Latest news with #rentalcars
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Major Rental Car Company's New Policy Drives Controversy
Major Rental Car Company's New Policy Drives Controversy originally appeared on Parade. If you plan on hitting the road in a rental car or truck this summer, consumers are warning about a new policy that took effect at one of the biggest vehicle rental companies recently. Back in April, popular car and truck rental service Hertz announced it would employ artificial intelligence (AI) to check over its returned vehicles instead of tasking a human with the inspection. At the time, Hertz explained it partnered with Israeli AI vehicle inspection system company, UVeye, to "transform" how it maintains its vehicles and "bring efficiency and greater accuracy" to the process so it can "focus on our vehicles being ready when and where our customers want them." While Hertz intended the process to be smoother, some consumers complain that the new system is reason to "never rent from them again." Especially after hearing the story of one customer who returned his Thrifty rental vehicle (part of the Hertz Corporation) to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and was later charged over $400 for a 1-inch scuff discovered on a tire by the AI scanner, according to a report by The Drive. The outlet reported a $250 charge for the repair, $125 for processing, and another $65 administrative fee, totaling $440. The renter said he was made aware of the fees only minutes after dropping off the car, but could not speak to a human about it. Related: Social media has now become a hot spot for concerns sparked by the "frustrating" situation. "AI can't keep a reservation right for the amount of cars on the lot," one X user said, suggesting the entire system is flawed. "What a scam," a second declared. "How many times is Hertz charging customers for the same small scuffs," another asked, worried that a scuff picked up and paid for by one renter could then be "found" by the AI again when the next renter returns it. But those who have used it say that it doesn't work that way–some are even applauding the new policy. "Customers are directed to a web portal where they can view before-and-after photos captured by the scanners," a second X (formerly Twitter) user shared. "I've used this in Columbus OH and it was great." "I actually love this technology. It captures the before & after image of the car detail, and charges the renter who caused the damage rather than having to raise rates on the rest of us," they added. Related: In a statement first shared with USA Today, a Hertz spokesperson said: "Over 97% of cars scanned with this technology show no billable damage, proving that the vast majority of rentals are incident-free. Vehicle damage has long been a common pain point across the car rental industry for customers and companies alike. At Hertz, we're using this technology to tackle this head-on." "As we continue rolling out this technology, we remain committed to ongoing innovation and continuous improvement," they added, noting that any issues flagged by a customer in the chat are reviewed by a live agent. "With regards to this specific incident, a live agent reviewed this customer's escalation and manually reviewed the photos at pickup and return and confirmed the damage was new," the spokesperson said. "While we understand that some customers may hope for a different outcome, we want to ensure every case is handled fairly and objectively, using the best information available." Hertz said it's working on integrating its live agents into its app to make communicating with a customer service representative easier. The rental company, which also owns Dollar Car Rental, Thrifty Car Rental, and Firefly Car Rental, said it began the rollout of its AI scanners at the Atlanta airport this spring, but plans to expand to most major U.S. airports by the end of the year. Next: Major Rental Car Company's New Policy Drives Controversy first appeared on Parade on Jul 2, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Yahoo
Canada Day travel: Canadians staying local for the long weekend amid Canada-U.S. tensions
With Canada Day just around the corner, amid growing tension with the U.S., Canadian travellers are looking closer to home for their long weekend vacation. According to Kayak, there's been a 25 per cent spike in domestic flight searches, compared to last year. But aside from destinations Canadians need to fly to, Canadian road trips are on people's minds. Kayak found that 55 per cent of rental car searches are now domestic, compared to international car rental searches that were more popular last year (International car rentals make up 52 per cent of searches in 2024, according to Kayak). Leading up to the weekend, leaving a little bit earlier for your vacation can be beneficial for saving on flights, with average domestic airfare being the lowest on June 25. When you are flying, flights that take off between 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. have a 15 to 18 per cent chance of being delayed, versus 42 per cent for evening flights, according to Kayak. If you're looking to rent a car, Kayak has found that Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary are the cheapest pickup location options in Canada According to Kayak, Winnipeg has seen a 48 per cent increase in search interest on the site, compared to Canada Day interest in 2024. The city's exchange district is a great place to walk, and head into local restaurants and shops. There are also a number of different walking tours for the area. Another option is The Forks, a great place to bike, visit museums, do some shopping or have a drink at The Common. For museum lovers, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights is a great option, with powerful storytelling from exhibits including one on Canada's LGBTQ+ history, and another on Indigenous women in Canada. If relaxation is more your speed, Thermea Spa Village Winnipeg is where you want to go, which also has a number of interesting "Village Rituals," along with other massage and body care options. And don't forget about Assiniboine Park Zoo, with more than 80 acres to explore. Kayak found that there has been a 28 per cent increase in search interest for Canada Day weekend trips to Vancouver, compared to last year. The British Columbia destination is the perfect place to get a mix of city experiences, while being close to great moments out in nature. Head to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in North Vancouver for a unique adventure, from walking on the suspension bridge or experiencing the cliff walk, to taking in the Living Forest exhibit. There are activities for the whole family. For shopping lovers, Robson Street is a great stop, along with Yaletown. Stanley Park is always a must-stop in the city, with several walking trails, including the Seawall, the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path at 28 kilometres. It's also the home of Canada's largest aquarium, with more than 65,000 animals. With Kayak seeing a 10 per cent increase in search interest for Canada Day travel to this Quebec city, Montreal never disappoints. Often compared to a European city, Montreal's unique style is a Canadian delight. Boasting some of the best food in the country, each neighbourhood has its own set of culinary delights. But a must is always Montreal-style bagels, a sweeter and chewier version than what you get in other places. St-Viateur and Fairmount Bagel are popular choices. Food lovers can also make a stop at the Atwater market, located in a beautiful art deco building. To get a great view of the city, walk up to the viewpoint at Mount Royal Park, or to get that more European vibe, wander the streets of Old Montreal. A notable attraction is Olympic Stadium from the 1976 summer games, a captivating piece of architecture, also located by the Montreal Biodome and Botanical Garden.
