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Frequently Asked Questions
What does my Hola Car Rentals booking with Budget in Detroit include that other companies don't offer?
Hola Car Rentals is the only premium partner of the top car rental brands operating in Detroit, including Budget, 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 Budget rental experience and peace of mind throughout your trip in Detroit.
Will I face unexpected charges at the Budget counter in Detroit when I book through Hola Car Rentals?
No. With Hola Car Rentals, all costs and charges for your Budget booking in Detroit 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 Budget 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 Budget counter in Detroit 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 Budget 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 do I get from the DTW terminals to the Budget counter in Detroit?
At Detroit Metro Airport (DTW), Budget does not have an on-terminal counter. The rental facility is located at 295 Lucas Dr, Detroit, MI 48242, an off-airport Rental Car Campus roughly one mile from the terminals.
To reach the Budget counter in Detroit, follow these steps after landing:
- Follow the Ground Transportation signs to the lower-level baggage claim area.
- Exit the building, cross the street, and board the Budget shuttle bus. If no shuttle is waiting, use the courtesy phone at the stop to call for one.
- The shuttle ride takes approximately 7 minutes from the closest terminal (McNamara) or about 11 minutes from the farthest terminal.
- At the counter, complete your paperwork. Staff will then shuttle you to your vehicle.
The Budget counter at the Detroit facility is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so late-night or early-morning arrivals are accommodated. Budget Fastbreak members may receive expedited bus service to the main building for counter assistance. Allow 20 to 45 minutes total from baggage claim to driving away, depending on queue length.
What are the Budget counter hours at Detroit Metro Airport?
The Budget counter at Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) is open 24 hours a day, Sunday through Saturday, with no after-hours closure. This means your Detroit Budget rental is accessible regardless of when your flight lands or departs.
Because the facility is off-airport at 295 Lucas Dr, Detroit, MI 48242, the shuttle service also runs around the clock. If you arrive very late at night and no shuttle is immediately visible at the Ground Transportation stop, use the courtesy phone to request one.
Even though the counter never closes, plan for some processing time. From baggage claim to driving away typically takes 20 to 45 minutes, depending on queue length at the counter and the shuttle cycle. Refuel before returning the vehicle, as the full-to-full fuel policy requires you to return the car at the same fuel level you received it.
How does the Budget vehicle return process work at Detroit Metro Airport?
Returning a Budget rental car at Detroit Metro Airport follows a straightforward process. The return location is the same Rental Car Campus where you picked up the vehicle, at 295 Lucas Dr, Detroit, MI 48242.
- Follow airport signs directing you to the Rental Car Campus on Lucas Drive.
- Park the vehicle in the designated Budget return area and hand over the keys and your rental contract.
- A shuttle will take you back to the terminal of your choice.
- For after-hours returns, a key drop box is available at the facility so you can leave the keys and contract securely.
Before arriving at the return location, refuel the vehicle. The Budget rental agreement uses a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car at the same fuel level noted at pickup. Refueling within roughly 10 miles of the Detroit campus is recommended so the gauge does not drop before you arrive. Keep your fuel receipt as proof in case of any dispute.
Are there toll roads near Detroit that affect my Budget rental?
Yes, there are a few toll facilities near Detroit that can affect your Budget rental, though Michigan does not have an extensive toll highway network like some other U.S. states.
The main toll points you may encounter include:
- Detroit-Windsor Tunnel (connecting Detroit to Windsor, Ontario via I-75): approximately US$6.50 per crossing, or US$5.75 with the Nexpress app. This tunnel is cashless, so cash is not accepted.
- Mackinac Bridge (on I-75, about 5 miles long): approximately US$4 for a standard 2-axle car. Cash is accepted here.
- Grosse Ile Toll Bridge (linking Riverview to Grosse Ile Township): approximately US$3 by cash, with higher rates for credit card payment.
Michigan does not use E-ZPass or SunPass. At cashless locations, cameras capture your plate and a mailed invoice is sent to the rental company, which then bills you plus an administrative fee that can reach US$15 per toll event.
At the Budget counter in Detroit, you can opt into the Budget e-Toll program (pay-per-use tolls plus a daily fee, or an unlimited daily pass at roughly US$10.99 to US$25.99 per day) to simplify billing. Review the terms carefully before signing.
Can I drive my Budget rental car from Detroit across the border into Canada?
