Hertz Car Cameras: What You Need To Know

In recent years, there has been a lot of discussion about whether rental cars have secret cameras installed. While most rental cars do not have hidden cameras, some Hertz rental cars have been found to have cameras installed in them. This has sparked a lot of controversy, with people questioning whether Hertz is spying on its customers. In this article, we will explore the topic of whether Hertz cars have cameras and discuss the implications of this discovery.

Hertz's NeverLost system

The NeverLost Gen 5 system consists of a touch-screen navigation device that is mounted to the rental vehicle's dashboard. The unit features a 4-inch colour touch screen and a bank of rubber buttons for power, view, back, enter, info, and volume, along with a directional pad. The interface is basic but clear and easy to understand, with a handful of options for selecting a destination, including addresses, previous destinations, points of interest, and Hertz vehicle return locations.

The system also provides access to up-to-date information on flights and local weather forecasts. Users can plan trips online and save points of interest for later retrieval using the NeverLost website or the NeverLost Companion app. Destinations can be uploaded to the NeverLost device via a USB connection or wirelessly. Additionally, live concierge operators are available to help search for destinations, build custom trips, and send route information directly to the NeverLost system.

While the NeverLost system is functional and useful, some users have criticised its industrial design, the time it takes to locate a GPS signal, and the accuracy of its points of interest and street names.

Cameras not functional

Hertz has been under scrutiny for installing cameras in its NeverLost 6 navigational systems. These cameras are pointed towards the driver and cannot be removed. The company has stated that the cameras are not functional and cannot be turned on by either renters or the company itself.

Hertz's primary explanation for including the cameras is the potential future use of a video conferencing function. They envision a future where customers can have a live chat with a customer service agent, similar to check-in desks. However, they acknowledge that they currently lack the necessary bandwidth and technology to support this feature.

Despite Hertz's assurances, the presence of cameras has raised concerns about privacy and potential surveillance. Some customers have expressed discomfort and suspicion about being spied upon. In response, Hertz has offered to provide customers with a different vehicle if they feel uneasy about the cameras.

It is important to note that while the presence of cameras in rental cars can be unnerving, it is unlikely that reputable rental car companies would engage in hidden or illegal surveillance. Such actions would violate privacy rights and result in significant legal consequences.

Moreover, the inclusion of cameras in rental cars is not unique to Hertz. Other companies, such as Avis, have also integrated similar features. While the intention behind these installations may be to enhance customer experience and safety, it is essential to address the concerns of customers who prioritize privacy and transparency.

Privacy concerns

Hertz's installation of cameras in some of its rental cars has raised significant privacy concerns among customers and the public. While the company has stated that the cameras are not functional and are intended for future use, the presence of cameras has sparked worries about potential surveillance and privacy intrusion.

The privacy concerns surrounding Hertz's rental cars with cameras can be examined through several lenses:

Data Collection and Surveillance:

Hertz's rental cars with cameras have the potential to collect visual and audio data from customers, raising concerns about the extent and nature of data collection. While Hertz has asserted that the cameras are non-functional, customers may still worry about the possibility of covert surveillance or unintended data capture. This concern is heightened by the fact that the cameras are pointed towards the driver and cannot be removed.

Purpose and Use of Data:

Hertz has stated that the cameras are intended for future use in video conferencing or live chat with customer service representatives in case of accidents or other issues. However, customers may question the necessity of such a feature and worry about potential misuse of the data. There is a valid fear that Hertz or unauthorized third parties could access and use the data for purposes beyond what customers have consented to.

Transparency and Consent:

The presence of cameras in rental cars has sparked discussions about transparency and consent. While Hertz has stated that the cameras are only in a fraction of their fleet, customers may feel that the company should be more transparent about which cars have cameras and how they function. Additionally, some customers may feel that they did not explicitly consent to being monitored or recorded while using a rental car.

Legal and Ethical Considerations:

The installation of cameras in rental cars raises legal and ethical questions. In some US states, recording individuals without their explicit knowledge or consent is illegal. Customers may worry about their privacy rights being violated and the potential for unauthorized surveillance. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential for misuse of data, such as sanctioning drivers for breaking rules or exhibiting inattentive behavior.

Impact on Customer Trust:

The privacy concerns surrounding Hertz's rental cars with cameras have the potential to impact customer trust and confidence in the company. Some customers may feel hesitant to rent cars from Hertz or other companies with similar practices, choosing instead to seek alternative options that prioritize privacy.

While Hertz has stated that the cameras are non-functional and intended for future use, the company must address the valid privacy concerns raised by customers and the public. This includes providing clearer explanations of the purpose of the cameras, obtaining explicit consent from customers, and ensuring robust data protection measures to prevent unauthorized access or misuse of any data collected.

Microphones in cars

In 2015, it was revealed that Hertz had installed cameras and microphones in some of its NeverLost in-car navigational systems. The presence of these was causing concern among drivers who worried that they were being spied on.

Hertz denied these claims, stating that the cameras and microphones were not functional and that they had no intention of using them. A Hertz spokeswoman, Evelin Imperatrice, said:

> "The cameras in NeverLost 6 units aren't functional and cannot be turned on under any circumstances, by either renters or by the company. When we chose the new hardware device for NeverLost 6, we included a camera option in the event that a video conferencing function might be a useful, future application that renters would welcome."

She went on to explain that the video conferencing function would only be activated by renters if, for example, they were lost, in an accident, or their vehicle broke down and they wanted to interact with a Hertz employee through live video chat.

When installing a Bluetooth microphone in a car, it is important to consider the placement of the microphone. Common spots include the top of the steering column, the visor, or the A-pillar. The microphone cable is then routed to the rear of the stereo, and it is important to take care to avoid important components such as the steering column when running the cable.

Live video chat

Some Hertz rental cars have cameras installed in them. Specifically, the cameras are part of the Hertz NeverLost 6 dashboard navigational system, which was introduced in early 2014. The cameras are not functional and cannot be turned on by either renters or the company.

Hertz has stated that the cameras were included in the NeverLost 6 device in the event that a video conferencing function might be a useful, future application that renters would welcome. The company envisions a future where customers can have a live video chat with a Hertz agent, similar to the experience at check-in desks. However, Hertz has emphasised that it does not have the technology to support an in-car video conference service and has no plans to develop or acquire this technology.

The presence of cameras in rental cars has sparked concerns about privacy and potential surveillance. While Hertz has assured customers that the cameras are non-functional, some drivers may still feel uncomfortable with the idea of having a camera pointed at them. In response to these concerns, Hertz has offered to provide customers with a different vehicle if they are uncomfortable with the NeverLost unit in their rental car.

It is important to note that the presence of cameras in rental cars is not unique to Hertz, and other rental car companies have also been reported to have visible cameras installed in some of their vehicles. While the primary purpose of these cameras is not for surveillance, it is always a good idea to carefully review the terms and conditions of any rental agreement to understand how your information and privacy are being handled.

Frequently asked questions