Is Enterprise Car Rental Good? (Top 5 Issues + Comparisons)
Enterprise is probably the most reputable car rental among consumers, consistently one of the top performers in JD Power’s satisfaction ranking in the recent decade.
Is Enterprise Car Rental Legit?
Enterprise is a legit car rental with the second greatest number of locations worldwide, behind only Hertz – 7,600 vs. 8,500 locations.
Although the rates are pricier than most, Enterprise only charges the customers at the scheduled pickup – online prepayment is unavailable.
Is Enterprise Car Rental Owned by Hertz or National?
Enterprise is the main competitor to Avis and Hertz, and it also owns Alamo and National car rentals.
Is Enterprise Car Rental Reliable?
All car rentals have unhappy customers, and Enterprise is no different.
Despite some negative reviews, Enterprise is one of the more reliable car rentals, with a large fleet of safe vehicles to suit every need.
Enterprise Car Rental Problems & Complaints:
#1 No Car at Scheduled Pickup
Vehicle inventory at the various locations is a problem many car rentals have, even when customers have a confirmed reservation.
Most car rentals offer a Pay Now option, so renters can at least have a reason to believe it’s a guaranteed booking. Enterprise – and by extension, Alamo and National (sister brands) – will only accept payments at the scheduled pickup.
While this arrangement means a renter can cancel for free, the downside is the rental company can decline a reservation for whatever reason as money hasn’t changed hands.
Still, with Enterprise locations’ large fleet of rental vehicles, you’re less likely to encounter this problem than with other car rentals.
#2 Non-Location-Specific Roadside Assistance Number
A few Enterprise customers have reported being stranded in the middle of nowhere without roadside assistance from the rental company.
While it’s a problem that customers have reported with other car rentals, it is crucial to note and verify the direct roadside assistance telephone number at pickup.
Having the vehicle break down at an unfamiliar place with no help in sight can be frightening or dangerous, so ensuring that you have your bases covered offers peace of mind while you travel.
Plus, double-check that your private car insurance covers rental vehicles if you aren’t buying insurance with the rental company.
#3 Exorbitant Overcharges
Experienced customers would be familiar with the common overcharging problem with rental companies.
The final bills are several times higher than anticipated at times, and the cases typically involve a change of drop-off location or a vehicle upgrade or downgrade compared to the original reservation.
In some instances, the customer did not receive any breakdown for those final bills despite multiple attempts to get their hands on one.
Unfortunately, the industry is fraud with such stories, and you can only be careful with what you opt for when renting a car by paying attention to details.
Refuse add-ons you don’t need and note such decisions on the rental contract so the company cannot dispute your claim (or counterclaim).
#4 Charges for Damages the Renter Did Not Cause
It’s another common complaint in the industry, but one Enterprise renter reported a less-typical occurrence.
The customer took photographs and a video of existing dents and scratches at pickup and drop-off.
Upon returning the car, however, the Enterprise rep checked the vehicle and pulled the bumper, hoping to pin the damage on the customer but to no avail as the customer promptly alerted the representative to the video recording.
Shady practices exist in a multi-billion industry like car rental, but consumers can better protect themselves by taking precautions to prevent overcharges.
#5 Multiple Debit Card Charges
One customer had her debit card charged several times, each for different amounts, including for insurance she did not agree to.
Car rentals typically only accept debit cards if the renter can show a ticketed return travel itinerary.
The fraudulent practice could be limited to some locations. Still, authorizing a third party to take unspecified amounts directly from your bank account carries huge risks, especially when withdrawal limits reset daily.
