Avis Rental Cars: Are Cameras Watching You?

In recent years, rental car companies have increasingly adopted connected cars into their fleets. These vehicles are telematics-enabled, allowing the company to locate and access them on demand, as well as collect vehicle data. Avis, a popular rental car company, had 200,000 connected vehicles by the end of 2019, and this number has likely grown since. While Avis does not explicitly mention dashcams in its privacy policy, some customers have reported spotting hidden dashcams in their rental cars, raising concerns about surveillance and privacy.

Avis rental cars have been observed to have small cameras behind the rearview mirror

Avis, as a rental car leader, has a large number of "connected cars" in its fleet. These cars are equipped with telematics technology, enabling the company to locate and access them on demand. This technology also allows for remote lock and unlock functionality, assisting customers who may have locked themselves out of their rental vehicles. In addition, it helps monitor various aspects of the car, such as location, odometer readings, median speed, and fuel level.

The small cameras observed behind the rearview mirror are likely dash cameras, a common feature in rental cars. Dash cameras record the view ahead of the vehicle and are valuable for documenting accidents or incidents during the rental period. They can provide crucial evidence to support insurance claims and resolve legal disputes. While some may consider these cameras an invasion of privacy, they serve a similar purpose to the rearview cameras that are now standard in many rental cars, enhancing safety and visibility when backing up.

Avis's privacy policy does not specifically mention the use of dash cameras in their rental vehicles. However, it does state that the company may collect photos and videos in certain instances, such as when customers link their social media profiles to their Avis accounts. Additionally, Avis rental locations are equipped with video security surveillance systems and cameras that record vehicles entering and exiting their lots.

To ensure transparency and peace of mind, it is recommended that customers communicate directly with Avis about their camera policies and inspect the vehicle before renting. While Avis strives to maintain trust with its customers, being informed about the presence and purpose of any cameras can help renters make educated decisions and feel more comfortable during their rental experience.

These cameras are often hidden inside a black plastic box

Avis rental cars have been reported to have small cameras facing the road, hidden inside a black plastic box stuck on the windshield behind the rearview mirror. This equipment is not part of the original vehicle and is added by Avis. Avis had 200,000 vehicles connected at the end of 2019, and that number has only grown.

It is important to note that Avis may not be the only rental car company engaging in this practice. Many Hertz vehicles have had visible cameras in cars for years, and the company also has a device with a camera next to the radio. Additionally, microphones are common in new rental cars, and services like OnStar operate through a car's speakers.

To ensure peace of mind during your rental, it is recommended to read the company's privacy policies and communicate openly with the rental company about their camera policies. Inspecting the interior of the rental car, including the dashboard, rearview mirror, and unusual wiring, can also help identify the presence of cameras.

Avis does not explicitly mention the presence of dashcams in its privacy policy

While Avis rental cars have been observed to have dashcams, the company does not explicitly mention the presence of these cameras in its privacy policy. This lack of transparency has raised concerns among customers about potential surveillance and privacy invasion.

Avis, a leading global car rental company, has been observed to install dashcams in its rental cars. These cameras are typically hidden inside a black plastic box attached to the windshield behind the rearview mirror. While some customers have noticed these cameras, Avis has not provided a clear disclosure about their use. In its USA/Canada Privacy Policy, Avis mentions collecting photos and videos in certain instances, such as when customers link their social media profiles to their Avis accounts or when vehicles enter or exit their lots. However, there is no specific mention of dashcams or in-vehicle cameras in the "Vehicle Data" section of their privacy policy.

The absence of explicit information about dashcams in Avis's privacy policy has sparked discussions among customers. Some customers feel that Avis should disclose the use of dashcams openly and provide an opt-in choice for customers. This transparency would ensure that customers are aware of the extent of data collection and surveillance during their rental period.

