Key Points Summary – 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 wasn’t alone. Drivers across the U.S. are speaking out after getting hit with Hertz AI damage fees—some totaling hundreds of dollars.

What sparked the uproar? An artificial intelligence scanning system now evaluates cars instead of people. And it’s flagging everything.

Tiny Scratches, Big Bills

One Florida driver was charged $440 for a one-inch wheel scratch—commonly 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. “I couldn’t even speak to a real person,” they wrote. “The AI made the call, and that was it.”

Across social media, posts are flooding in. Many call the system unfair. Others say it’s ruining Hertz’s 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 They’re Trapped

Frustrated renters claim there’s no chance to explain or appeal. “I wiped off the so-called damage with a towel,” one said on Reddit. “It was just dirt.” But once the AI tagged it, the charge stuck.

And what’s worse—there’s no option to challenge the tech. Reaching a human representative, users claim, is almost impossible.

“This crosses the line,” said David Linthicum, an AI ethics analyst. “AI should not replace fairness or human judgment.”

AI Flags Dirt as ‘Damage’

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.

“If this is the future, I want out,” one user wrote. “I want a person—not a robot—deciding my fate.”

Hertz Doubles Down

Despite the heat, Hertz isn’t 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 UVeye’s tech at 100 locations nationwide, including major airports. It’s 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 don’t 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 isn’t safety. It’s surprise billing—and the lack of human oversight.

“I want a clean car,” one driver said. “But not at the cost of getting ripped off over a scuff no bigger than my fingernail.”

Tom Brady Can’t Save This

Even celebrity endorsements aren’t 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.

“You think Tom Brady would accept a $440 bill for a curb scratch?” one tweet asked. “Doubt it.”

As the drama unfolds, more people are canceling reservations and turning to Hertz’s competitors. Industry watchers say the company is facing a brand trust crisis.

Outlook: Tech vs. Trust

AI is everywhere—from your phone to your car. But the backlash against Hertz AI damage fees shows the limits of consumer patience.

“If they don’t fix this,” said Linthicum, “Hertz will become a case study in how not to deploy AI.”

Travelers are demanding transparency, real human support, and fairness. Without it, the scanners may continue to work—but the customers won’t be coming back.

“I used to rent from Hertz monthly,” one longtime client posted. “Not anymore. I’ll walk before I risk another bogus AI fee.”