Enterprise vs. Other Car Rental Companies:
Enterprise vs. Alamo Car Rental
| ENTERPRISE | ALAMO | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 861/1000 | 837/1000 |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Pricey. | Moderate to Pricey. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 4.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 4.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Deposit | $400-$850, depending on the vehicle class. | $300-$400 for credit and debit cards; debit cards accepted only if accompanied by a ticketed return itinerary. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, but only at participating outlets. A one-way drop charge applies but varies by location. Higher rates may apply. | Yes; charges apply and vary depending on the location. Higher rental rates may apply. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes for most car classes. | Available in all vehicle classes. |
| Mileage Fee | $0.10-$0.25 per additional mile, if applicable. | NA |
| Additional Driver Fee | $5/day in New York. $15/day in other States. | $5-$15/day, location dependent. Free for spouse or domestic partner. |
| Under-25 Fee | $25/day surcharge. | 21-24-year-olds pay approx. $25/day surcharge, location dependent. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $12/day; max $72/rental. | $12/day |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes, but crated. Cleaning fee may apply if unclean. | Yes, crated. Service animals without carrier is OK. |
| Allow Towing? | Generally, no. But allowed for select pickup trucks in Enterprise truck rental locations. | No. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes; anywhere within the US and Canada, except for Exotics and large vans. Can drive into Mexico with Enterprise’s special insurance. | Most US vehicles can travel into Canada. Exotics and vans may not travel outside the US. Most renting locations forbid travel into Mexico w/o additional insurance. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. | No. |
Enterprise and Alamo operate under the same parent company, Enterprise Holdings, adopting similar practices, making Alamo a better rental than Enterprise for a cheaper deal.
That said, Enterprise typically has a wider selection of vehicles and greater customer satisfaction than Alamo, although its rental prices come at a premium.
Enterprise vs. Avis Car Rental
| ENTERPRISE | AVIS | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 861/1000 | 826/1000 |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Pricey. | Pricey. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 4.0/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 4.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Deposit | $400-$850, depending on the vehicle class. | $250-$300 via credit or debit card hold. $100 if you prepaid with a debit card. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, but only at participating outlets. A one-way drop charge applies but varies by location. Higher rates may apply. | Yes; charges and higher rates apply, and they vary depending on the location. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes for most car classes. | Yes; standard for most vehicle classes and locations. |
| Mileage Fee | $0.10-$0.25 per additional mile, if applicable. | NA |
| Additional Driver Fee | $5/day in New York. $15/day in other States. | $3/day in New York, no max. $11/day in Nevada, max. $65/rental. $13/day in other States, max. $65/rental. Qualifying family members drive for free. |
| Under-25 Fee | $25/day surcharge. | 21-24-year-olds pay $28-$35/day surcharge, location dependent. 18-20-year-olds in NY and MI pay $41-$84/day surcharge. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $12/day; max $72/rental. | Up to $14/day, depending on rental length. Must return the seat to the same location, or pay a $50 fee. |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes, but crated. Cleaning fee may apply if unclean. | Yes, but keep the car clean. |
| Allow Towing? | Generally, no. But allowed for select pickup trucks in Enterprise truck rental locations. | No. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes; anywhere within the US and Canada, except for Exotics and large vans. Can drive into Mexico with Enterprise’s special insurance. | Can travel into Canada w/ prior arrangement; a Canadian non-resident insurance may be necessary. Can drive into Mexico only when renting from select Avis locations, through a corporate account, and with special Avis insurance. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. | No. $450 cleaning fee. |
Rates from both rentals are on the higher end, but Enterprise beats Avis in overall renter satisfaction and has a broader selection of vehicles.
Enterprise vs. Budget Car Rental
| ENTERPRISE | BUDGET | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 861/1000 | 807/1000 |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Pricey. | Moderate. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 4.0/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 4.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Deposit | $400-$850, depending on the vehicle class. | $250-$300 via credit or debit card hold. $100 for pre-paid rentals. Canadian rental holds are $500 for the 1st day and $75/day for each additional day. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, but only at participating outlets. A one-way drop charge applies but varies by location. Higher rates may apply. | Yes. Unauthorized different drop-off location incurs a minimum $45 fee. Some US locations allow one-way travel into Canada. No US rental drop off in Mexico. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes for most car classes. | Yes, for most vehicle classes, except Exotics and passenger vans. |
| Mileage Fee | $0.10-$0.25 per additional mile, if applicable. | Approx. $0.25 per additional mile for cars with mileage limitation. |
| Additional Driver Fee | $5/day in New York. $15/day in other States. | $3/day in New York, no max. $11-$13.75/day in Nevada, no max. $13/day in other States, max. $65/rental. Spouse or domestic partner drives for free. |
| Under-25 Fee | $25/day surcharge. | 21-24-year-olds pay a $27/day surcharge; 18 years old or older in New York and Michigan. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $12/day; max $72/rental. | $14/day. |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes, but crated. Cleaning fee may apply if unclean. | Yes, but cleaning fee applies if returned unclean. Renters with service animals will not incur a cleaning fee if hair and stains aren’t excessive. |
| Allow Towing? | Generally, no. But allowed for select pickup trucks in Enterprise truck rental locations. | No. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes; anywhere within the US and Canada, except for Exotics and large vans. Can drive into Mexico with Enterprise’s special insurance. | Yes, anywhere within the US. Can drive into Canada with prior Budget consent and non-resident insurance card. Can drive into Mexico only through corporate account and with a special insurance. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. | No. |
Enterprise trumps Budget car rental in consumer satisfaction, number of locations, and fleet size.
