Latest news with #carrental
News.com.au
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- News.com.au
Hertz customers outraged over AI-powered damage-detection system
Car rental companies are turning to AI to help identify damage to their vehicles. A new, powerful AI tool is assisting Hertz and other companies in identifying minor scratches, leading to confused renters being held responsible for damage. Hertz, one of the world's largest car rental companies, first installed the technology in April at Atlanta International Airport, before rolling it out across five other airports in the US. The scanning system, developed by UVeye, captures thousands of high-resolution images from multiple angles as a vehicle passes through a rental gate during pick-up and return. AI compares those images and uses machine learning algorithms to flag any discrepancies. The system automatically creates and sends damage reports, which an employee then reviews before flagging any damages to the customer. According to the rental company, fewer than three per cent of vehicles scanned by the AI system show any billable damages. While this seems to be a great way to eliminate false charges, it has proven problematic for customers. One customer renting from Hertz at the Atlanta airport was charged a whopping $US440 for a wheel scratch just minutes after returning his rental Volkswagen. Patrick, the customer we're talking about, says he was alerted to the damage 'minutes' after dropping off the vehicle and with it, charges for the blemish: $250 for the repair, $125 for processing, and another $65 in administrative fees. It's unclear if these fees would be the same if the car had been inspected manually by a human, or if the costs are there to cover the expense of Hertz's partnership with UVeye. When Patrick attempted to address the matter with a customer service representative, he found the challenge to be quite daunting. Customers can visit a web portal to view before-and-after photos taken by the scanners. However, if they have any concerns, their options are limited. While a chatbot can flag the issue for review, there is no live agent available to assist them. However, some customers see it differently. They feel that the AI system is primarily focused on maximising revenue rather than ensuring fairness. The technology's ability to instantly generate fees — with no human interaction and a short window for discounts — feels less like transparency and more like pressure. One Reddit user shared his thoughts and wrote: 'In reality, the AI picks up a tiny scuff that isn't actually there because of the shiny paint and maybe it's wet out, leaving you to spend months disputing charges for something that is basically just free revenue for the company' Another user that goes by the name ChefCobra said: 'AI does what it does, just compares how car was sent out and how it came back. Problem is that when you drive car, even if you are the most safest driver, you will have stone chips from actual driving.' While Hertz is the only major rental company using the system extensively, UVeye's technology is already well-established in other automotive sectors, with notable clients such as General Motors, Hyundai, Amazon, and CarMax. The company's inspection systems are in use at hundreds of dealerships, fleet locations and vehicle auctions worldwide. UVeye is reportedly in talks with additional US rental agencies, suggesting broader adoption may be on the horizon.
Daily Telegraph
21 hours ago
- Automotive
- Daily Telegraph
Hertz's AI car scanners leave US customers hit with surprise damage bills
Don't miss out on the headlines from On the Road. Followed categories will be added to My News. Car rental companies are turning to AI to help identify damage to their vehicles. A new, powerful AI tool is assisting Hertz and other companies in identifying minor scratches, leading to confused renters being held responsible for damage. Hertz, one of the world's largest car rental companies, first installed the technology in April at Atlanta International Airport, before rolling it out across five other airports in the US. The scanning system, developed by UVeye, captures thousands of high-resolution images from multiple angles as a vehicle passes through a rental gate during pick-up and return. AI compares those images and uses machine learning algorithms to flag any discrepancies. The system automatically creates and sends damage reports, which an employee then reviews before flagging any damages to the customer. Hertz confirms Aussie drivers have been impacted in data breach MORE: Dua Lipa's $1m flaunt stuns onlookers According to the rental company, fewer than three per cent of vehicles scanned by the AI system show any billable damages. While this seems to be a great way to eliminate false charges, it has proven problematic for customers. One customer renting from Hertz at the Atlanta airport was charged a whopping $US440 for a wheel scratch just minutes after returning his rental Volkswagen. Hertz using AI scanners to detect any dents or scratches. Picture: UVEYE Hertz plans to roll out the system at multiple other locations in the US by year's end. Picture: UVEYE Patrick, the customer we're talking about, says he was alerted to the damage 'minutes' after dropping off the vehicle and with it, charges for the blemish: $250 for the repair, $125 for processing, and another $65 in administrative fees. It's unclear if these fees would be the same if the car had been inspected manually by a human, or if the costs are there to cover the expense of Hertz's partnership with UVeye. When Patrick attempted to address the matter with a customer service representative, he found the challenge to be quite daunting. A Hertz customer posted a photo on Reddit of minor damage that