When you book a rental car with Enterprise, you’re securing a vehicle for a specific date and time. But what happens if you make a reservation and don’t show up to pick up the car?
Many customers assume that failing to show up is harmless — that the reservation simply expires with no cost. However, depending on how you made your reservation, Enterprise may charge what’s known as a no-show fee.
Enterprise’s no-show policy is designed to protect the company from financial loss caused by vehicles being held for customers who never arrive. This comprehensive guide explains Enterprise’s no-show fee policy in clear, simple terms.
You’ll learn when the fee applies, how much it can cost, how to avoid it, and what you can do if you miss your pickup time due to unexpected circumstances. Understanding this policy can save you both stress and money the next time you rent a car.
What Is a No-Show Fee?
A no-show fee is a charge applied when you make a car rental reservation but fail to show up to collect the vehicle without canceling in advance. The purpose of this fee is to compensate the rental company for potential lost business.
When Enterprise holds a vehicle for you, that car becomes temporarily unavailable for other renters. If you don’t show up, Enterprise loses both the booking opportunity and revenue for that time period.
Not all Enterprise reservations are subject to a no-show fee — it depends on how the booking was made. The key factor is whether you prepaid for the reservation or simply reserved a car to pay later. The two types of bookings are handled differently.
Types of Enterprise Reservations and Their Impact on the No-Show Policy
Enterprise offers two main types of car rental reservations: pay-later reservations and prepaid reservations. Understanding the difference between these is essential to knowing whether a no-show fee might apply to you.
1. Pay-Later Reservations
When you book a “pay-later” reservation with Enterprise, you don’t pay anything upfront. You simply reserve a vehicle for a specific time and date and agree to pay when you arrive to collect it. Because you haven’t made a payment, Enterprise usually doesn’t charge a no-show fee if you fail to pick up the car.
However, there are exceptions. If you book a vehicle at certain high-demand locations (such as airports during peak travel seasons) or through a third-party travel agency, a small administrative charge may apply for no-shows. In most cases, though, pay-later reservations are safe to cancel without penalty — provided you cancel before the scheduled pickup time.
2. Prepaid Reservations
Prepaid reservations are different. This option allows you to pay for your rental in advance, usually at a discounted rate. Because Enterprise locks in that vehicle and applies the payment immediately, prepaid bookings come with stricter terms. If you don’t show up for a prepaid reservation and fail to cancel within the allowed period, you’ll be charged a no-show fee or lose part (or all) of your prepaid amount.
In most cases, the no-show fee for prepaid rentals ranges from one full day’s rental rate to the entire prepaid amount, depending on when (or if) you cancel. That’s why reading the terms during booking is crucial.
How Enterprise Defines a “No-Show”
Enterprise considers you a “no-show” when you fail to pick up your rental car within a reasonable grace period after your scheduled pickup time — and you haven’t contacted the branch to delay, cancel, or modify your reservation. The exact window for a no-show classification varies by location, but it generally ranges between 30 minutes and 2 hours after your reservation time.
For example, if your rental was scheduled for 10:00 a.m., and you haven’t shown up or called by around 11:00 a.m. or noon (depending on location), the system will automatically cancel your reservation and mark it as a no-show.
Enterprise’s Typical No-Show Fee Amounts
The no-show fee depends on the type of reservation you made and where you booked it. While policies can vary slightly across countries and branches, here’s a general overview of what you can expect:
- Pay-Later Reservations: Usually no fee, but the reservation is automatically canceled after the grace period.
- Prepaid Reservations: A no-show fee often equals one day’s rental rate or a flat charge (typically between $50 and $150), depending on location and rental terms.
- Third-Party Bookings: If you booked through a travel site or aggregator, the no-show fee may differ according to that site’s own cancellation terms, even though Enterprise provides the vehicle.
Enterprise’s internal system automatically triggers these fees once the grace period expires without any communication from the customer. The charge is applied to the credit card used during booking, and it appears as “Enterprise Rent-A-Car No-Show Fee” or something similar on your statement.
