VERIFIED REVIEWS
Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking at Detroit Airport include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car hire brands operating at Detroit Airport, 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 hire 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 car hire experience and peace of mind throughout your trip at Detroit Airport.
Will I face unexpected charges at the counter when I hire a car at Detroit Airport through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your booking at Detroit Airport 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 at Detroit Airport 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 hire 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)
How does the hire car collection process work at Detroit Airport?
At Detroit Airport, there are no hire car counters inside the terminals. All major brands operate from a consolidated Hire Car Campus located at the northeast corner of the airport along Lucas Drive, Detroit, MI 48242.
After landing and collecting your luggage, follow the Ground Transportation signs to exit the terminal and cross to the shuttle pickup area outside the baggage claim doors. Board your hire company's courtesy shuttle bus, which departs from the Ground Transportation Centre. If no shuttle is waiting, use the courtesy phone at the stop to call your brand.
The shuttle journey to the Hire Car Campus takes approximately 5 to 11 minutes depending on which brand you are using. Once at the campus, proceed to your brand's counter to complete paperwork and present your documents. You will then be escorted or shuttled roughly one additional mile to your vehicle.
Counter hours vary by brand at Detroit Airport:
- Avis and Budget: open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Enterprise: open 5:30 AM to 11:59 PM daily
If you are arriving on an international flight, allow extra time for U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance before reaching the shuttle stop. Total time from landing to driving away can range from 90 to 180 minutes or more during peak periods.
What documents do I need to collect a hire car at Detroit Airport?
To collect your hire car at Detroit Airport, you must present the following physical documents at the Hire Car Campus counter on Lucas Drive:
- A valid, original driving licence in the main driver's name (photocopies and digital versions are not accepted)
- A major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card, in the main driver's name, with sufficient available credit for the authorisation hold
- A valid passport (required for international visitors)
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets (required for visitors from outside the United States)
If your driving licence uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory at Detroit Airport. For licences in Latin-script languages other than English, an IDP is strongly recommended but not strictly required in all cases.
Note that the IDP is a translation document only and cannot be used as a standalone licence. You must carry both your original licence and the IDP together. Learner's permits and photocopies of any document are not accepted at Detroit Airport hire counters.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to hire a car at Detroit Airport?
It depends on your home country's licence. At Detroit Airport, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory if your driving licence uses a non-Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script. If your licence is in a Latin-script language other than English, an IDP is strongly recommended but may not be strictly required by every partner brand at the counter.
Important rules to keep in mind when hiring at Detroit Airport:
- The IDP is a translation document only, not a standalone licence
- You must carry your original driving licence alongside the IDP at all times
- No hire company at Detroit Airport will accept an IDP on its own as valid identification
- Obtain your IDP in your home country before travelling, as U.S. organisations such as AAA do not issue IDPs to non-U.S. licence holders
Michigan state law requires hire companies to rent to licensed drivers aged 18 and older, but all standard document requirements still apply regardless of age. If you are unsure whether your specific licence requires an IDP for Detroit Airport, check with your hire brand before your trip.
Are there toll roads near Detroit Airport and how do they work for hire cars?
Michigan has a limited number of toll facilities, and renters picking up at Detroit Airport are most likely to encounter the following:
- Detroit-Windsor Tunnel (connecting Detroit to Windsor, Ontario): US$6.50 per crossing, or US$5.75 via the Nexpress app. This tunnel is cashless, so payment must be made by card or app
- Mackinac Bridge (on I-75, connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas): US$4.00 for a standard 2-axle vehicle, payable by cash or card
- Grosse Ile Toll Bridge (linking Riverview to Grosse Ile Township): US$3.00 to US$7.00 depending on payment method
Michigan does not use E-ZPass or other statewide electronic transponder systems. At Detroit Airport, hire vehicles are typically pre-equipped with a toll device. At the counter you can choose between:
- A pay-per-use programme: actual toll charges plus daily administrative fees of approximately US$3.95 to US$10.99, capped weekly
- An unlimited daily pass: a flat rate of approximately US$10.99 to US$25.99 per day regardless of usage
If you do not enrol in a toll programme and pass through a cashless toll, the toll agency captures your plate and sends an invoice to the hire company, which then bills you plus an administrative fee of approximately US$15 per toll. Hola Car Rentals includes Tolls Cashback on all bookings, letting you recover up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your Detroit Airport hire. Submit your claim within 30 days of return to [email protected].
What is the minimum age to hire a car at Detroit Airport?
At Detroit Airport, Michigan state law prohibits age discrimination in public accommodations, which means hire companies are required to rent to licensed drivers aged 18 and older. This makes Michigan one of only two U.S. states, along with New York, where 18-year-olds can legally hire a car.
