Enterprise Rent-A-Car is one of the most popular car rental companies in the world. With thousands of Enterprise rental locations and a large selection of makes and models to choose from, renting from Enterprise can be an ideal option whether you just need a car for the weekend or a longer business trip.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the Enterprise car rental process. We’ll look at the types of Enterprise rental cars available, pricing and fees, pick up and drop off procedures, insurance requirements and more. Let’s get into the specifics on how to rent your next car from Enterprise!
Overview of Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Founded in 1957 and headquartered in Missouri, Enterprise Rent-A-Car operates over 9,000 branch rental offices in over 90 countries. Here are some key facts about Enterprise:
- Largest rental car company in the United States
- Wide selection of makes and models including economy, luxury, trucks, vans and more
- Pick up and drop off available from most airport and neighborhood locations
- Free customer pick up and delivery service in many areas
- Rental cars available for 18 and older in most countries
- Additional fees for renters under 25 years old
- Open 7 days a week with extended airport hours
- Earn free rental days through the Enterprise Plus rewards program
From frequent business travelers to family vacationers, millions of drivers rent from Enterprise each year due to their huge local availability, great rates and customer service focus.
How to Rent a Car From Enterprise
The process of renting a car from Enterprise is straightforward. Here are the typical steps:
- Choose a pickup location — Reserve a car online or by phone from an Enterprise branch near where you need the vehicle. Airport, train station and neighborhood outlets available.
- Select a rental car — Pick a vehicle class that suits your group size and luggage needs. Add any extra accessories like GPS or car seats.
- Provide personal details — Supply information like your name, address, phone, email and payment method.
- Verify driver eligibility — Provide a valid driver’s license and meet the minimum age requirement of 20–25 depending on location.
- Decide on insurance — Accept or decline any supplemental liability and damage waiver coverage. Required in some countries.
- Pick up your car — Visit the branch at the start time, inspect the vehicle, sign your contract and drive away!
- Return the car — Return to the original rental location at the agreed date and time. Refueling and cleaning fees may apply if not returned full and in good condition.
That covers the basic process. Now let’s look at important considerations for each step when renting your car.
Choosing a Pickup Location
With thousands of Enterprise Rent-A-Car locations globally, you have tons of pickup options. Consider these factors when selecting a location:
- Airport locations — Convenient for arriving flights but may have airport fees. May need to take a shuttle to the rental counter.
- Off-airport locations — Require transportation to the branch but skips airport surcharges.
- Neighborhood branches — Useful for rentals near where you live or work. No need to travel far for pickup.
- Hotel locations — Many hotels have on-site Enterprise rental counters or shuttle service. Super convenient.
- One-way rentals — You can return to a different location but one-way fees often apply.
Try to choose a pickup spot that makes sense for your trip in terms of proximity to where you need the vehicle. Renting from the airport can be costly but eliminates the need for another mode of transportation.
Selecting Your Rental Car
Enterprise offers a wide selection of makes and models across various vehicle classes. Consider these factors when choosing a rental car:
- Car class — Economy, Compact, Intermediate, Standard, Full-Size, Premium etc. Economy is cheapest but smallest.
- Passenger and luggage capacity — Ensure you get a vehicle large enough to comfortably fit all passengers and gear.
- Fuel efficiency — Smaller cars get better MPG for less spent on gas.
- Transmission — Automatic or manual. Reserve manual in advance as availability is limited.
- Special features — 4WD, Bluetooth, satellite radio, sunroof etc.
- Add-ons — Child seats, GPS navigation, toll pass transponders, WiFi hotspot and more.
Think about where you’ll be driving and activities planned so you can pick the ideal rental car. An SUV for mountain roads or minivan for lots of people and bags makes sense.
Providing Personal Details
When reserving online or at the counter, you’ll need to provide:
- Full name on driver’s license
- Home address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Payment method such as credit card
For the payment card, the name must match the driver’s license. Debit cards are sometimes accepted with additional verification and fees depending on location. Cash or check is rarely accepted.
Your personal details are used to verify identity and charge you for the rental. Make sure all information provided is current and accurate.
