Hertz has invested in AI scanners to inspect rental vehicles for damage.

Your vehicle is scanned (top, bottom and sides) before you leave with it, and scanned again when you turn it in.  If damage is noticed that wasn't there when you received it, the computer system will send you a bill demanding payment.

The example in the video was for curb rash on one wheel -- a 1 inch scuff mark.

Repair: $250
Processing:  $125
Administrative cost:  $65
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Total claim:  $440

I'd be curious to see if the overhead costs change with the dollar amount of the repair estimate.

This is the first i'd heard of this new "feature" when renting a car from Hertz.  One more reason to use another company.

I can see this as a new incentive toward paying for the optional insurance.  The insurance might pay for itself if someone else dings your door in a parking lot.