Car Rental
in Michigan

EASTER  45% OFF   

Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in Michigan, giving you exclusive access to our All Inclusive+ rate. This rate includes benefits that no other company can match:

• Free liability coverage starting at US$ 300,000 in case of an accident (applies only to certain rates and itineraries)
• Toll cashback: recover up to 5% of the reservation's total value for toll charges incurred during your rental period
• Premium travel medical assistance providing up to US$ 150,000 in coverage for a maximum of 5 passengers in case of a medical emergency, excluding pre-existing conditions
• No Extra Charges© guarantee: if the counter charges you for something not listed on your confirmation and not an optional add-on you accepted, Hola Car Rentals will work to remove or reimburse the charge after verification

All of this comes at no extra cost, ensuring a fully protected rental experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in Michigan.

No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking in Michigan are clearly shown at the time of reservation and in your confirmation email, so you know exactly what you are paying before you arrive at the counter.

On top of that, every Hola Car Rentals booking includes the No Extra Charges© guarantee. This is a pricing guarantee (not insurance) that protects you if the counter in Michigan charges you for something that was not listed on your confirmation and was not an optional add-on you accepted. If that happens, Hola Car Rentals will work with the rental partner to remove or reimburse the charge after verification.

The only costs outside this guarantee are:

• Optional add-ons you choose at the counter (GPS, child seats, prepaid fuel)
• Usage-based charges (tolls, fuel shortfall, traffic fines)

At Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in Michigan, there are no rental car counters inside the terminals. After claiming your baggage, you need to go to the Ground Transportation Center and board a courtesy shuttle to the off-terminal consolidated rental car campus located along Lucas Drive.

All major brands, including Avis, Hertz, Alamo, Enterprise, Budget, Dollar, National, Payless, and Thrifty, operate from this shared campus. Shuttles run in a shared loop from baggage claim, so allow extra time between landing and reaching the counter, especially during peak hours.

• Follow signs for Ground Transportation after baggage claim
• Board the rental car shuttle at the designated stop
• The campus is located along Lucas Drive, northeast of the terminals
• Counter hours at DTW typically run from 5:30 AM to 11:59 PM daily, though hours vary by brand

After-hours returns are generally accepted via key drop at the campus. Check your booking confirmation for your specific brand's instructions at DTW.

Michigan does not have an extensive toll road network, but there are a few specific toll facilities you may encounter depending on your route.

• Mackinac Bridge (I-75, connecting St. Ignace to Mackinaw City): US$4 for a standard 2-axle car, cash accepted
• Detroit-Windsor Tunnel (connecting Detroit, Michigan to Windsor, Ontario): US$6.50, cashless only (no cash payments accepted); discounted to US$5.75 via the Nexpress app
• Grosse Ile Toll Bridge (linking Riverview to Grosse Ile Township): US$3 cash or higher by credit card; discounts available via Edge Pass

Michigan has no statewide electronic toll system such as E-ZPass or SunPass. Unpaid tolls are captured by license plate cameras and mailed as invoices to the rental company, which then bills you plus an administrative fee that can reach US$15 per toll.

At the rental counter in Michigan, you can opt into a toll program such as Enterprise TollPass or PlatePass (Dollar/Thrifty). Pay-per-use plans add a daily fee of roughly US$3.95 to US$10.99 on top of each toll charge, while unlimited daily passes run approximately US$10.99 to US$25.99 per day regardless of usage. Review the terms carefully before opting in.

To pick up a rental car in Michigan, you must present the following physical documents at the counter:

• A valid, original driver's license in the main driver's name
• A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, in the main driver's name, for the security deposit hold
• A passport or valid government-issued photo ID
• Your booking confirmation or printed voucher (required for certain rentals)
• Round-trip flight or cruise tickets if you are visiting Michigan from abroad

If your driver's license is not in English and not issued by an EU/EEA country, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is strongly recommended. If your license uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic, an IDP is mandatory alongside your original license. The IDP is a translation only and cannot be used without the original license.

All documents must be physical. Digital copies shown on a phone or tablet are not accepted at rental counters in Michigan or anywhere else in the United States. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted for the security deposit hold.

Yes, all bookings include Tolls Cashback, which reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your Michigan rental, including tolls at the Mackinac Bridge, the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel, and the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge.

