When renting a car from Enterprise, one of the most common questions is whether the company can charge your credit or debit card without your permission. This question is relevant for many customers who are concerned about potential unauthorized charges, especially in the era of rampant fraud and identity theft.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of charges that Enterprise may impose on your card and what you can do to protect yourself against any unauthorized charges. We’ll also take a closer look at Enterprise’s policy regarding card charges and what steps you can take to dispute any charges that you believe are unauthorized.
Types of Charges That Enterprise May Impose
- Authorization Hold
When renting a car from Enterprise, the first charge you may see on your card is an authorization hold. This hold is a temporary charge placed on your card to ensure that you have enough funds available to cover the rental costs and any additional fees that may arise during the rental period. The hold is typically for an amount equal to or greater than the estimated rental cost, and it may take a few days to be released once you return the vehicle.
- Damage Charges
Another charge that Enterprise may impose on your card is for any damages to the rental vehicle during your rental period. This could include scratches, dents, or any other types of damage that result from your use of the vehicle. If you are at fault for the damage, Enterprise may charge your card to cover the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged parts.
- Fuel Charges
If you return the rental vehicle with less fuel than what was in the tank when you received it, Enterprise may charge your card to cover the cost of refueling the vehicle. The company typically charges a flat fee per gallon of fuel, so you may be subject to a substantial charge if you return the vehicle with a significantly depleted fuel tank.
- Late Fees
If you return the rental vehicle after the agreed-upon return time, Enterprise may charge your card to cover the cost of late fees. These fees are typically calculated per hour and can quickly add up, especially if you return the vehicle several hours late.
- Additional Fees
In addition to the charges listed above, Enterprise may also impose other fees on your card, such as fees for additional drivers, GPS rentals, or toll violations. It’s essential to understand all the potential fees that may be imposed on your card when you rent a vehicle from Enterprise so that you can budget accordingly and avoid surprises when you receive your card statement.
Enterprise’s Policy Regarding Card Charges
Enterprise’s policy regarding card charges is straightforward. The company states that they may charge your card to cover any costs associated with the rental, including rental costs, damage fees, fuel charges, late fees, and other additional fees. The company may also impose an authorization hold on your card to ensure you have enough funds to cover the rental costs.
Protecting Yourself Against Unauthorized Charges
- Read the Rental Agreement Carefully
Before you rent a vehicle from Enterprise, it’s essential to carefully read the rental agreement and understand all of the terms and conditions associated with the rental. This will help you understand what types of charges may be imposed on your card and how much you may be responsible for any damages or additional fees.
- Keep Track of Your Rental Costs
To avoid any surprises when you receive your card statement, it’s essential to keep track of your rental costs and any additional fees throughout the rental period. Make sure to take note of any fuel or damage charges, late fees, or other charges that may be imposed on your card. This will help you identify unauthorized charges and dispute them with Enterprise quickly.
- Monitor Your Card Statements
Regularly monitoring your credit or debit card statements is crucial in protecting yourself against unauthorized charges. This will allow you to quickly identify any suspicious charges and take action to dispute them before they become a larger issue.
- Report Unauthorized Charges Immediately
If you believe that you have been charged for an unauthorized charge, it’s essential to report it immediately. You can report the charge by calling Enterprise’s customer service center or contacting your card issuer. The sooner you report the charge, the quicker it can be resolved, and the less likely it is to impact your credit score or financial stability.
Disputing Unauthorized Charges with Enterprise
If you believe that you have been charged for an unauthorized charge, it’s essential to follow the steps outlined by Enterprise to dispute the charge. These steps may include providing proof of the unauthorized charge, such as a receipt or statement, and contacting Enterprise’s customer service center to resolve the issue.
Sometimes, Enterprise may ask for additional documentation or information to verify the unauthorized charge. It’s important to provide this information promptly to help resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
In conclusion, while Enterprise may charge your credit or debit card for various costs associated with the rental, it’s essential to understand what types of charges may be imposed and how to protect yourself against unauthorized charges. Regularly monitoring your card statements and reporting any suspicious charges immediately is crucial in protecting yourself from fraud or identity theft. If you believe that you have been charged for an unauthorized charge, it’s essential to follow the steps outlined by Enterprise to dispute the charge and resolve the issue.