AAA membership includes roadside information that covers rental cars in most cases. If you are a member, you have towing, lockout, fuel delivery, and tire changes already. Some AAA plans cap towing distance at 100 miles, so check your membership level. Other memberships like Good Sam (for RV owners) may also include rental car coverage — review your membership documents before buying Enterprise's add-on.
The real cost of skipping it versus buying it
A three-day rental with Enterprise roadside information costs roughly $15 to $45 in add-on fees, depending on your location. A single tow truck call without coverage can cost $150 to $300 if you are stranded far from a repair facility. A lockout service call runs $50 to $150. Fuel delivery is usually $30 to $75. So the math is straightforward: if there is even a small chance you will need one service, the daily add-on is cheaper than paying out of pocket.
But that calculation changes if you already have coverage elsewhere. If your insurance covers it, you are paying Enterprise for something you have already paid for through your premium. If you have AAA, same situation. The only time Enterprise's roadside information makes financial sense is when you have no other coverage and you are willing to bet $15 to $45 that you will not break down.
One scenario where it makes sense: you are renting a car in a remote area where you do not know the local repair shops or tow services. The Enterprise add-on gives you a single number to call, and the dispatcher handles routing you to a nearby facility. If you are stranded in rural Montana or the Nevada desert, that convenience might be worth the cost even if you have personal coverage, because you are not navigating unfamiliar territory alone.
How to use Enterprise roadside information if you buy it
When you purchase the coverage at the rental counter, you receive a temporary insurance card or a page in your rental agreement with a phone number. That number is your lifeline. If your car breaks down, call that number when ready — do not call a random tow truck or roadside service, because they will not know about your Enterprise coverage and you will end up paying out of pocket.
Have your rental agreement number and the phone number from your card ready when you call. Tell the dispatcher your location (use your phone's GPS or ask a nearby business), what is wrong with the car, and where you want the car towed. The dispatcher will send a service vehicle to you. Response time depends on your location — in a city, 30 to 60 minutes is typical; in rural areas, it can be several hours.
Once the tow truck arrives, the driver will handle the service (tire change, lockout, fuel delivery) or tow the car to the facility you requested. You do not pay the driver — the cost is covered by your Enterprise add-on. Keep the receipt or service ticket for your records in case there is a billing dispute later.
Common gaps and limitations in Enterprise coverage
Enterprise roadside information does not cover mechanical repairs at the shop. If your transmission fails and the repair costs $2,000, the roadside plan covers the tow to the shop, but you or Enterprise's insurance is responsible for the repair bill. This is where your rental car insurance matters — some policies cover mechanical breakdown; most do not.
The plan also does not cover a replacement rental car if your car is in the shop for days. If you are stranded in a small town and the repair takes a week, you are stuck. Some Enterprise locations will offer you a loaner or a discounted upgrade, but it is not may provide. If you are renting for a long trip in an area with limited repair facilities, ask Enterprise about their policy on replacement vehicles before you rent.
Distance limits on towing are another gotcha. If your plan covers 100 miles of towing and the nearest certified repair shop is 120 miles away, you pay the overage. Read the fine print on your coverage card before you need it, so you know the limits.
Comparing Enterprise roadside information to other options
| Coverage Source | Cost | What It Covers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise add-on | $5–$15/day | Towing (limited distance), lockout, fuel, tire change | Renters with no other coverage |
| Personal auto insurance | Already paid in premium | Towing, lockout, fuel, tire change (if included in policy) | Most renters — check your policy first |
| AAA membership | $50–$150/year | Towing (up to 100 miles), lockout, fuel, tire change | Frequent renters or road trippers |
| Credit card benefit | Already paid in annual fee | Towing, lockout, fuel, tire change (varies by card) | Premium card holders paying with that card |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Enterprise roadside information cover mechanical repairs?
No. The roadside plan covers towing to a repair facility, but not the cost of fixing the car once it arrives. Mechanical repairs are covered by your rental car insurance or Enterprise's damage waiver, not the roadside add-on.
Can I add roadside information after I leave the rental lot?
No. You must purchase it at the counter before you drive away. Once you have left the lot, you cannot retroactively add coverage. If you realize you need it after the fact, you are responsible for paying out of pocket for any roadside service calls.
What if my personal auto insurance already covers rental cars?
Then you do not need Enterprise's roadside information. Call your insurance company before you rent to confirm that roadside service is included in your policy and that it covers rental vehicles. If it does, skip the Enterprise add-on and use your existing coverage.
How long does it take for a tow truck to arrive?
Response time varies by location. In urban areas, expect 30 to 60 minutes. In rural or remote areas, it can take several hours. The dispatcher will give you an estimate when you call. If you are in a dangerous location, ask the dispatcher whether you should wait in the car or move to a safer spot.
What happens if the tow truck driver and I disagree about where to tow the car?
You have the right to choose where the car is towed, but some plans limit coverage to certified repair facilities. If you want the car towed to an independent shop instead of a dealership, confirm with the dispatcher that it is covered before the truck arrives. Otherwise, you may have to pay the difference in towing cost.