However, if pricing tops your priority, Budget is worth a look.
Enterprise vs. Dollar Car Rental
| ENTERPRISE | DOLLAR | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 861/1000 | 786/1000 |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Pricey. | Moderate. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 4.0/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 4.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 4.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Deposit | $400-$850, depending on the vehicle class. | $200 for credit cards. $500 for debit cards. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, but only at participating outlets. A one-way drop charge applies but varies by location. Higher rates may apply. | Yes, but a one-way drop fee may apply. Fee amount unavailable at reservation. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes for most car classes. | Yes; standard, except for some vehicles and locations. |
| Mileage Fee | $0.10-$0.25 per additional mile, if applicable. | Determined at rental confirmation, if applicable. |
| Additional Driver Fee | $5/day in New York. $15/day in other States. | $13.50/day per driver. |
| Under-25 Fee | $25/day surcharge. | Available at time of rental. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $12/day; max $72/rental. | $13.99/day |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes, but crated. Cleaning fee may apply if unclean. | Yes. But keep the car clean, or risk a $50-$250 cleaning fee. |
| Allow Towing? | Generally, no. But allowed for select pickup trucks in Enterprise truck rental locations. | No. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes; anywhere within the US and Canada, except for Exotics and large vans. Can drive into Mexico with Enterprise’s special insurance. | Allowed anywhere within the US and Canada, subject to geographic restrictions. Driving into Canada requires prior notice at the counter. Cannot drive into Mexico without Mexico Insurance at the rental counter. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. | No. $400 de-smoking fee. |
Enterprise surpasses Dollar car rental as the better choice overall, providing higher customer satisfaction, significantly more locations, and a greater selection of vehicles.
The higher-quality service justifies Enterprise’s costlier rates.
Enterprise vs. Fox Car Rental
| ENTERPRISE | FOX | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 861/1000 | NA. |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Pricey. | Low. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 4.0/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 4.0/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 4.5/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Deposit | $400-$850, depending on the vehicle class. | $150-$1,000, depending on the rental location, payment method, and vehicle class. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, but only at participating outlets. A one-way drop charge applies but varies by location. Higher rates may apply. | Yes, available between rental locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Washington only. One-way fee may apply. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes for most car classes. | Yes, all vehicles. |
| Mileage Fee | $0.10-$0.25 per additional mile, if applicable. | Nil. |
| Additional Driver Fee | $5/day in New York. $15/day in other States. | $5-$12.99/day per driver, depending on the location ($12.99 in most locations). Additional drivers not allowed on cash rentals. |
| Under-25 Fee | $25/day surcharge. | 21-24-year-olds pay $20/day surcharge. 18-20-year-olds in NY and MI states pay $25/day surcharge. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $12/day; max $72/rental. | $10.99/day |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes, but crated. Cleaning fee may apply if unclean. | Yes, but cleaning fee applies if returned unclean. |
| Allow Towing? | Generally, no. But allowed for select pickup trucks in Enterprise truck rental locations. | No. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes; anywhere within the US and Canada, except for Exotics and large vans. Can drive into Mexico with Enterprise’s special insurance. | Restrictions vary by State. Check each State’s policy for details. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. | No. Cleaning fee applies. |
Enterprise thumps Fox as the obvious car rental of choice, with better service and reliability, a greater selection of cars, and significantly more locations for convenience.
