What Entreprise Rent a Car is and how to rent from them
Entreprise Rent a Car is a rental company with locations across North America, Europe, and other regions. You can rent a car by visiting an Entreprise location in person, calling their reservation 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 coverage you purchase from Entreprise at the time of rental.
The rental process itself is straightforward: you choose your car type, agree to the rental terms, inspect the vehicle for damage, and sign the contract. The contract lists what you're responsible for, what's covered, and what costs extra. Before you drive away, the staff will note the mileage and fuel level, and you'll do the same when you return the car.
Entreprise operates differently from airport-only rental companies — they have neighborhood locations in cities and towns, which often means shorter wait times and sometimes lower rates than you'd find at an airport counter. However, rental costs vary widely depending on location, season, car type, and how long you rent.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance to rent from Entreprise, either your own policy or theirs.
- Rental rates depend on your location, the time of year, the type of car, and the rental length — there is no single standard price.
- Damage waivers and insurance add-ons are optional but change what you pay if the car is damaged, so read the contract before signing.
- Returning the car late, with less fuel than you started with, or with damage will result in additional charges beyond your base rental fee.
- Entreprise has neighborhood locations as well as airport locations, so you can often pick up and drop off closer to home than with airport-only companies.
Understanding rental rates and what affects the price you pay
Entreprise's daily or weekly rate depends on several factors that change from day to day and location to location. The type of car matters — a compact sedan costs less than an SUV or a truck. The time of year matters too: summer and holiday periods are more expensive than winter weekdays. How far in advance you book can affect the rate, and whether you rent at an airport location versus a neighborhood location also plays a role.
The base rental rate covers the car itself and typically includes a certain number of miles per day or unlimited mileage, depending on the agreement. Mileage limits vary by rental type and location. Some rentals include unlimited miles; others charge per mile over a daily limit. Always check your contract to know which applies to your rental.
Additional charges are separate from the base rate. These include damage waivers (also called loss damage waivers or LDWs), fuel charges if you don't return the car full, late fees if you keep it past your return time, and tolls or parking tickets you incur during the rental. Some locations also charge a facility fee or airport surcharge.
Insurance, damage waivers, and what happens if the car is damaged
When you rent a car, you are responsible for any damage that occurs during your rental period. Entreprise offers a damage waiver (sometimes called a loss damage waiver) that limits your out-of-pocket cost if the car is damaged. This is optional — you do not have to buy it — but it changes what you owe if something goes wrong.
If you decline the damage waiver and the car is damaged, you pay the full repair cost, which can be hundreds or thousands of dollars. If you purchase the waiver, you typically pay a daily fee (usually $15 to $30 per day, though this varies) and your liability is capped at a deductible amount, often $0 to $1,000 depending on the waiver level you choose.
Your own car insurance may cover rental cars, and some credit cards offer rental car coverage. Before you rent, contact your insurance company or credit card issuer to ask whether rental damage is covered and what your deductible would be. If you have coverage through your own policy or credit card, you may not need to buy Entreprise's waiver. If you don't have outside coverage, buying the waiver protects you from a large unexpected bill.
Fuel, mileage, and late return charges
Entreprise offers several fuel options. The most common is that you return the car with a full tank, and if you don't, you pay a per-gallon charge for the fuel you used — this charge is usually higher than what you'd pay at a gas station. Some rentals include a full tank of fuel upfront, meaning you pay for a full tank whether you use it or not. A few locations offer a "fuel exchange" where you return the car empty and pay only for what you used at a set per-gallon rate.
Mileage charges explore if your rental agreement includes a mileage limit and you exceed it. The contract will state the daily limit and the per-mile overage charge. Unlimited mileage rentals cost more upfront but save money if you plan to drive far.
If you return the car after your agreed return time, you pay a late fee. The fee structure varies — some locations charge an hourly rate for the first hour or two, then charge for an additional day if you're significantly late. Check your contract for the specific late fee policy at your location.
What to do before you pick up the car and before you return it
Before you leave the rental counter, walk around the car with the staff member and inspect it together. Look for dents, scratches, broken lights, torn upholstery, and any other damage. Point out anything you see, and make sure it's noted on the contract. Take photos or video of the car's condition if you can — this creates a record if there's a dispute later about pre-existing damage.
Check that the car has a spare tire, a jack, and a lug wrench. Verify the fuel level matches what the contract says. Test the lights, wipers, and air conditioning to make sure everything works. If anything is missing or broken, report it before you drive away.
When you return the car, arrive with enough time to inspect it together with the staff. Return it with a full tank (or empty, depending on your agreement), and make sure the mileage and fuel level are recorded on the return paperwork. Keep a copy of your rental agreement and return receipt. If damage is noted at return that wasn't on the pickup form, you have a record of what you signed off on.
Renting for business versus personal use
Entreprise offers both personal and business rentals. Business rentals may have different rates, billing options, and account terms than personal rentals. If you're renting for work, ask whether your company has a corporate account with Entreprise — many do, and corporate accounts sometimes include negotiated rates or simplified billing.
For business rentals, you may be able to set up a direct bill arrangement so the rental is charged to your company account rather than a personal credit card. This requires paperwork upfront but can simplify expense reporting. Personal rentals are billed to the credit card you provide at pickup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to buy insurance from Entreprise if I already have car insurance?
No. If your own car insurance covers rental vehicles, you can decline Entreprise's damage waiver and rely on your policy instead. Contact your insurance company before you rent to confirm you're covered and to learn your deductible. If you're not covered, buying Entreprise's waiver protects you from paying the full cost of any damage.
What happens if I return the car late?
You'll be charged a late fee according to the rental agreement. The fee structure varies by location — some charge an hourly rate for the first hour or two, then charge for a full additional day if you're very late. Check your contract for the specific policy, and call the location if you know you'll be late so they can tell you exactly what to expect.
Can I rent a car if I'm under 25?
Yes, but Entreprise charges a young driver fee for renters under 25, typically $15 to $25 per day. You still need a valid driver's license and a credit card. Some car types may not be available to younger drivers. Ask about the young driver surcharge when you book.
What if I need to cancel my reservation?
Cancellation policies vary depending on when you booked and what type of rate you received. Some reservations are fully refundable if you cancel before a certain date; others have a cancellation fee. Check your confirmation email or call the location where you booked to learn the cancellation terms for your specific reservation.
Can I rent a car one-way, dropping it off at a different location?
Yes. One-way rentals are available at many Entreprise locations, but they typically cost more than round-trip rentals from the same location. The farther apart the pickup and drop-off locations, the higher the one-way fee. Ask for the one-way rate when you book.