Enterprise CarShare
Is This Your Business?4.3
5.0
Overall Score
Author: Kaitlyn Short
Enterprise CarShare started out as Philly Car Share in 2002 and was later sold to Enterprise Holdings in 2011. They provide quick and cheap car rentals on an hourly and daily basis.
To reserve a car, users simply choose a car on the Enterprise CarShare app. After reserving the car, renters can simply return the vehicle when they have finished with it. All transactions go through the mobile app, for increased convenience. Enterprise CarShare is marketed towards those who do not have a vehicle or who are trying to reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
Application and membership fees differ, depending on your city. Generally, there is a one-time application fee of $15-25 and an annual membership fee of $50, though each area offers different plans, depending on how often you plan to use the service.
On average, there is an hourly rate of $9.50 and a daily rate of $49.99 with an additional cost of $.19 for every mile after the first 200 miles. Gas is included in the rental cost.
Keep reading for pros and cons, plus Enterprise CarShare reviews from real users.
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The Good
- Availability
- Vehicle Options
- Mobile App
Availability
Enterprise CarShare is part of the new wave of vehicle sharing, which aims to provide a cost-effective alternative to buying or renting a car. University students seem to be the main focus, as Enterprise has many university locations throughout the US. Enterprise CarShare is available for individuals to use in 15 cities, but has a wider reach on college campuses, covering about 100 campus locations in 32 states.
Along with many available locations, some university programs allow students as young as 18 to join. Most traditional rental car companies, depending on the state, restrict rental access to drivers age 21 and over.
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Vehicle Options
Enterprise promises new, clean vehicles. Available vehicle models vary by location. To see what is available at a location near you, search for your city on the website or mobile app. Enterprise CarShare offers the following vehicle options:
- Hybrids
- Electric models
- Pick-up trucks
- Fuel-efficient sedans
Mobile App
Enterprise operates through an app, making it a convenient way to rent for those with smartphones or mobile devices. Additionally, Enterprise has a host of environmentally friendly vehicles, so drivers can rent with a clean conscience. It is available in many university locations, making it a convenient choice for students who do not own their own cars. Gas is included in the rental cost, which means one less thing to deal with for renters! To reserve an Enterprise car, register for membership on the website or mobile app. After registration, users can reserve cars on their mobile device. All payment goes through the app, so when the rental period is over, users may simply return the car.
The Bad
- Insurance
- Service Limitations & Fees
- Waiting Period
Waiting Period
Insurance coverage varies by location. One thing that differs from several other car share options is the additional, optional insurance and damage waiver. Where other hourly car rental options just roll insurance into your rental price, or charge a $1 fee per rental, with Enterprise, you have to review your options and decide whether you want to select the extra insurance option or waive the coverage.
Service Limitations & Fees
Enterprise charges an annual membership fee, one-time application fee, plus your hourly or daily rental rate. They also charge a $50 late fee, plus an unknown hourly rate. Users can drive 200 miles with an Enterprise CarShare car. More than that will cost you $.35 per mile. Customers can reserve Enterprise CarShare cars for 1 hour to 7 days.
Waiting Period
Once you sign up for Enterprise CarShare, you have to wait for your membership card to arrive in the mail before you can actually rent a vehicle. The card is used to unlock your car, so you will need to plan a bit in advance of your first rental.
The Bottom Line
If you have a CarShare location nearby and you are looking for an alternative to buying a car, Enterprise is a good choice. You may end up paying a little more than with other services, but with Enterprise, you will be assured of a quality vehicle.
By using Enterprise CarShare, renters can help decrease the number of vehicles on the road as well as their own car-related expenses over time. It is worth looking into for those that live in select cities or near a college campus.
