What you need to rent from Enterprise

To rent a car from Enterprise, you need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance. Enterprise accepts licenses from all U.S. states and most countries. The credit card must be the same one you use to make the reservation — Enterprise will place a hold on it for the rental period plus a damage deposit, which is typically released within a few days after you return the car.

If you're under 25, Enterprise charges a daily underage driver fee (usually $15 to $25 per day depending on location) and may require you to provide additional documentation. Drivers 21 and older can rent standard vehicles; some locations allow 18-year-olds to rent with higher fees and restrictions. You'll also need proof of your current address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement, though this is often waived if you're renting in your home state.

Enterprise requires proof of insurance before you pick up the car. You can show your personal auto insurance card, your employer's commercial policy if you're renting for business, or purchase insurance through Enterprise at the counter. If you decline Enterprise's insurance and your personal policy doesn't cover rentals, you'll be financially responsible for any damage.

Key Takeaways

  • You must bring a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance to complete a rental.
  • Enterprise places a hold on your credit card for the rental cost plus a damage deposit, which is released after you return the car.
  • Drivers under 25 pay an additional daily fee and may need to provide extra documents or meet stricter requirements.
  • You can use your personal auto insurance, decline coverage and self-insure, or purchase Enterprise's damage waiver at the rental counter.
  • Returning the car on time and with a full fuel tank avoids late fees and fuel surcharges that can add significantly to your bill.

How to make a reservation

You can reserve a car through Enterprise's website, mobile app, or by calling 1-800-RENT-A-CAR. Online and app reservations let you compare car types, prices, and pickup locations in real time. When you book, you'll select your pickup and return dates, times, and locations — Enterprise has over 9,000 locations in the U.S., including many airport and off-airport sites.

During the reservation, you'll choose your car class (economy, compact, midsize, SUV, or truck) and add any extras like GPS, child car seats, or additional drivers. The price you see at booking is may provide if you complete the reservation; if you change your dates or location later, the price may change. Most reservations can be modified or cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before pickup, though some promotional rates have stricter cancellation policies.

Enterprise will send you a confirmation email with your reservation number, pickup address, and rate details. Save this number — you'll need it when you arrive to pick up the car. If you're a member of Enterprise Plus (Enterprise's free loyalty program), you can skip the counter entirely at many locations and go straight to your assigned car.

What happens at pickup

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup time. At the counter, you'll provide your driver's license, the credit card you used to book, and proof of insurance. The agent will verify your information, run your license through a national database to check for violations, and review the rental agreement with you.

Before you drive off, you and the agent will walk around the car together to document its condition. This is called the vehicle inspection. Point out any existing dents, scratches, stains, or mechanical issues — the agent will note them on the contract so you won't be charged for damage you didn't cause. Take photos or video of the car's exterior and interior if you want your own record. If the agent misses damage during this walk-around and you don't report it, you may be charged for it when you return.

The agent will explain the fuel policy (usually "full to full," meaning you pick it up full and return it full), show you how to operate the car's features, and give you the keys and rental agreement. Review the agreement before signing — it lists the car's condition, your insurance coverage, any fees, and your responsibilities. If anything is unclear, ask the agent to explain it.

Fuel, mileage, and return policies

Most Enterprise rentals use a full-to-full fuel policy: you receive the car with a full tank and must return it with a full tank. If you return it with less fuel, Enterprise will charge you for a refill at a per-gallon rate that is typically higher than local gas station prices. Some locations offer a pre-purchase fuel option, where you pay for a full tank upfront at a set price and can return the car empty; this is useful if you're unsure how much fuel you'll use.

Mileage is usually unlimited on Enterprise rentals, though some promotional rates or specialty vehicles may have mileage limits. Check your confirmation email and rental agreement to confirm. If your rental has a mileage limit and you exceed it, you'll be charged per mile over the limit, typically 25 cents to 50 cents per mile depending on location and car type.

Return the car to the location and time specified in your reservation. Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate if you're only a few hours late. If you return the car after the rental location closes, you may be able to leave it in a designated lot and return the keys in a drop box, but confirm this with your agent at pickup. Return the car clean and with all personal items removed; excessive dirt or damage may result in cleaning or detailing charges.

