Yes, you can rent from Enterprise at 19, but you'll pay more and face restrictions on where you can drive
Enterprise rents to drivers as young as 19 at most U.S. locations, but the company charges a daily surcharge for renters under 25 — typically $15 to $25 per day depending on the location and car type. You'll also be restricted to certain vehicle classes (usually compact and mid-size cars, not SUVs or premium vehicles), and some locations may decline to rent to you altogether. The rental agreement itself requires a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a major credit card in your name.
The young driver surcharge exists because insurance data shows drivers under 25 have higher accident rates. Enterprise passes this cost to you rather than absorbing it. If you're renting for a week, that surcharge alone can add $105 to $175 to your bill before taxes and fees.
Key Takeaways
- Enterprise allows 19-year-old renters at most locations but charges $15 to $25 per day extra for drivers under 25.
- You must have a valid driver's license, proof of insurance, and a major credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover) in your own name.
- Vehicle choices are limited to compact and mid-size cars; you cannot rent SUVs, trucks, or luxury vehicles at 19.
- Some Enterprise locations, particularly in major cities or airports, may refuse to rent to drivers under 21 regardless of company policy.
- Other rental companies have different age policies — Hertz, Budget, and Avis also rent to 19-year-olds but with similar surcharges and restrictions.
What you need to bring to the rental counter
Enterprise requires three documents: a valid driver's license (state ID or passport with a U.S. driver's license), proof of insurance, and a major credit card in your name. The insurance proof can be a digital copy on your phone or a printed card from your insurer. If you're on your parents' insurance policy, bring documentation showing you're a listed driver on that policy — Enterprise will accept this.
The credit card is non-negotiable and must be in your name. Enterprise will place a hold on the card (typically $200 to $500 depending on the vehicle) to cover potential damage or fuel charges. This hold is released when you return the car, but the funds are temporarily unavailable. If you don't have a credit card, some Enterprise locations may accept a debit card with a larger hold, but this varies by location and manager discretion.
Bring your phone or a printed copy of your reservation confirmation. Enterprise locations can look up reservations by phone number, but having the confirmation number speeds up the process.
How the young driver surcharge works and what it covers
The daily surcharge for drivers 19 to 24 is not a fee for being young — it's an insurance cost that Enterprise charges you directly instead of absorbing it themselves. The amount varies by location and vehicle type. A compact car in a rural area might be $12 per day, while the same car in Los Angeles or New York could be $25 per day. Premium or larger vehicles carry higher surcharges.
This surcharge does not give you additional coverage or benefits. It straightforward reflects the higher insurance cost Enterprise pays to cover you. You still need your own insurance policy; the surcharge does not replace it. If you cause damage to the rental car, your insurance (or the rental company's damage waiver, if you purchase it) covers the repair — the surcharge does not.
The surcharge is calculated per day and appears as a separate line item on your rental agreement. A three-day rental of a mid-size car at $50 per day, plus a $18 daily young driver surcharge, costs $204 before taxes and fees for the base rental alone.
Vehicle restrictions at 19
Enterprise limits 19-year-old renters to compact and mid-size sedans. You cannot rent full-size SUVs, trucks, vans, or any vehicle classified as premium or luxury. This restriction exists because larger vehicles are more expensive to repair and carry higher insurance costs for young drivers.
The specific vehicles available vary by location. A typical compact option is a Hyundai Elantra or Toyota Corolla. Mid-size options include a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. If you need a larger vehicle — for example, to move furniture or transport a group — you'll need to wait until you're 25, or you can ask a parent or older friend to rent it under their name.
Some Enterprise locations, particularly at airports or in major cities, may have stricter policies and refuse to rent any vehicle to drivers under 21. Call ahead to confirm the location you plan to use will rent to you before you arrive.
Insurance requirements and what happens if you don't have it
Enterprise requires proof that you carry liability insurance. This is a legal requirement in every U.S. state, not just an Enterprise policy. If you're on your parents' auto insurance policy and are listed as a driver, that coverage extends to rental cars in most cases — but you need to confirm this with your insurer before you rent.
If you don't have your own insurance and aren't listed on a parent's policy, you cannot rent from Enterprise. Some rental companies offer damage waiver coverage (sometimes called Loss Damage Waiver or LDW), which covers damage to the rental car itself, but this does not replace liability insurance. Liability insurance covers damage you cause to other people or their property — it's legally required and non-negotiable.
Call your insurance company or your parents' insurance agent before you rent and ask: "Am I covered to drive a rental car?" Get the answer in writing if possible. Bring that confirmation to the rental counter.
Comparing Enterprise to other rental companies at 19
| Company | Minimum Age | Young Driver Surcharge | Vehicle Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enterprise | 19 | $15–$25/day | Compact and mid-size only |
| Hertz | 19 | $13–$25/day | Compact and mid-size only |
| Budget | 19 | $10–$20/day | Compact and mid-size only |
| Avis | 19 | $15–$25/day | Compact and mid-size only |
| National | 21 | N/A | N/A |
Budget sometimes offers the lowest young driver surcharge, but availability and pricing vary by location and season. Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise are similar in cost and restrictions. National does not rent to drivers under 21 at any location, so that option is closed to you at 19.
Check the specific location where you plan to rent before you book. A Budget location in one city may have different policies than a Budget location 50 miles away. Call the location directly and ask whether they rent to 19-year-olds and what the surcharge is for the dates you need.
What to expect at the rental counter and after you pick up the car
Arrive with your license, insurance proof, and credit card. The agent will review your reservation, confirm your insurance coverage, and explain the rental agreement. They'll show you the vehicle, walk you through its condition, and ask you to inspect it for existing damage. Take photos or video of the car's exterior and interior before you drive away — this protects you if the rental company later claims you caused damage you didn't cause.
The agent will explain the fuel policy (usually "full to full" — you pick it up full and return it full, or you pay for fuel at their inflated rates). They'll also offer damage waiver coverage, which you can decline if your insurance covers rental cars. Ask questions about anything you don't understand before you sign.
When you return the car, the agent will inspect it and compare it to the photos taken at pickup. The hold on your credit card will be released within a few business days. If there's damage, Enterprise will contact you and your insurance company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car at 19 if I don't have my own insurance?
No. Enterprise requires proof of liability insurance before they'll rent to you. If you're listed on your parents' auto insurance policy, that counts. If you're not insured at all, you cannot rent from Enterprise or any major rental company. Contact your parents' insurance agent to be added to their policy before you attempt to rent.
What happens if I get in an accident while renting at 19?
Your personal auto insurance handles the claim, just as it would if you were driving your own car. The rental company will file a claim with your insurer for damage to the vehicle. Your insurance rates may increase as a result. If you don't have insurance, you're personally liable for all repair costs, which can easily exceed $5,000 for moderate damage.
Can my parent rent the car and let me drive it?
No. The person whose name is on the rental agreement is the only person legally permitted to drive the car. If you're caught driving a rental car you didn't rent, you're driving without the rental company's permission, and your insurance may not cover you. The rental agreement is a contract, and violating it can result in additional charges.
Will the young driver surcharge go away when I turn 25?
Yes. Most rental companies stop charging the young driver surcharge at age 25. Your rental costs will drop by $15 to $25 per day once you reach that age, assuming all other factors (location, vehicle type, season) remain the same.
Is it cheaper to rent from a local company instead of Enterprise?
Sometimes, but local rental companies often have stricter age policies or higher surcharges for young drivers. Check local options in your area, but expect similar pricing and restrictions. National chains like Enterprise, Budget, and Hertz are usually competitive on price and have consistent policies across locations.