Rental car drivers are increasingly using artificial intelligence to safeguard against unfair damage fees, as major companies like Hertz and Sixt introduce automated inspection technologies. These scanners, while intended to improve damage assessment efficiency, have faced criticism for generating charges for minor blemishes, leaving renters vulnerable to surprise billing.
In response, consumer-focused apps are rising in popularity. Proofr, developed by 21-year-old college student Eric Kuttner, stands out as a key player. The app empowers users to create secure, time-stamped before-and-after photos of their vehicles, using AI to detect even subtle changes. With features like encryption and geotagging, Proofr ensures that evidence remains untampered, offering renters leverage against unjust claims.
Proofr simplifies the documentation process with just eight scans to generate a detailed before-and-after report in under a minute. Users can instantly export polished PDF reports, which proves useful for rental agencies, landlords, or insurance claims. While primarily focused on car rentals, the app is also used for Airbnbs, eBay listings, moving into apartments, and documenting valuables. Approximately 85% of users rely on it for car rentals, with the remaining 15% using it for personal protection.
Pricing for Proofr is standardized in the U.S., with optional Pro subscription tiers available at $2.89 weekly, $9.90 monthly, or $89.90 annually. Apple automatically adjusts pricing for local currencies, taxes, and exchange rates in other regions. Although Proofr is free to download, its pro features require payment, highlighting the app’s commercial viability in a competitive landscape.
Ravin AI, another player in the space, originally partnered with Avis and Hertz but has since shifted its focus toward insurers and dealerships. The company offers a free demo on its website, allowing users to scan vehicles and compare before-and-after images with a rental. However, both Proofr and Ravin AI face challenges such as missed paint chips and false positives from reflections, particularly due to issues with lighting, angles, and photo quality.
Rental agencies are further integrating AI inspection systems from companies like UVeye and ProovStation. Sixt, for instance, has deployed ProovStation’s AI-powered scanners at several U.S. airport locations, including Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, and Maui, with more installations planned for Orlando, Washington, and Nashville. These scanners automatically photograph vehicles at the start and end of each rental, comparing images to flag potential damage before any claims are reviewed by staff.
Critics argue that automated tools can unfairly turn every small scratch into a profit source, with some pointing to ProovStation’s marketing that describes routine inspections as “gold mines of untapped opportunities.” Despite these concerns, industry experts emphasize that companies should only pursue claims for significant damage, not charge hundreds for tiny scuffs. This debate highlights the tension between automation and fairness in the rental car industry.
The shift to AI-driven inspections is already altering the rental car experience. What was once a quick glance by an employee is now a machine-driven process that can justify steep charges, often for barely visible marks. Apps like Proofr and Ravin offer users the same technology, but on their side, providing a digital record to challenge unfair claims in a rapidly evolving market.
As the rental car industry navigates this technological transformation, consumers are increasingly relying on apps to balance the scales. However, the broader implications suggest that the need for transparency and fairness in damage claims is becoming more urgent. Whether users trust AI apps to protect them from unfair fees or advocate for rental companies to adjust their policies remains a critical issue in this space.