National and Enterprise Rental Car FAQs

These FAQs will be updated soon to include information about Avis, Budget and Hertz.

Q1: When should I use a car rental versus University Fleet?

A1: When traveling to off-campus locations normally reached by car, a University fleet vehicle should be your first choice. Currently, National's only local location in Lafayette/West Lafayette is at the Purdue University Airport. When flying to a business location and a rental vehicle is necessary, Enterprise/National should be your first choice.

Q2: What are the benefits of the Big Ten Conference agreement with Enterprise/National Car Rental?

A2: Enterprise/National Car Rental benefits include the following:

Unlimited mileage (with some exceptions)
Lowest rate is always guaranteed
Complimentary Emerald Club membership
Loss Damage Waiver included in rate for business travel when booked through Concur
Liability insurance included in rate for business travel when booked through Concur
Minimum rental age is 21
No drop charge on one-way rentals (National only)

The discounted rate applies to both business and personal travel. However, personal travel does not include liability insurance coverages or the waiver for young drivers.

Q3: Who is an eligible renter under the Big Ten contract with Enterprise/National?

A3: All faculty and staff, including immediate family (i.e. spouse and children 21 years and older residing in the same household), are eligible to rent a car for business and personal use. The contract also extends to consultants and contractors whose car rental expenses are being reimbursed by the University for business use.

Q4: How do I know I'm getting the lowest rate?

A4: At the time of reservation, Enterprise/National will compare the negotiated rates with other available retail rates. The lowest rate is confirmed and guaranteed.

Book business rentals through Concur to have the contract code automatically applied.

When booking rentals for personal travel, students who are 21 years or older can use code 08BIG10 to save 5% on reservations. Faculty and staff should use the code listed on the employee discount code webpage (Purdue log in credentials are required). These codes are only valid when booking arrangements directly through the provider websites and not a third-party.

This best rate feature only applies to National. In order to receive the coverages included in the Big Ten agreement for Enterprise, the renter must accept the Enterprise contracted rates, not a lower promotional rate if available.

Q5: Is there a benefit to booking online?

A5: To ensure you receive the Big Ten rates and benefits, make your reservation via Concur for business rentals.

At the time of reservation, the contract rate will be compared to other applicable retail rates and default to the lowest available rate as stated above. This best rate feature only applies to National. In order to receive the coverages included in the Big Ten Agreement for Enterprise, you must accept the Enterprise contracted rates, not a lower promotional rate if available.

Q6: Is there a drop charge for one-way rentals?

A6: While Enterprise assesses a drop charge for one-way rentals, National does not. Therefore, one-way reservations should only be made through National. With National, Purdue travelers receive unlimited mileage on one-way trips with a full-size sedan or smaller vehicle. One-way reservations with larger vehicles will be charged $0.25 per mile.

Q7: What is the Emerald Club Program?

A7: The Emerald Club is National's frequent renter program, providing members with exclusive benefits and privileges to make renting faster and easier, and make business travel more productive.

Q8: What are the benefits of Emerald Club membership?

A8: Member benefits include:

Counter bypass with Emerald Club Aisle Service and Emerald Reserve Service at most major U.S. airports
Members only counters with pre-printed rental agreements at over 400 airports in the U.S. and Canada
Earn credits redeemable for free car rental days
Expedited online reservation process
Access to an exclusive member services hotline
Upgrade opportunity to the next membership level – Emerald Club Executive – with only 12 rentals in a calendar year

Q9: How do I enroll in the Emerald Club?

A9: To enroll in the Emerald Club, click on the Emerald Club enrollment link posted on the National Program summary page. Complete the application and click the submit button. This is the fastest and easiest way to enroll.

Q10: What if I am already an Emerald Club member?

A10: Ensure your Emerald Club profile contains correct data, including Purdue University's name and corporate discount number, and current credit card information. You may view and update most information in your profile online by logging in to www.EmeraldClub.com and clicking on the Update Profile tab.

Q11: Does Enterprise/National offer a GPS product?

A11: Yes, National and Enterprise offer portable units at over 150 participating locations in the continental U.S. and Canada. The GPS units should be reserved in advance and can be picked up at the exit booth or counter for $8.99 per day. Rental of a GPS unit is a reimbursable expense if considered necessary for your business destination and purpose.

Q12: What optional coverages will be reimbursed by the University when I rent from Enterprise/National in the United States?

A12: When traveling in the United States for business purposes, the University will NOT reimburse you for any optional coverages such as Loss Damage Waiver (LDW), Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Supplemental Liability Insurance, Personal Affects or Personal Accident Insurance. These should be declined on the Emerald Club application and/or at the time of rental unless you wish to pay these as a personal expense. The Loss Damage Waiver and Liability coverage is included in the rate on business rentals when using Purdue's corporate discount number.

Q13: What do I need to know about Enterprise's/National's international rates for business use?

A13: When renting in Canada, you may rent from either National or Enterprise under the Big Ten agreement. There is no damage waiver included with either company in Canada. When renting in Latin America or Asia Pacific, our agreement provides contracted rates and a damage waiver although a deductible will apply. When renting in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), National is no longer a contractual option under our Big Ten agreement. All EMEA rentals should be directed to Enterprise Rent-A-Car to be assured of receiving the Big Ten contracted rates and coverages (deductibles will apply).

Please Note: National Car Rental and Enterprise Rent-A-Car are the only car rental companies that have a signed agreement with the Big Ten Conference. With National and Enterprise, you can be sure of full contract benefits at all U.S. locations.