What Enterprise Does and Who Uses It

Enterprise is a car rental company that operates thousands of locations worldwide, with a focus on neighborhood branches rather than just airports. Unlike some rental companies that concentrate at major travel hubs, Enterprise places rental counters in regular shopping areas, near repair shops, and in smaller towns — which is why you may have seen one near your home.

Enterprise serves several types of renters: people whose cars are in the shop and need temporary transportation, travelers who want to rent from a location close to where they live, business travelers, and people taking road trips. The company also works with insurance companies — when your car is damaged in an accident, your insurance may send you to Enterprise to rent a replacement while yours is being repaired.

The rental process at Enterprise is straightforward: you reserve a car online or by phone, show up with your driver's license and payment method, sign paperwork, and drive away. The company handles the paperwork differently than some competitors, which we'll cover in detail below.

Key Takeaways

  • Enterprise has neighborhood locations in addition to airport branches, so you can often rent from a location near your home or workplace rather than traveling to an airport.
  • You need a valid driver's license, a credit or debit card in your name, and proof of insurance to rent from Enterprise.
  • The rental agreement you sign at the counter covers damage liability, mileage (if applicable), and fuel charges, and you should read it before signing.
  • Enterprise offers damage waiver coverage that limits what you pay if the car is damaged, but it costs extra and comes with conditions.
  • Your personal auto insurance or credit card may already cover rental cars, so check before paying Enterprise's damage waiver.

What You Need to Bring and How to Reserve

To rent from Enterprise, you must bring a valid driver's license. The license must be current — expired licenses are not accepted. If you are an international driver, you may also need an International Driving Permit, though Enterprise accepts licenses from most countries if they are in English or have English translation.

You also need a payment method in your name. Enterprise accepts credit cards and debit cards, though debit card renters sometimes face additional requirements like a larger deposit. The card will be charged for the rental rate plus any damage, fuel, or toll charges that occur during your rental period.

Proof of insurance is required. This can be your personal auto insurance card, your employer's insurance (if your company covers rental cars), or your credit card's rental car coverage. Enterprise will ask to see this before you drive away. If you have no insurance coverage, Enterprise will offer you their damage waiver, which we cover below.

To reserve a car, visit Enterprise's website, call your local branch, or use their mobile app. You'll provide your rental dates, pickup location, and the type of car you want (economy, midsize, SUV, and so on). Enterprise will show you the daily rate and total cost. You can reserve online and pick up at the counter, or call ahead and have a car ready when you arrive.

Understanding the Rental Agreement and What It Covers

When you arrive at Enterprise, you'll sign a rental agreement — a contract that spells out the terms of your rental. This document is important, and you should read it before signing. It covers several things: the daily or weekly rate you'll pay, the mileage policy, what happens if you damage the car, fuel charges, and any add-ons like GPS or additional drivers.

The rental rate is what you pay per day or per week. Enterprise often offers weekly rates that are cheaper per day than daily rates, so if you're renting for five or more days, ask about weekly pricing. The rate shown online is usually the base rate before taxes and fees, so your final bill will be higher.

Mileage is the distance you drive. Some Enterprise rentals come with unlimited mileage — you can drive as far as you want with no extra charge. Other rentals, particularly longer ones or those in certain locations, may have a mileage limit with a charge per mile over that limit. The agreement will state which applies to your rental. If you're unsure, ask the counter agent before you sign.

Fuel is your responsibility. You can return the car with a full tank (you pay for the fuel yourself at a gas station), or you can prepay Enterprise for a full tank at their rate, which is usually higher than gas station prices. If you return the car with less fuel than you started with and didn't prepay, Enterprise will charge you for the missing fuel at their rate. The cheapest option is almost always to fill the tank yourself at a regular gas station before returning the car.

Damage, Liability, and What the Damage Waiver Covers

If you damage the rental car — a dent, a scratch, broken glass, or worse — you are responsible for the repair cost. This is where the damage waiver comes in. A damage waiver (also called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW) is optional coverage that Enterprise sells. If you buy it, you pay a daily fee (usually $15 to $30 per day, depending on the car type and location), and in return, Enterprise agrees to cover most damage to the car up to its full value.

The damage waiver has limits and exclusions. It typically does not cover damage from driving under the influence, racing, off-road driving, or gross negligence. It also may not cover damage to the undercarriage, tires, or windshield, depending on the specific waiver. Read the waiver terms on the agreement before you buy it.

