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New York Post
a day ago
- Automotive
- New York Post
How to stop Hertz's AI scanners from charging hundreds of dollars for minor scrapes on your rental car
Hertz's new artificial intelligence-powered scanners are flagging customers for minor dents, scratches and blemishes in the company's rental cars — charging hundreds of dollars in fees. But there are steps you can take to avoid getting hit with surprise damage claims. From choosing where to rent to documenting every inch of your vehicle, renters have options to protect themselves from what some customers say is an overly aggressive and opaque system. The company, which insisted that the scanner 'only detects billable damage,' has previously defended the technology, saying that 'the vast majority of rentals are incident-free' and that 'when damage does occur, our goal is to enhance the rental experience by bringing greater transparency, precision, and speed to the process.' Advertisement 5 Hertz's new artificial intelligence-powered scanners are flagging customers for minor dents, scratches and blemishes in the company's rental cars. UVEYE Here's how to avoid getting burned. 1. Avoid Locations That Use Hertz's AI Scanners The surest way to avoid being charged by Hertz's automated system is to steer clear of locations that use it altogether. As of now, Hertz has installed UVeye scanners at a limited number of its 1,600 airport stores in the United States, including Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, Charlotte Douglas, Houston George Bush, Newark Liberty, Phoenix Sky Harbor and Tampa International. Advertisement The company plans to expand the service to 100 locations by the end of 2025. Confirming whether a specific Hertz location uses the system can be difficult. One reporter from The Drive who attempted to call five of the scanner-equipped locations found that most either didn't answer, hung up immediately or had full voicemail boxes. If there's uncertainty about whether a location uses scanners, it may be wise to avoid Hertz and its sister brands, Dollar and Thrifty, at major airports altogether and consider alternative rental agencies. Advertisement Currently, the only other US rental company known to use AI scanning is Sixt, which employs a different approach by requiring human staff to review any damage flagged by the system before billing customers. 5 Hertz customers have complained about exorbitant fees stemming from minor dents and scuffs. Getty Images 'If new damage is detected, it is carefully reviewed by our trained staff to ensure fair and customer-focused outcomes,' according to Sixt. 'Only if the damage is clearly identified by a staff member as new can a damage claim be initiated by SIXT.' 2. Use Your Own Insurance or Credit Card Coverage Advertisement Rental car insurance may be more helpful than you think—especially when it comes to small scrapes and scuffs. A customer named Patrick, who was charged $440 for a one-inch wheel scuff at Hertz's Atlanta airport location, could have avoided the out-of-pocket expense if he had used credit card coverage. The charge included $250 for the damage, $125 for 'processing,' and $65 for 'administration.' Credit card policies often cover minor incidents such as cracked glass or rim scratches, treating them as collisions with objects. But to qualify, you typically need to decline the rental company's insurance, pay with the card offering coverage and ensure you're renting an eligible vehicle — not a van, motorcycle or antique. 5 A Hertz customer posted a photo on Reddit of minor damage that resulted in a $195 charge. @professor_pimpcain/Reddit Be aware that credit card rental insurance is often secondary, meaning it only kicks in after your personal auto insurance. And not all plans include liability coverage. Check with your insurer or credit card provider ahead of time to understand the fine print. While Hertz offers its own insurance, it can be pricier than other options on the market. 3. Take Your Own Photos or Use an App Advertisement Even if you're not renting from a scanner-equipped location, always document the vehicle's condition yourself before and after your rental. In many cases, Hertz has charged customers for legitimate — but extremely minor — damage that a human inspector might overlook. One customer told the New York Times they were charged $195 for a tiny dent flagged by the scanner, even though a Hertz employee had already confirmed the car was damage-free. Every morning, the NY POSTcast offers a deep dive into the headlines with the Post's signature mix of politics, business, pop culture, true crime and everything in between. Subscribe here! To protect yourself, take detailed photos and videos. Advertisement Better yet, consider using an app like Proofr, which uses machine learning to track changes between 'before' and 'after' photos. While it's unclear whether Hertz will accept third-party documentation, it may help support your case in a dispute — or come in handy for other rental or leasing scenarios. 