What Enterprise Rental Does and Who Uses It
Enterprise Rent-A-Car is a car rental company with locations at airports, in city centers, and in suburban neighborhoods across North America. Unlike some rental companies that operate only at airports, Enterprise runs neighborhood branches where you can pick up and drop off a car without traveling to an airport terminal. The company rents economy cars, SUVs, vans, and trucks by the day, week, or longer periods.
Enterprise serves people replacing a car while theirs is being repaired, traveling for work or vacation, moving to a new home, or needing an extra vehicle for a specific task. The company also works with insurance companies — when your car is damaged in an accident, your insurer may direct you to Enterprise for a rental while repairs happen, and the insurer pays the bill directly.
Key Takeaways
- You must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license and a credit card in your own name to rent from Enterprise.
- Daily rates vary by location, vehicle type, and season, so the price you see online for one city may not match another.
- Enterprise charges for gas, tolls, and damage beyond normal wear, so returning the car on time and in the condition you received it matters financially.
- Insurance coverage for a rental car depends on your personal auto policy and credit card benefits, not on what Enterprise offers.
- Booking online or by phone in advance usually costs less than walking in without a reservation.
Age, License, and Payment Requirements
Enterprise requires you to be at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license. If you are under 25, Enterprise charges an additional daily fee called a young driver surcharge, which varies by location but typically ranges from a few dollars to around $15 per day. Drivers 25 and older do not pay this fee.
You must present a credit card in your own name at pickup — debit cards are not accepted as the primary payment method. The credit card is used to place a hold for the rental cost plus a damage deposit, which is released when you return the car undamaged. You will also need to show proof of insurance or purchase Enterprise's damage coverage at the counter.
How Pricing Works and What Affects Your Rate
Enterprise publishes daily rates online, but the actual price depends on the location, the type of vehicle, how far in advance you book, and the time of year. A compact car in a small town costs less than the same car in a major city or airport location. Renting during peak travel seasons (summer, holidays) costs more than renting during slower periods.
When you book online or call ahead, you lock in a rate. If you show up without a reservation, you pay the walk-in rate, which is usually higher. Enterprise also offers weekly and monthly rates that are cheaper per day than daily rentals, so if you need a car for seven days or more, ask about those options.
The quoted price typically includes the base rental fee but not taxes, which vary by state and county. Fuel, tolls, parking fees, and any damage charges are separate and added to your final bill.
Fuel, Damage, and Return Conditions
Enterprise rents cars with a full tank of gas. You are expected to return the car with a full tank. If you return it with less fuel, Enterprise charges you for the missing gas at a per-gallon rate that is usually higher than what you would pay at a gas station — sometimes significantly higher. To avoid this charge, fill the tank yourself at a gas station near the rental location before you return the car.
Any damage beyond normal wear and tear — dents, scratches, broken windows, interior stains, or mechanical problems caused by misuse — is your responsibility. Enterprise documents the car's condition with photos at pickup and again at return. If damage is found, you are charged for repairs. If you purchase Enterprise's damage waiver (sometimes called a loss damage waiver), you are not charged for most damage, though this coverage has limits and exclusions.
Return the car on time. Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate, depending on how late you are. If you need the car longer, call Enterprise before your return date to extend the rental rather than returning it late.
Insurance Coverage: What You Need to Know
Enterprise does not automatically include insurance in the rental price. Your coverage comes from one of three sources: your personal auto insurance policy, your credit card's rental car coverage, or Enterprise's damage waiver purchased at the counter.
Before you rent, check your auto insurance policy to see whether it covers rental cars. Many personal policies do, but some exclude rentals or cover only certain types of damage. Call your insurance company and ask specifically whether your policy covers a rental car in the state where you are renting. If it does, you do not need to buy Enterprise's coverage.
Some credit cards (often premium or business cards) include rental car damage coverage as a cardholder benefit. If your card offers this, you may not need additional coverage. However, credit card coverage often has limits and exclusions, so read the terms before relying on it.
If neither your insurance nor your credit card covers rental damage, or if you want extra protection, you can purchase Enterprise's damage waiver at the counter. This is optional but protects you from being charged for damage to the rental car.
Booking Online, by Phone, or In Person
Enterprise allows you to book a rental through its website, by phone, or by walking into a location. Online booking usually offers the lowest rates and lets you lock in a price before you arrive. When you book online, you receive a confirmation number and can modify or cancel the reservation before pickup.
Calling Enterprise directly (1-800-RENT-A-CAR or your local branch) works if you have questions about vehicle availability, want to discuss insurance options, or prefer to speak with someone. Phone bookings are also honored at the quoted rate.
Walking in without a reservation is possible but usually costs more because you pay the walk-in rate instead of a pre-booked rate. Walk-in rentals also depend on vehicle availability — if the location is busy, the car type you want may not be available.
What Happens When Your Insurance Sends You to Enterprise
If your car is damaged in an accident and your insurance company directs you to Enterprise, the process is different. Your insurer will have a direct relationship with Enterprise and will pay the rental bill. You typically do not pay out of pocket, though you may be responsible for your insurance deductible.
Contact your insurance company when ready after an accident and ask which rental company they use. Some insurers have preferred vendors; others let you choose. If Enterprise is the option, your insurer will provide you with a claim number and authorization. Present this at Enterprise, and the company will bill your insurer directly.
The rental period is usually limited to the time needed to repair your car. If repairs take longer than expected, your insurer may extend the rental or stop paying after a certain number of days. Stay in contact with both your insurer and Enterprise to avoid surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent an Enterprise car if I don't have a credit card?
No. Enterprise requires a credit card in your name for the security deposit and payment. Debit cards are not accepted as the primary payment method. If you do not have a credit card, you cannot rent from Enterprise.
What if I return the car late?
Late returns are charged at the daily rate or an hourly rate, depending on how late you are and the location's policy. If you realize you need the car longer, call Enterprise before your return time to extend the rental. An extension is usually cheaper than a late fee.
Do I have to buy Enterprise's damage coverage?
No, it is optional. If your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental damage, you do not need to buy Enterprise's waiver. Check your coverage before you arrive at the counter so you know whether you need it.
Can I rent a car for someone else to drive?
The person whose name is on the credit card and rental agreement is the primary renter and must be present at pickup. Additional drivers can be added at the counter, and Enterprise charges a fee for each additional driver. The additional driver must have a valid license and meet the age requirement.
What if the car breaks down while I'm renting it?
Call Enterprise when ready. The company provides roadside information and will either repair the car or send a replacement. You are not charged for mechanical failures that are not your fault. Keep the phone number for your rental location in your phone so you can reach them quickly.