Daily Mail
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Urgent rental warning as car giant exposed using James Bond tech to sting customer $440
Before returning his rented Volkswagen to Hertz, a driver steered his car through a high-tech scanner system. Arched LED lights and AI-enabled cameras scanned the vehicle's fenders and panels for scratches, wheels for scuffs, tires for tread wear, windows for cracks, and undercarriage for damage. According to Hertz, the system is designed to speed up inspections and reduce disputes. But minutes after pulling the VW through the automated scanner, the driver says he received a $440 bill — for a one-inch scrape on a wheel. The charge came after Hertz began rolling out the technology as part of its partnership with UVeye, an AI startup that builds automated vehicle inspection systems. The renter, identified only as Patrick, said the total included $250 for the repair, $125 for processing, and a $65 administrative fee, according to The Drive. He isn't alone. Another renter on Reddit claimed they were billed $195 for a minor 'ding' after returning a Toyota Corolla to a Hertz location equipped with the same AI system. In April, Hertz representatives told that the newly-implemented machines would not be used to bill customers for minor cosmetic issues. Instead, they said the system was intended to prioritize safety and maintenance — not penalties. A representative for Hertz verified Patrick's story and said the company's policy has not changed. They're standing by the $440 charge. Now, the company confirms it uses a 1-inch standard for dents — roughly the size of a golf ball — when determining whether to issue a damage charge. 'Over 97 percent of cars scanned with this technology have not detected any billable damage, proving a vast majority of rentals are incident-free,' a spokesperson for the company said. 'Vehicle damage has long been a common pain point across the car rental industry for customers and companies alike. 'At Hertz, we're using this technology to address this friction head-on and our goal is to always improve the customer experience while ensuring customers are not charged for damages they did not cause and by bringing greater transparency, precision, and speed to the process when they do.' Independent analysts told that Hertz's AI rollout reflects a growing tension between company's tech solutions and a customer's service expectations. 'A line is crossed when AI applications become overly aggressive and prioritize efficiency over customer fairness and satisfaction,' David Linthicum, an AI analyst, said. Independent analysts are concerned that the advancing use of AI could frustrate customers 'Customers value fairness and human interaction.' Still, Hertz believes the new systems will make damage fees more transparent. Traditionally, car rental companies relied on employees to inspect vehicles, a process that had its limitations — especially when it came to detecting undercarriage damage or worn tires. UVeye says its scanners apply a consistent, fleet-wide standard to inspections, improving accuracy and fairness. 'Hertz is setting a new standard for vehicle maintenance and fleet management in the rental industry,' Amir Hever, the CEO and Co-Founder of UVeye, said. 'Our AI-driven inspection systems complement manual checks with consistent, data-backed assessments completed in seconds.' But while the technology may be more consistent, some drivers who've been hit with fees say they're finished with Hertz altogether. 'I will no longer be using Hertz,' the Corolla renter said on Reddit. 'Reached out to customer service, and they said they stand by the AI.' Hertz is the second largest rental vehicle fleet in the US Its the latest major change from Hertz that has ruffled some customer feathers. In 2022, the rental company purchased thousands of Tesla and Polestar EVs as it attempted to entice trendy customers. But vacationers, who didn't want to navigate America's frustrating public charging infrastructure, infrequently rented the EVs. Hertz started selling the cars at a loss. In the positive direction, the company also started to gain a lot of attention on Wall Street after billionaire investor Bill Ackman said he started purchasing stock.
