A
Avis
Verified Business
A
Rated in:
Scores reflect the Overall AI Score for each category
AI Review Summary
Based on recent customer reviews, Avis is overwhelmingly criticised for systemic failures in deposit refunds, poor communication, and disputed damage charges. While a small number of customers praise individual staff members at specific branches, the dominant experience described is one of financial frustration, broken promises, and unresponsive customer service across nearly every branch and touchpoint.
Top Strengths:
- •Staff Professionalism & Conduct: A handful of named staff members such as Shepherd, Sibusiso Myaka, Scelo, and Sithelele Kubheka are praised for going above and beyond, though they are rare exceptions in an otherwise negative landscape.
Service Quality Ratings
MetricScoreIndustry AvgBest in Class
Performance(last 12 months):
3.5Trustindex Rating
#6Ranked In Car Rental
34 hours 11 minutesAverage Time To Reply
-84 NPSRecommended: Unlikely
Replied to 89% of negative reviews
Typically takes less than 34 hours 12 min to reply
TrustIndex
3.5
Score
Ranking
#6
in Car Rental
Avg Reply
34 hours 11 minutes
NPS Score
-84
Recommended: Unlikely
Replied to 89% of negative reviews
Typically takes less than 34 hours 12 min to reply
Review Distribution
1.2|402 Reviews
May '25 - Apr '26
5(4.7%)
4(0.6%)
3(0%)
2(2.8%)
1(91.9%)
5(4.7%)
4(0.6%)
3(0%)
2(2.8%)
1(91.9%)
Recent reviews (402)
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Used this business recently? Share your experience to help others decide.
Share Your ExperiencePopular mentions
TM
Thabo M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
16 Mar 2026, 13:05
Avis Holding Two Deposits for One Rental
I am extremely disappointed with the way my rental account has been handled by Avis. On either the 3rd or 4th of March, my vehicle was booked in for repairs and my insurance arranged a courtesy vehicle through Avis. When I collected the vehicle, I paid a holding deposit of R2250 under the insurance rental agreement. The rental agreement was for 30 days, with the last day being the 6th of March. When the insurance period ended, I chose to continue renting the vehicle under my personal account. Avis informed me that they would close the insurance profile and open a new rental profile under my name, which required a new deposit of R3500. I paid this amount as requested. At this point, the insurance rental had ended, meaning the R2250 deposit associated with that agreement should have been released. However, a week later the R2250 was still not released. When I contacted Avis, I was told that they would not release the R2250 deposit and that both deposits (R2250 + R3500 = R5750) will only be refunded when I return the vehicle. This makes absolutely no sense. Avis is now holding two deposits for two different rental agreements, even though the insurance rental account was closed. Essentially, they are holding more than the required deposit amount for a single active rental. This is unfair and unreasonable, as customers should not be required to fund two deposits simultaneously for one vehicle due to an internal administrative change. I would appreciate clarity from Avis on: Why the insurance deposit was not released when that rental agreement ended Why customers are expected to carry two deposits for two separate agreements When the R2250 will be released This experience has been frustrating and disappointing, and I hope Avis will resolve this matter urgently.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)TM
Thabo M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
16 Mar 2026, 13:05
Avis Holding Two Deposits for One Rental
I am extremely disappointed with the way my rental account has been handled by Avis. On either the 3rd or 4th of March, my vehicle was booked in for repairs and my insurance arranged a courtesy vehicle through Avis. When I collected the vehicle, I paid a holding deposit of R2250 under the insurance rental agreement. The rental agreement was for 30 days, with the last day being the 6th of March. When the insurance period ended, I chose to continue renting the vehicle under my personal account. Avis informed me that they would close the insurance profile and open a new rental profile under my name, which required a new deposit of R3500. I paid this amount as requested. At this point, the insurance rental had ended, meaning the R2250 deposit associated with that agreement should have been released. However, a week later the R2250 was still not released. When I contacted Avis, I was told that they would not release the R2250 deposit and that both deposits (R2250 + R3500 = R5750) will only be refunded when I return the vehicle. This makes absolutely no sense. Avis is now holding two deposits for two different rental agreements, even though the insurance rental account was closed. Essentially, they are holding more than the required deposit amount for a single active rental. This is unfair and unreasonable, as customers should not be required to fund two deposits simultaneously for one vehicle due to an internal administrative change. I would appreciate clarity from Avis on: Why the insurance deposit was not released when that rental agreement ended Why customers are expected to carry two deposits for two separate agreements When the R2250 will be released This experience has been frustrating and disappointing, and I hope Avis will resolve this matter urgently.