Before you buy Enterprise's damage waiver, check whether your own auto insurance or credit card already covers rental cars. Many personal auto insurance policies include rental car coverage, and many premium credit cards (particularly travel cards) cover rental damage. If your coverage is already in place, you don't need to buy the waiver — you'll just pay your insurance deductible if damage occurs. Call your insurance company or credit card issuer before you rent to confirm what they cover.

If you are in an accident or hit something, report it to Enterprise when ready. Do not leave the scene or attempt to repair the car yourself. Enterprise will document the damage, take photos, and determine whether it's covered under your waiver or your insurance.

Additional Fees and Charges You May See

Beyond the daily rental rate, several other charges can appear on your final bill. Tolls are one: if you drive on a toll road, Enterprise will charge you the toll amount plus a processing fee. Some locations offer toll transponders you can rent to avoid stopping at toll booths, but this costs extra.

Late return fees explore if you bring the car back after your agreed return time. Enterprise typically allows a grace period (often 29 minutes), but after that, you may be charged for an additional day or a partial-day rate. Always return the car on time, or call ahead if you know you'll be late — sometimes the agent can extend your rental without penalty.

Additional driver fees may explore if someone other than you will be driving the car. Enterprise allows one driver at no extra charge, but adding a second driver sometimes costs $10 to $15 per day. Drivers must be at least 21 years old (some locations require 25 for certain car types) and must have a valid license.

GPS rental, child car seats, and roadside information kits are available for additional daily fees. Many renters skip the GPS and use their own phone's navigation app instead, which saves money.

Returning the Car and What Happens Next

Return the car to the location where you rented it, or to a different Enterprise location if you arranged a one-way rental. One-way rentals cost more because Enterprise has to move the car back to its home location. Return the car during the location's business hours — after-hours returns may incur extra fees or may not be processed until the next business day.

Before you leave the car, make sure the tank is full (if you didn't prepay for fuel), remove your personal items, and note the odometer reading. The Enterprise agent will inspect the car for damage, check the fuel level, and verify the mileage. This inspection usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. If there is damage, the agent will document it and explain what you'll be charged.

Your final bill is calculated at return time. It includes the base rental rate, taxes, any mileage overage charges, fuel charges (if applicable), tolls, late fees, and damage charges. Enterprise will email you a receipt, and the full amount will be charged to the card you provided at pickup.

If you dispute a charge on your bill, contact Enterprise customer service within a reasonable time — usually within 30 days. Have your rental agreement and receipt ready. If the dispute is about damage, Enterprise may ask for photos or a repair estimate.

Enterprise Membership Programs and Discounts

Enterprise offers a free membership program called Enterprise Plus that can save you time and money. Members skip the counter line and go straight to their reserved car, which is faster on busy days. The program also tracks your rental history and preferences, so repeat renters see personalized rates.

Enterprise frequently offers discounts for AAA members, military personnel, corporate renters, and people who book through certain travel websites. Ask about discounts when you reserve, or mention them when you arrive at the counter. Some discounts require a code or membership card, so have those ready.

If you rent frequently for business, ask about Enterprise's corporate account program. Corporate accounts often include negotiated rates, simplified billing, and dedicated support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent a car if I'm under 25?

Yes, but Enterprise may charge a young driver fee (typically $15 to $25 per day) for drivers under 25. Some car types, particularly luxury or large vehicles, may not be available to drivers under 25. Call your local Enterprise location to ask about availability and fees for your age.

What if I get a ticket or get into an accident while renting?

Traffic tickets are your responsibility — Enterprise will not pay them. If you receive a ticket, you'll be notified by mail and must pay it yourself. For accidents, report it to Enterprise when ready and provide your insurance information. Your insurance or the damage waiver will cover the repair cost, depending on what coverage you have.

Can I extend my rental if I need the car longer?

Yes. Call your Enterprise location and ask to extend your rental. If the car is available, they will extend it and adjust your bill. Extending early is better than returning late, which may trigger late fees. If you extend, you may also be charged a new daily rate, which could be higher or lower than your original rate depending on demand.

What happens if the car breaks down while I'm driving it?

Call Enterprise when ready. They will arrange a tow and provide you with a replacement car or help you get to your destination. You are not responsible for mechanical failures — Enterprise maintains their fleet and covers breakdown costs. Keep Enterprise's roadside information number in your phone before you drive away.

Do I need to buy the damage waiver if I have insurance?

No, if your personal auto insurance or credit card covers rental cars. Check your policy or call your insurance company before you rent. If you have coverage, you only pay your insurance deductible if damage occurs, which is usually cheaper than buying Enterprise's daily waiver. If you have no coverage, the waiver is worth considering.