To claim your cashback after returning the vehicle in Michigan:

• Email [email protected] within 30 days of vehicle return
• Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback, followed by your reservation number (e.g., Tolls Cashback - HOLA1000000)
• Attach your Hola Car Rentals booking confirmation, the signed rental agreement, and a receipt or statement showing the toll charges paid
• Include your full name, travel dates, and the last 4 digits of the card used for the booking

The refund is issued to the original payment method and typically processes within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted. For example, if your Michigan booking total was US$400, the maximum cashback would be US$20. If you paid US$12 in tolls, you receive US$12 back.

Michigan has a specific state law that makes it one of only two states in the United States, along with New York, where rental companies are required to rent to drivers aged 18 and older. In most other U.S. states, the standard minimum age is 25, or 21 to 24 with a young-renter surcharge.

In Michigan, drivers aged 18 to 24 can rent a car but will be charged a daily young-renter surcharge. The surcharge amount varies by rental partner and location, so check your booking confirmation for the exact fee that applies to your Michigan reservation.

Additional restrictions that apply to under-25 renters in Michigan:

• Most vehicle classes are restricted to drivers aged 25 and older, including full-size, SUV, minivan, luxury, premium, and convertible categories
• Economy, compact, and intermediate vehicles are typically the only classes available to younger drivers
• A major credit card in the main driver's name is still required for the security deposit hold

If you are 21 to 24 and from Latin America or the Caribbean, check whether your Avis or Budget booking confirmation shows the underage fee waived, as a specific exception may apply.

Michigan has several driving rules that may surprise visitors, particularly those arriving from neighboring states like Indiana, Ohio, or Illinois.

• Hands-free cell phone law: Since June 30, 2023, Michigan bans holding or manually using any mobile device while driving, including when stopped at a red light or sitting in traffic. Hands-free modes such as Bluetooth or voice commands are required. Fines start at US$100. This is stricter than many neighboring states.
• Michigan Left turns: At many intersections in Michigan, left turns are not permitted directly. Instead, drivers must pass the intersection, use a U-turn median pocket, and then turn right onto the cross street. Attempting a direct left turn where a Michigan Left is required is illegal.
• Right-lane rule: Michigan requires drivers to stay in the far-right lane except when passing, in construction zones, or in emergencies. Violations result in tickets and enforcement is active.
• School bus stops: Drivers must stop at least 20 feet from a stopped school bus in both directions, even without a physical median separating lanes.
• Winter conditions: Michigan roads suffer severe potholes from freeze-thaw cycles, and lake-effect snow near the Great Lakes creates hazardous black ice, especially on rural undivided roads.

Familiarizing yourself with these Michigan-specific rules before driving will help you avoid fines and drive safely.

When you pick up a rental car in Michigan, the rental company places a temporary authorization hold on your credit card. This is not a charge but it reduces your available credit until the hold is released after you return the vehicle.

For standard vehicles rented in the United States, including Michigan, typical holds range from approximately US$300 to US$400. The exact amount depends on the rental brand, the specific Michigan location (airport versus city), the vehicle class, and the season. Premium or specialty vehicles may carry higher holds.

• Only a physical, major credit card in the main driver's name with the driver's name printed on the card is accepted for the deposit
• Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted
• Digital wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay are not accepted for the deposit hold
• Bring a backup credit card in case your primary card is declined

After you return the vehicle in Michigan and the rental contract closes, the hold is released. Your bank or card issuer controls how quickly the credit reappears on your account, which can take up to 15 business days. Notify your bank of your travel to Michigan in advance to prevent fraud blocks on the authorization.

Yes, most bookings include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection, which can be valuable if something goes wrong during your Michigan trip, such as a medical emergency on a remote Upper Peninsula highway or a flight cancellation on your way to or from Michigan.

Coverage typically includes:

• Travel insurance with medical coverage for up to 5 passengers
• Legal assistance in case of a road accident
• Compensation for luggage lost by the airline
• Flight cancellation insurance

To use the assistance during your Michigan rental, contact Terrawind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free) or via WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001. Provide your full name, your booking confirmation number (e.g., HOLA1000000), your location in Michigan, and a description of the situation. Follow the coordinator's instructions and keep all receipts and reports.

Important: this coverage applies only to travelers who are not residents of the United States or Canada. If you are a U.S. or Canadian resident renting in Michigan, you do not qualify for this benefit. Check your booking confirmation for the exact terms and limits that apply to your reservation.

Returning a rental car at Michigan airports follows a straightforward process, but the logistics differ from airports where you return directly to a terminal garage.

At Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) in Michigan, drive to the consolidated rental car campus located at the northeast corner of the airport along Lucas Drive. Park in the designated lot for your rental brand, hand the keys to an agent, or use the after-hours key drop box at the counter if returning outside operating hours. After dropping off the vehicle, take the shuttle back to your terminal.

At Flint Bishop International Airport (FNT) in Michigan, the process is similar. Most brands accept after-hours returns via key drop. Counter hours at FNT vary by brand, for example Avis and Budget typically operate until midnight and stay for the last arriving flight, while Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty operate until approximately 11:30 PM.

• Refuel before returning, ideally within 10 miles of the return location, to avoid fuel shortfall charges
• Take a photo of the fuel gauge and odometer before handing over the keys
• Keep your final fuel receipt in case of any dispute
• For after-hours drops, leave the receipt in the key envelope and retain a photo copy

Check your booking confirmation for the exact return address and after-hours instructions for your Michigan rental brand.

Coverage included in your Michigan rental depends on the rate plan you selected. It is important to review your booking confirmation carefully, as different plans offer different levels of protection.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) reduces your financial liability for damage to the rental vehicle itself from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may still apply unless your confirmation explicitly states zero deductible. CDW/LDW does not cover damage you cause to other vehicles or people.

Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI) covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others while driving in Michigan. Note that not all U.S. states require rental companies to include state-minimum liability coverage, so confirm whether your Michigan booking includes this protection or whether you need to add it.

• CDW/LDW covers the rental vehicle only, not third parties
• LIS/ALI/SLI covers third parties, not the rental vehicle
• Neither covers your personal injuries (that requires PAI) or your belongings (that requires PEC)
• Coverage is void if an unlisted driver operates the vehicle

If you are unsure what is included in your Michigan booking, check the rate details on your confirmation before picking up the vehicle.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not always mandatory to rent a car in Michigan, but whether you need one depends on your license.

If your driver's license uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic (Russian), an IDP is mandatory in Michigan and throughout the United States. Without it, the rental counter may refuse to hand over the vehicle.

If your license is in English or uses the Latin alphabet but is issued outside the United States, an IDP is strongly recommended as a translation document, even though it is not strictly required in every case. Some rental partners at Michigan locations may request one at their discretion.

• The IDP is a translation booklet only and must always be carried alongside your original license
• An IDP alone is never accepted without the original license
• Obtain your IDP in your home country before traveling to Michigan, as U.S. issuers such as AAA do not issue IDPs to non-U.S. license holders
• All documents presented at the Michigan rental counter must be physical originals, not digital copies

When in doubt, obtain an IDP before your trip to Michigan to avoid any issues at the counter.

The standard fuel policy for rental cars in Michigan is Full to Full. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.

At pickup in Michigan, check the fuel gauge with the agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on the rental agreement. Take a photo of the dashboard showing both the odometer and the fuel gauge before leaving the lot.

When returning your Michigan rental:

• Refuel within approximately 10 miles of the return location so the gauge does not drop below full before you arrive
• Keep the final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
• Take a photo of the full gauge at the station as backup evidence
• For after-hours returns at DTW or other Michigan airports, leave the receipt in the key envelope and keep a photo copy

If you return the vehicle below the recorded starting level, the rental company may charge you for the fuel shortfall at their own refueling rate, which is typically higher than pump prices, plus a refueling service fee. These charges are separate from the security deposit hold. Returning the car full is always the most cost-effective option when renting in Michigan.

Yes, you can add an additional driver to your rental car in Michigan, either at no cost if your rate includes it or for a daily fee paid at the counter if it does not.

Check your booking confirmation for the line that reads Additional driver free of charge. If it appears, the first additional driver is covered. If it does not appear, the following daily fees apply at Michigan rental counters:

• Avis, Budget, and Payless: US$13 per rental day, capped at US$65 (plus taxes)
• Hertz, Thrifty, and Dollar: US$13.50 per rental day, capped at US$189 (plus taxes)
• Alamo, National, and Enterprise: US$15 per day (plus taxes)

Requirements for adding a driver in Michigan:

• The additional driver must be present at the Michigan pickup counter
• They must show a valid driver's license and any required IDP
• They must sign the rental agreement
• For Avis, Budget, and Payless, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old

Only drivers listed on the rental agreement are covered by protections such as CDW/LDW and liability insurance. If someone drives your Michigan rental who is not on the contract, coverage may be void.