Unfortunately, accidents and damage can happen whether you are driving your own car or rental vehicle. In the case of rental cars, things are a bit different when it comes to dealing with damaged cars.
It is important to know the process, your responsibilities, and how to minimize the financial burden. Various rental companies have different policies to deal with such cases.
If you are an Enterprise renter and want to know what happens when you damage a rental car from Enterprise, this article is for you.
Here, we will explore what happens if you damage a rental car from Enterprise, the costs, and how to handle such situations.
Reporting the Damage Immediately
If you damage an Enterprise rental car, the first step is to report the incident. Enterprise wants you to tell them as soon as possible about any mishappening you face.
You can call the local branch where you rented the car or use their roadside assistance number to inform them.
If you do not tell them about the damage, you can come in trouble and have to pay additional charges. Enterprise takes every case seriously.
They check the car when you return it and compare it to the condition that it had during pickup.
Companies keep a record of everything, like any new damage, a scratch, a dent, or something bigger.
If you damage an Enterprise rental car, report it as soon as possible:
- Call the local branch where you rented the car
- Use Enterprise’s roadside assistance number
- Tell them about the damage before returning the car
How Does Enterprise Check for Damage?
After you report the damage, Enterprise will check how serious the problem is. They will completely check the car and note the damage.
Enterprise follows a fixed process to check damages, using photos and written details to check them.
This helps Enterprise to calculate the repair costs and whether they need to charge any additional charges from the renter or not. If the damage is minor, like a small scratch, they may not charge you much.
But for bigger issues like a broken bumper, you might have to pay a big cost. They handle each damage situation differently.
Enterprise follows a fixed process to review damage:
- They inspect the car when you return it
- They compare it with the condition at pickup
- They record new damage, scratches, or dents
Check Also: How Late Can You Pick Up a Rental Car at Enterprise
Does Insurance or Damage Waiver Cover You?
Before you worry about paying for damages, it is important to know if your insurance and damage waiver cover you.
Enterprise offers optional insurance coverage, often called a Damage Waiver or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW).
If you purchased this insurance at the time of renting the car, you may not have to pay for some specific types of damage.
Without this waiver, Enterprise can see you responsible for the full cost of repairs.
Always, check your rental agreement carefully to understand what is covered and what is not.
Even if you did not buy Enterprise’s insurance, your personal car insurance or credit card may offer coverage for rental cars.
So, contact your insurance provider for details.
Enterprise offers optional insurance to reduce your costs in case of damage:
| Coverage Type | What It Covers | Who Pays? |
| Damage Waiver (DW) | Covers damage, theft, or loss | Paid at rental time |
| Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) | Covers repair costs for accidental damage | Optional add-on |
| Credit Card Rental Insurance | Some credit cards cover rental damage | Depends on the card |
| Personal Auto Insurance | May cover rental car damage | Contact your provider |
Check Also: How to Avoid Paying Car Rental Insurance in Mexico
What If You Are Responsible for the Damage?
If you are responsible for the damage, the company will charge you for repairs. These charges can vary based on the size or type of the damage.
Enterprise normally sends the car for repairs at its authorized shops. You have to pay for parts, labor, and sometimes even additional fees, such as administrative costs or towing.
The enterprise may also charge you for loss of use. This means you will need to pay for the days the car is in the shop and not available for other customers to rent.
This cost can increase fast, especially if the repairs take several days.
If you caused the damage, Enterprise will charge you for:
- Repair costs (parts + labor)
- Loss of use (for the days the car is unavailable for rent)
- Towing fees (if needed)
- Administrative fees (processing costs)
Note: Costs vary based on damage size and repair time.
How Does the Damage Claim Process Work?
After checking the damage, Enterprise will start a damage claim. They will contact you to inform you of the total costs, which may include repair fees, loss of use, and other administrative expenses
You will receive a detailed bill with the types of charges mentioned in it. If you have insurance, either through Enterprise or your own provider, you should file a claim.
Enterprise will work with the insurance company to settle the payment. If you do not have coverage, you will be responsible for paying the full amount from your pocket.
Enterprise follows these steps to process damage claims:
- They assess the damage and create a report
- They send you a detailed bill with repair costs
- If you have insurance, file a claim to cover the costs
- Enterprise works with the insurance company to settle payment
- If you don’t have coverage, you pay out of pocket
Check Also: Grab the Best Time To Book a Rental Car at Good Prices
Can You Dispute the Damage Charges?
In some cases, customers may feel the damage charges are too high or unfair. If this happens, you can challenge the charges with Enterprise if you disagree with them.
Contact their customer service and explain your situation and problem. Also, provide any evidence that might support your case, like photos or witness statements.
Enterprise usually has a specific team to handle damage arguments. They will review the case and decide if they can make any adjustments to the charges.
If you think Enterprise is overcharging you:
- Contact Enterprise customer service
- Provide evidence (photos, receipts, or witness statements)
- Ask them to review the case
Note: Enterprise has a team to handle disputes. Be calm and provide proof!
Can Credit Card Insurance Help?
Many major credit cards offer rental car insurance as a benefit. If you used a credit card to pay for your Enterprise rental, discuss it with your credit card company to see if they cover you.
This coverage can save you from paying for damage from your side. Credit card rental insurance usually covers damage from collisions/crashes, but it may not cover all types of damage.
So, you must read the terms and conditions carefully before depending on this option.