Cancellation Policy and No-Show Connection
The easiest way to avoid a no-show fee is to cancel your reservation before the pickup time. Enterprise provides different cancellation rules for prepaid and pay-later bookings.
For Pay-Later Reservations
These can usually be canceled at any time without charge. You can cancel online, through the Enterprise app, or by calling the branch directly. There’s no penalty, even if you cancel an hour before your scheduled pickup. However, if you repeatedly book and cancel or fail to show up multiple times, the company may flag your account and require a deposit for future rentals.
For Prepaid Reservations
Prepaid reservations have stricter cancellation policies. Typically, Enterprise allows you to cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup time without penalty. If you cancel after that window or fail to cancel at all, the no-show fee applies. The exact fee depends on how close to the pickup time you cancel:
- Cancel more than 24 hours before pickup: Full refund (minus a small administrative fee in some cases).
- Cancel less than 24 hours before pickup: Partial refund, usually minus one day’s rental or a $50–$100 fee.
- No cancellation or no-show: No refund; full no-show fee applied.
Always check your booking confirmation email — it outlines the exact cancellation terms specific to your reservation.
How Enterprise Handles Prepaid No-Show Situations
If you prepaid for a rental and don’t show up, Enterprise automatically flags your reservation as “No Show” once the grace period ends. The system then processes the applicable fee or forfeits the prepaid amount according to the booking’s terms. You typically receive an email notification confirming the cancellation and explaining the charge.
In most cases, Enterprise retains the no-show fee or the prepaid day rate, and the rest of your prepaid balance may be refunded (if applicable). However, if you booked through a third-party site, the refund and fee process might differ since those agencies have their own payment systems and policies.
What Happens to the Vehicle When You Don’t Show Up?
When you fail to show up, Enterprise releases the reserved vehicle back into its available inventory after the grace period. The car becomes available for other renters, ensuring that the branch can continue operations without losing potential business. This is precisely why the company enforces no-show fees — it prevents people from making “just-in-case” reservations that waste fleet availability for serious customers.
Repeated no-shows can affect not just your wallet but also your customer profile. Some Enterprise locations may flag or restrict your ability to book future vehicles if you frequently reserve cars without picking them up.
Exceptions and Special Circumstances
Enterprise understands that sometimes life happens — flights are delayed, emergencies occur, or unexpected events prevent timely pickup. If you have a legitimate reason for missing your pickup, the company may waive or reduce the no-show fee. However, this usually depends on how quickly and honestly you communicate with them.
Situations where Enterprise might consider waiving or adjusting a no-show fee include:
- Flight delays or cancellations: If your flight was delayed and you booked at an airport location, Enterprise can often verify the delay and waive the fee.
- Medical emergencies: Providing proof or an explanation can help the branch manager remove the fee.
- Weather or transportation disruptions: If travel became impossible due to storms or road closures, Enterprise may issue a goodwill refund.
In all cases, communication is key. If you know you’re running late or won’t make it, call the pickup location as soon as possible. Most branches will hold the vehicle longer if they know you’re on the way.
What to Do If You Miss Your Pickup Time
If you realize you can’t arrive at your scheduled time, here’s what you should do to avoid or minimize a no-show charge:
- Call the Branch Immediately: Speak with an Enterprise representative and explain your situation. Ask if they can hold the vehicle or reschedule your pickup.
- Update Your Reservation Online: Use your confirmation number to modify your booking on Enterprise’s website or app.
- Cancel Promptly if You Can’t Make It: Even canceling a few hours before can save you from losing your prepaid payment.
- Keep Proof of Communication: Save emails or call logs in case you need to dispute a fee later.
Enterprise values long-term customers, and if you demonstrate reliability and communication, they’re more likely to show flexibility when unexpected problems arise.
How to Dispute a No-Show Fee
If you were charged a no-show fee unfairly — for example, if you canceled properly or couldn’t attend due to a legitimate reason — you can dispute the charge directly with Enterprise. The dispute process is straightforward:
- Gather Documentation: Collect your booking confirmation, cancellation confirmation (if available), and any receipts or evidence supporting your case.
- Contact Enterprise Customer Service: Provide details about your situation and explain why you believe the fee should be waived or refunded.
