Key Points Summary โ Hertz AI Damage Fees
- Hertz charged $440 for tiny wheel scratch
- AI scanner detects minor cosmetic issues
- $195 bill issued for small Corolla dent
- Customers say human review is missing
- Outrage grows across Reddit and Facebook
- Hertz insists most renters are not charged
- Boycott calls rise amid tech trust issues
When Tanner H. returned his rental Corolla, he expected a simple drop-off. Instead, he was slapped with a $195 bill for a dent the size of a coin. And he wasnโt alone. Drivers across the U.S. are speaking out after getting hit with Hertz AI damage feesโsome totaling hundreds of dollars.
What sparked the uproar? An artificial intelligence scanning system now evaluates cars instead of people. And itโs flagging everything.
Tiny Scratches, Big Bills
One Florida driver was charged $440 for a one-inch wheel scratchโcommonly caused by brushing a curb. That bill included $250 for damage, $125 for processing, and $65 in admin fees.
Another driver got a $195 charge for what looks like a barely visible dent. โI couldnโt even speak to a real person,โ they wrote. โThe AI made the call, and that was it.โ
Across social media, posts are flooding in. Many call the system unfair. Others say itโs ruining Hertzโs reputation.
AI Inspections Now Standard at Hertz
- Hertz partnered with tech firm UVeye
- Scans car on pickup and return
- System tracks changes, flags issues
- Company says 97% of users are not charged
- Critics argue the 3% still face unfair costs
Customers Say Theyโre Trapped
Frustrated renters claim thereโs no chance to explain or appeal. โI wiped off the so-called damage with a towel,โ one said on Reddit. โIt was just dirt.โ But once the AI tagged it, the charge stuck.
And whatโs worseโthereโs no option to challenge the tech. Reaching a human representative, users claim, is almost impossible.
โThis crosses the line,โ said David Linthicum, an AI ethics analyst. โAI should not replace fairness or human judgment.โ
AI Flags Dirt as โDamageโ
The backlash started after photos of minor scratches and scuffs were shared online. One shows a dime-sized dent. Another shows a tiny blemish on a bumper.
Customers are comparing notes and uniting in frustration. Many are using the hashtag #BoycottHertz. Reddit threads and Facebook posts now warn travelers to avoid the company altogether.
โIf this is the future, I want out,โ one user wrote. โI want a personโnot a robotโdeciding my fate.โ
Hertz Doubles Down
Despite the heat, Hertz isnโt backing off. The company told DailyMail.com that over 97% of drivers are not billed. And that those who are, receive copies of all before-and-after scans.
The system is being expanded. Hertz plans to install UVeyeโs tech at 100 locations nationwide, including major airports. Itโs already active in Atlanta.
Why Drivers Feel Burned
- No way to dispute findings easily
- AI flags wear and tear as new damage
- Live human contact nearly impossible
- Admin and processing fees pile on
- Other rental companies donโt use this tech yet
Transparency or Trouble?
Hertz claims it rolled out the system to improve transparency and safety. According to the company, the scanners detect underbody issues, tire wear, and structural risks better than human staff.
But for customers, the issue isnโt safety. Itโs surprise billingโand the lack of human oversight.
โI want a clean car,โ one driver said. โBut not at the cost of getting ripped off over a scuff no bigger than my fingernail.โ
Tom Brady Canโt Save This
Even celebrity endorsements arenโt helping. Hertz has partnered with football star Tom Brady and invested millions in brand-building. But for now, the AI outrage is drowning out the marketing.
โYou think Tom Brady would accept a $440 bill for a curb scratch?โ one tweet asked. โDoubt it.โ
As the drama unfolds, more people are canceling reservations and turning to Hertzโs competitors. Industry watchers say the company is facing a brand trust crisis.
Outlook: Tech vs. Trust
AI is everywhereโfrom your phone to your car. But the backlash against Hertz AI damage fees shows the limits of consumer patience.
โIf they donโt fix this,โ said Linthicum, โHertz will become a case study in how not to deploy AI.โ
Travelers are demanding transparency, real human support, and fairness. Without it, the scanners may continue to workโbut the customers wonโt be coming back.
โI used to rent from Hertz monthly,โ one longtime client posted. โNot anymore. Iโll walk before I risk another bogus AI fee.โ