0
Replies (0)MR
Meredith R
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
16 Mar 2026, 07:49
Confirmation Message *Business Name:* Avis Car Hire Beacon Isle, Plettenberg Bay *Rating:* 5 out of 5 *Review:* This was my first experience of renting a car, and the staff were very patient and informative
Confirmation Message *Business Name:* Avis Car Hire Beacon Isle, Plettenberg Bay *Rating:* 5 out of 5 *Review:* This was my first experience of renting a car, and the staff were very patient and informative. From start to end, everything went smoothly, well planned and executed, and I thank them for a most pleasant experience. The car was spotlessly presented, instructions patiently given, and they made sure I was aware of every detail. Thank you Avis Plettenberg Bay! By submitting your review you agree to Hellopeter’s terms and conditions and privacy policy https://www.hellopeter.com/legal/legal
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)MR
Meredith R
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
16 Mar 2026, 07:49
Confirmation Message *Business Name:* Avis Car Hire Beacon Isle, Plettenberg Bay *Rating:* 5 out of 5 *Review:* This was my first experience of renting a car, and the staff were very patient and informative
Confirmation Message *Business Name:* Avis Car Hire Beacon Isle, Plettenberg Bay *Rating:* 5 out of 5 *Review:* This was my first experience of renting a car, and the staff were very patient and informative. From start to end, everything went smoothly, well planned and executed, and I thank them for a most pleasant experience. The car was spotlessly presented, instructions patiently given, and they made sure I was aware of every detail. Thank you Avis Plettenberg Bay! By submitting your review you agree to Hellopeter’s terms and conditions and privacy policy https://www.hellopeter.com/legal/legal
0
Replies (0)SH
Siyabulela H
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
13 Mar 2026, 10:42
Poor service. Deposit disputes
A booking was made online on the 18th on the budget website. booking reference number 4064-8797-ZA-0. another deposit of R5600 was paid. Only received a refund of R2772,55. rental number: 109260336. I have tried calling the customer care number, no luck, I have filled in the customer call back form, no call back. I am now seeking legal advise. I have two disputes that are still open.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)SH
Siyabulela H
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
13 Mar 2026, 10:42
Poor service. Deposit disputes
A booking was made online on the 18th on the budget website. booking reference number 4064-8797-ZA-0. another deposit of R5600 was paid. Only received a refund of R2772,55. rental number: 109260336. I have tried calling the customer care number, no luck, I have filled in the customer call back form, no call back. I am now seeking legal advise. I have two disputes that are still open.
0
Replies (0)HF
HENCO F
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
12 Mar 2026, 10:08
After Sales Services is Poor
20days later, and my transaction is still not concluded at Avis. I rented a vehicle at Bloemfontein Airport in February, and the agent just told me now I must wait another 7-10 Business days to receive my deposit of R3 500 minus fuel and car wash fee.....
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)HF
HENCO F
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
12 Mar 2026, 10:08
After Sales Services is Poor
20days later, and my transaction is still not concluded at Avis. I rented a vehicle at Bloemfontein Airport in February, and the agent just told me now I must wait another 7-10 Business days to receive my deposit of R3 500 minus fuel and car wash fee.....