- Wait for Review: Enterprise typically reviews disputes within 7–10 business days. You may receive a refund or partial adjustment depending on the findings.
- Escalate if Necessary: If the issue isn’t resolved, you can ask to speak with a regional manager or contact Enterprise’s corporate office for further assistance.
Being polite and factual in your communication increases your chances of a positive outcome. Enterprise often waives fees for good customers or in cases of genuine misunderstanding.
Impact of No-Shows on Your Rental History
While a single no-show isn’t likely to ruin your rental record, repeated incidents can cause long-term consequences. Enterprise tracks customer behavior, including cancellations and no-shows, through its reservation system. Frequent no-shows may result in:
- Loss of the ability to book without a deposit or prepayment.
- Increased likelihood of future bookings being declined during peak times.
- Reduced eligibility for special promotions or corporate discounts.
In short, showing up on time or properly canceling your bookings helps you maintain a clean rental profile, which can be beneficial for smoother service and better rates in the future.
Differences Between Airport and Local Branch No-Show Policies
Enterprise’s no-show policy can vary between airport and neighborhood locations due to differences in demand and logistics.
- Airport Locations: These branches often experience higher demand, especially during holidays and travel seasons. As a result, they’re stricter about no-shows and may have shorter grace periods (30–60 minutes). They also tend to apply no-show fees more consistently for prepaid bookings.
- Local or Neighborhood Locations: These branches usually have longer grace periods and may be more flexible about cancellations, especially if you communicate promptly.
If you’re renting at an airport, it’s particularly important to monitor your flight schedule and contact Enterprise if any delays occur to prevent being marked as a no-show.
Tips to Avoid Enterprise No-Show Fees
Here are practical ways to ensure you never face a no-show fee again:
- Opt for Pay-Later Reservations When Possible: These give you flexibility to cancel anytime without penalty.
- Set a Reminder: Use your phone or email calendar to remind yourself of pickup times.
- Communicate Changes Immediately: Even a short delay notification can prevent cancellation.
- Double-Check Time Zones: If you’re traveling internationally or across regions, confirm the local time of your pickup.
- Review Your Confirmation Email: Always read the cancellation and refund details — especially for prepaid bookings.
Most no-show fees are entirely avoidable with simple attention and communication.
Frequently Asked Questions About Enterprise’s No-Show Policy
1. Will Enterprise charge my card if I don’t show up?
If you prepaid for your rental, yes — Enterprise will charge a no-show fee or retain part of your prepaid payment. If you chose the pay-later option, typically no charge applies, but your reservation will be canceled.
2. Can I get a refund after being charged a no-show fee?
Refunds are possible if you can prove you canceled properly or had extenuating circumstances (such as flight delays or emergencies). You’ll need to contact customer service to request a review.
3. How long will Enterprise hold my car before marking me as a no-show?
Most locations hold your car between 30 minutes and 2 hours after the scheduled pickup time. After that, the reservation is released and recorded as a no-show.
4. Do no-show fees apply to corporate or business rentals?
Business accounts may have separate terms. Some corporate agreements waive no-show fees entirely, while others have internal billing procedures for missed reservations.
5. What if I prepaid through a travel site?
If you booked through a third-party site, you’ll need to follow that site’s cancellation policy. Enterprise honors their terms but may not process direct refunds in those cases.
Conclusion
Enterprise’s no-show fee policy is straightforward: show up on time, or cancel before your pickup window, and you’ll never pay a dime. Problems arise mainly with prepaid reservations, where the company needs to manage its fleet and revenue efficiently. Fortunately, Enterprise provides flexible cancellation options, clear communication channels, and reasonable grace periods — as long as you use them responsibly.
Ultimately, the best approach is to treat your reservation like any other commitment. If your plans change, communicate early.
Doing so not only protects you from unnecessary fees but also maintains your good standing as a renter. Enterprise’s system rewards customers who respect policies, communicate honestly, and show up on time.
By understanding the fine print of the Enterprise no-show policy, you can avoid hidden charges, protect your budget, and ensure your car rental experience remains smooth and stress-free every time you travel.
