AI is turning every tiny ding into a potential wallet-draining surprise at rental car return.
Picture this: You’ve pulled into the rental car return, ready to catch your flight home. But waiting for you isn’t just a human inspector—it’s an AI-powered scanner that can spot damage smaller than a dime. Welcome to the future of rental car returns, where nothing gets past the digital eye.
Hertz has partnered with tech startup UVeye to roll out AI-assisted vehicle scanners at major airports across the US. While they claim this tech will “enhance the frequency, accuracy, and efficiency” of vehicle maintenance, let’s be real—this is about making sure every microscopic scratch on that car gets documented and potentially charged back to renters.
These AI inspectors are launching at busy airport locations first, which isn’t exactly a coincidence. Airport returns have always been the wild west of rental inspections—harried agents, long lines, and rushed customers create the perfect situation for damage to slip through the cracks.
With AI scanning returned rental cars with microscopic precision, the days of casual vehicle inspections are over. Follow these steps to protect yourself from getting blindsided by charges that could show up weeks later on your credit card statement.
Before you drive away in your rental car:
Review the rental agreement.
You’d be surprised how often something is added to the rental agreement that you did not realize you were agreeing to. For example, when discussing insurance options, the rental car agent may ask if you want “basic coverage” or “enhanced coverage.” If you choose basic, you are buying the CDW. (If you own a car and need no additional coverage, decline both the basic and the enhanced coverage.) It’s especially important to look at the total charges for the rental. If it’s higher than anticipated, ask for clarification.
Take photos.
Channel your inner CSI investigator. Turn on your phone’s timestamp function and start taking photos like you’re documenting evidence—because you are. Hit every angle: front, back, sides, roof if you can reach it. Get close-ups of existing scratches, dents, and paint chips. Don’t forget the wheels, bumpers, and windshield. That tiny stone chip? Snap it. That barely-visible door ding? Photo it. If the rental agent tells you “small stuff under an inch doesn’t matter,” smile politely and keep shooting anyway. AI doesn’t care about the agent’s casual reassurances. If the car looks like it’s been through a demolition derby, ask for a different vehicle. Trust me, it’s worth the extra ten minutes of paperwork.
Check the tires.
This quick tire check takes less than a minute but could prevent a dangerous blowout—or a hefty replacement charge. Grab a penny and flip Lincoln upside down. Insert it into the tire tread. If you can see the top of Honest Abe’s head, those tires are dangerously worn and need immediate replacement. Don’t just check one tire—hit all four, plus the spare if it’s accessible. Bald tires aren’t just a safety hazard; they’re also expensive to replace, and you don’t want that surprise bill landing in your inbox later.
Document in writing.
The rental company should provide a damage inspection form with a car diagram. Mark every single imperfection you found during your photo session. No matter how minor it seems, document it. Get an employee to sign off on your completed form and snag a copy for yourself—don’t just take their word that it’s “in the system.” Think of this form as your insurance policy. Without it, you’re essentially taking their word against yours when disputes arise.
And when you return the car, don’t forget the “after” photos.
When you return the car, don’t just toss the keys and run for your gate. Take another complete set of photos covering the same ground as your initial inspection. Pay special attention to the windshield—road trips have a way of collecting rock chips, and windshield replacement costs can be astronomical. Your before-and-after photo sets should tell the same story. If they do, you’ve got solid proof against any bogus damage claims that might surface later.
Twist’s Take: The rental car industry is weaponizing AI against rushed travelers— follow these steps before your next rental pick-up to protect yourself.