Potential Issues: Hertz Implements AI for Airport Rental Return Inspections

      Next time you rent a car, artificial intelligence might be responsible for assessing whether you'll have to pay for any damage repairs. This is because Hertz is planning to install over 100 AI-driven vehicle scanning systems at its airport locations in the U.S. by the year's end.

      Hertz has formed a partnership with UVeye, which specializes in automated vehicle inspection technologies, to scan its rental car fleet. This fleet, which spans across the globe, consists of more than half a million vehicles. By utilizing UVeye’s scanning system, termed the “MRI for vehicles,” Hertz aims to speed up the car return process while potentially recovering some losses.

      Carscoops has reported that Hertz experienced a $2.9 billion loss in 2024, a significant portion of which stemmed from the depreciation of its electric vehicle fleet. Vehicle damage may also have played a role in this figure. After all, how many car rentals have you returned in less than perfect condition?

      UVeye provides various scanning technologies, including individual interior, undercarriage, and tire inspections, along with comprehensive 360-degree and full-body scans that identify paint inconsistencies, glass chips, and headlight cracks.

      All their products perform programmed scans in mere seconds, which is significantly quicker than traditional inspections. From a maintenance standpoint, this advancement seems beneficial. No more concerns over uneven tire wear or overlooked windshield chips or cracks.

      According to the press release, enhancing its fleet procedures through the UVeye partnership will also ensure “reliable service, improved vehicle availability, and transparency for its customers.” At least that’s the intent.

      Hertz made news last year for mistakenly charging electric vehicle renters for gas due to a “systems error,” and for imposing a $10,000 mileage fee on an “unlimited-mile” rental before threatening legal action against a customer who contested the charge. In 2022, five customers filed a lawsuit against Hertz after being wrongfully arrested for alleged car theft when they had actually returned the vehicles they rented.

      We’re not suggesting that Hertz partnering with UVeye will lead to more false charges. However, if you rent from a location that uses these scanners, it might be wise to take photos of the car before and after your rental—and perhaps keep our email ([email protected]) and a lawyer’s contact information handy just in case.

      In any case, the first of these new full-vehicle scanners will be set up at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. If you’re considering steering clear of Hertz (including its Dollar, Thrifty, and Firefly brands), Carscoops has indicated that Avis and Enterprise are contemplating adopting similar technology at their locations as well. Turo may look more appealing than ever.