However, Enterprise’s rates are typically much more expensive than what Fox offers (rpd).
Enterprise vs. Hertz Car Rental
| ENTERPRISE | HERTZ | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 861/1000 | 826/1000 |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Pricey. | Pricey. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 4.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Deposit | $400-$850, depending on the vehicle class. | Up to $200 for credit cards. Up to $500 for debit cards. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, but only at participating outlets. A one-way drop charge applies but varies by location. Higher rates may apply. | Yes, intercity fee applies. If change return location after rental started, a $10 return change fee applies. One-way return unavailable for Teslas. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes for most car classes. | Yes, for most vehicles. |
| Mileage Fee | $0.10-$0.25 per additional mile, if applicable. | NA. |
| Additional Driver Fee | $5/day in New York. $15/day in other States. | $13.50/day per driver, max $189/rental per driver. |
| Under-25 Fee | $25/day surcharge. | $19/day per driver. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $12/day; max $72/rental. | $13.99 |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes, but crated. Cleaning fee may apply if unclean. | Yes. |
| Allow Towing? | Generally, no. But allowed for select pickup trucks in Enterprise truck rental locations. | Yes for vehicles with a tow bar. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes; anywhere within the US and Canada, except for Exotics and large vans. Can drive into Mexico with Enterprise’s special insurance. | Yes. Restrictions apply for driving into Mexico. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. | No. $400 cleaning fee. |
Both are behemoths in the car rental industry; still, Enterprise outperforms Hertz as the better service provider with higher consumer satisfaction in recent years and a better booking experience on its website.
Enterprise vs. National Car Rental
| ENTERPRISE | NATIONAL | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 861/1000 | 852/1000 |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Pricey. | Pricey to Exorbitant. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 4.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 4.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 4.5/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Deposit | $400-$850, depending on the vehicle class. | $300-$400, depending on the rental location and vehicle class. $800 for luxury and performance vehicles. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, but only at participating outlets. A one-way drop charge applies but varies by location. Higher rates may apply. | Yes. Typically no drop charge for one-way rentals between airport locations. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes for most car classes. | Yes. |
| Mileage Fee | $0.10-$0.25 per additional mile, if applicable. | NA. |
| Additional Driver Fee | $5/day in New York. $15/day in other States. | $15/day per driver. |
| Under-25 Fee | $25/day surcharge. | Approx. $25/day, location-dependent and subject to specific car classes. Free for govt. employees on authorized govt. travels. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $12/day; max $72/rental. | $12-$13.99/day. |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes, but crated. Cleaning fee may apply if unclean. | Yes, crated, except for service animals. If returned unclean, a cleaning fee may apply. |
| Allow Towing? | Generally, no. But allowed for select pickup trucks in Enterprise truck rental locations. | No. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes; anywhere within the US and Canada, except for Exotics and large vans. Can drive into Mexico with Enterprise’s special insurance. | Yes, anywhere within the US and Canada. Limited rental locations allow travel into Mexico. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. | No. |
Although Enterprise Holdings is the parent company and both enjoy high levels of consumer trust, National edges ahead of Enterprise when judging them by the overall reservation experience on their websites, with transparent pricing and a clear user interface for easy navigation.
But if you can find a better Enterprise deal for your destination, go for it.
Enterprise vs. Payless Car Rental
| ENTERPRISE | PAYLESS | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 861/1000 | NA. |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Pricey. | Low. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 4.0/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 4.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 4.5/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Deposit | $400-$850, depending on the vehicle class. | $250 for credit cards. $300 for debit cards. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, but only at participating outlets. A one-way drop charge applies but varies by location. Higher rates may apply. | Yes, depending on the rental location. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes for most car classes. | Yes for most vehicles. |
| Mileage Fee | $0.10-$0.25 per additional mile, if applicable. | NA. |
| Additional Driver Fee | $5/day in New York. $15/day in other States. | $13/day. |
| Under-25 Fee | $25/day surcharge. | $25/day. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $12/day; max $72/rental. | $14/day. |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes, but crated. Cleaning fee may apply if unclean. | Yes. $250 cleaning fee applies if returned unclean. |
| Allow Towing? | Generally, no. But allowed for select pickup trucks in Enterprise truck rental locations. | No. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes; anywhere within the US and Canada, except for Exotics and large vans. Can drive into Mexico with Enterprise’s special insurance. | Yes, but must notify the rental location first. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. | No. $450 cleaning fee. |
Enterprise versus Payless isn’t a contest as Enterprise outperforms Payless as the better overall car rental with more locations and better service, albeit at a premium.
