A new system with artificial intelligence was created that detects any damage in rental cars

The car rental companies In the United States they will begin to incorporate artificial intelligence systems to verify if vehicles are returned in good condition, without visible damage or damage. However, The measure generated criticism from some users, that consider it excessively rigorous.

The system, developed by the company Uveyeuse an automated scanner that takes thousands of high -resolution images from different vehicle angles, both at the time of delivering it and when returning it. According to company data, this technology allows you to detect up to five times more damage that a manual inspection and can calculate A SIX TIMES VALUE in repairs for identified damage

How the IA developed by Uveye works

The car rental company Hertz has begun to implement a damage detection system by means of artificial intelligence in five airports in the United States. As explained Emily Spencerspokeswoman for the company, in an interview with The New York Timesthe system generates an automated report after scanning the vehicle, which is reviewed by an employee only if the customer presents a claim after receiving the invoice.

According to Spencer, Just 3% of scanned vehicles show damage that effectively add up to the final price. However, the fear of many users is that excessive rates are charged for minimal or barely visible imperfections, as happened to the Rogers family.

Kelly Rogers and her husband rent a van at Atlanta airport during the weekend of July 4. After a trip without incident, they returned the vehicle without noticing any damage, and Hertz’s employee did not. However, the scanner detected a Small abonsorship at the companion’s door. The system automatically added $ 80 for the damage, plus $ 115 in administrative positions, including costs to detect, estimate and process damage. The company offered to reduce the total amount of 195 to $ 130 if they paid within the next 24 hours.

Spencer said that this type of technology seeks prevent customers from paying for damages that did not occur during their rental periodand said that Hertz plans to install these scanners in more than 100 airports in the country.

However, the claims continue. Patrick, another customer who rented a Volkswagen in Thrifty, a company belonging to Hertz, at the same airport, received an invoice just minutes after leaving the car. The system detected a scratch of just a centimeter on the rear wheel and They charged $ 440, including processing expenses. He was also offered a discount if he paid quickly. “Saving $ 30 to accept responsibility is not worth it,” he told the environment The Drive.

On LinkedIn, Adam Foley publicly questioned the “Aggressive use of AI“On the part of Hertz and said that she was charged $ 350 for minor damage to the roof and the defense of the car.” Enjoy their unique opportunity to squeeze customers. I will never rent again in Hertz While maintaining this policy, ”he wrote.

Hertz is not the only company that explores the use of this technology. Sixt, another vehicle rental giant, uses a system called Car Gate, also based on AI. According to The New York Times, Avis Budget Group and Zipcar would have tried similar tools since 2019.