What Enterprise offers and how their rental process works

Enterprise is one of the largest car rental chains in North America, with locations at airports, in city centres, and in neighbourhood shopping areas. You can rent from them for a day, a week, or longer — they handle everything from economy cars to SUVs and vans. The rental process is straightforward: you show up with a driver's license and payment method, they show you the car, you sign the contract, and you drive away. Most rentals include basic insurance options, roadside information, and a fuel policy you choose upfront.

Enterprise differs from some competitors because many of their locations are not at airports — they operate from local branches in residential and commercial areas. This can mean shorter wait times and sometimes lower prices than airport-based rental companies, though airport locations do exist. They also offer a one-way rental option, so you can pick up a car in one city and drop it off in another, though that typically costs more than a round-trip rental from the same location.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit or debit card in your name, and proof of insurance or the option to buy it from Enterprise before you can rent.
  • Enterprise charges a daily rate plus taxes and fees; fuel, insurance upgrades, and GPS rental are separate costs that add to your total.
  • You can reserve a car online, by phone, or in person, and most reservations hold your rate for 48 hours before they expire.
  • The contract you sign at pickup spells out the fuel policy, mileage limits (if any), damage liability, and what happens if you return the car late.
  • Returning the car on time and with a full tank (if that was your agreement) protects you from extra charges that can exceed the rental cost itself.

Documents and information you need before you arrive

Bring a valid driver's license — a state ID, provincial license, or passport with a driver's permit all work. Enterprise checks the license against their system to confirm you are not on a rental blacklist and that your license is current. If your license is suspended, expired, or shows a restriction that prevents you from renting (such as a commercial-only restriction), they will refuse the rental at the counter.

You also need a credit card or debit card in your own name. Enterprise uses this card to hold a security deposit — typically $200 to $500 depending on the car type — which they release after you return the vehicle undamaged. Some debit cards work, but Enterprise may require a larger hold or additional proof of funds. Prepaid cards and gift cards do not work for the security deposit.

Proof of insurance is not legally required to rent from Enterprise, but you will need to decide whether to buy their insurance or provide proof that your own policy covers rental cars. If you have a personal auto policy, call your insurer before you rent and ask whether rental cars are covered and what the deductible is. If you have a credit card that offers rental car coverage, check the card's terms — some cover collision damage, others do not. Enterprise will ask you to sign a waiver if you decline their insurance, confirming you understand you are liable for any damage.

How to reserve a car and what the rates include

You can reserve online at Enterprise.com, by calling the location directly, or by walking in without a reservation. Online reservations let you compare car types and lock in a rate, though the rate is only may provide if you pick up within 48 hours of booking. If you book further ahead, the rate may change — Enterprise does not may provide prices more than two days out. Phone reservations work the same way: the agent quotes a rate that holds for 48 hours.

The quoted daily rate covers the car itself and basic roadside information (towing, lockout service, fuel delivery). It does not include fuel, taxes, location fees, or insurance. When you arrive to pick up, Enterprise will show you the final bill with all charges added. Taxes vary by state and city. Some airport locations charge an additional airport concession fee, which can be $5 to $15 per day. If you reserved online, you can see the full breakdown before you confirm.

Fuel is your choice: you can pick up the car full and return it full (you pay for what you use), or you can prepay for a full tank upfront and return it empty (Enterprise charges a premium for this convenience). If you pick up full and return it less than full, you pay Enterprise's per-gallon rate, which is typically higher than a gas station. GPS rental, additional driver fees, and child car seats are all add-ons that increase your total cost.

Insurance options and what they actually cover

Enterprise offers three main insurance products at the rental counter: Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Liability Coverage, and Personal Effects Coverage. CDW covers damage to the rental car itself — dents, scratches, broken windows, theft — up to the car's full value. Without CDW, you are liable for all damage, which can easily exceed $5,000 for a serious accident. Liability coverage covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property; this is legally required in every state, and Enterprise includes a minimum amount (usually $20,000 to $30,000 depending on location), but you can buy more.

Personal Effects Coverage is optional and covers your belongings stolen from the car. Most homeowners or renters insurance already covers this, so check your policy before paying for it at the rental counter. If your personal auto insurance or credit card already covers rental cars, you do not need to buy Enterprise's CDW — bring proof of that coverage and decline theirs. If you have no coverage, buying CDW is worth the cost; a single accident can leave you responsible for thousands of dollars.

Enterprise will ask you to inspect the car before you leave the lot and point out any existing damage. Take photos or video of the car's condition — the exterior, interior, dashboard, and any dents or scratches. This protects you if Enterprise tries to charge you for damage that was already there. Do the same when you return: photograph the car's condition before you hand over the keys, so there is no dispute about new damage.

