What to expect when you rent from Enterprise

Enterprise is one of the largest car rental chains in North America, with locations at airports, in city centers, and in suburban neighborhoods. When you rent from Enterprise, you pick a vehicle category (compact, midsize, SUV, truck), show up at your reserved time, provide a driver's license and payment method, and drive away. The rental period is measured in days, and you return the car to the same location or a different one if you arrange it in advance. You pay a daily rate plus taxes, and sometimes a mileage charge if your rental agreement includes one.

Enterprise operates differently from some competitors: they often pick you up from nearby locations if your car is in the shop, and they don't always require a credit card in your name if you're under 25 (though policies vary by location). Their fleet tends toward practical, everyday vehicles rather than luxury or specialty cars. Prices and vehicle availability change based on demand, season, and how far in advance you book.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a payment method to rent from Enterprise, and you must be at least 21 years old (some locations require 25 for certain vehicle types).
  • Enterprise charges a daily rate plus taxes and fuel costs; mileage may be unlimited or charged per mile depending on your agreement.
  • Booking online or by phone in advance usually locks in a lower rate than walking in without a reservation.
  • You can return your rental to a different Enterprise location than where you picked it up, though this may add a drop-off fee.
  • Enterprise's damage waiver and liability coverage options are separate from your personal auto insurance, so review what you already have before purchasing their add-ons.

Age requirements and driver's license rules

Enterprise rents to drivers as young as 21, but charges a daily surcharge (called a "young renter fee") for drivers under 25. The amount varies by location and vehicle type, typically ranging from a few dollars to $15 or more per day. Some vehicle categories—usually larger trucks or premium vehicles—may not be available to drivers under 25 at all.

You must present a valid driver's license issued by a U.S. state, Canadian province, or recognized foreign country. If your license is from outside North America, bring an International Driving Permit along with it. Enterprise will check that your license is not suspended or revoked before handing over keys. If you're renting in a state or province different from where your license was issued, that's fine—Enterprise accepts licenses from anywhere.

Insurance and damage coverage at Enterprise

Enterprise offers several damage and liability options at the rental counter, but these are not required if you already have auto insurance. Before you rent, check your personal auto insurance policy or call your insurer to confirm whether it covers rental cars. Many policies do; some cover collision and comprehensive damage but not liability; some cover neither. Your credit card may also provide rental car coverage if you charge the full rental to that card—read the card's benefits guide or call the issuer to confirm.

If your personal insurance or credit card does not cover rentals, or if you want additional protection, Enterprise will sell you a damage waiver (usually called a Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) and liability coverage. The damage waiver typically costs $15 to $30 per day and removes your financial responsibility for collision or theft damage to the rental vehicle. Liability coverage protects you if you damage someone else's property or injure another person. These are optional purchases, not automatic charges, though Enterprise staff will offer them during checkout.

Read the damage waiver terms carefully: some exclude certain types of damage (like undercarriage damage or glass) and some require you to report damage within a set time. If you decline the waiver and later cause damage, Enterprise will bill you for repairs, and the amount can be substantial.

How to book and what the price includes

You can book through Enterprise's website, by phone, or in person at a location. Online booking usually shows the lowest available rate for your dates and vehicle class. When you book, you'll see the daily rate, estimated taxes, and any additional fees. The price does not include fuel—you return the car with a full tank, or Enterprise charges you for the missing fuel at a per-gallon rate that's usually higher than retail gas prices.

Some Enterprise rentals include unlimited mileage; others charge per mile after a certain threshold. Check your confirmation email or rental agreement to see which applies to you. If you're renting for a week or longer, unlimited mileage is often included automatically. For shorter rentals, especially in urban areas, you may face a mileage charge.

Taxes and fees vary by location. Airport rentals typically include a facility fee and airport concession recovery fee on top of sales tax, which can add 20% to 40% to your base rate. City and suburban locations usually have lower total tax rates. Your confirmation will show the full breakdown before you commit.