Motor Trend
26-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
Hertz Is Using AI to Scan Your Rental Car for Damage—and Fast-Tracking Repair Estimates
The Hertz rental car company, along with its Dollar and Thrifty affiliates, are rolling out AI-powered vehicle inspection scanners that scan your rental car as it exits or enters the rental lot for damage. The motivation here, clearly, is to improve rental fleet maintenance and introduce some objective data to a damage-reporting process that, traditionally, has been pretty subjective. But barely two months into the scanners' initial deployment at real-world Hertz facilities, there's already a problem. The skinny of it is a Hertz customer, Patrick, rented a Volkswagen from Hertz out of the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta, which is actually the first location to implement the scanners, reported The Drive . Patrick later returned the car, albeit with a one-inch scuff on the driver's side rear wheel. Apparently, "minutes" after putting the vehicle through the scanner, he said received a damage charge for the curb rash: $250 to repair it, $125 for "processing," and an additional $65 for an "administrative fee." In total, the charge was for $440. A Jeep going through a Hertz UVeye inspection scanner. It's not clear what typical Hertz repair costs are, or how quickly human-scanned damage turns into a repair estimate and charge for a customer, but the company defines the processing and administrative fees as "the cost to detect and estimate the damage that occurred during your rental" and "cover[ing] a portion of the costs [Hertz incurs] as a result of processing your claim," respectively, according to The Drive . We also figure that a human eyeing a rental for damage, inputting any such damage into a company system, and that system generating a repair charge estimate would surely take longer than a process seemingly automated end-to-end and initiated immediately upon the rental car's return. To put things into perspective, a professional curb-rash repair job typically costs between $100 to $250 per wheel. Heck, an entirely new wheel (the rented VW appears to be a late-model Jetta, based on the pictured wheel at The Drive ) might even be price-competitive with the repair estimate given to Patrick, given its list price is a little over $500. Patrick claimed if he agreed to the terms and paid within two days, Hertz would give him a $52 discount. Or he could get a $32.50 discount if he paid within a week. Patrick told the outlet he wanted to speak to someone and ask about the charge. The Hertz chatbot system, however, isn't currently set up to bring in live agents, only to flag a claim for later review. Patrick followed company prompts and sent an email, though a response can take up to 10 days to appear. The discount is only good for seven days, remember. As of Monday, June 23, Patrick has not paid the charge, telling The Drive : "Saving $30 to accept responsibility is not worth it." Customers can get near-instant damage reports straight to their phones. Following this, MotorTrend has reached out to company reps to ask what Hertz is doing to make live agents more accessible to customers in the face of more automation in the rental process. We also asked if rental prices and rental repair costs were higher for customers who rent from locations that employ the scanners, as compared to those who rent from locations without them. We'll update this story when we get a response. On the other hand, say you pick up your rental car at the start of your trip and you forget to take photos or overlook an existing bit of damage. The scanners could ensure you aren't falsely charged for dings that were already there. You're free to depart the rental lot without having to worry; ditto when returning the car—you can walk off without stress that you missed something when initially picking up the car, and (if true) confident you didn't add any patina to the car during your rental. Hertz announced its use of the AI scanners back in April. It's partnered with Israeli ex-defense and current AI vehicle inspection system company, UVeye. The scanners can measure treadwear and provide a 360-view of a car's undercarriage, body, and glass. Rather than have a human come out and do a visual inspection, the scanner can do it consistently and more frequently. UVeye claims its system increases damage detection accuracy by five times. Hertz plans to implement 100 UVeye scanners at its approximately 1,600 United States airport locations by the end of 2025. It touts "transparency" as one of the main advantages its customers can expect from the tech, though it remains to be seen how transparent things remain when customers invariably require a live human to speak with to dispute the findings. To note, this is the same company that has left a rental desk unmanned for six hours, attempted to charge a customer $10,000 despite an unlimited mileage policy, attempted to charge a Tesla customer for gas, and settled for $168 million after falsely accusing hundreds of customers of stealing its cars—some of which led to innocent people getting arrested, charged with felonies, and jailed. Hertz filed for bankruptcy in 2020 but left bankruptcy after just a year when travel rebounded in full force. It was able to offload more than $5 billion in debt and invest in buying cars for its fleets and modernizing technology.
Car and Driver
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
Hertz Is Using AI to Scan Your Rental Car for Damage, and It Might Cost You
Hertz is introducing scanners that use artificial intelligence software to scan cars before and after they are rented to more accurately and quickly assess damage. Hertz aims to add the equipment to 100 locations in the U.S. by the end of 2025. A report from The Drive said that a reader who experienced the system was asked to pay $190 in processing and administrative fees to repair a roughly one-inch scrape on a wheel. Returning a rental car can be nerve-wracking. Will the rental company discover a small ding? Did you remember to take photos of the car beforehand to prove your dent-related innocence? Hertz is trying to make the process more accurate and transparent with new scanners that use artificial intelligence to inspect vehicles before and after the rental period. The scanners are being rolled out across the country now, and while they will likely lead to improved accuracy, an anecdotal account from The Drive shows there still may be some teething issues. UVeye It's unclear if these fees would be the same if the car had been inspected manually by a human, or if the fees are there to cover the expense of Hertz's partnership with UVeye. Caleb Miller Associate News Editor Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.