Fuel, mileage, and late return charges

The fuel policy you choose at pickup determines what you pay at the end. If you pick up full and return full, you pay only for the fuel you used at the pump price you saw when you filled up. If you prepay for a full tank, Enterprise charges a premium (usually $2 to $4 per gallon above market rate) but you can return the car empty. If you pick up full and return it less than full, Enterprise charges their per-gallon rate, which is significantly higher than either option — often $6 to $8 per gallon. The cheapest option is almost always to pick up full and return full yourself at a gas station near the rental location.

Mileage limits depend on the rental agreement. Some rentals are unlimited mileage; others cap you at 100 or 200 miles per day. If you exceed the limit, Enterprise charges $0.25 to $0.50 per mile over the cap. Check your contract at pickup to see whether your rental is unlimited or capped. If you are planning a long road trip, unlimited mileage is usually worth the small upfront cost increase.

Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate if you are only a few hours late. If you rent for one day at $50 per day and return it six hours late, Enterprise may charge you a half-day rate ($25 to $35) or a full day rate ($50) depending on their location's policy. Returning the car more than 24 hours late triggers a full additional day charge. Set a phone reminder for your return time to avoid this.

What happens at pickup and what to watch for in the contract

When you arrive at the Enterprise location, bring your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance (if you have it). The agent will ask for your driver's license, run it through their system, and confirm your reservation. They will then ask about insurance: whether you want to buy their coverage or decline it. If you decline, they will ask you to sign a liability waiver. Do not skip this conversation — it determines who pays if the car is damaged.

The agent will print your rental agreement, which lists the car's make, model, and license plate; the pickup and return dates and times; the daily rate and total cost; the fuel policy; mileage limits; insurance choices; and damage liability terms. Read this contract before you sign. If anything is wrong — the return date, the car type, the rate — ask the agent to correct it. Once you sign, you are responsible for the terms on that page.

The agent will then walk you to the car and point out its condition. They may note existing damage on the contract, or they may ask you to sign off that the car is in good condition. This is your moment to speak up: if there is a dent, scratch, or stain, point it out and ask them to photograph it or note it on the contract. If you do not report it now, Enterprise may charge you for it when you return. Take your own photos or video as backup.

Returning the car and avoiding surprise charges

Return the car on the date and time stated in your contract. If you are running late, call the location and let them know — some locations will hold the car for a short grace period, others will not. Returning even 30 minutes late can trigger an additional day charge. Plan to return the car at least 15 minutes before your contract time expires.

If you chose the "full to full" fuel option, fill the tank at a gas station near the rental location before you return. Do not rely on the station closest to Enterprise — drive to a cheaper station if you can, because you are paying out of pocket. Keep your fuel receipt; if Enterprise disputes how much fuel you had, the receipt proves you filled up. Return the car with the fuel gauge at or above the full line.

When you return, the agent will inspect the car for new damage, check the mileage, and verify the fuel level. If there is damage you did not report at pickup, they will photograph it and charge you. If the mileage is over your limit, they will calculate the overage charge. If the fuel is below full, they will charge you their per-gallon rate. The agent will print a final receipt showing all charges. Review it before you leave — if something looks wrong, ask them to explain it or correct it on the spot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I do not have a credit card?

Some Enterprise locations accept debit cards for the security deposit, but they may require a larger hold or additional proof of funds. Call the location where you plan to rent and ask whether they accept your debit card. Prepaid cards and gift cards do not work for the deposit hold.

What if I return the car damaged?

If you bought Collision Damage Waiver, Enterprise covers the damage (minus any deductible, usually $500 to $1,000). If you did not buy CDW, you are liable for the full repair cost. Enterprise will send you a damage claim with photos and a repair estimate; you can dispute it if you believe the damage was pre-existing or not your fault, but you will need evidence (your own photos from pickup, witness statements, or a police report if another vehicle was involved).

Can I extend my rental if I need the car longer?

Yes. Call the Enterprise location where you rented and ask to extend. They will quote you the current daily rate (which may be higher or lower than your original rate) and extend your contract. If you do not call and straightforward keep the car past your return date, you will be charged a late fee plus additional daily charges, and Enterprise may report the car as stolen to police.

What if I get into an accident while renting?

Call Enterprise when ready and report the accident. If another vehicle was involved, get the other driver's insurance information and take photos of the damage. If police responded, get a copy of the accident report. Enterprise will investigate the claim and determine liability. If you bought CDW, they cover the damage; if not, you are responsible. Your personal auto insurance may also cover rental cars — check your policy or call your insurer.

Is it cheaper to rent from Enterprise or from an airport rental counter?

Enterprise's neighbourhood locations often have lower daily rates than airport counters, but airport locations may have higher taxes and concession fees. Compare the total cost (rate plus taxes and fees) for both the Enterprise location and other rental companies at your airport before you book. One-way rentals are almost always more expensive than round-trip rentals from the same location.