Insurance and damage coverage options

Enterprise offers several damage coverage options at the rental counter. The Damage Waiver (also called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) costs roughly $15 to $30 per day and covers collision and comprehensive damage to the rental car, with a small deductible or no deductible depending on the option you choose. If you purchase this, you won't be responsible for repair costs if the car is damaged in an accident or by theft, vandalism, or weather.

Your personal auto insurance may already cover rental cars — check your policy or call your insurer before you rent. If your policy covers rentals, you can decline Enterprise's damage waiver and rely on your own coverage, which usually has a lower deductible than Enterprise's options. Credit card companies sometimes offer rental car coverage as a cardholder benefit, but this coverage is typically secondary (meaning your personal auto insurance pays first) and may not cover all damage types.

If you decline all coverage and the car is damaged, you're responsible for the full repair cost, which can easily exceed $1,000 for collision damage. Some credit cards and travel insurance policies cover rental damage, so review what you have before declining Enterprise's coverage. Enterprise will charge your credit card for any damage after you return the car, usually within one to two weeks.

Common fees and how to avoid them

Beyond the daily rental rate, Enterprise charges several optional and unavoidable fees. Underage driver fees explore to renters under 25. Fuel surcharges explore if you return the car with less than a full tank. Late return fees explore if you keep the car past your return time — the daily rate applies for the first hour, then an hourly rate (usually one-third of the daily rate) for each additional hour. If you return the car more than 24 hours late, you may be charged for an additional full day.

Additional driver fees (usually $10 to $15 per day) explore if you add another driver to the rental agreement. Toll charges, parking tickets, and traffic violations incurred during the rental are charged to your credit card after you return the car. GPS rental fees explore if you rent a navigation device instead of using your phone. Child car seats cost $10 to $15 per day if you need one.

To avoid these fees, return the car on time with a full tank, keep the car in good condition, and drive safely. If you need an additional driver, add them at booking rather than at pickup — it's sometimes cheaper. Use your phone's navigation instead of renting a GPS. If you're under 25, budget for the underage fee when comparing rental prices.

What to do if there's damage or a problem

If you're in an accident or the car breaks down during your rental, call Enterprise's roadside information line when ready — the number is on your rental agreement and key tag. Enterprise will arrange a tow, repair, or replacement car depending on the situation. Do not leave the car unattended or attempt repairs on your own.

If the car has a mechanical problem when you pick it up (warning lights, strange noises, fluid leaks), report it to the agent before you leave the lot. The agent will either repair it, give you a different car, or cancel your rental. If a problem develops during your rental, call Enterprise and explain the issue — they'll guide you on whether to continue driving or return the car.

If you're charged for damage you believe you didn't cause, contact Enterprise's customer service within 30 days of your rental. Provide your reservation number, photos you took at pickup, and any documentation of the car's condition. If you have a dispute, Enterprise's customer service team will review the case, though you may need to escalate to a manager or file a claim through your credit card company if you disagree with their decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I have a suspended license or recent traffic violations?

Enterprise runs your license through a national database at pickup. A suspended license will disqualify you from renting. Recent violations (usually within the past three to five years) may result in a higher rate or denial depending on the violation type and your location. Call Enterprise before booking if you have concerns about your driving record.

What if I need to return the car early?

You can return the car early without penalty on most reservations. You'll be charged only for the days you actually used the car. Confirm the early return policy when you make your reservation, as some promotional rates may have minimum rental periods.

Can I rent a car one-way, from one city to another?

Yes, Enterprise offers one-way rentals between most locations. One-way rentals typically cost more than round-trip rentals because Enterprise has to move the car back to its home location. You can book a one-way rental online or by phone — just select different pickup and return locations.

What if I'm renting for business and need a receipt for my company?

Enterprise will provide an itemized receipt at return or email it to you after your rental. The receipt shows the daily rate, number of days, fuel charges, insurance, and any additional fees. Keep this for your company's records and expense reporting.

Do I need a credit card, or can I pay with debit?

Enterprise requires a credit card in your name for the reservation and to place a hold for the damage deposit. Some locations accept debit cards at pickup if you also provide a cash deposit, but this varies by location. Call ahead if you plan to use a debit card.