Cross-border travel with a Budget rental car from Detroit into Canada is subject to specific restrictions and requires advance authorization. The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel and the Ambassador Bridge both connect Detroit directly to Windsor, Ontario, making cross-border driving a common consideration for renters in this area.
Before attempting to cross into Canada with your Detroit Budget rental, keep the following in mind:
- Cross-border one-way rentals are often restricted or not permitted, and when allowed, they typically carry higher fees.
- Even for a round-trip crossing, you must confirm with Budget at the Detroit counter that your specific rental agreement permits driving into Canada.
- Driving into a restricted territory without authorization can void your CDW/LDW and liability coverage.
- If crossing is approved, verify that your insurance coverage (CDW/LDW and third-party liability) extends to Canada.
Always check your rental agreement and confirm cross-border permissions at the Budget counter in Detroit before driving through the tunnel or over the bridge. Do not assume permission is automatic.
Can I get Tolls Cashback on my Budget rental in Detroit?
Yes, all Hola Car Rentals bookings, including Budget rentals in Detroit, include Tolls Cashback, which reimburses up to 5% of your total booking value for tolls paid during your rental period.
This benefit is especially useful in Detroit, where you may encounter cashless tolls at the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel (approximately US$6.50 per crossing) or pay tolls at the Mackinac Bridge (approximately US$4) if you travel north. Whether you pay through the Budget e-Toll program or directly at a toll point, you can submit a claim after your rental ends.
To claim your Tolls Cashback:
- Email [email protected] within 30 days of returning your Detroit Budget rental.
- Use the subject line: Tolls Cashback, followed by your reservation confirmation number.
- Attach your Hola Car Rentals confirmation, the signed rental agreement, and a receipt or invoice showing the toll charges paid.
The refund is issued to the same payment method used for your booking and typically processes within 7 to 10 business days after approval. Late submissions received after 30 days are not accepted.
What documents do I need to pick up my Budget rental car in Detroit?
To pick up your Budget rental car in Detroit, you must present a complete set of physical documents at the counter. Digital copies are not accepted.
- Your original, unexpired 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. Debit and prepaid cards are not accepted for the deposit.
- A valid passport or government-issued photo ID.
- Your booking confirmation or printed voucher.
- Round-trip flight or cruise tickets if you are visiting Detroit from abroad.
If your driver's license is not in English and does not use a Latin (Roman) alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Cyrillic script, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory. For other non-English licenses, an IDP is strongly recommended. The IDP must be carried alongside your original license and is not valid on its own.
Michigan law allows Budget and other rental companies in Detroit to rent to drivers aged 18 and older, though a young-renter surcharge applies to drivers under 25. Obtain your IDP in your home country before traveling, as U.S. issuers do not issue IDPs to non-U.S. license holders.
What is the minimum age to rent a Budget car in Detroit?
Michigan state law requires rental companies, including Budget, to rent to licensed drivers aged 18 and older in Detroit. This makes Detroit one of the few U.S. locations where drivers under 21 can legally rent a car.
However, age-related surcharges and vehicle restrictions still apply:
- Drivers aged 18 to 24 pay a young-renter surcharge (also called an underage fee) on top of the daily rental rate. This fee is charged at the Budget counter in Detroit and is not included in your prepaid rate.
- Most vehicle classes are restricted to drivers aged 25 and older. Categories such as full-size, SUV, minivan, premium, and luxury vehicles typically require the driver to be at least 25.
- Drivers aged 18 to 24 are generally limited to economy, compact, and intermediate vehicle classes.
If you are aged 21 to 24 and are a citizen or resident of Latin America or the Caribbean, certain Hola Car Rentals rates with Budget in Detroit may waive the underage fee for the main driver. Check your booking confirmation to see if this waiver is explicitly listed, and bring your passport as proof of nationality at the Detroit counter.
How does the security deposit work for a Budget rental in Detroit?
When you pick up your Budget rental car in Detroit, the counter agent will place a temporary authorization hold on your credit card. This is not a charge; it is a hold that reduces your available credit until it is released after you return the vehicle.
Key details to know before arriving at the Detroit Budget counter:
- Typical holds for standard vehicles in the United States range from approximately US$300 to US$400, though the exact amount varies by vehicle class, rental duration, and location policy.
- Only a major credit card with the driver's name printed on the card is accepted for the deposit. Debit cards, prepaid cards, and virtual cards are not accepted.
- The card must be in the main driver's name and presented physically at the counter.
