When picking up, or returning, a rental car at airports like Atlanta, Newark, or Phoenix, you may soon be driving through an artificial intelligence (AI) (by companies like UVeye) vehicle damage inspection system—that will catch every single little nick, dent or scrape. Hertz is an early adapter in this space; according to The Drive by the end of 2025, Hertz will be scanning in about 100 U.S. airport locations Futurism+9The Drive+9The Drive+9.
⏱️ Speed Is Everything—But What About Fairness?
AI damage inspection systems will catch all damage in seconds, but the systems will also catch all damage—even scratches, dents, nicks, or marks that people may not have seen when picking up the rental. Here are some publicized stories concerning the damage assessment process:
- One customer received a $440 charge for a one-inch curb scuff to the wheel and received a bill consisting of $250 repair, plus $125 for processing and $65 for administrative fees.
- Another customer paid $350 charge for dime-sized bumps the AI system flagged, which may or may not have actually been dirt.
- Hertz pushes customers to pay via their app with discounts—but only if payment is made within a few days. If you try to reach a real live person you start with a chat bot and then wait up to 10 days for an answer — after the discount has expired.
⚠️ Why This Is Important
- Pricing is transparent? Well, not really. Opaque cost “processing” and “administrative” fees, which are buried in a bunch of jargon.
- Too aggressive? Anecdotal evidence suggests Hertz is billing 5× more customers with minor dings than with past methods.
- Backlash from customers is increasing, as travelers describe this as a revenue squeeze rather than helpful automation.
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Why Black Diamond Livery Transportation Is the Smarter Choice Over Rental Car Services
1) Pricing; No Surprises
With Black Diamond, you receive a terminal rate—which has been pre-set and is inclusive of charges. No administrative fees tacked on, no hidden repair costs to deal with; none of the stress involved with trying to figure out how much something will cost you.
2) No Damage Liability
Black Diamond has full responsibility for their vehicles in repair. This means that you will not risk being billed personally for any vehicle repair costs. You are riding in the vehicle–safe and worry free with competence insured drivers that know the area and traffic.
3) Human Service with 24/7 Support
Instead of a chatbot, you receive real-time personalized assistance – whether that’s confirming your ride, rerouting because of weather, or any other question you may have as a passenger using the hire vehicle.
4) Cost Effective for Long-Term Hire
Rental cars with all additional charges add up quickly—specifically where one scratch could cost you hundreds of dollars. With Black Diamond, you pay your flat fare, you drive worry free, and you don’t spend much money at all.
AI damage inspection systems may sound innovative, but, in practice, it will nickel-and-dime or big dollar travelers; travelers may have little recourse with the repair costs and will be left with sky high administrative fees.
Black Diamond Livery Transportation offers an obvious, simple choice. Transparent, clear, all included. No surprises. By using a company that offers you and other passengers reliability and human support—you can keep skip using travel options with algorithms, AI, and non-responsive chatbots.