Ben Winters

Rental car companies are using AI-powered scanners to detect vehicle damage, but customers report being charged for uncaused damage. Experts question the technology's accuracy, as minor issues like dirt or water droplets may trigger false alerts. A Hertz customer, Jessica Fields, was billed $350 for dents flagged by AI despite returning the car undamaged.

Rental car companies use AI scanners to detect vehicle damage, but customers report being charged for uncaused damage. Experts and consumers raise concerns about the technology's accuracy, as minor issues like dirt or water droplets are flagged. An example is Jessica Fields, who was charged $350 for dents without seeing the before photos.

Rental car companies are using AI-powered camera systems to detect vehicle damage, but customers report being charged for uncaused damage like dirt or water droplets. Jessica Fields, a Georgia psychotherapist, was billed $350 for dents flagged by Hertz's AI after returning a car, despite no visible damage at drop-off.