What Rent Enterprise Does

Enterprise Rent-A-Car is one of the largest car rental chains in North America, operating thousands of locations at airports, city centers, and neighborhood branches. Unlike some rental companies that focus only on airport counters, Enterprise runs a network designed to serve both travelers and local customers — people who need a car for a day, a week, or longer while theirs is being repaired or they're between vehicles.

Enterprise rents sedans, SUVs, trucks, vans, and specialty vehicles. The company also operates two sister brands under the same parent company: National Car Rental (typically positioned as a higher-end option) and Alamo (generally lower-cost). All three share a reservation system, so a booking made at one brand can sometimes be fulfilled at another.

The company handles insurance claims rentals — when your car is damaged and your insurer covers a rental while it's being fixed — which is how many people first encounter Enterprise. But Enterprise also serves leisure travelers, business renters, and people who need a vehicle for a specific task.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise has neighborhood locations in addition to airport branches, which can mean shorter wait times and sometimes lower daily rates than airport-based competitors.
  • You must be at least 21 years old to rent, have a valid driver's license, and provide a credit card in your name at pickup — debit cards are not accepted as the primary payment method.
  • Your personal auto insurance or credit card may cover rental damage, so check your policy before buying Enterprise's damage waiver, which adds $15 to $30 per day.
  • Insurance claim rentals often have different terms than leisure rentals — your insurer may cap the daily rate or require you to use a specific damage waiver option.
  • Enterprise charges for fuel based on the tank you return; if you don't refuel before returning the car, you pay their pump price plus a service fee, which is usually higher than local gas prices.

Age, License, and Payment Requirements at Pickup

Enterprise requires you to be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver's license. Drivers under 25 may face a young driver surcharge — typically $15 to $25 per day — depending on the location and vehicle class. Some locations may decline to rent to drivers under 21 altogether, so check your specific branch before booking.

At pickup, you must present a credit card in your own name. Enterprise does not accept debit cards as the primary payment method, though some locations may allow a debit card if you also provide a cash deposit. The card is used to authorize a hold for the rental cost plus a damage deposit, which is released when you return the car undamaged. If you don't have a credit card, call your local Enterprise branch to ask whether they can work with you — policies vary by location.

You'll also need proof of insurance. This can be your personal auto policy, a credit card's rental car coverage, or Enterprise's own damage waiver. If you're renting through an insurance claim, your insurer will have specified which coverage option you must use.

Daily Rates and What They Include

Enterprise's daily rates vary widely by location, vehicle type, season, and how far in advance you book. A compact car might rent for $30 to $50 per day at a neighborhood location during off-season, or $70 to $120 per day at an airport during peak travel times. SUVs and trucks cost more. Booking online in advance usually offers better rates than walking in or calling.

The quoted rate includes the vehicle and basic liability insurance required by law in your state. It does not include damage coverage, fuel, tolls, parking fees, or taxes. Some locations add a facility fee (typically $2 to $5 per day) to cover the cost of running that branch.

If you're renting through an insurance claim, your insurer sets the maximum daily rate they'll pay. Enterprise will honor that rate, but if the standard rental price is higher, you may be charged the difference. Ask your insurer what rate they've approved before you pick up the car.

Damage Coverage: Your Insurance, Credit Card, or Enterprise's Waiver

When you rent a car, you're responsible for any damage that occurs during your rental period. You have three ways to cover that risk: your personal auto insurance, a rental car coverage benefit on your credit card, or Enterprise's Damage Waiver (also called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW).

Your personal auto insurance policy may extend to rental cars, but you need to confirm this before you rent. Call your insurer and ask whether your collision and comprehensive coverage explore to rentals, and whether there's a deductible. If your policy covers rentals with no deductible, you don't need to buy Enterprise's waiver.

Many credit cards offer rental car damage coverage as a cardholder benefit. American Express, Visa Signature, and Mastercard Premium cards often include this. The coverage typically applies only if you charge the entire rental to that card. Check your card's benefits guide or call the card issuer to confirm coverage limits and whether there's a deductible.

