Rental Vehicle FAQs

The following are frequently asked questions regarding vehicle rentals.

I am a faculty/staff and need a daily rental vehicle. How do I book and pay?
  • Booking Reservations:
    • The traveler or their delegate can book in Concur. A quick reference guide is available to assist.
    • The traveler or their delegate can also book directly with Enterprise. The discount code is available on the discount code webpage (Purdue log-in credentials are required).
  • Payment:
    • Travelers are encouraged to use a Travel Card first or a Purchase Card as a second option (only if approved by their business office). If a traveler does not have a Travel Card, they should work with their business office to obtain one.
    • Travelers may also pay and seek reimbursement.
I am a faculty/staff and need a one-way rental to/from the airport. How do I book and pay?
  • Booking Reservations:
    • The traveler or their delegate can book in Concur. A quick reference guide is available to assist.
    • The traveler or their delegate can also book directly with Enterprise. The discount code is available on the discount code webpage (Purdue log-in credentials are required).
  • Payment:
    • Travelers are encouraged to use a Travel Card first or a Purchase Card as a second option (only if approved by their business office). If a traveler does not have a Travel Card, they should work with their business office to obtain one.
    • Travelers may also pay and seek reimbursement.
I am a student and need a daily rental vehicle. How do I book and pay?
  • Booking Reservations:
    • Students may book a rental vehicle through their department's business office. A quick reference guide is available to assist.
    • Students may also book directly with Enterprise. The discount code is available on the discount code webpage (Purdue log-in credentials are required).
  • Payment
    • Students may check out a department or Purchase Card (only if approved by their business office).
    • Students may also pay and seek reimbursement.
I am a student and need a one-way rental to/from the airport. How do I book and pay?
  • Booking Reservations:
    • Students may book a rental vehicle through their department's business office. A quick reference guide is available to assist.
    • Students may also book directly with Enterprise. The discount code is available on the discount code webpage (Purdue log-in credentials are required).
  • Payment
    • Students may check out a department or Purchase Card (only if approved by their business office).
    • Students may also pay and seek reimbursement.

What if Concur returns a "not available" message for the rental dates or type?

If Concur returns a "not available" message, contact the rental agency directly to see if they can accommodate the request.

What is the form of payment required to be presented when picking up a vehicle at the rental agency’s counter?

A credit card must be presented as payment at the rental agency. A university Travel Card is the preferred method. If an individual does not have one, they must use a department purchasing card or a personal credit card and seek reimbursement.

What are the hours for Enterprise?

The Enterprise location at the Purdue University Airport has the following hours:
  • Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Saturday: 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Sunday: Closed

Can I return my rental vehicle if the car rental agency location is closed?

Airport locations:

  • Airport locations will allow returns after hours and have procedures in place for early or late return. Please check with the rental location when picking up the rental vehicle for the exact procedure. Many branches located at major airports are open 24/7.
  • Vehicles should be returned to the same location where picked up unless prior arrangements have been made with the original renting location.
  • If the traveler drops off a rental vehicle at the airport but did not originally pick it up at the airport, an additional drop fee may be charged depending on the rental agency.

Non-airport locations:

  • Non-airport locations require rental vehicles be returned during normal business hours. Please check with  the rental location about Sunday hours.
  • To return a vehicle when the location is closed, check with the agency when picking up the vehicle to determine if an "after hours" service drop box is available. Doing so will help avoid additional charges.
  • A vehicle that is returned after hours will not be checked in until the next business day. If returning after hours when a branch is closed, the customer is responsible for the vehicle until the satisfactory check in of the rental vehicle the next business day.

Do I need to refuel the vehicle before returning? Can I pre-pay for fuel?

Airport locations:

  • The traveler may refuel the vehicle to the same fuel level when the vehicle was picked up. If the traveler chooses not to refuel the vehicle to the same fuel level, the rental company will charge a rate that is typically above the local pump price.
  • The traveler may opt to pre-pay for fuel:
    • This will avoid the hassle of having to fuel up the vehicle before returning.
    • Pre-pay fuel option is calculated at the local rate of gas minus a per gallon discount.

Non-airport locations:

  • Travelers may refuel the vehicle to the same fuel level upon picking up the vehicle.
  • If a traveler chooses not to refuel the vehicle to the same fuel level, they will be charged the local rental company’s rate which is typically above the local pump price.
  • A full tank of gas is not guaranteed.

Is there a drop charge for one-way rentals?

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. 

What is the Emerald Club Program?

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.

What are the benefits of Emerald Club membership?

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

How do I enroll in the Emerald Club?

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.

What if I am already an Emerald Club member?

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.

Does Enterprise/National offer a GPS product?

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.

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

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.

What are Enterprise's/National's international rates for business use?

Contact Enterprise directly for a specific need. Concur will apply the appropriate rates automatically.