Enterprise Rent-A-Car offers drivers many affordable automobile options. Yet, the up-front price doesn't cover every contingency related to the use of a rental car.
Drivers must pay either out-of-pocket any costs not covered by the rental fee or their insurance or invest in one of Enterprise's protection and insurance plans.
It's important to note that the prices for these services depend on a variety of factors, including the make and size of the vehicle and the locations where the renter picks it up and drops it off.
It's also important to remember that any estimated costs listed in this guide can change at any time depending on national-level changes made by Enterprise.
Enterprise Protection and Insurance Plans
Roadside Assistance Protection
| Costs | Extras |
|---|---|
| Up to $10 daily | The renter might have to pay for certain services like towing to a particular location or extensive, labor-intensive repairs. |
Although not insurance, one of the most basic forms of coverage is the Enterprise 24-Hour Roadside Assistance Protection (RAP).
The vehicle renter receives emergency assistance while traveling by calling (800) 307-6666.
When the renter invests in RAP, Enterprise covers a wide range of areas related to breakdowns and emergencies, including battery jumpstart, enough fuel for the driver to make it to the closest gas station, lost or missing key replacement, lockout assistance, tire reinflation, or replacement and towing.
The renter must sign up for the service either before they rent the vehicle or visit a rental location during the trip so that an Enterprise employee can reinspect the vehicle before signing up.
Damage Waiver
| Costs | Extras |
|---|---|
| Approximately $22 daily | Renters don't receive coverage for incidents that occur in Mexico. The renter's existing auto insurer might already provide this type of coverage. |
The Damage Waiver (DW) also doesn't qualify technically as insurance.
That said, the renter receives insurance-like coverage in the event of damage to the vehicle, loss or theft. Enterprise won't hold the renter responsible or make them pay the value of the loss or administrative fees.
Damages covered by the DW include dents and dings, paint chips and scratches, and windshield chips and cracks.
The renter must call the local Enterprise branch and choose a vehicle to find out the exact amount.
They should always compare it against to similar options offered by their auto insurer, if applicable.
Personal Accident Insurance / Personal Effects Coverage
| Costs | Extras |
|---|---|
| Up to $13 daily / potentially as low as $5.13 daily | Although the renter's auto insurance might already cover these areas, the benefits from this coverage pay out in addition to the renter's existing policy. |
Personal Accident Insurance / Personal Effects Coverage (PAI / PEC) represent true insurance coverage.
Enterprise normally offers these options as a bundled product.
PAI covers accidental medical expenses, including ambulance-related expenses, and accidental death for the renter and all passengers.
PEC covers property damage and loss for the renter, other drivers and anyone who lives with the renter and qualifies as an immediate family member.
The renter must call their local branch and choose a vehicle to find out the exact amount.
Supplemental Liability Protection
| Costs | Extras |
|---|---|
| Up to $18 daily | State limits can influence the liability amount. Limits in Puerto Rico differ from the rest of the country. Renters don't receive coverage for incidents that occur in Mexico. The renter's existing auto insurer might already provide this type of coverage. |
Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP) covers all authorized drivers against third-party liability claims up $300,000 related to injury, property damage and death that occur as a result of an accident or other incident that involves the rented vehicle.
In some regions, the protection covers claims up to $1 million. Once Enterprise receives knowledge about the accident, they utilize investigators and adjusters to determine estimated liability.
As with standard auto insurance, the renter typically needs to file a police report and retain all documentation related to the incident for submission to Enterprise.
The renter must call their local branch and choose a vehicle to find out the exact amount. They should compare it with their auto insurance policy as well.
Should You Invest in One of These Options?
Enterprise's extra protection and insurance options and per-day add-on rates are comparable to similar options offered by their competitors.
Renters that use an Enterprise rental for an extended period of time benefit more than drivers who need a rental for the day, especially if an existing auto insurance policy covers incidents that happen when the policyholder uses a rented vehicle.
Of course, the choice you make depends entirely on your unique circumstances and desired level of protection.
If your insurer doesn't cover some of these areas, such as emergency roadside or damage waiver services, then the money you invest is well worth it.
Out-of-pocket lockout service alone can cost $100.
You might even pay that same amount “per chip” to repair a windshield.
If you happen to find yourself behind a commercial transport or dump truck on a major highway and more than one rock flies into the windshield, you might face a bill of hundreds of dollars.
These plans are also a great investment if you need to use the vehicle for daily commutes over a lengthy period or long-distance trips or share it with one or more drivers.
Aidan has been writing about personal finance for over 6 years. Prior to this, he worked as a Corporate Finance Analyst where he specialized in Due Diligence, Company Valuations and more. He is a CFA charterholder.
