Hertz faces backlash over AI inspection fees for rental vehicles

In recent months, the introduction of AI-powered inspection technology by Hertz at rental locations has raised concerns among consumers and lawmakers alike. Specifically, the technology identifies damages in vehicles through high-resolution images taken before and after rentals. Adam Foley, a customer who rented a vehicle, received an unexpected charge of $350 for minor damages he did not notice. Despite Hertz's intentions to provide more objective assessments, Foley and others expressed feelings of being overcharged and misled, calling the experience extortive. The AI technology aims to offer greater transparency and reduce confusion that arose with traditional manual inspections, which were deemed to be subjective. Hertz has indicated it plans to expand its use of this technology nationwide, emphasizing that customers would benefit from more precise resolution processes when damage occurs. However, this hasn't alleviated fears about potential misuse of the technology and the possibility of unfair charges. Furthermore, politicians like Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut have demanded detailed explanations regarding the fairness of these fees and how the technology is being utilized. Blumenthal's inquiries underscore the growing scrutiny that Hertz faces as public sentiment shifts toward skepticism about the implications of such advancements in rental vehicle assessments. As AI continues to play a larger role in different sectors, legal and ethical discussions surrounding its use in customer interactions are becoming increasingly relevant. While Hertz and other rental companies explore the capabilities of this technology, many consumers remain wary and urge for accountability and transparency in these automated systems.