AI Scanners at Rental Lots Can Mistake Dirt for Dents, Watchdog Warns

Renter Teresa Murray has a warning for anyone picking up a car in Clark County this week. She says the new AI scanning systems at rental car lots are not perfect and can misread simple dirt or shadows as major damage.

The scanners operate like automated car washes at pick-up and drop-off points. They use cameras to capture photos and videos from multiple angles to identify vehicle damage. Murray, the consumer watchdog director for the U.S. Public Interest Research Group, notes that artificial intelligence can hallucinate, fabricate data, or misinterpret visual information. In a rental context, this means a splotch of dirt or a shadow could trigger a bill for a dent or scratch.

Murray says renters should not rely solely on the automated system. Whether a human employee inspects the vehicle or an AI scanner does, she recommends that drivers take a few minutes to inspect the car closely before leaving the lot. She advises taking pictures of every single part of the vehicle. This includes walking around the car to record video, crouching down to check the wheels and hubcaps, and photographing the interior, trunk, and glass.

According to Murray, drivers need to allow five to 10 minutes for this process. The exact time depends on whether a live worker is present during the inspection. If a company uses an AI scanner, she suggests performing the same detailed inspection both before and after the trip. These personal records provide a way to challenge a damage charge if a bill arrives later.

The advice applies to all rental transactions in the area. The technology aims to streamline the return process, but the potential for error remains. Renters who document the vehicle themselves create a clear record of its condition at the start and end of their lease. This documentation serves as evidence if a dispute arises over minor or nonexistent damage.