Going by the heaps of consumer reviews, you don’t pay much lesser with Payless.
Enterprise vs. Sixt Car Rental
| ENTERPRISE | SIXT | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 861/1000 | NA. |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Pricey. | Low. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 4.0/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Deposit | $400-$850, depending on the vehicle class. | Minimum $200. $2,500 or more for the priciest vehicle group. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, but only at participating outlets. A one-way drop charge applies but varies by location. Higher rates may apply. | Yes. $0 between airport locations. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes for most car classes. | Yes for most vehicles, except for some sports and premium models. |
| Mileage Fee | $0.10-$0.25 per additional mile, if applicable. | $0.55/mile or higher, vehicle-dependent. |
| Additional Driver Fee | $5/day in New York. $15/day in other States. | $15/day. Free for renter’s spouse and immediate family members. |
| Under-25 Fee | $25/day surcharge. | Not disclosed. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $12/day; max $72/rental. | $15/day. |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes, but crated. Cleaning fee may apply if unclean. | Yes. Cleaning fee applies if returned unclean; no cleaning fee for rental w/ service animal. |
| Allow Towing? | Generally, no. But allowed for select pickup trucks in Enterprise truck rental locations. | No. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes; anywhere within the US and Canada, except for Exotics and large vans. Can drive into Mexico with Enterprise’s special insurance. | Yes. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. | No. |
Although relatively new in the US car rental scene, Sixt offers better rates than Enterprise and a comparable online booking experience on its website with clear pricing.
Still, Enterprise should work better for you if you don’t mind paying a little more for a reputable car rental with quality service.
Enterprise vs. Thrifty Car Rental
| ENTERPRISE | THRIFTY | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 861/1000 | 768/1000 |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Pricey. | Moderate. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 4.0/5 | 2.5/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 4.0/5 | 3.0/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 |
| Deposit | $400-$850, depending on the vehicle class. | $200 for credit cards. $500 for debit cards. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, but only at participating outlets. A one-way drop charge applies but varies by location. Higher rates may apply. | Yes, at select locations. One-way drop fee applies. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes for most car classes. | Yes, standard. |
| Mileage Fee | $0.10-$0.25 per additional mile, if applicable. | NA. |
| Additional Driver Fee | $5/day in New York. $15/day in other States. | $13.50/day per driver. |
| Under-25 Fee | $25/day surcharge. | Not disclosed. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $12/day; max $72/rental. | $13.99/day. |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes, but crated. Cleaning fee may apply if unclean. | Yes. But $50-$250 cleaning fee if returned with damage or unclean. |
| Allow Towing? | Generally, no. But allowed for select pickup trucks in Enterprise truck rental locations. | No. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes; anywhere within the US and Canada, except for Exotics and large vans. Can drive into Mexico with Enterprise’s special insurance. | Yes. Can cross into Mexico only with Mexico Insurance. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. | No. $400 smoke cleaning fee will apply if evidence of smoking found. |
While Thrifty has more attractive advertised rates, Enterprise is the better option for a car rental as it provides an all-around better service and a smoother online reservation experience.
With more Enterprise locations, the company will likelier meet your one-way rental needs in major cities or lesser-popular areas.
