salehunter.net Serving our country is an act of immense sacrifice and dedication. In recognition of this service, many companies across the United States offer special discounts to active-duty military members, veterans, and their families. When it comes to hitting the road, whether for a well-deserved vacation, a family visit, or official duty, Enterprise Rent-A-Car stands out as a proud supporter of our armed forces. The Enterprise military discount is more than just a token of appreciation; it’s a substantial program designed to make travel easier and more affordable for the military community. But how does it work? Who is eligible? And how can you make sure you’re getting the absolute most out of this benefit? This is your ultimate guide to navigating the Enterprise military discount program.
Understanding the Enterprise Military Discount: More Than Just a Percentage Off
Enterprise’s commitment to the military community runs deep. It’s not just about a simple discount; it’s a comprehensive support system. The company was founded by a World War II veteran, Jack Taylor, who flew an F6F Hellcat fighter from the decks of the USS Enterprise—the very inspiration for the company’s name. This military heritage is woven into the fabric of the company’s culture, influencing its hiring practices (nearly 10% of their US workforce are veterans or military members) and its community outreach. So, when you’re using their military discount, you’re engaging with a company that genuinely understands and values military service.
The discount itself varies, but it typically provides a percentage off the base rate for car rentals. This offer is available to a wide range of military personnel and their families, making it a versatile and valuable benefit. It’s crucial to understand that Enterprise offers different types of discounts depending on the nature of your travel: leisure travel and official government travel.
- Leisure Travel: This is for your personal trips—vacations, weekend getaways, or visiting family. The discount for leisure travel is available to active-duty members, retired military, veterans, and their dependents.
- Official Government/Military Travel: This is for travel conducted under official orders. This program often includes special rates and benefits tailored to the needs of government travel, such as inclusive insurance coverage (Collision Damage Waiver/Loss Damage Waiver) and no additional driver fees for other military or government personnel.
Understanding which category your travel falls into is the first step to ensuring you get the correct rate and benefits.
Who Exactly is Eligible for the Discount?
Eligibility is a common question, and thankfully, Enterprise keeps it quite broad to include as much of the military community as possible. Here’s a detailed breakdown of who can take advantage of these savings:
Active-Duty Personnel
If you’re currently serving in any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, you are eligible. This includes:
- Army
- Marine Corps
- Navy
- Air Force
- Space Force
- Coast Guard
- National Guard & Reserves
Family members, specifically spouses and dependents with a valid military ID, can often access the discount as well. This is a huge perk, as it allows families to save even when the service member isn’t present for the rental pickup.
Veterans & Retirees
Your service doesn’t stop being appreciated the moment you hang up your uniform. Enterprise extends its discount to veterans and retired military personnel. This is a fantastic gesture that recognizes a lifetime of service. To qualify, you will typically need to provide proof of your veteran status, which can include a Veteran ID Card (VIC), a driver’s license with a veteran designation, or a DD-214 form. It’s always a good idea to call the specific rental location ahead of time to confirm what forms of identification they accept.
Family Members and Dependents
The military family serves right alongside the service member. Enterprise recognizes this by often extending discount eligibility to spouses and dependents. For leisure travel, a dependent with a valid military ID can typically rent a vehicle using the military rate. This is especially helpful for spouses who need to manage transportation while their partner is deployed or on assignment.
How to Apply the Enterprise Military Discount: A Step-by-Step Guide
Accessing your discount is a straightforward process. You won’t have to jump through a lot of hoops, but you do need to follow the correct steps to ensure the discount is applied properly to your reservation.
Step 1: Start Your Reservation Online
The easiest way to book is through the dedicated Enterprise military discount portal on their website. Navigating directly to this page ensures that the appropriate Corporate Account number or discount code is automatically applied to your search. If you start from the main Enterprise homepage, you’ll need to find the field for “Corporate Account number or Promotion Code” and enter the relevant code if you have one. For leisure travel, you often don’t need a specific code if you start from the military page, as the rates shown will already reflect the discount.
Step 2: Enter Your Travel Details
Input your pickup location, dates, and times, just as you would for any other rental. The search results will display the available vehicles with the military discount already factored into the price. This makes it easy to compare costs and see your savings upfront.
Step 3: Consider Joining Partner Programs for Extra Savings
This is a pro-tip that many people miss. Enterprise has strong partnerships with military-focused organizations like USAA and Veterans Advantage.