4. Know the Damage Thresholds—But Don't Rely on Them Hertz publishes 'example thresholds' online for what it considers chargeable damage: dents over 1 inch in diameter or scratches/scuffs longer than 1 inch on wheels. But renters say they've been billed for less. In fact, Patrick's $440 charge stemmed from a blemish smaller than the listed threshold. Hertz notes on its site that the examples are 'illustrative only and not intended to be all inclusive of all damage for which you will be held responsible.' Advertisement 5 Drivers looking to avoid the fees are encouraged to take photos and video of their rental cars at the start of their rental service. UVEYE That means that just because the damage is small doesn't mean you won't be charged. 5. Expect Limited Customer Support If you do get flagged for damage, don't count on a fast resolution. Renters are directed to a web portal to view photos taken by the scanners. Disputes can only be initiated through a chatbot, and there's no live agent to speak with. Emailing support is an option, but responses can take up to 10 days — well past the expiration date for any early-payment discount. Advertisement Start and end your day informed with our newsletters Morning Report and Evening Update: Your source for today's top stories Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters Patrick, who declined Hertz's offer to shave $30 off his bill for paying quickly, said: 'Saving $30 to accept responsibility is not worth it.' Another renter posted on Reddit under the handle professor_pimpcain after being billed $195 by Hertz's Atlanta location. 'Reached out to customer service and they said they stand by the AI,' the user wrote. 'I will no longer be using Hertz.' 5 Hertz reportedly has plans to roll out the new AI scanners at 100 locations in airports nationwide. UVEYE 'As we work to enhance our fleet safety, quality, and reliability for our customers, this new technology is aimed at proactively managing vehicle maintenance and enhancing vehicle inspections,' a Hertz spokesperson told The Post. 'By automatically scanning vehicles at both pickup and return customers get a more streamlined rental experience, greater confidence that they won't be charged for damage that didn't occur during their rental, and a more efficient resolution process when damage does occur.' The spokesperson added that 'over 97% of vehicles scanned show no billable damage, reinforcing that the vast majority of rentals are incident-free.'
Russia Today
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Russia Today
EU hatching secret electric car plan
The EU is drafting legislation that could force rental and corporate fleets to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030, Bild reported on Saturday, citing sources in Brussels. The directive is reportedly being quietly discussed by the European Commission and could be unveiled as early as late summer before going to the European Parliament. The regulation is seen as a backdoor to accelerate the green transition and enforce the bloc's combustion-engine ban, which mandates a 100% cut in CO2 emissions from new cars by 2035, effectively outlawing gasoline and diesel vehicles. Car manufacturers have criticized the plan as too costly and requiring full conversions of production lines. The new rules will reportedly apply to all rental companies and businesses with car fleets across the bloc. If approved, such entities will only be allowed to purchase EVs, thus impacting around 60% of new car sales, Bild said. A Commission spokesperson confirmed that work is underway on such a plan but declined to provide details. Lawmakers warn the measure could harm Europe's rental sector: companies such as Enterprise, Hertz, and Sixt already scaled back EV fleets in 2024, citing poor charging infrastructure, high repair costs, and weak resale values. EU MP Markus Ferber urged the Commission to drop the plan, calling it 'unrealistic.' Sixt CEO Nico Gabriel agreed, warning that few vacationers rent EVs and that mandatory electrification would drive up rental costs due to charging infrastructure needs. Critics say Europe's green push is straining its auto industry and wider economy. Carmakers face penalties if they fail to boost EV sales and must spend heavily on new production lines, batteries, chargers, and grid upgrades. The transition also threatens jobs: automaker Stellantis warned this month it could close plants if it fails to meet EU deadlines. Former EU commissioner Thierry Breton warned the shift to EVs could cost 600,000 jobs. Manufacturers have called for subsidies and state support to avoid losing more market share to rivals in China and the US. Other sectors face similar problems, especially as Brussels phases out Russian energy, imports of which have dropped sharply in light of Ukraine-related sanctions. Russian officials have warned that rejecting its supplies will force the EU to rely on costlier alternatives or rerouted Russian energy via intermediaries.