resulted in a $195 charge. Picture: @professor_pimpcain/Reddit MORE: $185m scandal engulfs China EV giants Customers can visit a web portal to view before-and-after photos taken by the scanners. However, if they have any concerns, their options are limited. While a chatbot can flag the issue for review, there is no live agent available to assist them. However, some customers see it differently. They feel that the AI system is primarily focused on maximising revenue rather than ensuring fairness. The minor damage was detected by a new artificial intelligence-powered scanner. Picture: @professor_pimpcain/Reddit The technology's ability to instantly generate fees — with no human interaction and a short window for discounts — feels less like transparency and more like pressure. One Reddit user shared his thoughts and wrote: 'In reality, the AI picks up a tiny scuff that isn't actually there because of the shiny paint and maybe it's wet out, leaving you to spend months disputing charges for something that is basically just free revenue for the company' Another user that goes by the name ChefCobra said: 'AI does what it does, just compares how car was sent out and how it came back. Problem is that when you drive car, even if you are the most safest driver, you will have stone chips from actual driving.' Reddit Example 2. (Picture: Reddit/animemufin) Reddit Example 2. (Picture: Reddit/animemufin) Hertz customers are informed of the damages detected by UVeye within minutes of returning their car rentals. Picture: UVEYE MORE: Car boss' wild call to end Aus tax breaks While Hertz is the only major rental company using the system extensively, UVeye's technology is already well-established in other automotive sectors, with notable clients such as General Motors, Hyundai, Amazon, and CarMax. The company's inspection systems are in use at hundreds of dealerships, fleet locations and vehicle auctions worldwide. UVeye is reportedly in talks with additional US rental agencies, suggesting broader adoption may be on the horizon. It is unclear if this technology will become available to Hertz rentals in Australia. Originally published as Hertz customers outraged over AI-powered damage-detection system
Yahoo
a day ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Drivo Revolutionizes Car Rentals in New York with New Business-Focused Services
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - July 18, 2025) - Drivo, a leading car rental service in New York City, is redefining urban mobility for professionals and businesses. Known for its fast, reliable, and modern rental solutions, Drivo now introduces Business Vans and an innovative Loaner Car Program, designed to meet the demands of corporate travel and dealership support. With a focus on seamless experiences for business travelers, Drivo offers high-quality vehicles perfect for navigating NYC efficiently. From sleek sedans for executives to spacious business vans for team logistics, Drivo ensures every trip is productive and stress-free. Drivo's goal is to take the hassle out of car rentals for busy professionals. With Business Vans, companies can move teams or equipment with ease, while the company's on-demand Loaner Car Program helps dealerships keep their customers satisfied without the burden of managing a fleet. Why Drivo is Different: On-Demand Courtesy Cars - dealerships and service centers can instantly provide customers with quality loaner vehicles without the costs of ownership, maintenance, or logistics. Streamlined Operations - Drivo handles support, billing, and even roadside assistance, freeing businesses from administrative headaches. Smart Reporting - businesses get full visibility into gas usage, tolls, revenue, and more through seamless API integration with their systems. Local Expertise - with operations focused in New York and New Jersey, Drivo ensures faster vehicle sourcing and support. The Loaner Car Program eliminates the common pain points dealerships face - from time-consuming claims processing to hidden operational costs. Instead, Drivo offers a hands-off solution that enhances customer loyalty and satisfaction. For business travelers, Drivo is also the ideal partner for short-term and long-term rentals. Professionals can book in seconds and rely on Drivo's modern fleet and premium service standards. To learn more about Drivo's Business Vans and Loaner Car Program, visit About DrivoDrivo is a modern car rental service based in New York City, providing high-quality vehicles for personal and business use. Focused on convenience, flexibility, and customer satisfaction, Drivo simplifies mobility for individuals and organizations across New York and New Jersey. Media contact:Alexander Leemarketing@ 855-550-0008 To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Times
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Times
‘I booked a petrol hire car but was given an EV instead'
✉ I rent cars abroad about four times a year, usually with Hertz. On a recent trip to Corsica I booked a small manual petrol car but was only offered an electric vehicle on arrival. Unfamiliar with EVs and Corsica's charging infrastructure, as well as the true range of the car, I felt forced to pay extra to upgrade to a petrol car. I understand that fuel type isn't always guaranteed but this seems to be a growing issue. Do any major rental companies guarantee petrol/diesel cars? For my upcoming Hertz booking in Crete, the confirmation doesn't mention EVs. Can I assume I'll get the fuel type I selected?Owen Warnock Bigger rental companies won't guarantee petrol/diesel cars even if you get a note put on your booking specifying that you don't want an EV. Hertz, for example, said it could not guarantee a 'specific make, model, transmission or fuel type'. The best way to get