However, a young-driver surcharge applies to drivers under 25 at Detroit Airport. Typical daily fees include:
- Approximately US$25.00 per day for drivers aged 21 to 24 at some brands
- Approximately US$13.00 per day at many standard U.S. locations, capped at US$65.00 per rental
Additional restrictions apply at Detroit Airport for younger drivers:
- Most vehicle classes, including full-size sedans, SUVs, minivans, luxury, and premium categories, are restricted to drivers aged 25 and older
- Drivers aged 18 to 24 are generally limited to economy, compact, medium sedan, standard sedan, compact SUV, and medium SUV categories
- For Avis, Budget, and Payless, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old
All standard document and credit card requirements still apply regardless of age when collecting at Detroit Airport.
How does the hire car return process work at Detroit Airport?
Returning your hire car at Detroit Airport follows a straightforward process. Drive to the Hire Car Campus on Lucas Drive, following the Hire Car Return signs from the airport roadway. Locate your brand's designated lot within the campus and return the vehicle there.
Key steps for a smooth return at Detroit Airport:
- Refuel before arriving at the campus. The full-to-full fuel policy means you must return the car with the same fuel level recorded at pickup, or you will be charged the partner's refuelling rate plus a service fee
- For brands like Budget, a Fastbreak return drop box is available for after-hours returns, so you do not need to wait at the counter
- After dropping off the vehicle, a shuttle will take you back to the terminal's Ground Transportation Centre
If you return the car after your agreed time at Detroit Airport, a grace period of approximately 30 minutes typically applies. Beyond that window, you may be charged for additional hours or a partial day plus applicable surcharges. Always confirm the exact grace period on your hire agreement, as policies vary by brand.
For after-hours returns, use the key drop box provided by your brand at the Detroit Airport Hire Car Campus and keep a photo of the fuel gauge and odometer as documentation.
Is a credit card required to hire a car at Detroit Airport?
Yes, a physical major credit card in the main driver's name is required to hire a car at Detroit Airport. The card must have the driver's name printed on it and must have sufficient available credit to cover the authorisation hold placed at pickup.
Important credit card rules at Detroit Airport hire counters:
- The card must be a major credit card with a line of credit, not a debit card or prepaid card
- Virtual or single-use card numbers are not accepted
- The card must be in the main driver's name, not a third party's name
- The card must be enabled for in-person and international transactions to avoid fraud blocks
- Digital wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay are not accepted for the security deposit
At Detroit Airport, the typical security deposit hold for a standard vehicle is approximately US$300 to US$400. This is a temporary authorisation, not a charge, and is released after you return the vehicle. Your bank controls how quickly the hold disappears from your available credit, which can take up to 15 business days.
Even if you have prepaid your booking in full, you must still present a physical credit card at the Detroit Airport counter for the deposit hold. Bring a backup credit card in case your primary card is declined.
What travel assistance is included with my Detroit Airport hire booking?
Most bookings made through Hola Car Rentals for Detroit Airport include travel assistance coverage provided by Terrawind Global Protection at no extra cost. This benefit is designed for situations such as a medical emergency on the road, a highway breakdown far from the city, or a flight cancellation affecting your trip.
Core benefits typically included are:
- Travel and medical coverage for up to 5 passengers per event
- Legal assistance in the event of a road accident
- Compensation for baggage lost by the airline
- Flight cancellation insurance
To reach assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, call +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free) or contact via WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001. Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call.
Important eligibility note: this travel assistance benefit does not apply to U.S. or Canadian residents. It is available exclusively to travellers from outside North America renting at Detroit Airport. Coverage does not include damage to the hire vehicle itself (that is handled by CDW/LDW) or third-party liability (handled by LIS/SLI). Always review your booking confirmation for the exact terms and limits that apply to your Detroit Airport reservation.
How do I add an additional driver to my hire at Detroit Airport?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your hire at Detroit Airport, but the process must be completed in person at the Hire Car Centre on Lucas Drive at the time of pickup.
Requirements for adding an additional driver at Detroit Airport:
- The additional driver must be physically present at the counter with the primary renter
- They must present a valid driving licence and any required identification documents
- If their licence uses a non-Latin alphabet, an IDP is also required
Daily fees for additional drivers at Detroit Airport vary by brand:
- Avis, Budget, and Payless: approximately US$13.00 per rental day, capped at US$65.00 per rental
- Hertz, Dollar, and Thrifty: approximately US$13.50 per rental day, capped at US$189.00 per rental
- Alamo, National, and Enterprise: approximately US$15.00 per day
Spouses and domestic partners who meet the age and licence requirements are typically added at no extra charge at Detroit Airport, depending on the brand. For Avis, Budget, and Payless, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old. If your booking confirmation states that an additional driver is included, confirm this with the agent at the Detroit Airport counter before signing the hire agreement.