Picking up and returning your rental

Arrive at your pickup time with your driver's license, proof of insurance, and payment method. Enterprise will inspect the vehicle with you, noting any existing damage on the rental agreement. Take photos or video of the car's condition if you're concerned about pre-existing damage—this protects you if Enterprise later claims you caused it. The agent will explain the vehicle's controls and fuel type, then you'll sign the agreement and leave.

Return the car on your due date and time. If you return it late, Enterprise will charge you for an additional day or partial day, depending on their policy at that location. Return the vehicle with a full tank of fuel; if you don't, Enterprise will charge you for fuel at a premium rate. Some locations offer a "fuel option" where you prepay for a full tank at a set price, which can save money if you use less than a full tank.

When you return, an agent will inspect the vehicle for damage, check the mileage, and confirm the fuel level. If there's damage you didn't report during pickup, you may be charged. Keep your rental agreement and receipt for your records, especially if you're disputing a charge later.

One-way rentals and drop-off fees

Enterprise allows one-way rentals—picking up at one location and returning to another. This is useful if you're relocating or taking a one-way trip. One-way rentals typically cost more than round-trip rentals from the same location, and the difference depends on the distance and direction. A one-way rental from a city to a nearby suburb might add $20 to $50; a one-way rental across several states can add $100 or more.

When you book a one-way rental, the system will show you the drop-off fee before you confirm. Some locations offer free or reduced one-way fees during certain seasons or for longer rentals. If you're unsure whether a one-way rental makes sense for your trip, compare the one-way price to the cost of a round-trip rental plus a return flight or other transportation back to your starting point.

What to do if there's a problem with your rental

If the vehicle has a mechanical problem during your rental, call the Enterprise location where you rented it or the roadside information number on your rental agreement. Enterprise will arrange a replacement vehicle or towing, depending on the situation. You're not responsible for mechanical failures that occur during normal use.

If you're charged for damage you believe you didn't cause, or if you're billed for mileage or fuel you dispute, contact the location manager or Enterprise's customer service line within a few days of returning the vehicle. Have your rental agreement, photos, and receipt ready. If you can't resolve it by phone, send a written dispute to the address on your receipt. Enterprise will investigate, but the burden is on you to prove the charge was incorrect, so documentation is critical.

If you purchased a damage waiver and Enterprise later tries to charge you for damage anyway, refer to the waiver terms in your agreement. Some waivers have exclusions or require you to report damage within a certain timeframe; if Enterprise didn't follow those rules, you may have grounds to dispute the charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car from Enterprise without a credit card?

Enterprise accepts debit cards at most locations, though policies vary. If you're under 25 and using a debit card, some locations may require additional verification or a larger deposit. Call your local Enterprise location before you book to confirm their debit card policy.

What happens if I return the car late?

Enterprise charges for additional time, usually a full day's rate for any portion of a day you keep the car past your return time. If you know you'll be late, call the location as soon as possible—sometimes they can adjust your agreement if they have availability. Returning a car even an hour late can trigger a full extra day's charge.

Does Enterprise charge for gas if I return the car with a full tank?

No. If you return the car with a full tank, you pay only for the fuel you used during the rental. Enterprise measures the fuel level when you pick up and when you return; the difference is what you owe. If you return it with less than a full tank, you'll be charged for the missing fuel at Enterprise's per-gallon rate, which is typically higher than retail prices.

Can I add an extra driver to my rental?

Yes. Additional drivers must present a valid driver's license at the rental counter and sign the agreement. Enterprise may charge a daily fee for each additional driver, usually $2 to $5 per day, though some locations waive this for spouses or family members. Ask at checkout whether there's a charge.

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

Call the Enterprise location where you rented the car and ask to extend your agreement. If the vehicle is available and you haven't exceeded the mileage limit (if applicable), they'll usually approve the extension and adjust your bill. Extending by phone is often cheaper than returning early and renting again, so it's worth asking.