Rental Cars And Dash Cams: Who's Watching?

Some rental car companies have been known to install cameras and microphones in their vehicles, raising concerns about customer privacy and surveillance. Notably, Hertz has installed cameras and microphones in its NeverLost 6 navigational systems, found in about one in eight of its cars in the United States. While Hertz has stated that the cameras are non-functional and not intended for use, the presence of such devices has sparked debates about the potential for customer monitoring and the ethical boundaries of data collection. Other companies, such as Avis, have also been reported to have dashcams in their rental cars, leading to discussions about disclosure and customer consent. As technology advances, the presence of cameras and data collection in rental cars is an emerging topic that raises important questions about privacy and data usage.

Hertz's NeverLost system has cameras and microphones

The Hertz NeverLost system is a GPS rental service that Hertz has offered since the late 1990s. Now in its fifth generation, the system has evolved to include features such as a touch-screen interface and Internet connectivity.

Some of the Hertz NeverLost systems now have cameras and microphones, which the company claims it doesn't intend to use. The cameras are built into the Hertz NeverLost dashboard assistant, which offers routing help and local city guides. The presence of these cameras and microphones has raised concerns about privacy and surveillance.

Hertz has stated that the cameras in the NeverLost 6 units aren't functional and cannot be turned on by either renters or the company. They were included with the potential future application of a video conferencing function in mind, which renters could activate at their sole discretion if they needed assistance. However, Hertz has clarified that they do not have the technology to support an in-car video conference service and have no plans to develop or acquire this technology.

While the camera function is currently inoperable, Hertz has stated that they are happy to provide customers with a different vehicle if they are uncomfortable with the NeverLost unit in their rental car.

Avis rental cars have dashcams

Avis rental cars may have dashcams installed, as reported by some customers. These dashcams are typically small cameras hidden inside a black plastic box attached to the windshield behind the rearview mirror. While Avis has not explicitly disclosed the presence of dashcams in their rental cars, they have stated that they collect photos and videos in certain instances, such as when customers link their social media profiles to their ABG accounts.

Avis, like many other rental car companies, has been connecting its vehicles to telematics systems. By the end of 2019, Avis had 200,000 connected vehicles, and that number has likely grown since then. These connected cars allow the company to locate, monitor, and collect data from their vehicles. This includes information such as location, odometer readings, median speed, and fuel level.

While some customers may have concerns about privacy and surveillance, Avis and other rental car companies assert that the data collection is primarily intended to protect their assets and assist customers. For example, GPS data can help locate and recover stolen vehicles, and remote lock/unlock features can help customers who have locked their keys inside the car.

It is worth noting that the presence of dashcams or other data collection technologies may vary across different rental car companies and locations. Customers who are concerned about the presence of dashcams or data collection in their rental cars should carefully review the rental company's privacy policies and reach out for clarification if needed.

Rental car companies collect GPS data

Most rental cars are equipped with navigation and GPS systems, and while this technology is not used to track where people go, it can be used to trigger alerts when particular events occur, such as crossing a border. This data can also be used to help customers who are locked out of their vehicles, as agents can unlock the car remotely. Additionally, the data can be used to locate and recover stolen vehicles.

Some companies, such as Hertz, have cameras installed in their cars, although these are claimed to be inoperable. However, microphones are becoming increasingly common in rental cars, and services like OnStar, which operate through a car's speakers, mean that microphones are often present.

While rental car companies collect and use GPS data, they are not out to punish rule-following customers. The data is used to protect the company's assets and ensure the safe and proper use of the vehicle. However, customers should be aware of the potential for data collection and its possible consequences, such as fines for violating the terms of the rental contract.

Rental car companies monitor vehicles remotely

Rental car companies have been known to monitor their vehicles remotely. This is done through "connected cars", which are telematics-enabled vehicles that allow the company to locate the car on demand, as well as collect vehicle data and access the vehicle for on-demand rentals. This technology is often used to help customers who are locked out of a vehicle or to locate and recover a stolen vehicle.

While some larger companies, such as Enterprise Rent-A-Car, deny installing cameras in their vehicles, they do admit to having access to GPS technology and other standard features provided by the automobile manufacturers. For example, some GM vehicles in the Enterprise fleet are equipped with OnStar technology, which can be accessed in the event of a lost or stolen vehicle.

Hertz, another major rental car company, has admitted to having cameras installed in about one in eight of its cars in the United States. These cameras are built into the Hertz NeverLost dashboard assistant, which offers routing help and local city guides. However, Hertz has stated that these cameras have never been turned on due to a lack of bandwidth.

In addition to cameras, microphones are also commonly found in new rental cars. Services like OnStar, which operate through a car's speakers, come with built-in microphones. While syncing your personal phone to a rental car's entertainment system is not recommended, it is important to be aware of these microphones and their potential privacy implications.

The information collected by rental car companies through these connected cars and other means is generally used to serve the company's needs and protect their assets. While there may be no intent to spy on customers, the data collected can be used to monitor the car's location, odometer reading, median speed, fuel level, and more. This data can be used to enforce geographic restrictions, such as limiting border crossings, and can result in hefty fees if these restrictions are violated.

It is worth noting that the use of electronic tracking and surveillance technology in rental cars has raised privacy concerns and sparked discussions about the need for disclosure and regulation. While some argue that rental companies have a right to keep track of their property, others emphasize the importance of transparency and obtaining customer consent.

Customers can purchase their own dashcams for rental cars

While some rental car companies may have cameras installed in their cars, these are usually part of a dashboard assistant that offers features like routing help and local guides. However, renters often seek their own dashcams for added protection during their trips.

Dashcams can provide valuable evidence in the event of a road incident or accident, helping to prove your innocence and reduce the hassle and time spent dealing with insurance claims. They are also useful for monitoring the car's interior, such as when you need to keep an eye on your belongings while exploring a new city.

When choosing a dashcam for a rental car, consider the following:

• Quick installation and removal: Look for dashcams with suction cup mounting brackets that can be easily and quickly attached to and removed from the windshield. This ensures convenience and leaves no residue on the rental car's interior.
• Plug-and-play functionality: Opt for dashcams that only require you to plug the power cord into the rental car's power outlet. Avoid complicated setups that may require hardwiring or permanent installations.
• Portability: Choose compact and portable dashcams that are easy to carry and won't take up too much space in your luggage. This is especially important if you travel frequently and want to bring your dashcam with you on every trip.
• Dual-channel or single-channel: If you want to record both the front and rear views, consider a dual-channel dashcam. However, keep in mind that dual-channel dashcams can be more expensive and may require additional mounting solutions for the rear camera. A single-channel dashcam facing forward is usually sufficient for most situations and can provide valuable evidence of your driving and lane position.
• Cost: Dashcams can vary in price, from low-cost basic models to more expensive dual-channel systems. Consider your budget and how frequently you plan to use the dashcam. Remember that you may also need to purchase additional accessories like a high-endurance SD card to ensure reliable recording.
• Discretion: While dashcam theft may not be prevalent, it is still a concern, especially for rental cars. Consider choosing a discreet dashcam model that won't attract too much attention.
• Vantrue N2: A dual-channel (front and cabin view) dashcam with a USB-B power cord and suction cup mount. It is compact and easy to transport between vehicles.
• Z-Edge Dual Dash Cam: Features a 4.0" touchscreen, night mode, and a wide-angle lens. It includes a rear camera that connects via USB and can be discreetly tucked away.
• Aukey DRA5 Mini: A small, inexpensive single-channel dashcam with a suction cup mount and high-quality image capture.
• Blueskysea B2W: Another single-channel option with excellent image quality and a suction cup mount.

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