- USAA Members: If you are a USAA member, you can often get an even better deal by booking through the USAA portal. USAA has negotiated special rates and benefits with Enterprise that can include waived young driver fees (for those under 25) and additional discounts. It’s always worth comparing the standard military rate with the USAA rate.
- Veterans Advantage: Members of Veterans Advantage who are enrolled in the VetRewards program can also access exclusive Enterprise discounts. This is another avenue to explore for potentially deeper savings.
Step 4: Complete the Reservation
Once you’ve selected your vehicle, proceed to checkout. You’ll enter your personal information to confirm the booking. You will not be asked to verify your military status at this online stage. Verification happens in person.
Step 5: Prepare Your Documentation for Pickup
This is the most critical step. When you arrive at the Enterprise counter to pick up your vehicle, you must present valid proof of your military affiliation. Failing to do so could result in you being charged the full, non-discounted rate. Be sure to have one of the following ready:
- Valid, government-issued Military ID (for active duty, retirees, and dependents)
- Veteran Identification Card (VIC)
- State-issued driver’s license with a “Veteran” designation
- DD-214 Form (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
The rental agent will verify your status, and you’ll be on your way. It’s a quick and painless process as long as you come prepared.
Official Government Travel: What’s Different?
If you are renting a car for official government or military business (Temporary Duty Assignment – TDY), the process and benefits are different and often even better. The U.S. government has a contract with Enterprise that provides a special rate structure for official travel.
Key benefits often include:
- Special Contracted Rates: These are often flat, pre-negotiated rates that can be significantly lower than even the leisure military discount.
- Included Insurance: For official travel, the rental typically includes full Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) and liability protection, as stipulated by the government contract. This saves you from having to purchase additional insurance.
- No Underage Driver Fees: Military personnel on official orders who are between the ages of 18-24 are generally exempt from the standard young driver surcharge.
- Unlimited Mileage: Most official government rentals come with unlimited mileage for travel within the state or local area.
To book an official rental, you must use the government’s booking system or specify that you are traveling on official orders. You will be required to present your official travel orders and your military ID at the rental counter.
Maximizing Your Savings: Tips and Tricks
Getting the military discount is great, but a savvy traveler knows there are always ways to save even more. Here are some lesser-known tips to get the most value from your Enterprise rental.
1. Book in Advance
Like airline tickets, rental car prices are all about supply and demand. Booking your vehicle as far in advance as possible, especially during peak travel seasons like holidays or summer, will almost always secure you a better rate. The military discount is a percentage off the base rate, so a lower base rate means more savings.
2. Join Enterprise Plus
Enterprise’s loyalty program, Enterprise Plus, is free to join and allows you to earn points on your rentals. These points can be redeemed for free rental days in the future. The best part? You can still use your military discount while earning points. It’s a classic “double-dip” that rewards you for your loyalty.
3. Be Flexible with Dates and Locations
If your travel plans have some wiggle room, play around with the dates and pickup locations. Sometimes, renting from an off-airport Enterprise location can be significantly cheaper than renting directly from the airport counter due to airport-specific taxes and fees. A short taxi or rideshare trip to a neighborhood location could save you a substantial amount of money.
4. Don’t Prepay for Fuel
The option to prepay for a full tank of gas can seem convenient, but it’s rarely the most economical choice. You’re paying for a full tank, and it’s unlikely you’ll return the car with the needle exactly on empty. You end up paying for gas you didn’t use. Instead, plan to fill up the tank yourself at a local gas station right before you return the car.
5. Check for Weekend Specials
Enterprise often runs special promotional rates for weekend rentals. It’s always a good idea to check their “Deals” or “Special Offers” page on their website. Sometimes, a weekend special might even offer a better final price than your military discount applied to the standard rate. Compare both options before booking.
A Legacy of Support
The Enterprise military discount is more than just a marketing tactic; it’s a reflection of the company’s deep-rooted connection to the armed forces. It’s a reliable, easy-to-use program that provides real savings for those who serve and have served. By understanding the eligibility requirements, knowing how to apply the discount correctly, and using a few smart booking strategies, you can significantly reduce your travel costs.
So next time you’re planning a trip, remember that your service affords you this well-earned benefit. Take advantage of it, enjoy the open road, and know that you are appreciated. Safe travels!
