Enterprise rents cars by the day, week, or month through branches in most US cities and many international locations
Enterprise is one of the largest car rental chains in North America, operating over 9,000 locations. You can rent from them at airport branches, off-airport city locations, or through their website and phone line. The rental process is straightforward: you reserve a vehicle, provide a driver's license and payment method, and pick up the car at your chosen location on your rental date.
Enterprise's pricing and vehicle availability vary by location and season. Peak travel times (summer holidays, spring break, major events) mean higher prices and fewer choices. Off-peak rentals are typically cheaper. You can see real-time pricing and availability on their website before you commit to anything.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid driver's license, a credit card in your name, and proof of insurance (yours or Enterprise's) to rent from Enterprise.
- Enterprise charges a daily rate plus taxes and fees, which can add 20 to 40 percent to the quoted price depending on your location and rental type.
- Damage waivers and additional insurance options are available but cost extra; check whether your personal auto insurance or credit card already covers rental cars.
- Airport rentals typically cost more than off-airport locations because of facility fees, so picking up at a city branch can save money on the same vehicle.
- Enterprise's cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to the pickup time, but prepaid rates may have different terms depending on the rate type you chose.
What you need to bring to rent a car
You must have a valid driver's license issued by a US state, Canadian province, or recognized international authority. Enterprise will scan it at pickup. If you have a learner's permit or a suspended license, you cannot rent.
You need a credit card in your own name. Debit cards are not accepted as the primary payment method, though some locations may accept them as a secondary form of ID. The card will be charged for the rental and held for a security deposit (typically $200 to $500, depending on the vehicle class and location).
Proof of insurance is required. This can be your own auto insurance policy, a screenshot or card showing your coverage, your credit card's rental car coverage (many premium cards include this), or Enterprise's damage waiver. If you have no insurance and decline Enterprise's waiver, you will be liable for any damage to the vehicle.
How pricing works and what hidden costs to watch for
Enterprise quotes a daily rate, but the final bill includes taxes, facility fees, and optional add-ons. Taxes vary by state and county—some areas add 10 percent, others add 25 percent or more. Airport locations charge an additional facility fee (often $5 to $15 per day) because airports charge Enterprise for the space. Off-airport city branches do not have this fee.
Optional charges include a damage waiver (Damage Waiver or Loss Damage Waiver, typically $15 to $30 per day), additional driver fees ($2 to $5 per day if someone else will drive), GPS rental ($5 to $15 per day if you do not use your phone), fuel options (prepay for a full tank or pay per-gallon rates on return), and young driver fees (if you are under 25, Enterprise charges $25 per day in most locations).
The quoted price on the website does not include taxes and fees. Always review the full breakdown before confirming your reservation. The final cost can be 20 to 40 percent higher than the advertised daily rate once everything is added.
Damage waivers and insurance: what you actually need
Enterprise's Damage Waiver removes your financial responsibility for collision damage to the rental car, but it does not cover theft, vandalism, or damage from things like broken windshields or undercarriage damage. The waiver costs $15 to $30 per day depending on the vehicle and location.
Before you buy Enterprise's waiver, check your existing coverage. Your personal auto insurance often covers rental cars at the same deductible as your own vehicle. Many credit cards (especially premium travel cards) include rental car coverage with zero deductible. If either applies to you, you do not need to pay for Enterprise's waiver. Call your insurance company or credit card issuer before you rent to confirm what is covered.
If you have no insurance and no credit card coverage, buying the waiver is worth the cost. Damage claims on rental cars can run into thousands of dollars, and you would be responsible for the full amount without coverage.
Airport versus off-airport locations and how location affects price
Enterprise operates at most major airports and in city centers, downtown areas, and suburban neighborhoods. Airport locations are convenient if you are arriving by plane, but they charge facility fees (typically $5 to $15 per day) on top of the base rate. A car that costs $40 per day at an off-airport branch might cost $50 to $55 per day at the airport.
If you have time and transportation to a city branch, you can save money. Some travelers use a rideshare to get to an off-airport Enterprise location, rent the car there, and still come out ahead. Check the price difference on the website before deciding—sometimes the savings are small enough that the convenience of the airport location is worth it.
Enterprise also offers a "pick up at home" service in some markets, where an employee delivers the rental car to your address. This service has its own fee and is most useful for multi-week rentals or when you do not have straightforward access to a branch.
Fuel options and what happens if you return the car empty
Enterprise offers three fuel options at pickup: prepay for a full tank (you return it empty and pay nothing more), pay-as-you-go (you return it full and are charged per gallon), or return it full (you buy your own fuel and return the tank full). The prepay option is usually the cheapest per gallon if you use most of the tank. The pay-as-you-go option charges premium prices per gallon and is the most expensive choice.
If you choose to return the car full and do not, Enterprise will charge you for fuel at inflated rates—often $6 to $8 per gallon depending on location. It is cheaper to fill the tank yourself at a gas station near the return location before you drop off the car.
Cancellation, changes, and what to do if your plans change
Enterprise allows free cancellation up to the time of pickup. If you cancel before your reservation date, you lose nothing. If you need to cancel on the day of pickup, call the branch directly—some locations will still cancel for free if you call early enough, but this is not may provide.
Changes to your reservation (different pickup date, different car class, different location) can usually be made online or by phone. If the new dates or vehicle cost more, you pay the difference. If they cost less, some rate types will refund the difference, but others (non-refundable rates) will not. Check the rate terms when you book.
If you need to extend your rental after pickup, call Enterprise as soon as you know. Extending online may not show availability or pricing. A phone call to your local branch is faster and sometimes cheaper because the agent can see real-time inventory and rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a certain age to rent from Enterprise?
You must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver's license. Drivers under 25 pay an additional young driver fee (typically $25 per day). Some vehicle classes (luxury cars, large SUVs) have a minimum age of 25 regardless of the fee.
What happens if I get into an accident with the rental car?
Call Enterprise when ready and report the accident. If you have a damage waiver or insurance coverage, your coverage applies. If you do not, you are responsible for repair costs. Enterprise will document the damage, file a claim with their insurance, and may pursue you for costs if you are found at fault and have no coverage.
Can I rent a car with a debit card?
Most Enterprise locations require a credit card as the primary payment method. Some branches accept debit cards as a secondary form of ID, but not for the rental charge itself. Call your local branch to ask about their specific policy.
Is it cheaper to book directly on Enterprise's website or through a third-party site?
Prices are often the same, but third-party booking sites sometimes show lower rates because they have negotiated volume discounts. Always compare the final price (including all fees and taxes) on both Enterprise's website and a third-party site before booking. Book directly with Enterprise if the price is the same, because it is easier to make changes.
What if I return the car late?
Late returns are charged at the daily rate or a higher hourly rate depending on how late you are. A few hours late might cost one full day's rental. Call the branch if you know you will be late—some branches are flexible, especially if you call ahead. Returning the car after hours may incur additional fees.