Enterprise vs. Turo Car Rental
| ENTERPRISE | TURO | |
| JD Power Satisfaction Study (830 industry avg.) | 861/1000 | NA. |
| Relative Rental Rate (v low, low, moderate, pricey, exorbitant) | Pricey. | Very low. |
| Range of Vehicles (1 to 5; 5 = extensive) | 4.0/5 | 5.0/5 |
| Fees transparency when booking on website. (1 to 5; 5 = most upfront) | 4.0/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Website User Interface for easy navigation (1 to 5; 5 = best) | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 |
| Deposit | $400-$850, depending on the vehicle class. | $200-$750, depending on car class and renter’s age. |
| One-Way/ Drop Off at different Locations | Yes, but only at participating outlets. A one-way drop charge applies but varies by location (rpd). Higher rates may apply. | Possible; must be within host’s pickup areas or radius. Fee applies. |
| Unlimited Miles | Yes for most car classes. | No. |
| Mileage Fee | $0.10-$0.25 per additional mile, if applicable. | Varies by host; typical range is $0.15-$0.50/mile. The priciest luxury or sports models can exceed $3/mile. |
| Additional Driver Fee | $5/day in New York. $15/day in other States. | No. |
| Under-25 Fee | $25/day surcharge. | 18-20-year-olds pay $50/day surcharge. 21-25-year-olds pay $30/day surcharge. 18-21-year-olds must buy the Minimum or Standard insurance. |
| Child Safety Seat Fee | $12/day; max $72/rental. | Availability varies by host. Best to bring your own. |
| Allow Pet/Dog? | Yes, but crated. Cleaning fee may apply if unclean. | Prohibited in vehicles without a “pet-friendly” label and the host’s consent. Allows service animals. $150 + 3% processing fee for cleaning. |
| Allow Towing? | Generally, no. But allowed for select pickup trucks in Enterprise truck rental locations. | No. |
| Allow Out-Of-State? | Yes; anywhere within the US and Canada, except for Exotics and large vans. Can drive into Mexico with Enterprise’s special insurance. | Yes, within the US and Canada. Prohibits driving into Mexico. |
| Allow Smoking? | No. | No. $250 + 3% processing fee for violation. |
Enterprise represents the gold standard among traditional car rentals, while Turo bucks the trend by providing renters with a peer-to-peer car-sharing network.
Opt for Enterprise if you need one-way rentals and unlimited mileage; for everything else, Turo should better meet your needs.
Enterprise Car Rental FAQs:
Does Enterprise Car Rental Have Unlimited Miles?
Most Enterprise rental cars have unlimited mileage, consistent with other major rental companies.
Does Enterprise Car Rental Charge for Mileage?
Some vehicles like passenger vans, large SUVs, and exotic cars are mileage-limited and will incur a $0.10 to $0.25 per additional mile surcharge if the renter exceeds the limit.
Enterprise typically sets mileage limits at 100 miles per rental day.
Does Enterprise Car Rental Allow Pets?
Enterprise allows pets in their rental vehicles but crated, and renters must return the car free from pet hair and dirt, or a cleaning fee may apply.
The rental company only allows service animals to travel without a carrier.
Does Enterprise Car Rental Allow Towing?
Towing isn’t allowed with most Enterprise rental vehicles.
However, Enterprise has 3/4 ton and 1-ton rental pickup trucks that you can tow with, subject to the model’s towing capacity.
Does Enterprise Car Rental Allow Out-Of-State Travel?
Enterprise sets no restrictions on out-of-state travels, and renters can drive most US rental cars into Canada, except for large passenger vans and exotic vehicles.
Most rental locations forbid driving into Mexico, except those in select States bordering Mexico and when you purchase additional insurance from Enterprise.
Limitations may vary between rental locations, so please check beforehand.
Does Enterprise Charge for Additional Drivers (incl. Spouse)?
Enterprise allows additional drivers at no extra fee for:
- Renter’s spouse or domestic partner.
- Renter’s employer or co-worker under corporate contracts.
- Commercial rentals.
Authorized additional drivers pay a surcharge of $5 per day in New York and $15 in other States.
All additional drivers must be present with identifications for registration at pick up or during the rental.
What Is Enterprise’s Cancellation Policy?
You would not incur a cancellation fee if you did not prepay.
If you pre-paid and want to cancel, these fees will apply:
- Cancel at least 24 hours before pickup: refund prepaid amount, minus a $50 cancellation fee.
- Cancel less than 24 hours before pickup: refund prepaid amount, minus a $100 cancellation fee.
- No-show: prepaid amount forfeited.
References:
https://www.consumeraffairs.com/travel/enterprise.html