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 car category (economy, midsize, SUV, truck), pay a daily rate, and return it at an agreed time. The rental agreement is a contract that spells out your costs, what damage you're responsible for, and what happens if you return the car late. You'll need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance — either your own or Enterprise's.

Enterprise's pricing varies by location, season, and how far in advance you book. A one-day rental of an economy car might cost $40 to $80 in a small city or $70 to $150 in a major metropolitan area, but these numbers shift constantly. The company charges by the day, the week, or the month, and longer rentals usually have a lower daily rate. You'll also pay for gas (you return it with a full tank or pay Enterprise's per-gallon rate), tolls, parking tickets, and any damage beyond normal wear.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance before you can rent an Enterprise vehicle.
  • Daily rates vary widely by location and season, so checking the Enterprise website or calling a specific location gives you the actual price for your dates.
  • You can book online, by phone, or in person, and reservations can be modified or cancelled up to a certain point without penalty.
  • Enterprise offers damage waiver options that shift responsibility for minor damage from you to the company, but they cost extra and have limits.
  • Returning the car late, with an empty tank, or with damage will add charges to your final bill.

How to book an Enterprise rental

The fastest way to book is through Enterprise's website (enterprise.com) or mobile app. You enter your pickup location, pickup date and time, return date and time, and your age. The site shows available car categories and the total price for your rental. You can filter by price, car type, or features like automatic transmission or GPS. Once you choose a car category, you enter your driver's license number, email, and phone number to hold the reservation.

You can also call an Enterprise location directly or visit in person. Phone and in-person bookings sometimes reveal inventory or pricing that the website doesn't show, especially for last-minute rentals or specific car models. When you book, Enterprise asks whether you want their damage waiver (called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) and whether you want to decline your personal auto insurance in favor of Enterprise's coverage. These decisions affect your final price and your liability if the car is damaged.

Reservations can be changed or cancelled through the website, the app, or by calling the location. Most Enterprise locations allow free cancellation up to the time of pickup, but check the terms of your specific reservation because some promotional rates have restrictions.

What documents and information you need

Bring your valid driver's license to the rental counter. Enterprise will scan it and verify your identity. You'll also need a credit card in your own name — debit cards are usually not accepted, and the card must have enough available credit to cover the rental plus a hold for potential damage (typically $200 to $500 depending on the car category).

You must show proof of insurance. This can be your personal auto insurance card, a declaration page from your policy, or a screenshot of your insurer's app showing your current coverage. If you don't have personal insurance, Enterprise will offer you their own coverage at an additional daily cost. Some credit cards include rental car coverage, but you'll need to bring documentation of that too if you want to rely on it instead of Enterprise's insurance.

If you're under 25, Enterprise charges a young driver fee (usually $15 to $25 per day) and may limit the car categories you can rent. If you're renting with a debit card, some locations will decline the rental entirely. If you're an international driver, bring your passport and an International Driving Permit along with your home country's license.

Understanding Enterprise's damage and insurance options

When you sign the rental agreement, Enterprise will ask whether you want their Loss Damage Waiver (LDW). This is optional insurance that shifts responsibility for damage to the car from you to Enterprise. Without it, you're responsible for any damage beyond normal wear — dents, scratches, broken windows, interior stains, or mechanical problems caused by misuse. With LDW, Enterprise covers most damage up to the car's full value, though you may still pay a deductible (often $0 to $1,000 depending on the damage type).

LDW costs roughly $15 to $30 per day and is not the same as liability insurance (which covers damage you cause to other people or their property). Your personal auto insurance may already cover rental cars, so check your policy before paying for Enterprise's coverage. Some credit cards also cover rental damage if you charge the entire rental to that card — American Express, Visa Platinum, and Mastercard Premium often include this benefit.

If you decline LDW and damage occurs, Enterprise will charge you for repairs. Minor damage (small dents or scratches) might cost $500 to $2,000. Major damage (collision, rollover, theft) could cost thousands. Enterprise photographs the car before and after your rental, so document any existing damage on the agreement before you drive away.

