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Today's discussion
Hertz's new scanning machine brings much aggravation to car renters

🚗 What is the “new Hertz scanning machine”

Hertz is using an AI-powered inspection system from UVeye. It scans the car before rental and after return; if it detects “new” damage above a tiny threshold, it automatically opens a claim and bills the renter.

🔥 Why people hate it

  • Flags tiny, insignificant “damage”: Renters report charges for barely visible scratches or scuffs (e.g., $440 for a one-inch wheel scuff; $350 for two small dents).
  • Auto-bills before you can dispute: Charges hit right after drop-off. Disputes go to chatbots/portals with slow human response, sometimes after “pay now” discounts expire.
  • False positives: Reflections, dust, or preexisting marks can get flagged despite showing in pickup photos.
  • Feels like revenue, not fairness: Aggressive flagging plus “processing fees” makes it feel like a squeeze, not protection.
  • No human accountability: Automated decisions, limited evidence, slow or opaque follow-up.

💔 Consequences

  • Surprise charges in the hundreds for what renters see as normal wear.
  • Disputes are frustrating and often fail; some customers swear off Hertz.

🎯 What could be better

  • Use AI as a first filter, then require human review before billing.
  • Provide a longer, fair dispute window with reachable human support.
  • Share clear, timestamped before/after photos or video; define billable damage vs. normal wear.
  • Don’t bill for tiny cosmetic scuffs that don’t affect safety or usability.

📌 Bottom line: The tech sounds slick, but today it often feels like a trap: more fees, minimal recourse.

🤔 Tedo’s take: Until Hertz pairs AI with real human review and a fair dispute window, expect more surprise bills than real “protection.” If it was me, I’d complain to Hertz, the US transportation department, file a small claims case against Hertz, dispute the charge with your credit card, and share the story on social media and with the press.

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