South Wales Argus
19-06-2025
- Automotive
- South Wales Argus
How to get the lowest prices for a holiday hire car
The good news is that it seems car hire prices are getting closer to pre-pandemic levels, according to a new 12-country study by The research reveals that the average cost of a week's car hire in summer 2025 is £369, 43% lower than the 2022 high of £652, but still 19% more than in 2019 (£310). Prices have fallen steadily since the 2022 peak, by 43% compared to 2022 (£652), 29% compared to 2023 (£520) and 3% since last summer (£380). 'There are some good deals to be had this summer when hiring a car if drivers take the time to shop around for the best prices, and don't waste money on extras from the rental desk which could have been brought from home such as sat navs and child car seats," says Ben Wooltorton, from "It's also worth considering buying excess reimbursement insurance before you travel from a specialist insurance provider.' And, there's still chance to shave more off your costs, say the experts. 1. Book early but look for last minute deals Book early and shop around to get the hire car you want at a good price. For example, for a week's summer hire in Barcelona, Sixt quoted £288, while Budget quoted £129. 2. Look for free cancellation, so you can cancel if a better deal becomes available Last summer, savvy travellers could have saved over £100 on car hire by booking closer to their departure. Prices for a week's hire fell by an average of £116 between January and July 2024 – with potential savings of up to £266 in Milan. 3. Shop around for excess protection – you could save around £190 If a hire car is damaged or stolen, the hirer is responsible for the excess amount, which can be as high as £2,000. A week's standalone excess reimbursement policy from costs from £33.15 and includes damage, theft, and tyre and windscreen cover. This is a sixth of the cost compared to buying excess protection from rental companies which costs, on average, £167 for a week's theft and collision damage excess waiver and £57 for tyre and windscreen waiver - a total of £224 according to a European survey of car rental prices. 4. Avoid buying extras from the rental desk – and save around £230 Only two in five (41%) check the price of extras when booking their hire car. Expect to pay, on average, £73 for an extra driver, £85 for a sat nav and £71 for a child's car seat – a total of £229. Bring car seats from home, use a smartphone for maps and think carefully about the need of adding a second driver. 5. Take photographic evidence of existing damage Almost two in five (39%) hire car drivers found damage on a hire car that was not highlighted on the checkout sheet. To avoid unfair damage charges, check the vehicle thoroughly at pick-up and return, and take dated photos or video proof. 6. Don't hire from the main airport or railway station Compare the cost of hiring from the main transport hubs, i.e., the airport or railway station with the same company a short distance away, as the savings might be worth the taxi fare. 7. Use a credit card for booking and to cover the excess Use a credit card to gain Section 75 protection under the Consumer Credit Act. This means the credit card provider will protect purchases over £100 (and less than £30,000) and you could get your money back if there is a problem. 8. Read the small print to avoid unpleasant surprises Always read the agreement document thoroughly to make sure you are not agreeing to an upgrade or paying for the rental company's excess protection cover if you don't want it. Recommended reading: 9. Check the fuel policy Know the fuel policy before you drive away. If you need to return the car with a full tank, make sure you do, as the penalties can be expensive. Keep the receipt from the petrol company as evidence. 10. Mileage restrictions Similarly, if you are planning a driving holiday check for mileage restrictions to avoid getting caught out. 11. Know how to complain Go to the rental company within 14 days with the complaint. If a satisfactory outcome is not reached, complaints can be directed to the BVRLA in the UK whose members, including AVIS, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt, are expected to adhere to its mandatory Codes of Conduct. An alternative is to contact the European Car Rental Conciliation Service (ECRCS), which offers a free service to help with unresolved complaints, but the rental must be with a company that has signed up, i.e., Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Europcar, Firefly, Hertz, Maggiore, National, Sixt and Thrifty.
