What Enterprise does and how it differs from other rental companies
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a car rental company with locations at airports, in city centres, and in suburban neighbourhoods across the UK and Europe. Unlike some competitors that focus mainly on airport counters, Enterprise operates neighbourhood branches, which means you can often rent and return a car closer to home rather than at a terminal.
Enterprise is owned by the same parent company as National Car Rental and Alamo, but operates under its own brand with its own pricing, vehicle fleet, and booking system. When you book through Enterprise directly—either online or by phone—you are dealing with Enterprise's rates and terms, not a third-party booking site that may show different prices or cancellation rules.
The company rents everything from economy hatchbacks to SUVs and vans, and also offers one-way rentals (pick up in one location, drop off in another), though one-way fees can be substantial depending on distance. Enterprise also runs a separate service called Enterprise CarShare for hourly rentals in cities, but that is a different product from traditional daily or weekly car rental.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise has neighbourhood locations as well as airport branches, so you can often rent a car without going to a terminal.
- You need a valid driving licence, a credit card in your own name, and proof of insurance or the option to buy their coverage before you can collect a car.
- The quoted rental rate does not include VAT, fuel, one-way fees, or damage waivers, so the final bill is usually higher than the initial price shown.
- Enterprise's damage waiver (called a Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) costs extra but may be covered by your personal car insurance or credit card, so check before you buy it from them.
- Returning the car late, with damage, or on empty fuel will trigger additional charges that can be substantial.
What you need to bring and have ready before you book
To rent from Enterprise, you must have a valid UK or EU driving licence that you have held for at least one year (some locations require two years for drivers under 25). You also need a credit card in your own name—debit cards are not accepted, and the card must have sufficient available credit because Enterprise will place a hold on it as a security deposit. That hold is released after the rental ends and any charges are settled, but it means the money is temporarily unavailable to you.
You must also have proof of insurance. This can be your own car insurance policy (which may or may not cover rental vehicles—check your documents or ring your insurer), or you can buy Enterprise's Loss Damage Waiver at the counter. Some credit cards also include rental car coverage, so it is worth checking your card's benefits before you book. If you arrive without proof of insurance and do not buy their waiver, Enterprise will not rent to you.
Bring your driving licence, the credit card, and proof of insurance or your card details if you plan to buy their coverage. If you are renting a van or a larger vehicle, Enterprise may ask for additional documentation or a higher deposit.
How the rental price is calculated and what is not included
The daily or weekly rate you see quoted online or over the phone does not include VAT (currently 20%), fuel charges, one-way fees, or damage waivers. The base rate is only the vehicle hire itself. When you arrive to collect the car, the final bill will include VAT on top of the quoted rate, and you will be asked whether you want to buy the Loss Damage Waiver and how you want to handle fuel.
Fuel is charged on a "full-to-full" basis: you collect the car with a full tank and must return it full, or you pay Enterprise's per-litre rate for any shortfall. Enterprise's fuel price is typically higher than what you would pay at a petrol station, so it is usually cheaper to fill the tank yourself before you return the car. If you book a one-way rental, a one-way fee applies on top of the daily rate; this fee varies by distance and location.
The Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is optional but costs roughly £10 to £20 per day depending on the vehicle size. It reduces your liability for accidental damage, but does not cover theft, breakdowns caused by your negligence, or damage to the interior. Read the terms carefully, because what is and is not covered matters if something goes wrong.
How to book and what happens when you arrive
You can book Enterprise online through their website, by phone, or by walking into a branch. Online booking is usually quickest and lets you see available vehicles and prices before you commit. When you book, you will need to provide your driving licence number, the dates and times you need the car, and your pick-up and drop-off locations. Enterprise will show you the base rate, VAT, and any one-way fees upfront, but not the fuel or damage waiver cost—those are decided when you arrive.
When you arrive at the branch to collect the car, bring your driving licence, credit card, and proof of insurance. The staff will check your licence, place a hold on your credit card for the security deposit (usually £500 to £1000 depending on the vehicle), and ask you to confirm whether you want the Loss Damage Waiver. They will also explain the fuel policy and show you the vehicle's condition. Before you drive away, walk around the car with the staff member and note any existing damage on the rental agreement—this protects you if you are charged for damage you did not cause.
The car will be handed over with a full tank. You are responsible for any damage, mechanical problems, or traffic violations that occur during the rental period, even if you did not cause them. If the car breaks down, ring Enterprise when ready; they will arrange recovery and a replacement vehicle.
Fuel, mileage, and late return charges
Enterprise charges per mile or per kilometre depending on the vehicle and location. The mileage allowance is usually unlimited for weekly rentals but may be limited for daily rentals—check your booking confirmation. If you exceed the limit, you pay a per-mile overage charge, which can add up quickly on a long trip.
