What Enterprise does and how to rent from them

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is one of the largest car rental companies in North America, operating from about 10,000 locations. Unlike airport-focused competitors, Enterprise runs most of its branches from neighbourhood locations — shopping centres, downtown strips, residential areas — which is why many people use them for local rentals or when they need a replacement car while theirs is being repaired.

To rent a car from Enterprise, you need a valid driver's licence, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (either your own policy or their rental coverage). You can reserve online, by phone, or walk into a branch. The rental period starts when you pick up the car and ends when you return it to the same location or, if you arrange it in advance, a different branch.

Enterprise charges by the day, week, or month. Daily rates vary widely depending on the car type, location, season, and how far in advance you book. A compact car might cost $40 to $80 per day in a smaller city, or $60 to $120 in a major metropolitan area, but these are rough ranges — your actual quote depends on current demand. Weekly and monthly rates offer a discount per day compared to daily rates.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise locations are spread across neighbourhoods and towns, not just airports, so you can often pick up and return a car near your home or workplace.
  • You need a valid driver's licence, a credit card, and proof of insurance before you can rent; Enterprise also offers their own insurance if you don't have coverage.
  • The cost depends on the car type, location, and time of year, so comparing your quote to other rental companies is worth doing before you book.
  • Damage to the car, fuel charges, and late returns can add significantly to your bill, so read the contract carefully and understand what you are responsible for.
  • Enterprise's replacement car program for accident victims is one reason repair shops often recommend them, but you can use any rental company your insurance covers.

Insurance and damage coverage when you rent

This is the part that catches many renters off guard. When you pick up the car, Enterprise will ask whether you want to buy their damage coverage. If you decline, you are responsible for any damage to the rental car — dents, scratches, broken windows, mechanical problems caused by misuse. Your personal auto insurance may cover rental cars, but not always, and not always fully. Check your policy before you rent.

Enterprise's damage coverage is called Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). It costs roughly $15 to $30 per day depending on the car and location. If you buy it and the car is damaged, you pay nothing. If you don't buy it and damage occurs, you pay the repair bill in full — which can easily exceed $1,000 for a fender or door.

Some credit cards include rental car coverage if you charge the rental to that card. American Express, Visa Signature, and Mastercard Premium often do, but the coverage varies. Read your card's benefits guide or call the card issuer before you rent. If your card covers it, you may not need to buy Enterprise's coverage, though you will still need to report damage to Enterprise and file a claim with your card company.

What happens at pickup and return

When you arrive to pick up your car, bring your driver's licence, the credit card you used to book, and your insurance information. The agent will check your licence, run a credit check, and review the rental agreement with you. They will walk you around the car and point out any existing damage — scratches, dents, worn tyres. This is recorded on the contract. If you see damage they missed, tell them when ready and ask them to note it.

You will also be asked about fuel. Most rentals come with a full tank and you return it full. If you return it less than full, Enterprise charges you for the missing fuel at a per-gallon rate that is usually higher than what you would pay at a petrol station. Some locations offer a "fuel service option" where you pre-pay for a full tank at a set price; if you return the car with fuel left, you don't get a refund, so this only makes sense if you know you will use most of the tank.

At return, the agent will inspect the car for damage, check the fuel level, and note the mileage. If there is new damage, they will photograph it and explain the charges. You will receive a receipt. Damage charges and fuel overages typically appear on your credit card statement within a few days to a week.

Mileage limits and extra fees

Most Enterprise rentals come with unlimited mileage, especially for daily and weekly rentals. Monthly rentals sometimes have a mileage cap — often 1,500 miles per month — with a charge of 25 cents to 50 cents per mile over the limit. Check your quote and contract to see whether mileage is unlimited or capped.

Late returns are charged by the day. If you return the car after the agreed time, you are charged for an additional full day, even if you are only an hour late. Some locations are more flexible than others, but the contract usually states the grace period — often 29 minutes to an hour. Plan to return the car well before your important date.

Additional drivers cost extra, usually $10 to $15 per person per day. If someone else will drive the car, add them when you book or tell the agent at pickup. Drivers must be at least 20 or 21 years old depending on location and car type, and must have a valid licence.

Enterprise's one-way rentals and location flexibility

If you need to rent a car in one city and return it in another, Enterprise allows one-way rentals. You will pay a drop-off fee that varies by distance — returning a car 50 miles away might cost $20 to $40, while returning it across a state line could cost $100 or more. The daily rate itself does not change, but the drop-off fee is added to your total.

Enterprise has thousands of locations, so one-way rentals are often practical. However, not all locations accept returns, and some smaller towns may not have a branch at all. When you book, the system will show you which locations can accept your return and what the drop-off fee will be.

How Enterprise replacement cars work

If your car is in the repair shop after an accident or breakdown, your repair shop or insurance company may offer you a free Enterprise rental while yours is being fixed. This is called a replacement car program. Enterprise has partnerships with thousands of repair shops and insurance companies to provide this service.

If you are offered a replacement car, the repair shop or insurer arranges it — you do not book it yourself. Enterprise will deliver the car to the shop or you will pick it up from a nearby location. You typically do not pay anything; the shop or insurer covers the cost. When your car is ready, you return the rental and pick up your own vehicle.

This is one reason repair shops recommend Enterprise, but you are not required to use them. Your insurance policy may allow you to choose any rental company, or your shop may have partnerships with other rental agencies. Ask your repair shop and insurer what options are available.

Comparing Enterprise to other rental companies

Enterprise competes with Hertz, Budget, Avis, and National, among others. The main differences are location density, pricing, and customer service reputation. Enterprise's strength is neighbourhood locations, which makes them convenient for local rentals and replacement cars. Their weakness is that they are often more expensive than airport-based competitors for airport pickups.

If you are renting at an airport, check Budget, Avis, and Hertz as well — they often have lower rates there because they operate large facilities. If you are renting locally or need a replacement car, Enterprise's neighbourhood presence usually wins. Always get quotes from at least two companies before you book, because rates change daily and vary by location.

Read reviews on Google, Trustpilot, or the Better Business Bureau for the specific location you plan to use. Customer service quality varies by branch, and a bad experience at one location does not mean all Enterprise branches are the same.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I don't have my own insurance?

Yes. Enterprise will sell you their damage coverage (LDW or CDW) at pickup, which protects you against damage to the rental car. You will still need a valid driver's licence and a credit card. Some credit cards include rental coverage automatically, so check your card benefits before you buy Enterprise's coverage.

What if I return the car late?

You will be charged for an additional full day, even if you are only slightly late. The grace period is usually 29 minutes to an hour, but check your contract. If you know you will be late, call the location and let them know — they may be able to extend your reservation without charging you an extra day.

Do I have to buy Enterprise's damage coverage?

No, but you are responsible for any damage if you don't. If your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars, you can decline Enterprise's coverage. If you have neither, buying their coverage is the safest choice because repair bills can easily exceed $1,000.

Can I rent a car with a debit card instead of a credit card?

Most Enterprise locations require a credit card because they need to place a hold for potential damage charges. Some branches may accept a debit card with a larger hold, but this varies. Call your local Enterprise branch to ask before you arrive.

What if the rental car breaks down while I'm driving it?

Call Enterprise when ready. They have roadside information and will either repair the car or send you a replacement. You are not responsible for mechanical failures that occur during normal use. Keep the Enterprise roadside number in your phone or on your rental agreement.