Pickup, driving, and return procedures

Arrive at your pickup location 15 minutes early. The agent will check your license, run your credit card, and review the rental agreement with you. Walk around the car with the agent and point out any existing damage — dents, scratches, stains, or mechanical issues. The agent will note these on the agreement so you're not charged for them later. Take photos of the car's condition on your phone as backup.

Before you drive away, confirm the fuel level (should be full), check that all lights and wipers work, and test the air conditioning and heating. If anything is broken, tell the agent when ready. You're responsible for the car once you leave the lot, so note the mileage and fuel level.

Return the car on time and with a full tank of gas. If you return it late, Enterprise charges a late fee (often $40 to $75 per day or partial day, depending on the location). If you return it with less than a full tank, Enterprise charges you for gas at a per-gallon rate that's usually higher than what you'd pay at a pump. If you return it with damage, you'll be charged for repairs unless you purchased LDW.

Enterprise's pricing and how to find the best rate

Enterprise's daily rates depend on the car category, the location, the time of year, and how far in advance you book. An economy car in a rural area might rent for $35 to $50 per day, while the same car in New York City or Los Angeles could be $100 to $200 per day. Rates are highest during summer vacation season, holiday weekends, and major events. Booking weeks in advance usually costs less than booking a few days before.

To find the best rate, check Enterprise's website for your specific dates and location. Compare it to other major rental companies (Hertz, Budget, Avis) using a rental aggregator like Kayak or Autoslash, which pulls rates from multiple companies at once. Some employers, AAA memberships, and credit card companies offer discount codes that Enterprise honors — ask before you book.

Watch for hidden costs. The advertised daily rate doesn't include taxes (which vary by state and city), airport fees (if you're renting at an airport location), or optional add-ons like GPS, child seats, or additional drivers. Read the full price breakdown before you confirm your reservation.

When Enterprise might not be your best option

Enterprise works well for short-term rentals (a few days to a week) and for people who want a straightforward transaction at a familiar brand. But if you're renting for a month or longer, a local independent rental company or a car-sharing service like Turo might be cheaper. If you need a specialty vehicle (a moving truck, a luxury car, or a van with a wheelchair lift), Enterprise may not have it at your location — call ahead or check their website.

If you're traveling internationally, Enterprise operates in Canada, the UK, and parts of Europe, but availability and pricing differ. If you're under 21, some Enterprise locations won't rent to you at all, and those that do charge steep young driver fees. If you have a poor driving record or recent accidents, Enterprise may decline your rental or require a larger damage deposit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add another driver to my Enterprise rental?

Yes. The additional driver must present a valid driver's license at the rental counter and be listed on the agreement. Enterprise usually charges $10 to $15 per day for each additional driver. The primary renter (the person whose credit card is on file) remains responsible for the rental.

What happens if I return the car with damage I didn't cause?

Report the damage to Enterprise when ready, either at the return counter or by calling the location within 24 hours. Enterprise will investigate using photos and repair estimates. If they determine the damage was pre-existing or caused by a defect, they won't charge you. If they believe you caused it, they'll charge you unless you purchased LDW.

Can I extend my rental after I've picked up the car?

Yes, but availability and pricing may change. Call the location where you're returning the car and ask about extending your reservation. If the car is available, they'll adjust your agreement and charge you the current daily rate for the extra days. If it's not available, you'll need to return it on time and book a new rental.

Does Enterprise charge a fee if I return the car to a different location?

Yes, usually. One-way rentals (picking up at one location and returning to another) cost more than round-trip rentals. The fee depends on the distance between locations and the car category. Check the total price on the website before you book, because it shows the one-way fee upfront.

What's the difference between Enterprise, Enterprise Plus, and Enterprise Premium?

Enterprise Plus and Premium are membership programs that offer discounts on rentals, skip the counter line, and provide other perks like free upgrades or loyalty points. They're free to join but require you to book through their specific program. If you rent occasionally, the standard Enterprise booking is fine. If you rent monthly or more, membership might save you money.