It is important to note that rental car companies, including Avis, have valid reasons for collecting certain types of data. For instance, they may use GPS data to locate vehicles in case of mechanical problems, recalls, accidents, or theft. Additionally, dashcams can be valuable in documenting accidents and incidents, aiding in insurance claims and legal disputes. However, without clear communication about the presence and purpose of dashcams, customers may feel that their privacy is being invaded.

To address these concerns, customers are advised to communicate directly with rental companies before renting a vehicle. Asking specific questions about the presence and purpose of cameras can help ensure transparency and peace of mind. Additionally, inspecting the interior of the rental car, including the dashboard, rearview mirror, and unusual wiring, can help identify the presence of cameras.

In summary, while Avis rental cars may have dashcams, the company's privacy policy does not explicitly mention them. This lack of transparency has led to discussions about surveillance and privacy concerns. To ensure a comfortable and private rental experience, customers are encouraged to communicate with rental companies and inspect vehicles for the presence of cameras.

The use of cameras in rental cars can help document accidents and incidents

The use of cameras in rental cars can be beneficial for documenting accidents and incidents. Dash cameras, for instance, are often positioned discreetly on the dashboard or windshield, recording the view ahead and capturing crucial footage in the event of a collision or incident. This can be invaluable for insurance claims and legal disputes, providing clear evidence of what occurred.

GPS tracking cameras are another type commonly found in rental cars. They serve a dual purpose: capturing footage and tracking the vehicle's location in real-time. This not only aids in navigation but also provides additional security for both the rental company and the customer. The GPS data can be used to locate and recover a stolen vehicle, ensuring peace of mind for renters.

Telematics cameras are also becoming increasingly popular in rental fleets. These cameras focus on capturing data related to driving behavior, such as speed and braking patterns, to encourage safer driving and highlight potential risks. By monitoring these patterns, rental companies can also improve the efficiency of their fleet and ensure their vehicles are being operated responsibly.

While cameras in rental cars have their advantages, it's important to consider potential drawbacks as well. Some customers may feel their privacy is being invaded, especially if they are unaware of the presence of cameras. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential misuse of footage or data security risks, which could lead to personal information being compromised.

To address these concerns, rental companies should maintain transparent policies regarding the use of cameras in their vehicles. Companies like Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Hertz ensure customers are informed about the presence and purpose of cameras, primarily for security and safety, through rental agreements and disclosure policies. Open communication and clear guidelines can help build trust and ensure customers feel comfortable renting their vehicles.

Cameras can also act as a deterrent to theft and vandalism

Security cameras are proven to deter criminal activity. While it is unclear whether Avis rental cars have cameras, they did have 200,000 connected cars in their fleet by the end of 2019, and that number has only grown.

Install Cameras Out of Reach

Place cameras at least nine feet above the ground. This makes it difficult for thieves and vandals to reach and tamper with them. However, the ideal height may vary depending on the lighting of the specific location.

Use Vandal-Resistant Housing

Vandal-proof housings are made from robust, impact-resistant materials like heavy-duty metal and reinforced plastic. The IK rating scale indicates the level of protection, with IK00 offering no protection and IK10 providing the highest level of protection against impacts of up to 20 joules.

Install Motion-Activated Lights Near Cameras

Sudden illumination can deter potential vandals or thieves. Motion-activated security lights improve the visibility and effectiveness of cameras while deterring criminal activity.

Secure Wiring

Make sure the wires are either buried or protected in a conduit. This makes it more challenging for criminals to find and cut the cables used for data transmission.

Use Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)

UPS ensures that cameras remain operational even if there is a power outage or if someone tries to cut the power.

Install Dummy Cameras

In addition to real cameras, install fake or dummy cameras. This can confuse potential thieves or vandals and keep them focused on neutralizing the dummy cameras while the real ones monitor the surroundings.

Display Surveillance Signs

Signs indicating that the area is under surveillance can act as a deterrent by suggesting the presence of multiple cameras.

Frequently asked questions