Giving Customers More Power in AI Scans for Rental Car Damage

No part of the rental car experience causes more anxiety than the final walkaround, when a quick glance from an agent can result in an unexpected fee. But is that fee legitimate? Sometimes the damage was already there; sometimes it’s due to “mistaken identity,” such as a glare on the panel mistaken for a dent. And sometimes, customers and companies simply disagree, with the latter claiming they had nothing to do with the damage.

To alleviate these issues, many rental agencies now use AI to inspect vehicles before and after rental, capturing high-resolution images and comparing them to spot changes. It’s faster, more accurate, and less subjective than human inspection. On paper, that should mean fewer disputes.

But here is the catch: all of that scanning power is in the hands of the rental company. They control the before and after images, they make the calls, and customers often have no way to verify or challenge the results. In some cases, charges are applied automatically within seconds of a scan, with little or no pathway to dispute them. That imbalance can lead to frustration, mistrust, and a flood of negative reviews.

A More Fair Approach

Ravin flips this script. Our mobile app lets renters scan the car themselves before leaving the lot. In minutes, they get the same AI-powered report the rental company uses, documenting every scratch, dent, or mark. That record is theirs to keep, and it is easy to compare with the return scan if a dispute arises.

For customers, that means peace of mind. For rental companies, it means faster resolutions, happier customers, and a stronger reputation for fairness. In a competitive industry, being the company that lets customers self-scan can be a powerful differentiator. When AI power is shared, both sides win: Renters avoid being charged for damage they did not cause, while  agencies can still collect legitimate damage fees without the arguments.

With the Ravin-based AI analysis system, agencies won’t be losing out on real vehicle damage costs – and customers won’t feel they are being subjected to scams. In the end, it is not just about spotting damage. It is about building trust. And trust drives loyalty!