newYou can listen to Fox's news articles!
Car rental drivers are now turning to artificial intelligence to protect themselves from surprising damage charges. Large companies like Hertz and Sixt are beginning to use automated inspection tools to detect scratches and dents. These scanners promise efficiency, but they have sparked a backlash from tenants who say they are being unfairly charged for minor injuries.
To level the playing field, the recently launched Proofr allows renters to acquire the ability to generate safe, time stamped photos of the vehicle. The app uses AI to detect subtle changes, modify images to prevent them from being changed, and encrypt and store images.
Sign up for my free CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, emergency security alerts, and exclusive transactions directly to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my ultimate scam survival guide – free when you join me cyberguy.com/newsletter
AI-powered autonomous driving software is disrupting the trucking industry
AI-powered damage detection apps like Proofr could change the way car rental companies report vehicle damage. (Proofr)
How AI-powered damage detection apps work
It was created by founder and CEO by 21-year-old university student Eric Kuttner. ProofThis app helps drivers create tamper-proof evidence when renting a car. Proofr secures all scans with geotags and timestamps, but AI automatically flags potential damage or changes. It then organizes everything into smart, exportable reports, giving tenants strong leverage against unfair claims.
Instead of juggling dozens of photos in your camera roll, Proofr streamlines the process. Get detailed pre- and post-reports within a minute with just eight quick scans. It also allows you to instantly generate sophisticated PDF reports. This can be useful for renting agencies, landlords, or insurance claims. Cars are the main focus, but people use Proofr to airbnbs, eBay listings, moving to apartments and even documenting valuables. Around 85% rely on a car rental, while 15% use it to protect themselves in their vacation homes.
By combining safe evidence with AI-powered detection, Proofr positions it as an essential travel hack. More than convenience, travelers can save real money by preventing hidden fees and leveling out the arena for large institutions.
The app is free to download, but you will need a Pro subscription for full functionality. It costs $2.89 a week, $9.90 a month, or $89.90 a year. Pricing is standardized in the US, and Apple automatically adjusts it against your local currency, taxes and exchange rates.
Competition in AI Damaged Space
Proofr is not the only player. Ravin Ai originally worked with Avis and Hertz, but shifted his focus to insurers and dealers. Still, the company offers free demos on its website, allowing drivers to scan the vehicle and compare damage before and after rental.
Ravin's system has been trained with 2 billion images over a decade. However, like Proofr, it's not perfect. The tester realized he missed false positives from the paint tip and reflection. The companies acknowledge that lighting, angle and photography quality remains a challenge.
Lucid joins Tesla and GM on a hands-free highway driving
Some companies have implemented physical scanners to detect damage to rental vehicles. (Proof Station)
Why is the rental company causing fire?
Frustration arises as rental agencies deploy AI testing systems from companies such as Uveye and ProVStation. For example, Sixt already has Proivstation's AI-powered scanners installed in several U.S. airports, including Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami and Maui, moving further into Orlando, Washington and Nashville. These scanners will automatically take photos of your vehicle at the start and end of each rental. The system then compares the image with potential damage. This will be reviewed later by staff before the claim is issued.
Critics argue that these automated tools can turn all the small scratch into a source of profit. Some even point out Proovstation's own marketing. This describes daily inspections as “gold mines of undeveloped opportunities.” Industry experts emphasize that businesses should only pursue claims of major damages, rather than claiming hundreds of people for small scratches.
Click here to get the Fox News app
Car rental company Sixt has already installed Pro of Station scanners at several airports in the US. (Proof Station)
What does this mean to you?
If you rent a car regularly, AI is already shaping your experience. Rental companies may also use automated inspections to justify new fees. Apps like Proofr and Ravin offer the same technology, but are on your side. By scanning your car before and after rental, you create digital records that help you challenge unfair claims.
Take my quiz: How secure is your online security?
Do you think your device and data are really protected? Use this quick quiz to see where your digital habits are. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you'll get a personalized breakdown of what you're doing and what you need to improve. Here's my quiz: cyberguy.com/quiz
Important takeouts for your cart
The car rental industry is in the midst of a technology shift. What employees once saw at first glance was a machine-driven process that could generate sudden charges. Consumer apps provide transparency, but also highlight the growing need for fairness in damage claims.
Do you trust the AI ​​app to protect your car rental fees, or do you think the rental company needs to change its policy first? Write us a letter and let us know cyberguy.com/contact
Sign up for my free CyberGuy Report
Get my best tech tips, emergency security alerts, and exclusive transactions directly to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my ultimate scam survival guide – free when you join me cyberguy.com/newsletter
Copyright 2025 cyberguy.com. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
