UNSUSPECTING rental car drivers risk being hit with additional fees – even if they have been given the all-clear by staffers when they return their vehicles.
Road users have been left bewildered when they’ve been slapped with the extra charge.
Hertz is using scanners that flag damage when rental cars are returned[/caption]
Hertz has rolled out the scanners at several airports[/caption]
Bosses at the rental car company Hertz are rolling out new software that checks for damages on their vehicles.
Scanners will pick up any marks or scuffs on the outside of vehicles.
But, the laser-focused machines picked up supposed damage that staffers couldn’t see.
Kelly Rogers and her husband were hit with a $195 charge after returning their car at Atlanta airport, as reported by The New York Times.
They were charged even after a Hertz staffer checked over the car for any signs of damage.
And, the couple themselves inspected the outside as precaution as well.
Rogers and her husband were left stunned when they realized they had been charged.
“It could’ve been a shadow,” she said.
But, the technology, which incorporates artificial intelligence, captured a supposed dent in the passenger-side front door.
The couple was billed $80 for the supposed damage.
But, compounding their woe, they were hit with a $115 charge to cover fees.
Hertz offered to reduce the charge to $130 if the couple agreed to pay up within a day.
The U.S. Sun has approached Hertz for an update on this case.
Rogers is not the only renter who has seemingly been impacted.
Things to keep in mind when renting a car
According to The Boston Globe, every person renting a car should take a few minutes to check some boxes before committing to a rental car.
- Keep in mind that rental companies are responsible for keeping cars mechanically sound. If you’re ever in a situation where you have to wait longer than 90 minutes for a tow truck, they advise to leave the keys in the rental and demand a refund as long as other transportation options are available (such as a ride from a friend, Uber, or Lyft)
- Be cautious about roadside assistance packages. Most packages cover instances like leaving keys in the car or running out of gas, but any mechanical issues are on the company.
- An accident, though, is the renter’s responsibility and will be charged to your insurance, not the company’s.
- Certain memberships, like AAA or AARP, may get you a discount on rentals.
- Some companies offer insurance for a small fee, though you’re already covered by your personal insurance. Before declining rental insurance, it may be wise to double-check that your insurance is covering the rental.
- Perform a visual inspection of the car before leaving the lot to protect yourself from damage claims from the company.
- When returning the car, make sure the gas level is as close to the same level as when you first drove off to avoid a refueling charge.
- Research different rental companies before committing to one. Some may have better reviews or warranties than others.
- Keep all contact via email or text in case a claim needs to be made later.
- If you see any scratches or dents on the vehicle, be sure to take pictures with a time and date stamp to avoid damage claims.
Source: The Boston Globe
Another driver, known only as Patrick, claimed he had been hit with a $440 charge over supposed damage to a wheel, as reported by The Drive.
The scanning machines are made by UVeye and cars can be checked over for damage within seconds.
And, it means there’s less need for an inspector to manually scrutinize any rented vehicle.
Hertz has teamed up with UVeye and the scanning systems are in place at several airports.
These include Newark, Phoenix Sky Harbor, Tampa, and Houston.
The scanning machines were rolled out at Atlanta airport last year.
Other rental companies, such as Avis and Sixt, are using technology to spot damages.
Sixt has stressed that photos are taken at the start and end of the rental process.
Drivers have been hit with unexpected charges after not spotting any damage with the naked eye (stock)[/caption]
