Hertz AI damage detection scam

[CalGalTraveler]

Hertz's AI Vehicle Damage Detection Is As Shady & Unethical As You'd Expect

Hertz has introduced new AI technology to detect vehicle damage. As you'd expect, it's being used to screw over customers. Here's how.

onemileatatime.com

DP: I avoid Hertz. It wasn't AI, but we were subject to a shakedown by Hertz UK that claimed we backed into a bush creating 1.5 inches of superficial scrapes near the hatch latch.

The car was dirty and they "happened" to wipe off just that specific area to find these scuff marks. I could barely see the scratches and it was difficult to photograph. I wondered if they had sandpaper or rocks on the towel they used to wipe.

They wanted 350 pounds on the spot. We politely told them that they would have to work through our Chase Sapphire card insurance for any damages.

So we left, filed a claim disputing charge with Chase and the never pursued the claim.

 

[RX8]

Looks like a shakedown. From the Hertz website, that would be considered normal wear and tear. Not sure if Hertz in the UK have their own rules but below was taken from Hertz.com.

 

[davidvel]

Video your entire car before you leave, despite being in a hurry and ready to go.

 

[fleecer]

Related or not, Hertz in Cabo was the worst, most dishonest car rental experiences I've ever experienced, a couple of years ago during Christmas week. Upon arrival, found that they had cancelled my reservation (claiming we had done it), first claiming that they had no vehicles left to rent. Then after realizing we were in trouble, charging us $800+ more than the original rental agreement. Upon our return home, we learned they'd attempted to charge us another $400 for unspecified damages, which we disputed and were able to avoid. But never again Hertz for us.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

Agree. It is annoying, but we always video when we pick up the car and when we return.

When they accused, we took photos for the claim.

If they can use AI, perhaps they could apply it when you first checkout the car to ID any pre-existing issues and then you can be aware with a record so when you return you know for sure. Sometimes the garages are dark so you do not see issues even when videoing upfront. Applying only upon return is not aboveboard for the renter. Caveat Emptor.

 

[WorldT]

$125 Administrative fee
$65. Processing fee

Plus $250 for a scratch on a wheel that will not be fixed.

This is me saying goodbye to Hertz

 

[dioxide45]

Video your entire car before you leave, despite being in a hurry and ready to go.

I did this with a recent Avis rental. Our assigned car had a big dent in the rear fender. I should have just gone and said I wanted a different car. But I took photos and video. On the way out even if you mention damage they are very dismissive to just get you out of the garage. You don't really know if it is noted even if they say it is. With Avis you can also just exit the garage by scanning a QR code and not even talk to a human.

It was a good thing I had photos and video of the damage because they saw it when I returned the vehicle. I showed them the video and the took photos of my video. I still got a damage report after the rental and their claim administrator said they sent me a bill for the damage. I talked to them and explained that I provided the return agent with the video. I don't know what they saw on their side but they said they would close the claim. It all seemed kind of odd. I have credit card coverage but it is kind of a gray area. If Avis doesn't accept the photos and video but the credit card underwriter says we didn't cause the damage, will they really cover it?

 

[CalGalTraveler]

On the way out even if you mention damage they are very dismissive to just get you out of the garage. You don't really know if it is noted even if they say it is. With Avis you can also just exit the garage by scanning a QR code and not even talk to a human

This.

I also wonder if they attempt to file claims for the same dent against each renter to see who will pay because they missed it when it first happened.

 

[dioxide45]

This.

I also wonder if they attempt to file claims for the same dent against each renter to see who will pay because they missed it when it first happened.

The new AI technology should prevent that. It should be remembering prior damage that was identified. That said, I've long suspected the make money by claiming new damage for stuff they've been paid for in the past.

 

[CanuckTravlr]

Hertz's AI Vehicle Damage Detection Is As Shady & Unethical As You'd Expect

Hertz has introduced new AI technology to detect vehicle damage. As you'd expect, it's being used to screw over customers. Here's how.

onemileatatime.com

DP: I avoid Hertz. It wasn't AI, but we were subject to a shakedown by Hertz UK that claimed we backed into a bush creating 1.5 inches of superficial scrapes near the hatch latch.

The car was dirty and they "happened" to wipe off just that specific area to find these scuff marks. I could barely see the scratches and it was difficult to photograph. I wondered if they had sandpaper or rocks on the towel they used to wipe.

They wanted 350 pounds on the spot. We politely told them that they would have to work through our Chase Sapphire card insurance for any damages.

So we left, filed a claim disputing charge with Chase and the never pursued the claim.

That's a very unfortunate and disheartening experience.

I'm a Hertz President's Club member and regularly rent from Hertz, all over North America and Europe, including the UK. My experience has almost always been excellent, including last year when my rental was broken into in Palo Alto. But it can sometimes be a crap shoot with different locations at any of the rental companies.

Which Hertz location was this? If it was at LHR, I have heard similar stories in the past and won't normally rent from them. I normally use the Marble Arch location, just outside the congestion zone in central London, and have had excellent experiences. I, too, generally take photos or videos of the car at the beginning and the end, just to be safe.

 

[CalGalTraveler]

@CanuckTravlr Inverness Airport

 

[jp10558]

I've basically only heard bad things about Hertz in the news for like over a decade. They often are also the most expensive. I see no reason to rent from them now that the Aspire gives me Emerald status with National... So far I've been happy with National, but only rented 2x so far. They seem to be middle of the road in price with the status plus Aspire primary insurance and free additional drivers from that, and higher end on service. Also didn't ding me for what had to be a dent from a golf ball back in March (or haven't tried yet anyway).

 

[Fido Chuckwagon]

The new AI technology should prevent that. It should be remembering prior damage that was identified. That said, I've long suspected the make money by claiming new damage for stuff they've been paid for in the past.

A lot of these are franchise type agreements with independent owners, right? I’m sure in those type of situations they absolutely do this.