Glasgow Times
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Glasgow Times
How to get the lowest prices for a holiday hire car
The good news is that it seems car hire prices are getting closer to pre-pandemic levels, according to a new 12-country study by The research reveals that the average cost of a week's car hire in summer 2025 is £369, 43% lower than the 2022 high of £652, but still 19% more than in 2019 (£310). Prices have fallen steadily since the 2022 peak, by 43% compared to 2022 (£652), 29% compared to 2023 (£520) and 3% since last summer (£380). 'There are some good deals to be had this summer when hiring a car if drivers take the time to shop around for the best prices, and don't waste money on extras from the rental desk which could have been brought from home such as sat navs and child car seats," says Ben Wooltorton, from "It's also worth considering buying excess reimbursement insurance before you travel from a specialist insurance provider.' And, there's still chance to shave more off your costs, say the experts. 1. Book early but look for last minute deals Book early and shop around to get the hire car you want at a good price. For example, for a week's summer hire in Barcelona, Sixt quoted £288, while Budget quoted £129. 2. Look for free cancellation, so you can cancel if a better deal becomes available Last summer, savvy travellers could have saved over £100 on car hire by booking closer to their departure. Prices for a week's hire fell by an average of £116 between January and July 2024 – with potential savings of up to £266 in Milan. 3. Shop around for excess protection – you could save around £190 If a hire car is damaged or stolen, the hirer is responsible for the excess amount, which can be as high as £2,000. A week's standalone excess reimbursement policy from costs from £33.15 and includes damage, theft, and tyre and windscreen cover. This is a sixth of the cost compared to buying excess protection from rental companies which costs, on average, £167 for a week's theft and collision damage excess waiver and £57 for tyre and windscreen waiver - a total of £224 according to a European survey of car rental prices. 4. Avoid buying extras from the rental desk – and save around £230 Only two in five (41%) check the price of extras when booking their hire car. Expect to pay, on average, £73 for an extra driver, £85 for a sat nav and £71 for a child's car seat – a total of £229. Bring car seats from home, use a smartphone for maps and think carefully about the need of adding a second driver. 5. Take photographic evidence of existing damage Almost two in five (39%) hire car drivers found damage on a hire car that was not highlighted on the checkout sheet. To avoid unfair damage charges, check the vehicle thoroughly at pick-up and return, and take dated photos or video proof. 6. Don't hire from the main airport or railway station Compare the cost of hiring from the main transport hubs, i.e., the airport or railway station with the same company a short distance away, as the savings might be worth the taxi fare. 7. Use a credit card for booking and to cover the excess Use a credit card to gain Section 75 protection under the Consumer Credit Act. This means the credit card provider will protect purchases over £100 (and less than £30,000) and you could get your money back if there is a problem. 8. Read the small print to avoid unpleasant surprises Always read the agreement document thoroughly to make sure you are not agreeing to an upgrade or paying for the rental company's excess protection cover if you don't want it. Recommended reading: 9. Check the fuel policy Know the fuel policy before you drive away. If you need to return the car with a full tank, make sure you do, as the penalties can be expensive. Keep the receipt from the petrol company as evidence. 10. Mileage restrictions Similarly, if you are planning a driving holiday check for mileage restrictions to avoid getting caught out. 11. Know how to complain Go to the rental company within 14 days with the complaint. If a satisfactory outcome is not reached, complaints can be directed to the BVRLA in the UK whose members, including AVIS, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt, are expected to adhere to its mandatory Codes of Conduct. An alternative is to contact the European Car Rental Conciliation Service (ECRCS), which offers a free service to help with unresolved complaints, but the rental must be with a company that has signed up, i.e., Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Europcar, Firefly, Hertz, Maggiore, National, Sixt and Thrifty.