Many major credit cards offer rental car insurance as a benefit:
- Covers collision damage (crashes, dents, and scratches)
- Does NOT cover all damages (tires, windshields, or towing)
Check Also: What Happens If You Crash a Rental Car Without Insurance
How to Avoid Damage Charges?
The best way to avoid damage fees is to stop the damage from happening in the first place. Being careful can save you from dealing with damage and expensive repair bills. Here are a few tips that can help you:
- Drive carefully and avoid risky areas.
- Park in safe, well-lit spots to avoid accidental damage.
- Check the car properly before driving off the lot, and note down any damage it already has.
- If possible, purchase rental car insurance for extra protection.
Returning a Damaged Rental Car
When you return a damaged rental car to Enterprise, they will review it in front of you. So, make sure to be honest about the damage, accident, or any other thing and cooperate with their staff.
If the damage is small, they might deal with it quickly and charges will also be less. For more serious damage, you will need to wait for a full checking process and bill.
Enterprise is an honest car rental company, but they expect customers to take responsibility for the car. So, treat the rental car like your own vehicle so you will be careful while driving and have less damage risk.
If you return a damaged rental car:
- Enterprise will inspect it in front of you
- They may charge you immediately for minor damage
- For major damage, they will send a bill later
What If You Try to Hide the Damage?
If you try to return a car without telling them about the damage, Enterprise will still find it. They check all cars completely before they rent them to another customer.
If they find damage you did not report, you might have to pay extra fees and face trouble in the return process.
Be honest with the rental company and always inform them about any damage, even if it seems minor. It shows that you are a responsible customer, which can help your case if there is any argument.
When you return the rental car with hidden damage:
❌ Enterprise inspects every car before renting it to the next customer.
❌ If they find unreported damage, they may charge extra fees.
Your Legal Responsibilities for Rental Cars
Legally, when you rent a car, you agree to return it in the same condition you received it. If you do not do this, you are responsible for the costs to fix it. This agreement is clearly mentioned in the rental contract you signed at Enterprise.
If you ignore damage or try to avoid your responsibility, you may face legal trouble, including collections or lawsuits. It is always better to deal with the issue early and work with Enterprise to resolve it.
When you rent a car, you sign a contract agreeing to return it in the same condition:
- If you cause damage, you must pay for repairs
- If you ignore the charges, Enterprise may take legal action
- Unpaid fees can lower your credit score
What Happens If You Don’t Pay for the Damage?
If you do not pay for the damage, Enterprise can take steps to collect the money from you. The company can hire another business (a collection agency) to try and get the money from you.
This process can involve phone calls, letters, or other ways to collect the debt. This can lower your credit score too.
Still, if the issue is not resolved, you might also face legal action. It is important to handle damage claims quickly without any delay to avoid these issues.
We suggest our visitors talk directly with Enterprise and your insurance provider to deal with such problems.
❌ If you don’t pay, Enterprise may:
- Send the bill to a collection agency
- Report unpaid charges to credit bureaus
- Take legal action to recover the money
Enterprise Insurance Coverage Options
Damage Waiver (DW):
Damage Waiver (DW) is not insurance. It is an extra service you can buy when renting a car. DW lowers how much you pay if the car is damaged, lost, or stolen. The cost of DW depends on the location and type of car you rent.
Personal Effects Coverage (PEC):
Personal Effects Coverage (PEC) is optional insurance you can buy when renting a car. It protects personal belongings of the renter, drivers, or passengers from loss or damage. The cost of PEC depends on the location and usually ranges from $5.99 to $15.67 per day.
Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP):
It is an optional service you can buy when renting a car. It costs about $8.00 to $17.00 per day. SLP covers up to $300,000 for claims by others if there’s an accident. You don’t need to buy it if your own insurance already offers this coverage.
Roadside Assistance Protection (RAP):
This helps Enterprise customers with common problems like lost keys, lockouts, or running out of gas. You can add RAP anytime, but if you add it during your rental, you need to visit a rental location for a vehicle check. For help, call 1-800-307-6666.
| Coverage Type | What It Covers | Cost |
| Damage Waiver (DW) | Reduces financial responsibility for damage or theft | Varies by location |
| Personal Effects Coverage (PEC) | Covers loss or damage to personal belongings | $5.99 – $15.67/day |
| Supplemental Liability Protection (SLP) | Covers up to $300,000 for third-party claims | $8.00 – $17.00/day |
| Roadside Assistance Protection (RAP) | Helps with lockouts, lost keys, and fuel issues | Call 1-800-307-6666 |
Conclusion
Of course, damaging a rental car from Enterprise can be stressful, but yes you can handle the situation smoothly too. First, you should always report the damage immediately and cooperate with Enterprise. Also, check out your insurance coverage options if they cover you. Through this, you can minimize costs and settle the issue quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you damage the rental car, first ensure everyone’s safety. Then, call local authorities and file a police report if necessary. After that, contact Enterprise’s Roadside Assistance at 1-800-307-6666 to report the incident.
If you didn’t purchase a Damage Waiver, you might need to pay for repairs. Your personal auto insurance may cover some costs, but it’s best to check with your provider.
A Damage Waiver is an optional protection you can buy from Enterprise. It covers minor damages like scratches or dents, so you won’t have to pay for those repairs.
Yes, you can use your personal auto insurance. However, coverage varies, so it’s important to check with your insurance provider before renting.
No, Enterprise doesn’t charge for normal wear and tear. They use a Damage Evaluator tool to decide if a scratch or dent is significant enough to require payment.
