Enterprise is one of the largest car rental companies in the world. They offer a wide range of vehicles, competitive prices, and exceptional customer service. However, when it comes to the final bill, many customers are left scratching their heads and wondering why they were charged more than expected.
Understanding the reasons for these extra charges is essential to avoiding unexpected fees and making informed decisions when renting a car. In this blog post, we will explore the most common hidden fees that Enterprise may charge and why these charges are necessary.
Understand the Different Types of Enterprise Fees
When you rent a car from Enterprise, you need to be aware of two main types of fees: base rental rates and additional charges. Base rental rates are the fees for renting the vehicle, calculated based on the type of car, rental period, and location. On the other hand, additional charges are the extra fees that may be added to your final bills, such as taxes, fees, and insurance.
Additional Fees
One of the most common additional fees that Enterprise may charge is a tax or fee required by law. For example, taxes, airport fees, or tourism taxes may be added to your bill based on the location where you rent the car. These fees are not optional and are usually unavoidable, so it is important to factor them into your budget when planning your rental.
Another standard fee that Enterprise may charge is for insurance coverage. Enterprise offers various insurance options, including liability, collision, and theft coverage. While these insurance options are optional, they can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of an accident or theft. However, they can also add a significant amount to your final bill, so it is crucial to weigh the benefits of the insurance against the cost.
Finally, Enterprise may also charge for additional services, such as GPS navigation, car seats, or additional drivers. These services are also optional, but they can add to the convenience of your rental and enhance your driving experience. However, it is essential to be aware of the cost of these services before choosing to add them to your rental.
Underage Drivers
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has a strict policy when it comes to underage drivers. If you are under 25 years old, you may be required to pay a fee to rent a car. This fee is designed to cover the additional risk and liability that Enterprise faces when renting a car to an underage driver. The fee can vary depending on the rental location and the type of car, but it is usually around $20-30 per day. It is essential to be aware of this fee if you are under 25 years old and planning to rent a car from Enterprise.
Early Return Policy
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has a flexible return policy, which allows you to return your rental car before the agreed return date. However, you may be subject to an early return fee if you return your car early. This fee is designed to cover the costs associated with re-renting the vehicle, such as advertising, cleaning, and preparing the vehicle for the next rental. The fee can vary depending on the rental location and the type of car, but it is usually around $10-15 per day. If you are planning to return your rental car early, it is vital to be aware of this fee and factor it into your budget.
Fuel Policy
Enterprise Rent-A-Car has two main fuel policies: full-to-full and pre-paid fuel. The full-to-full policy requires you to return the vehicle with a full tank of gas, and you will only be charged for the fuel you use during your rental period. On the other hand, the pre-paid fuel policy requires you to pre-pay for a full tank of gas when you rent the car, and you will not be refunded for any unused fuel. The pre-paid fuel policy is more convenient for some renters, as it eliminates the need to refuel the vehicle before returning it. However, it can also result in higher costs, as you are charged a premium for the convenience of pre-paying for fuel.
Late Return Policy
Enterprise Rent-A-Car also has a strict late return policy, which charges a fee if you return the rental car after the agreed return time. The late return fee is designed to cover the costs associated with keeping the vehicle out of circulation and re-renting it to another customer. The fee can vary depending on the rental location and the type of car, but it is usually around $10-20 per hour. If you are planning to return your rental car late, you must be aware of this fee and factor it into your budget.
Conclusion
Renting a car from Enterprise Rent-A-Car can be a convenient and affordable way to get around. However, understanding the different fees that may be added to your final bill is essential to avoiding unexpected charges and making informed decisions.
Some of the most common additional fees include taxes and fees required by law, insurance coverage, additional services, underage driver fees, early return fees, fuel policy fees, and late return fees. By being aware of these fees and factoring them into your budget, you can ensure that you have a successful and stress-free rental experience with Enterprise.