Fuel is your responsibility. You collect the car full and must return it full. If you return it with less fuel, Enterprise charges you their per-litre rate, which is typically 20 to 30 pence per litre higher than supermarket petrol prices. If you return the car late—even by 30 minutes—you may be charged a partial or full day's rental fee depending on the branch's policy. Check the terms of your booking or ask the staff when you collect the car.
Damage charges are separate from the rental fee. If you return the car with dents, scratches, broken windows, or interior stains, Enterprise will assess the damage and charge you for repairs. If you bought the Loss Damage Waiver, your liability is capped (usually at £500 to £1000 depending on the vehicle), but you still pay the excess. If you did not buy the waiver, you pay the full repair cost, which can be hundreds of pounds for significant damage.
What the Loss Damage Waiver covers and when to buy it
The Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) is Enterprise's optional damage insurance. It reduces your financial liability if the car is damaged in an accident, but it does not cover everything. The waiver typically covers accidental collision damage, vandalism, and theft, but excludes damage caused by your negligence (such as driving through flood water or off-road), damage to the interior (such as stains or burns), and mechanical breakdowns. Read the specific terms for the vehicle and location you are renting, because coverage varies.
You do not have to buy Enterprise's waiver if your own car insurance or credit card already covers rental vehicles. Before you book, check your insurance policy or ring your insurer to ask whether rental cars are covered and what the excess is. If your personal insurance covers it with a low excess, you may not need Enterprise's waiver. If you have no other coverage, buying the waiver is usually worth the cost to avoid a large unexpected bill if something goes wrong.
The waiver is not refundable if you do not use it, so decide before you arrive at the branch. If you are unsure, ask the staff to explain what is covered under the specific terms for your rental.
Common charges and what to avoid
Beyond the base rental rate, fuel, and damage, Enterprise charges for several other things. Returning the car late incurs a late fee (usually a partial or full day's rate). Exceeding the mileage limit costs per-mile overages. Returning the car with less than a full tank costs Enterprise's inflated fuel price. Damage costs whatever the repair bill is, minus your waiver excess if you bought one. Tolls and congestion charges are your responsibility and may be charged to your credit card if Enterprise paid them on your behalf.
To avoid surprise charges: fill the tank yourself before returning the car, return the car on time, keep mileage within the allowance, and document any existing damage when you collect the car. If you are unsure about any charge on your final bill, ask the staff to explain it before you sign.
One-way rentals and returning the car to a different location
Enterprise allows one-way rentals: you pick up the car at one branch and drop it off at another. This is convenient if you are travelling between cities, but the one-way fee can be significant. The fee depends on the distance between the pick-up and drop-off locations and the vehicle type. A one-way rental from London to Manchester, for example, might add £50 to £150 to your bill depending on the car size.
When you book a one-way rental, the system will show you the one-way fee upfront. Make sure the drop-off location is open at the time you plan to return the car—some branches have limited hours, and returning the car outside those hours may incur additional charges or be impossible. If you need to change the drop-off location after you have booked, contact Enterprise as soon as possible, because changing it may alter the one-way fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car if I am under 25?
Yes, but Enterprise may charge a young driver surcharge (typically £15 to £25 per day) and require you to have held your licence for at least two years instead of one. Some vehicle types may not be available to drivers under 25. Check the terms when you book, because the surcharge is not always shown in the initial quote.
What happens if I damage the car and I did not buy the Loss Damage Waiver?
You pay the full repair cost. Enterprise will assess the damage, get a repair quote, and charge your credit card. Repair bills for significant damage can easily exceed £1000. If you believe the damage was not your fault, you can dispute the charge, but Enterprise will likely ask for evidence.
Can I cancel my booking and get a refund?
Cancellation terms depend on the rate you booked. Some rates are fully refundable if you cancel before a certain date; others are non-refundable. Check your booking confirmation or the terms shown when you booked. If you need to cancel, do it through Enterprise's website or by ringing them directly rather than through a third-party booking site.
What if the car breaks down while I am renting it?
Ring Enterprise when ready. They will arrange recovery and provide a replacement vehicle at no extra cost. You are not responsible for mechanical failures that occur during the rental, but you are responsible for damage caused by your negligence (such as driving with no oil or ignoring warning lights).
Do I have to buy a full tank of fuel when I collect the car?
No. The car is provided with a full tank, and you pay for any fuel you use. If you return it with less than a full tank, you pay Enterprise's per-litre rate for the shortfall. It is usually cheaper to fill the tank yourself at a petrol station before you return the car.