Yes, you can often pick up a rental car early from an enterprise, but it is not guaranteed and depends entirely on vehicle availability. The process is straightforward: contact the rental location directly to inquire if an earlier pickup is possible. If a car is ready, you can usually collect it, but your rental period and charges will be adjusted accordingly. There's typically no penalty for an early pickup; you'll just start paying for the rental sooner.
The primary challenge is real-time availability. Rental companies like Enterprise manage their fleets based on precise reservation times. If the car you reserved is still out with another customer or hasn't been cleaned and inspected, an early pickup won't be an option. It's crucial to call the specific branch, not a general customer service line, as they have direct knowledge of their current lot inventory.
Your rental agreement will be modified to reflect the new pickup time. This means your drop-off time will remain the same unless you also arrange for an early return. You'll be charged from the moment you drive off the lot. It's a good idea to understand the company's grace period (usually a 29-minute window) to avoid being charged for an extra hour if you pick up just slightly early.
Here’s a quick reference on policies from major companies:
| Rental Company | Early Pickup Policy | Key Consideration |
|---|
| Enterprise | Generally allowed, subject to availability. | Must contact the renting location directly. Charges begin at new pickup time. |
| Hertz | Permitted if a vehicle is available. | Modifying reservation online/app before arrival may be required. |
| Avis | Often possible, based on car readiness. | Rate may be recalculated to the prevailing rate for the new, longer rental period. |
| Budget | Similar to Avis, subject to fleet availability. | The original reservation is effectively canceled and a new one is created. |
| National | Allowed for Emerald Club members and non-members. | Free Rental Day credits for frequent renters are applied based on 24-hour periods. |
To increase your chances, try to be flexible on the car class. If a compact car isn't ready, an SUV might be available. The best practice is to call a few hours before your desired pickup time to check. Remember, while early pickup is often feasible, never assume it's possible without confirming first to avoid disappointment.
