Hertz is rolling out AI-powered car scanners to automate damage detection before and after rentals.
Hertz, a global leader in car rentals, is embracing artificial intelligence in a big way. In a bold shift toward tech-enhanced transparency, the company has begun deploying AI-based scanning systems across its U.S. rental locations. The goal? Faster, more accurate vehicle damage assessments. But as early user experiences show, the futuristic tech may come with a few unexpected costs.
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What’s Changing at Hertz?
Hertz has partnered with Israel-based tech firm UVeye to introduce advanced vehicle inspection scanners at 100 major airport locations across the United States by the end of 2025. Already operational at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, these AI-powered scanners are designed to conduct precise inspections of a rental car’s body, tires, glass, and even its undercarriage—before and after use.
The system leverages cameras and machine learning algorithms to detect scrapes, dents, and other anomalies that might otherwise go unnoticed during manual checks. According to Hertz, the scanners promise enhanced “frequency, accuracy, and efficiency” in the inspection process.
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The AI Advantage—Or Is It?
While Hertz champions the move as a step toward greater transparency, early customer feedback presents a mixed picture. One renter, as reported by The Drive, was charged $440—including repair, processing, and administrative fees—for a small scuff on a wheel. The damage report, automatically generated within minutes of drop-off, left little room for debate.
The charges listed were $250 for repairs, $125 for processing, and $65 for administrative costs. This has prompted questions about whether these fees are fair. Would a human inspector have charged the same amount? Is this system more open, or just better at collecting money from customers?
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In a statement, Hertz clarified that most rentals are returned without issue. But in the event of damage, the AI inspection tool aims to make the process “clearer and more precise” for both the company and customers. They argue that directly billing the customer responsible for the damage is fairer than raising rates for all renters.
Yet, some customers report difficulty in disputing these charges. Hertz’s chatbot system often reroutes queries without offering a direct line to a human agent, creating frustration, especially when the company offers discounts for early payment of claims.