Having rented countless cars from Enterprise over the years, I’ve learned that rental fees isn’t just about the daily rate you see advertised.
You’re probably wondering why your rental quote often ends up being higher than expected. Let me walk you through everything you need to know about Enterprise’s rental fees, helping you become a more informed and savvy renter.
Base Rental Charges: The Foundation of Your Bill
The daily rate you see advertised is just the beginning of your rental journey. This base rate varies depending on several factors that I’ve observed consistently across Enterprise locations.
Vehicle class selection dramatically influences your base rate. From my experience, moving from an economy to a full-size SUV can easily double your daily rate.
Location and timing also play crucial roles in determining your base rate:
- Airport locations typically charge 10-25% more than neighborhood branches
- Weekend rates often run 15-30% lower than weekday rates
- Holiday periods can see rates spike by 50-100%
Required Fees and Taxes: The Unavoidable Charges
Let’s tackle the fees you can’t avoid, no matter how savvy you are. These mandatory charges often catch renters off guard.
Airport concession fees are perhaps the most significant, typically adding 11-13% to your rental cost. When I recently rented from LAX, this fee alone added $45 to my week-long rental.
Other unavoidable fees include:
- Vehicle license recovery fees ($2-4 per day)
- State and local taxes (varying by location, often 6-15%)
- Tourism fees in certain cities (can add 2-5%)
- Energy recovery fees ($1-2 per day)
Optional Fees and Insurance: Making Smart Choices
Here’s where your decisions can significantly impact your final bill. I’ve learned to navigate these choices carefully over the years.
Insurance options form the bulk of optional fees:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW): $20-30 per day
- Supplemental Liability Protection: $12-15 per day
- Personal Accident Insurance: $5-7 per day
- Personal Effects Coverage: $3-5 per day
Pro tip: Before accepting any insurance, check your personal auto insurance and credit card coverage. I discovered my Chase Sapphire card provides primary rental coverage, saving me thousands in CDW fees over the years.
Additional optional services include:
- GPS Navigation: $12-15 per day
- Child safety seats: $10-12 per day
- Additional drivers: $12-15 per day
- Fuel purchase options: Variable, usually higher than market rates
Hidden and Unexpected Fees: What to Watch For
You need to be vigilant about potential surprise charges that could appear on your final bill. I’ve encountered several of these over the years.
Late return fees can be particularly steep:
- Hourly charges for returns up to 2 hours late
- Full extra day charge for returns over 2 hours late
- Early return fees may apply if you bring the car back more than 24 hours early
Other potential surprise charges include:
- Cleaning fees for excessive dirt or pet hair ($50-250)
- Smoking fees ($250-300)
- Toll charges plus administrative fees ($10-15 per toll plus the actual toll cost)
- Cross-border fees for international travel ($10-25 per day)
Keep in mind there are fees you would come across if you violate the company’s policy in any way. I shared a few above (smoking fees, cleaning fees, etc). In this case, they’re regarded as a fine and for each fine, precedes an admin fee – a fee claimed to cover the time Enterprise’s executives spend in fixing whatever ordeal your violation brought up.
Money-Saving Strategies: Insider Tips
Through years of renting, I’ve developed several strategies to minimize fees and get the best value.
Join Enterprise Plus (their loyalty program):
- Earned points toward free rentals
- Member-exclusive rates
- Expedited service at pickup
Book strategically:
- Reserve early for better rates
- Compare airport vs. off-airport locations
- Consider weekly rates even for 4-5 day rentals
- Look for corporate codes through your employer or organizations
Final Thoughts
It’s important to understand Enterprise’s fee structure so you can make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary charges. While some fees are unavoidable, many can be minimized or eliminated through careful planning and awareness.
The key to managing rental car costs isn’t just finding the lowest base rate – it’s understanding and anticipating all potential fees. By following this guide, you’ll be better equipped to budget for your next rental and avoid unpleasant surprises at the counter.
As rental policies and fees continue to evolve, stay informed by reviewing your rental agreement carefully and asking questions about any charges you don’t understand. Your wallet will thank you for the extra diligence.
