Picking up a rental car in Maui may soon involve more than a quick walk around the vehicle.
Rental companies are increasingly using AI-powered scanners to inspect cars at pickup and return, automatically photographing every angle of the vehicle and comparing images to spot new damage.
Sixt has rolled out the technology at Kahului Airport, while Hertz is expanding a similar system at airports across the mainland.
The goal is to speed up inspections and reduce disputes, but not everyone is convinced it's working as intended.
Some renters say the scanners didn't identify damage when they picked up the car but flagged it after they returned it, resulting in repair bills they believe they shouldn't have received. Consumer complaints have raised concerns about how AI inspections are being used and whether customers have enough opportunity to challenge the results.
For travelers, the technology is a reminder to document the condition of any rental car before leaving the lot. Taking a few photos or a quick video at pickup could make a big difference if there's ever a dispute.