Driver Eligibility Requirements
To rent and drive a car from Enterprise, you must:
- Have a valid driver’s license from your country of residence
- Meet the minimum age requirement
- Provide license and passport if an international traveler
The minimum rental age at Enterprise is:
- 20–21 in the United States and Canada
- 18–20 in most European countries
- 25 in Australia and New Zealand
- May vary in other global regions
There are usually extra daily underage fees for drivers 21–24 years old depending on location. Double check you meet the age requirements for the country you are renting in. Having a major credit card in your name also helps prove eligibility.
Deciding on Insurance Coverage
This section provides general information, not legal advice. Please review your rental agreement for all requirements and details on insurance liability, damage waivers and more.
Enterprise offers several insurance options when renting a car:
- Liability Insurance — Covers injury or damage to others if an accident is your fault. Required by law in most places including the U.S. Your personal car insurance may cover rental cars but confirm before declining this coverage.
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) — Optional coverage that reduces your financial responsibility for vehicle damage from a collision. Still have a deductible.
- Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) — Provides coverage for loss or damage to the rental car from incidents like theft or vandalism.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) — Provides medical coverage for you and passengers in case of injuries from an accident.
- Personal Effects Coverage (PEC) — Protects items left in the car like luggage, clothes, electronics and more if damaged or stolen.
Several factors determine if you should purchase the optional insurance products like length of rental, value of rental car, countries driven in and personal insurance coverage. Consider your specific situation carefully.
Picking Up Your Rental Vehicle
Once you arrive at the Enterprise location to start your rental, here’s what to expect:
- Wait in line if busy
- Present your driver’s license and reservation confirmation
- Agent reviews terms and selects vehicle
- Thorough walkaround inspection noting any prior damage
- Opportunity to purchase insurance or upgrades
- Sign rental contract
- Receive keys plus instructions on gas, features, mileage etc.
- Inspect inside for cleanliness and provided accessories
Take a few minutes to carefully review the full rental contract before signing and driving off. Know all charges, policies and responsibilities to avoid surprises later. Ask the agent to explain anything you don’t understand.
Also perform your own inspection of the vehicle exterior and interior condition. Note any prior dents, scratches or other damage on the rental agreement. This protects you from being blamed for preexisting conditions when returning the car.
Once paperwork is signed, you are ready to hit the road in your Enterprise rental car!
Returning Your Enterprise Rental Vehicle
When you return your Enterprise rental car, here’s the process:
- Return to original rental location during open hours
- Park the car in a designated rental spot
- Take all your personal belongings
- Ensure the car is full of gas unless you prepaid for refueling
- Check for new damage and report to agent
- Give keys to agent for inspection
- Provide mileage and fuel level
- Keep your copy of the rental agreement
You will receive an invoice for final charges based on agreed pricing plus any applicable fueling, early/late return, extra mileage, or damage fees. Resolving issues is much easier when you are present at the branch.
For a smooth rental return, be sure to refill the gas tank yourself unless you paid upfront for Enterprise to handle refueling. Always check the car thoroughly for any new exterior or interior damage before returning. Immediately report damage to the agent and take photos if possible. This helps prevent surprise damage charges appearing on your final bill.
And that concludes the typical Enterprise Rent-A-Car process. As long as you follow rental rules, return the vehicle on time and in good condition, plus pay all agreed charges, your rental experience will go smoothly.
FAQs
What type of credit card do I need to rent from Enterprise?
Most locations accept major credit cards like Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover. Debit cards may also work if accompanied by additional ID and proof of round trip travel.
Can I use someone else’s credit card to pay for my rental?
No, the payment card must be in the name of an authorized driver on the rental contract. The driver’s name on the card must match their name on their driver’s license.
What is the cancellation policy for Enterprise rentals?
You can cancel or modify your reservation at any time but may be charged a fee if cancelling within 24 hours of pickup. No shows are charged for one day’s rental. Review full cancellation terms on your reservation.
Do Enterprise rentals include unlimited mileage?
No, most rentals include a set mileage allowance per day, such as 100 miles per day. Going over your mileage allowance results in excess mileage fees, usually around $0.25/mile. Adding unlimited miles at booking decreases your per day rate.
Can I take my Enterprise rental car to another country?
Enterprise cars can only be driven in the country of the rental location. Special one-way international rentals may be possible for an extra fee but call ahead to confirm.
Renting a car through Enterprise is a popular and convenient transportation option for travelers near and far. Follow this guide to ensure your rental experience is smooth, cost-effective and enjoyable. Safe travels!
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