what you want is to book with a reputable smaller, local company, which will have a smaller fleet and more personal service. In Crete try the highly rated Anna Cars which can guarantee no EVs because it doesn't have any ( ✉ On May 31 I was on a Ryanair flight to Stansted, coming home from a hen weekend in Biarritz in the south of France. I couldn't check in online due to a visa check issue (I'm Canadian), so I planned to do it at the airport. But when I finally got to the desk, I was told the flight was overbooked and I'd need to wait and see if any seats were freed up. In fact, six passengers, including another girl in the hen party, were left stranded, with zero support (when we rang Ryanair we were just told to go to a check-in desk but there were none of its staff there to help). The other hen and I had to find our own way home via Bilbao and this involved a two-hour night bus ride, a £120 airport hotel and a £200 flight. Ryanair has since made it near impossible to claim the compensation I'm legally owed. Its forms don't allow overbooking claims and I've had irrelevant replies to my complaints. Can you help?Jessica Pearce You and your fellow hen had a miserable experience but, as is so often the case, human error is to blame for your inability to claim compensation. A Ryanair spokesperson said your flight was not overbooked but a smaller plane had to be substituted for operational reasons: 'As a result, a small number of passengers were unable to travel on this fully booked flight. Regrettably, when informing Ryanair, the third-party ticket desk agent at Biarritz airport failed to include this passenger's details and as a result this passenger did not receive the email required to submit her EU261 compensation claim. A member of our customer service team has since been in contact to further assist this passenger with her claim.' ✉ My husband and I would like to take a trip to celebrate my son turning ten next year. We're flexible on when we go (Easter or summer) and my husband wants to take him to the theme parks in Florida, as his parents did with him when he was ten. I can't think of anything worse. Could you suggest a trip/route that would balance out the crowds and noise, experiencing more of Florida? I'd like to see the Keys and the Everglades. We have a budget of up to £15,000 for us all for up to a Pratley Audley Travel could tailor-make this trip for you, starting with five nights in Orlando — three nights at Drury Plaza Orlando, in the Disney Springs area, and two nights at Loews Sapphire Falls Resort at Universal Orlando — with Disney and Universal tickets included. (You could make your theme park experiences slightly less painful by buying skip-the-queue passes which at Disney are called Lightning Lane and at Universal Express Pass, and should be invaluable during the school holidays). Then escape the madness by flying down to laid-back Key West for three nights at Oceans Edge Resort. You could add a kayak or snorkelling tour to explore the crystal-clear waters. Next, pick up a hire car and drive about two hours to Marathon, between Key West and Key Largo. Don't miss a visit to the brilliant Turtle Hospital, which should be perfect for your ten-year-old ( You'd then have a two-night stay at the gorgeous Isla Bella Beach Resort before heading west to Naples for three nights at Naples Bay Resort and an airboat tour of the Everglades. A 14-night trip like this during next year's Easter holidays would start at about £15,000 for the three of you, including flights, car hire, theme park tickets and hotel stays sharing one room, room-only ( ✉ I'm travelling to Peru with my daughter in January. She'll be on a work trip so I thought I could go on my own to Cusco and Machu Picchu but I can't find a travel company that will organise a three-day trip with a small group and guide. Any ideas?Marie Thompson It's essential to book this Machu Picchu trip as soon as possible because permits to visit the site in January sell out quickly. The local operator Alpaca Expeditions has a two-night tour that also includes exploring Cusco City and the Sacred Valley and involves lots of walking but no trekking. It starts at £513pp, including two nights' B&B (based on sharing a room, single supplement £110), guiding, permit and entrance ticket and transport, and the company warns that because flights to Cusco are often cancelled, you should aim to arrive in the city at least two days before your trip, which will also allow you to acclimatise to the altitude ( ✉ We're three friends in our late sixties who take a short break together every year. Our next choice is Vienna. Can you recommend the best area of the city for us to stay in? We're interested in historical sites, museums and city parks with the occasional shopping trip thrown in. Also, is the city easy to get around?Melanie Lloyd Vienna is a brilliant choice for a short break. It packs a huge cultural punch, is very walkable and, mercifully, doesn't suffer from the overtourism of so many European capitals. Stay in the compact First District (or Innere Stadt) and you'll have the Hofburg Palace, St Stephen's Cathedral and the Vienna State Opera, as well as high-end shopping streets like Kärntner Strasse and Graben, on your doorstep. The large and lovely Stadtpark, home to the golden statue of Johann Strauss, is here too. For a taste of the city's imperial Habsburg past, stay in the small and central König von Ungarn, which dates back to the 17th century and has 44 elegant rooms, a glass-roofed courtyard and vaulted restaurant where you can sample a schnitzel. B&B doubles (or twins) start at £255 in September ( The city's fast and efficient public transport is another of its high points and a 72-hour travel card costs £14.50 ( Have you got a holiday dilemma? Email traveldoctor@