- After you return the vehicle, the hold is released. Your bank or card issuer controls how quickly the credit becomes available again, which can take up to 15 business days.
To avoid issues at the Detroit Budget counter, notify your bank of your travel plans in advance, confirm your card is enabled for in-person U.S. transactions, and bring a backup credit card in your name in case your primary card is declined.
Does my Budget rental in Detroit include travel assistance if something goes wrong on the road?
Yes, most Hola Car Rentals bookings, including Budget rentals in Detroit, include travel assistance provided by Terrawind Global Protection. This benefit covers up to 5 passengers and is designed for situations that arise while you are traveling away from home.
Coverage typically includes:
- Travel insurance with medical coverage for accidents and non-pre-existing illnesses.
- Legal assistance in the event of a road accident in or around Detroit.
- Compensation for luggage lost by the airline.
- Flight cancellation insurance.
This benefit is particularly relevant if you experience a medical emergency or need legal support after an incident on Detroit's highway network, including the I-696 interchange area or along I-75 near the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.
To use the assistance, call the 24-hour line at +1 888 980 9992 (toll-free) or contact Terrawind via WhatsApp at +1 208 910 1001. Have your Hola Car Rentals confirmation number ready when you call.
Important: this coverage applies only to travelers who are not residents of the United States or Canada. U.S. and Canadian residents do not qualify for this benefit, regardless of which Budget rate they booked for their Detroit rental.
Can I add an additional driver to my Budget rental in Detroit?
Yes, you can add an additional driver to your Budget rental in Detroit, either as part of your rate or by paying a fee at the counter.
For Budget in Detroit, the additional driver fee is US$13 per rental day plus applicable taxes, with a maximum charge of US$65 plus taxes. Some Hola Car Rentals rates include one additional driver at no extra cost. Check your booking confirmation before arriving at the Detroit counter to see if this is already included.
Requirements for adding a driver at the Budget counter in Detroit:
- The additional driver must be present at pickup and show a valid driver's license.
- For Budget in Detroit, additional drivers must generally be at least 25 years old. Drivers aged 21 to 24 may be denied or charged a young-renter surcharge.
- If the additional driver's license is not in English and does not use a Latin alphabet, an International Driving Permit is required.
- Both the main driver and the additional driver must sign the rental agreement.
Only drivers listed on the rental agreement are covered by CDW/LDW and liability protections. Anyone who drives the Detroit Budget rental without being named on the contract may void those coverages.
What fuel policy applies to Budget rentals in Detroit?
Budget rentals in Detroit use a full-to-full fuel policy. You receive the vehicle with a full tank and must return it full to avoid additional charges.
Steps to follow for a smooth fuel return at the Detroit Budget facility:
- At pickup, 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 the gauge and odometer.
- During your Detroit rental, use the correct fuel type as shown in the vehicle. Using the wrong fuel is not covered by the fuel policy.
- Before returning to the Budget campus at 295 Lucas Dr, refuel within approximately 10 miles of the facility so the gauge does not drop below full before you arrive.
- Keep your final fuel receipt showing the date, time, and station address.
If you return the vehicle below the recorded starting level, Budget in Detroit may charge you for the fuel shortfall at the partner's refueling rate, which is typically higher than retail pump prices, plus a refueling service fee. Michigan's regular gasoline averages slightly above the National average, so refueling locally before return is the most cost-effective option for your Budget.
Can I pick up a Budget car in Detroit and return it in a different city?
Yes, one-way rentals with Budget in Detroit are possible, but a drop-off fee may apply depending on your return location, and some routes may not be permitted at all.
Key points to understand before booking a one-way Detroit Budget rental:
- The drop-off fee is route-specific and varies by destination, vehicle class, and season. It is listed under the To Pay at Destination section during the Hola Car Rentals checkout process and on your booking confirmation.
- Same-city returns, such as picking up at Detroit Metro Airport and dropping off at a Detroit city location, often carry no drop-off fee, but this is not guaranteed for every route.
- Returns to other Michigan cities or out-of-state destinations typically incur a drop-off fee. Long-distance or cross-country routes may carry higher fees or may not be available.
- Cross-border one-ways, such as returning the vehicle in Canada after picking up in Detroit, are often restricted or require special authorization from Budget.
If the drop-off fee was not shown on your confirmation but appears at the Detroit Budget counter, keep all paperwork and contact support after the rental. The No Extra Charges© guarantee covers undisclosed fees that were not listed on your confirmation.
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