What Enterprise Rent a Car is and how to use it

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a rental company with locations at airports, in city centers, and in suburban neighborhoods across North America. You reserve a vehicle online, by phone, or in person; show up with a driver's license and payment method; and drive away. The rental period can be a few hours, a few days, a week, or longer. You return the car to the same location or a different one, depending on your reservation.

Enterprise operates differently from some competitors: it does not require you to be a certain age (though drivers under 25 pay a surcharge), and it often picks you up from your location if you are renting in a city. The company also rents to people with recent accidents or violations on their driving record, though the terms may be stricter.

The cost depends on the vehicle type, how long you rent it, where you pick it up, and what insurance and add-ons you choose. A compact car for a weekend in a suburban location costs far less than a full-size SUV for a week at an airport. Understanding what is included in the base price and what costs extra helps you avoid surprises at checkout.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise charges by the day or week, with prices varying by location, vehicle type, and season; checking the rate before you book prevents sticker shock at pickup.
  • Your personal auto insurance may cover rental cars, so calling your insurer before booking can save you money on Enterprise's damage waiver.
  • Drivers under 25 pay an additional daily fee, and some states or locations may have other restrictions on who can rent.
  • Enterprise allows one-way rentals to different locations, but the drop-off fee can be substantial depending on distance.
  • Returning the car late incurs hourly or daily overage charges, and refueling the car yourself before return costs less than Enterprise's fuel service.

How pricing works and what the daily rate includes

Enterprise quotes a daily or weekly rate for the base rental. This covers the vehicle itself and standard liability insurance required by law in your state. It does not cover damage to the car, theft, or loss of personal items inside the car.

The quoted rate assumes you pick up and return the car at the same location during business hours. Picking up or returning outside business hours (early morning, late evening, or Sunday) may add a fee. Returning to a different location adds a one-way fee that varies by distance—returning a car 50 miles away costs more than returning it 5 miles away.

Fuel is your responsibility. Enterprise offers a prepaid fuel option where you pay for a full tank upfront at their rate (usually higher than a gas station) and return the car empty. If you decline prepaid fuel and return the car without a full tank, Enterprise charges you for the missing fuel at a per-gallon rate that is typically 50 to 100 percent higher than the local pump price. Refueling yourself before return is almost always cheaper.

Insurance and damage coverage options

Enterprise's base rate includes liability coverage (damage you cause to other people or property). It does not include coverage for damage to the rental car itself. You have three ways to cover that risk.

First, check your personal auto insurance policy. Many policies cover rental cars at the same level they cover your own car. If yours does, you can decline Enterprise's damage waiver and rely on your own coverage. Call your insurer before you book to confirm the rental car is covered and what your deductible is. This is the cheapest option if your coverage applies.

Second, some credit cards offer rental car damage coverage if you charge the entire rental to that card. Check your card's benefits guide or call the card issuer. Coverage varies widely—some cards cover only collision damage, others exclude certain vehicle types, and some have limits on the rental period.

Third, you can buy Enterprise's damage waiver (called a Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) at checkout. This removes your financial responsibility for damage to the car. The daily cost ranges from roughly $15 to $30 depending on the vehicle type and location. For a week-long rental, that adds $105 to $210 to your bill. If you have no other coverage and are renting an expensive vehicle, the waiver may be worth it. If you have personal insurance or credit card coverage, it is redundant.

Age restrictions and surcharges for young drivers

Enterprise rents to drivers as young as 18, which sets it apart from some competitors that require drivers to be 21 or 25. However, drivers under 25 pay a daily surcharge that typically ranges from $15 to $25 per day depending on the location and vehicle type. For a week-long rental, this can add $105 to $175 to your total cost.

Some locations have additional restrictions: a few may not rent to drivers under 21, or may require a credit card in the driver's name (not a debit card). Call the specific location where you plan to pick up the car to confirm their policy before you book.

If you are under 25 and renting frequently, ask about Enterprise's loyalty program discounts, which sometimes reduce or waive the young driver surcharge for members.

One-way rentals and drop-off fees

Enterprise allows you to pick up a car at one location and return it to another. This is useful if you are relocating, taking a one-way trip, or need to drop the car closer to home. The cost includes the base rental rate plus a one-way fee.

The one-way fee depends on the distance between pickup and return locations. Returning a car 20 miles away might cost $25 to $50. Returning it 200 miles away might cost $150 to $300 or more. Enterprise's website shows the one-way fee when you enter your return location during booking, so you can see the total cost before you commit.

If the one-way fee is high, compare it to the cost of a round-trip rental plus a ride-share or taxi back to your starting point. Sometimes that combination is cheaper, especially for short distances.

Late returns and what happens if you exceed your reservation

Your rental agreement specifies a return date and time. If you return the car late, Enterprise charges an overage fee. The structure varies by location: some charge an hourly rate (often $10 to $20 per hour for the first few hours), while others charge a full day's rental rate if you are even one hour late.

Check your rental agreement at pickup to see which policy applies to your reservation. If you realize you will be late, call Enterprise as soon as possible. In some cases, they can extend your reservation and adjust the rate, which is cheaper than paying overage fees. If you cannot reach them before the important date, return the car as soon as you can to minimize the overage charges.

Late returns also affect fuel: if you return the car after hours, you may not be able to refuel it yourself, and Enterprise will charge you for fuel at their inflated rate.

How to book and what documents you need

You can book through Enterprise's website, mobile app, or by calling a location directly. Online and app bookings let you compare prices across dates and locations and lock in a rate. Phone bookings let you ask questions about specific vehicles or location policies before you commit.

At pickup, bring your driver's license, a valid payment method (credit card or debit card, depending on the location), and proof of insurance if you are declining Enterprise's damage waiver. Some locations ask for a second form of ID. If you are renting under a corporate account, bring your corporate ID or authorization letter.

Enterprise will place a hold on your credit card for the estimated rental cost plus a damage deposit (usually $200 to $500). This hold is released when you return the car, though it may take a few business days to clear from your account. If you are using a debit card, the hold ties up that money during the rental period, which can be a problem if your account balance is low.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I have a recent accident or ticket on my driving record?

Enterprise is more lenient than some competitors about driving history. Most locations will rent to you even with a recent accident or moving violation, though they may charge a higher rate or require additional insurance. Call the location where you plan to pick up the car and describe your situation. They can tell you whether you can rent and what the terms will be.

What if I need to cancel my reservation?

Cancellation policies vary by rate type. Rates booked directly through Enterprise often have no cancellation fee if you cancel before pickup. Rates booked through third-party sites (like Kayak or Autoslash) may have stricter cancellation terms. Check your confirmation email for the cancellation policy, or call Enterprise to ask before you book.

Does Enterprise offer discounts for long-term rentals?

Enterprise offers weekly rates that are cheaper per day than daily rates, and monthly rates that are cheaper still. If you are renting for more than a week, ask about the monthly rate even if you only need the car for 10 or 12 days—it may be less than the weekly rate multiplied by the number of weeks. Corporate accounts and loyalty program members also receive discounts.

Can I add a second driver to my reservation?

Yes. Additional drivers must have a valid driver's license and be listed on the rental agreement at pickup. Enterprise typically does not charge extra for a second driver, but some locations may. Ask when you book or call the pickup location to confirm.

What if the car breaks down during my rental?

Call Enterprise when ready. They will arrange a replacement vehicle or a tow to the nearest Enterprise location at no cost to you. Keep the phone number for roadside support in your confirmation email or call 1-800-RENT-A-CAR. Do not attempt repairs yourself or take the car to an independent mechanic—Enterprise covers mechanical issues under their maintenance responsibility.