The Herald Scotland
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Herald Scotland
How to get the lowest prices for a holiday hire car
The research reveals that the average cost of a week's car hire in summer 2025 is £369, 43% lower than the 2022 high of £652, but still 19% more than in 2019 (£310). Prices have fallen steadily since the 2022 peak, by 43% compared to 2022 (£652), 29% compared to 2023 (£520) and 3% since last summer (£380). 'There are some good deals to be had this summer when hiring a car if drivers take the time to shop around for the best prices, and don't waste money on extras from the rental desk which could have been brought from home such as sat navs and child car seats," says Ben Wooltorton, from "It's also worth considering buying excess reimbursement insurance before you travel from a specialist insurance provider.' And, there's still chance to shave more off your costs, say the experts. 1. Book early but look for last minute deals Book early and shop around to get the hire car you want at a good price. For example, for a week's summer hire in Barcelona, Sixt quoted £288, while Budget quoted £129. 2. Look for free cancellation, so you can cancel if a better deal becomes available Last summer, savvy travellers could have saved over £100 on car hire by booking closer to their departure. Prices for a week's hire fell by an average of £116 between January and July 2024 – with potential savings of up to £266 in Milan. 3. Shop around for excess protection – you could save around £190 If a hire car is damaged or stolen, the hirer is responsible for the excess amount, which can be as high as £2,000. A week's standalone excess reimbursement policy from costs from £33.15 and includes damage, theft, and tyre and windscreen cover. This is a sixth of the cost compared to buying excess protection from rental companies which costs, on average, £167 for a week's theft and collision damage excess waiver and £57 for tyre and windscreen waiver - a total of £224 according to a European survey of car rental prices. 4. Avoid buying extras from the rental desk – and save around £230 Only two in five (41%) check the price of extras when booking their hire car. Expect to pay, on average, £73 for an extra driver, £85 for a sat nav and £71 for a child's car seat – a total of £229. Bring car seats from home, use a smartphone for maps and think carefully about the need of adding a second driver. 5. Take photographic evidence of existing damage Almost two in five (39%) hire car drivers found damage on a hire car that was not highlighted on the checkout sheet. To avoid unfair damage charges, check the vehicle thoroughly at pick-up and return, and take dated photos or video proof. 6. Don't hire from the main airport or railway station Compare the cost of hiring from the main transport hubs, i.e., the airport or railway station with the same company a short distance away, as the savings might be worth the taxi fare. 7. Use a credit card for booking and to cover the excess Use a credit card to gain Section 75 protection under the Consumer Credit Act. This means the credit card provider will protect purchases over £100 (and less than £30,000) and you could get your money back if there is a problem. 8. Read the small print to avoid unpleasant surprises Always read the agreement document thoroughly to make sure you are not agreeing to an upgrade or paying for the rental company's excess protection cover if you don't want it. Recommended reading: 9. Check the fuel policy Know the fuel policy before you drive away. If you need to return the car with a full tank, make sure you do, as the penalties can be expensive. Keep the receipt from the petrol company as evidence. 10. Mileage restrictions Similarly, if you are planning a driving holiday check for mileage restrictions to avoid getting caught out. 11. Know how to complain Go to the rental company within 14 days with the complaint. If a satisfactory outcome is not reached, complaints can be directed to the BVRLA in the UK whose members, including AVIS, Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt, are expected to adhere to its mandatory Codes of Conduct. An alternative is to contact the European Car Rental Conciliation Service (ECRCS), which offers a free service to help with unresolved complaints, but the rental must be with a company that has signed up, i.e., Alamo, AVIS, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Europcar, Firefly, Hertz, Maggiore, National, Sixt and Thrifty.