If neither your insurance nor your credit card covers rental damage, Enterprise's Damage Waiver costs $15 to $30 per day depending on the vehicle and location. It waives your financial responsibility for collision damage, theft, and vandalism. It does not cover traffic violations, fuel charges, or damage from misuse (like off-roading or towing).

Fuel: How Enterprise Charges and How to Avoid Overpaying

Enterprise rents cars with a full tank of fuel. You're expected to return the car with a full tank. If you don't, Enterprise will refuel the car and charge you for the fuel plus a service fee — typically $5 to $7 on top of the fuel cost. Their pump price is usually higher than what you'd pay at a local gas station.

To avoid this charge, fill the tank at a gas station near the rental location before you return the car. Keep your receipt as proof. If you return the car on a Sunday evening or early morning when gas stations nearby are closed, ask the Enterprise agent at pickup where the nearest 24-hour station is.

Some Enterprise locations offer a "pre-purchase fuel" option at booking, where you pay for a full tank upfront at a set price. This can be cheaper than the per-gallon rate Enterprise charges if you don't refuel, but it's only worth it if you know you'll use most of the tank. If you return the car with half a tank, you've paid for fuel you didn't use.

Insurance Claim Rentals: Different Rules and Limits

When your car is damaged and your insurance covers a rental, the process works differently than a leisure rental. Your insurer contacts Enterprise directly and authorizes a rental at a specific daily rate — often lower than the standard rate. You typically pay nothing at pickup; the insurer pays Enterprise directly.

Your insurer will specify which damage waiver option you must use. Some insurers require you to use Enterprise's waiver; others allow you to use your personal policy's coverage. You cannot choose — your insurer's preference controls. If you buy a different waiver than your insurer approved, you may have to pay out of pocket.

Claim rentals also have mileage limits in some cases. Your insurer may cap your daily mileage at 75 or 100 miles per day. If you exceed that, you pay the overage. Ask your insurer about mileage limits before you pick up the car.

The rental period is limited to the time your car is being repaired. Once your car is fixed, you must return the rental when ready. If you keep it longer, you'll be charged at the standard daily rate, not the claim rate.

Reservation, Pickup, and Return Process

You can reserve a car online at enterprise.com, by phone, or in person at a branch. Online reservations usually lock in the lowest available rate. When you book, you'll choose a vehicle class (compact, midsize, SUV, etc.), not a specific car — Enterprise assigns the actual vehicle at pickup based on availability.

At pickup, bring your driver's license, credit card, and proof of insurance. The agent will inspect the car with you, noting any existing damage on the rental agreement. Take photos or video of the car's condition yourself before you leave the lot — this protects you if Enterprise later claims damage you didn't cause.

When you return the car, the agent will inspect it again and compare it to the pickup notes. If there's new damage, they'll photograph it and charge your card. If you dispute a damage charge, contact Enterprise's customer service within a few days; they may review the photos and adjust the charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I don't have a credit card?

Most Enterprise locations require a credit card in your name. Some branches may accept a debit card with a large cash deposit, but this varies. Call your local Enterprise branch directly to ask what payment methods they accept before you visit.

What happens if I return the car late?

Late returns are charged at the daily rate, sometimes with an additional late fee. If you're running late, call the branch when ready — some locations may waive the fee if you notify them in advance. The exact policy depends on your location and reservation terms.

Does Enterprise charge for mileage?

Most Enterprise rentals are unlimited mileage, meaning you can drive as much as you want with no extra charge. However, insurance claim rentals sometimes have mileage caps set by your insurer. Check your rental agreement or ask the agent at pickup.

Can I add another driver to my rental?

Yes. Additional drivers must meet the same age and license requirements as the primary renter. Enterprise typically charges $2 to $5 per day for each additional driver. You can add drivers at booking or at pickup.

What if the car breaks down during my rental?

Call Enterprise's roadside information number, which is on your rental agreement. They'll arrange a tow or send a replacement vehicle. You're not responsible for mechanical failures — Enterprise covers those costs. Keep the receipt for any expenses you incur and submit it to Enterprise for reimbursement.