0
Replies (0)M
MM
Michaela M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
11 Mar 2026, 12:19
EXTREMELY POOR AFTER SALES SERVICE AND LACK OF REFUND OVER A MONTH SINCE RENTING A CAR
On 1 February 2026, R5580 was debited off my card on collection day (1 Feb 2026) which included the R3500 deposit as well as the rental charges (R2080). A further R1149.84 was debited from my card as an authorisation hold. An amount of R1272.13 was credited to my account on 19 February 2026. On 23 February 2026, I spoke to a consultant and was told the total amount debited on collection was R3500, and the R1272.13 paid was the credit difference. This is incorrect however, as I was debited R5580, thus I am still owed R2080. I have followed up numerous times with Avis, both email and call centre. Every time I phone the call centre I have to explain the same story to a different consultant, of which none of them can provide me with any feedback! Additionally, the authorisation hold has still not been lifted from my card! I am thus still owed a total of R3229.84 from Avis - which is over a month from when I returned the vehicle! Truly shocking service. I will NEVER recommend Avis or use Avis in future.
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)MM
Michaela M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
11 Mar 2026, 12:19
EXTREMELY POOR AFTER SALES SERVICE AND LACK OF REFUND OVER A MONTH SINCE RENTING A CAR
On 1 February 2026, R5580 was debited off my card on collection day (1 Feb 2026) which included the R3500 deposit as well as the rental charges (R2080). A further R1149.84 was debited from my card as an authorisation hold. An amount of R1272.13 was credited to my account on 19 February 2026. On 23 February 2026, I spoke to a consultant and was told the total amount debited on collection was R3500, and the R1272.13 paid was the credit difference. This is incorrect however, as I was debited R5580, thus I am still owed R2080. I have followed up numerous times with Avis, both email and call centre. Every time I phone the call centre I have to explain the same story to a different consultant, of which none of them can provide me with any feedback! Additionally, the authorisation hold has still not been lifted from my card! I am thus still owed a total of R3229.84 from Avis - which is over a month from when I returned the vehicle! Truly shocking service. I will NEVER recommend Avis or use Avis in future.
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Replies (0)RK
Ronel K
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
6 Mar 2026, 15:18
Avis...*****s!
I returned my rental car on the 6th of February, expecting my deposit to be paid back as per contract within 7 to 10 work days. Now a month later and many back and forth with the help of Discovery Insurance no luck. On Wednesday they ensured me that I will get my deposit by Friday...no sign of it. Why is Discovery using such a useless company for their car rentals?
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)RK
Ronel K
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
6 Mar 2026, 15:18
Avis...*****s!
I returned my rental car on the 6th of February, expecting my deposit to be paid back as per contract within 7 to 10 work days. Now a month later and many back and forth with the help of Discovery Insurance no luck. On Wednesday they ensured me that I will get my deposit by Friday...no sign of it. Why is Discovery using such a useless company for their car rentals?
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Replies (0)ZG
Zac G
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
6 Mar 2026, 10:56
AVIS VAN RENTALS are great!
I hired a HILUX camper from AVIS for a 3-week safari in November last year and, apart from a fuel and water leakage on the first day (and non-payment for my expenses in repairing these), it was a wonderful experience. The duel diesel tanks and 60l water tank made for worry-free trekking across Central Kalahari - even when we got lost in Desolation Valley; luxury camping comfort, solar-powered lighting and refrigeration, and absolutely comfortable 4x4 driving. The price was the best I could get (I did a lot of shopping around ;-) ) , and the pre-trip arrangements were simplified immensely by the professional and friendly staff. Well done, Kevin, Teresa, Bongs and Sense at AVIS Van Rental!
Helpful (0)
|Replies (0)ZG
Zac G
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
6 Mar 2026, 10:56
AVIS VAN RENTALS are great!
I hired a HILUX camper from AVIS for a 3-week safari in November last year and, apart from a fuel and water leakage on the first day (and non-payment for my expenses in repairing these), it was a wonderful experience. The duel diesel tanks and 60l water tank made for worry-free trekking across Central Kalahari - even when we got lost in Desolation Valley; luxury camping comfort, solar-powered lighting and refrigeration, and absolutely comfortable 4x4 driving. The price was the best I could get (I did a lot of shopping around ;-) ) , and the pre-trip arrangements were simplified immensely by the professional and friendly staff. Well done, Kevin, Teresa, Bongs and Sense at AVIS Van Rental!
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Replies (0)