Car Rental in Ann Arbor (2026) - Driving Guide & Best Rates
Explore Ann Arbor with ease by renting a car-discover top restaurants, hotels, and nearby attractions at your own pace. Find the perfect vehicle for your trip.
Driving Requirements
Michigan law allows visitors to drive on a valid foreign license for up to 90 days. If your license is not in English, you must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or certified translation.
Michigan law sets the minimum driving age at 16 with restrictions. But most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21. Drivers under 25 typically face additional fees and vehicle restrictions.
Michigan law requires minimum liability insurance. Rental companies offer collision damage waivers and supplemental liability coverage. But these are optional unless you lack personal auto insurance.
Rental companies typically require a major credit card in the driver's name for security deposit. Debit cards may be accepted with additional documentation and credit checks.
Right turns on red are legal in Michigan after a complete stop, unless posted otherwise. Watch for 'No Turn on Red' signs at busy Ann Arbor intersections near campus.
Helpful Tips
DTW is 25 min west. Airport fleets are larger. But city branches on State St or Plymouth Rd save the drive-time if you're already in town, compare total door-to-door cost, not just daily rate.
Walk-around in the garage before you leave: Michigan law lets you decline CDW if your own auto policy covers rentals. But most Ann Arbor outlets push the SLI add-on for $15, 20/day, decide before you reach the counter.
Google Maps is reliable downtown and on campus. But spotty in the Huron River valley. Download the offline map and keep the university's "Michigan" app for real-time detours during football Saturdays.
Every station here sells regular 87; E85 is common but only take it if the contract allows. Pick full-to-full, pre-paid tanks from DTW vendors often price 30, 40 ¢/gal above the Meijer on Ann Arbor, Saline Rd.
Street meters run Mon, Sat 8 am, 6 pm, free after that and all day Sunday. Structure garages (Liberty & 4th, Maynard) give the first 90 min free and $1.50/hr thereafter, overnight is flat $5, 7, cheaper than hotel valet.
Driving Warnings
Right-on-red is prohibited at most downtown intersections, watch for posted signs, on Main Street and State Street near the University of Michigan campus, where violations carry a standard traffic fine.
From late October through March, the city enforces overnight snow-parking bans: vehicles left on major arterials like Washtenaw Avenue or Huron Street between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. can be ticketed and towed.
During fall and winter terms, expect heavy backups on Stadium Boulevard and Plymouth Road 30, 45 minutes before Michigan football kickoff. Police close some cross-streets and detours change each game day.
Speed cameras operate in three school zones, on South Seventh near Bach Elementary, and issue civil infractions by mail for speeds even 5 mph over the 25 mph limit when yellow beacons are flashing.
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