Telegraph
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Telegraph
The hire car scanner that could cost holidaymakers millions
It's already changing the way that we use the internet from one week to the next, but could artificial intelligence have its sights set on a new target: your next holiday hire car? The United States rental behemoth Hertz has confirmed that it is now using AI-powered scanners at six major American airports – including Florida's Tampa International and New York's Newark Liberty, as well as airports in Houston, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona – in order to check returned vehicles for even the slightest signs of damage that can be billed to customers. The company behind the technology, UVeye, says its scanners are five times better at finding damage than the average human eye. That means that tourists and road trippers could soon find themselves facing expensive bills for scratches and scuffs that they and the car rental company might not have noticed otherwise. When it comes to imposing expensive fines for minor damages, the car rental companies have form. In theory, firms say they don't charge for 'wear and tear', but, in practice, the line between harmless scuff and billable damage is often hotly contested between companies and their customers. Now, AI could tip the balance further in the favour of the car rental overlords, by giving them superhuman powers to detect damage that might have gone unnoticed by a human. What's more, UVeye's ability to compile an automatic report using date-stamped images could make it much tougher for customers to contest the bill. AI takes control as soon as customers return the car, as they drive it through a special gate fitted with UVeye scanners. These capture a 360-degree view of the car's tyres, bodywork and undercarriage. Within seconds, the technology can compare those images with those on file, providing Hertz with 'crystal-clear' proof of any changes before you have even left the airport. Using AI for advanced image processing isn't particularly new: the technology is already being used in everything from guiding self-driving cars to analysing X-rays. But this could be the first time that many people encounter it in the real world – and feel its impact on their wallet afterwards. Understandably, the scanners haven't been without controversy. Earlier this month, The New York Times reported on an American couple who claimed they had been falsely charged $195 (including $115 in processing fees) after a dent was identified on a front door. Even AI's greatest advocates admit that the technology isn't flawless (at least not yet), especially when it comes to image recognition: AI facial recognition systems have occasionally flagged the wrong targets, for example. Though on this particular occasion, Hertz told The New York Times that it had reviewed the case manually and was satisfied there had been no mistake. Hertz confirmed that its current policy is to check the AI reports manually only once they are contested by a customer. The company says that, of the thousands of vehicles that have already been scanned, 3 per cent showed signs of billable damage. Covering up Of course, one way to avoid getting stung with unexpected charges is to make sure you have the full damage waiver on your car – but that isn't without its own issues. The consumer champions at Which? have consistently criticised the big car rental companies for selling policies that are pricier and less comprehensive than those you can get directly from insurers. Given AI's potential to identify even the slightest scrape, it's not implausible that this new technology will help persuade many to buy coverage from car rental companies – and could thus end up costing travellers millions. Right now, Hertz is using the technology at six US airports (including the busiest airport in the US, Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson), with plans to roll it out to others before long. Its big rival Avis is also using AI software to analyse potential damage, though it told The New York Times that its policy is to have humans check any findings before bills are sent to customers. Could these kinds of systems be on their way to the UK? When I contacted UVeye (which has a London office address), a spokesman told me that it couldn't comment on any specific discussions, but that the company was in touch with 'many leading rental and fleet providers'. For its part, the company says its scanners will help bring 'peace of mind' to customers by ensuring they're not billed for scratches that already existed. (Indeed, a survey by Which? found that, of those customers who had reported being charged by a rental company, 42 per cent insisted that the damage had been there before they picked up the car in the first place.) In the meantime, travellers renting a car in the US will have an extra reason not just to take care on the roads, but also when navigating those terms and conditions. Particularly given that most car companies charge administration fees on top of any damage costs, which can sometimes double the cost of a minor scratch. Add in the extra fees and charges that have become routine across the industry (such as the overpriced petrol costs should you forget to return the car with a full tank, or the daily charge for renting a child seat to go with the car) and you can see how car rental can easily become a headache for those travellers who don't do their homework. Given that most of these policies have existed for well over a decade, you might wonder how much worse AI can actually make things for the customer. Still, if you had entertained any hopes that this revolutionary technology might make things more customer friendly, you could be waiting a little longer yet.