What airport fees and surcharges apply to hire cars at Detroit Airport?
Hiring at Detroit Airport adds several location-specific fees on top of the base hire rate. These charges are standard for U.S. airport hires but can significantly increase the final bill compared to the advertised price.
Common fees you may see at Detroit Airport:
- Airport Concession Recovery Fee (ACRF): a percentage charged by the hire company to recover the cost of operating at the airport
- Customer Facility Charge (CFC): a per-day or per-contract fee that funds the Hire Car Campus on Lucas Drive
- Michigan state hire taxes and local surcharges
Combined, these airport-specific add-ons at Detroit Airport can increase the total cost by 20% to 30% or more compared to off-airport locations in the Detroit area. Off-airport locations in Romulus or central Detroit may offer lower daily rates, though they typically require a shuttle from the airport and may have more limited hours.
If your booking confirmation shows Taxes and Fees as Included, you should not be billed separately for those items at the Detroit Airport counter. If you are charged for something not listed on your confirmation, Hola Car Rentals No Extra Charges© Coverage applies. Keep all paperwork and contact support after your hire is complete.
What insurance cover is included in my hire booking at Detroit Airport?
The insurance and protection options available for your Detroit Airport hire depend on the rate plan selected at booking. It is important to understand what each type of cover does and does not protect.
Common cover types for Detroit Airport hires:
- Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW): reduces your financial liability for damage to the hire vehicle itself from a collision, theft, or vandalism. A deductible may apply unless your confirmation explicitly states zero deductible
- Third-Party Liability (LIS/ALI/SLI): covers bodily injury and property damage you may cause to others or their vehicles while driving. Some U.S. states require a minimum level of liability, but not all do. Adding supplementary liability cover is strongly recommended for Detroit Airport hires
What is not covered by standard CDW/LDW at Detroit Airport:
- Damage to tyres, wheels, undercarriage, or the roof (unless a specific add-on is purchased)
- Incidents involving unauthorised drivers not listed on the hire agreement
- Damage resulting from prohibited use such as off-road driving or driving under the influence
Review your booking confirmation carefully before arriving at Detroit Airport to confirm which protections are included and whether any deductible applies. If you have questions about coverage gaps, contact support before your collection date.
Can I return my hire car to a different city after collecting at Detroit Airport?
Yes, one-way hires are possible from Detroit Airport, but a drop-off fee typically applies when you return the vehicle to a different location than where you collected it.
How one-way fees work for Detroit Airport hires:
- The drop-off fee is route-specific and varies by hire brand, destination city, vehicle class, and travel dates
- The fee is shown during the booking process under the To Pay at Destination section on the checkout screen
- It is not included in the prepaid rate and cannot be paid in advance
- Same-city returns, such as Detroit Airport to downtown Detroit, often carry no drop-off fee, while longer routes to other states usually do
Cross-border one-way hires, for example returning a car collected at Detroit Airport to a location in Canada, are often restricted or require prior authorisation from the hire brand. The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel connects Detroit directly to Windsor, Ontario, so cross-border driving is a common consideration for Detroit Airport renters. Always confirm cross-border permissions with your hire brand before driving across the border, as unauthorised crossings can void your cover.
If a drop-off fee was not disclosed on your booking confirmation but is charged at the Detroit Airport counter, keep all paperwork and contact support after your hire ends.
What is the fuel policy for hire cars at Detroit Airport?
The standard fuel policy for hire cars at Detroit Airport is full-to-full. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
Steps to follow for the fuel policy at Detroit Airport:
- At pickup on Lucas Drive, check the fuel gauge with the agent and confirm the starting level is recorded on your hire agreement
- Take a photo of the dashboard showing the fuel gauge and odometer before leaving the Hire Car Campus
- Use the correct fuel type for your vehicle. Using the wrong fuel is not covered by the fuel policy and may incur additional charges
- Refuel within approximately 10 miles of the Detroit Airport return location before dropping off the car, so the gauge does not drop below full during the drive back
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address
If you return the vehicle below the recorded starting level at Detroit Airport, you may be charged for the fuel shortfall at the partner's refuelling rate, which is typically higher than the pump price, plus a refuelling service fee.
Some brands at Detroit Airport may offer a prepaid fuel option at the counter, which allows you to return the car at any fuel level. If you accept this option, any unused fuel is generally non-refundable, so it is usually better value to refuel yourself before returning.
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