I frequently use Hertz. Never had an issue. Not only do I video tape the employee doing his walk-around, I continue the video in a slower more methodical pace to just cover all the vehicle. I even noted the plastic cowl was degrading (cracked and small piece gone) around the hood vent/wiper area and pointed this out to him. I then did the exact same thing on the after-hours return/key drop. Slow filming and then a wide video pull-out of what other vehicles were parked around it, so they couldn't say it was filmed somewhere else. Next day, no issues. But I had enough evidence that I would have won in a court.
As for AI, if they film it leaving and film it returning and find damage, then YES, it is your fault, unbeknownst to you it happened while in your charge. Right type of insurance will cover it (USAA for me). I can't blame them. With the way half of America is right now, it's all about entitlement and when they don't agree with something or get their way, they start losing their minds and start setting cars on fire.
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