If you’ve recently rented a car with Hertz, you may want to pay attention to a recent data breach that has put your personal information at risk. Hertz, the rental car agency that also owns Dollar and Thrifty, has issued a warning to customers about a breach involving one of its vendors, Cleo Communications.
According to Hertz, the breach may have exposed the sensitive information of at least 100,000 customers in the US. This includes details such as credit card numbers, driver’s licenses, contact information, and in some cases, social security or passport numbers. The incident occurred between October and December 2024, with Hertz becoming aware of it on February 10. The “Notice of Data” statement released on the Hertz website provides more information on the extent of the breach.
In response to the breach, Hertz is offering affected customers two years of complimentary identity-theft protection with Kroll. Additionally, the company has announced a new program involving automated AI inspections for returned rental vehicles. Partnering with UVeye, Hertz will deploy AI-driven vehicle inspections at major airports across the US.
UVeye’s advanced scanning technology, referred to as an “MRI for Vehicles,” captures full images of the interior, undercarriage, and tires of rental vehicles. It also provides a 360-degree scan to detect any chips, cracks, or paint issues. The AI inspection program will begin at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, with plans to expand to other major US airports by the end of the year.
Hertz emphasizes the importance of vehicle maintenance and transparency for its customers, stating that the implementation of UVeye’s technology will enhance the accuracy and efficiency of its vehicle maintenance processes. Other rental car agencies, such as Avis and Enterprise, are also considering utilizing similar AI inspection technology.
As Hertz works to address the data breach and enhance its vehicle inspection processes, customers can take comfort in the steps being taken to protect their personal information and ensure the safety and reliability of rental vehicles.
