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Avisbudget
Unclaimed Business
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AI Review Summary
Based on recent customer reviews, Avisbudget faces severe criticism across nearly every touchpoint. The most dominant complaints involve unexplained deposit deductions, withheld or significantly delayed refunds, and charges for alleged vehicle damage customers dispute as pre-existing or fair wear and tear. Customers report unauthorized debits from bank accounts without prior notice or invoices. Communication is a consistent pain point, with emails going unanswered for weeks or months and promised callbacks never materializing. Issues with Flexiclub partnerships add further confusion around billing discrepancies and accountability.
Performance(last 12 months):
TrustIndex
0
Score
Ranking
#44
in Automotive
NPS Score
-100
Recommended: Unlikely
Review Distribution
1.2|28 Reviews
May '25 - Apr '26
5(3.7%)
4(0%)
3(0%)
2(7.4%)
1(88.9%)
5(3.7%)
4(0%)
3(0%)
2(7.4%)
1(88.9%)
Frequently Asked Questions About Avisbudget
Based on recent customer reviews, this business delivers a consistently strong customer experience anchored by outstanding agent quality and rapid communication. Customers frequently name individual consultants and praise their friendliness, patience, and professionalism. Recurring praise is given to claims and roadside assistance, though a vocal minority report frustrating delays, rejected claims, and poor transparency around premium increases.
Hellopeter's TrustIndex is a 0–10 score based on review star ratings, reply speed, and recent activity over the last 12 months. How is the TrustIndex calculated? →
Recent reviews (28)
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
ZT
Zelda T
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
12 Mar 2026, 10:09
Avis refunds taking forever and no communication
Turnaround time on deposit refunds are ridiculously long. Vehicle was returned on the 26th of February and refund was confirmed the same day, however no deposit have been refunded yet. Myself and Flexclub have been sending emails and getting NO response. When I phone they struggle to find my profile (every time) and every agent gives a different response. According to the last conversation the payment was processed on the 4th of March but they only phoned me regarding my account details on the 5th of March..... I have received no refund yet which is ridiculous as payment is due immediately to Avis but refunds take forever! VERY disappointed and will NEVER use Avis or recommend their services.
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Zelda T
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
12 Mar 2026, 10:09
Avis refunds taking forever and no communication
Turnaround time on deposit refunds are ridiculously long. Vehicle was returned on the 26th of February and refund was confirmed the same day, however no deposit have been refunded yet. Myself and Flexclub have been sending emails and getting NO response. When I phone they struggle to find my profile (every time) and every agent gives a different response. According to the last conversation the payment was processed on the 4th of March but they only phoned me regarding my account details on the 5th of March..... I have received no refund yet which is ridiculous as payment is due immediately to Avis but refunds take forever! VERY disappointed and will NEVER use Avis or recommend their services.
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Replies (0)TM
Tebogo M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
13 Feb 2026, 06:54
I want to understand that why they included both fenders for fixing tiny stone chips as if the car was involved in an accident.
Morning I have rented a car at Avis Kathu last year upon returning the car they inspected the car and it was having tiny small chips and they took all my money that I should get after returning the car now they say I must pay extra R 1198 on top of R6000 they took for stone chips. Their invoice include left and right fenders for that tiny chips and they can't explain how so they want to hand over the account if I'm not paying that money.
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Tebogo M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
13 Feb 2026, 06:54
I want to understand that why they included both fenders for fixing tiny stone chips as if the car was involved in an accident.
Morning I have rented a car at Avis Kathu last year upon returning the car they inspected the car and it was having tiny small chips and they took all my money that I should get after returning the car now they say I must pay extra R 1198 on top of R6000 they took for stone chips. Their invoice include left and right fenders for that tiny chips and they can't explain how so they want to hand over the account if I'm not paying that money.
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Replies (0)LP
Lulamile P
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
6 Feb 2026, 14:00
Appalling Service From Avis Car Rental
I would like to express my grave concern about the appalling service I got from Avis Rental at Isando. I got a courtesy car rented by Discovery Insure for the claim I had logged with them. The rental was supposed to run for 7 renewable days and on the day before the expiry of 7 days, I was expected to call the insurance company and ask for extension. I was also advised by the consultant that I can take the insurance for minor scratches every time I extend the period of renewal. I took the minor scratches for the 1st week but I didn't renew Avis insurance for the next 3 weeks because I figure out I dont need it. Upon returning the car a minor scratch was detected and I was told that the money will be charged on the R3000 deposit I have paid. Only to my suprise on the 6th Feb Avis deducted an amount of 700+ from my account, without prior communication/notification to me or sending me any invoice for the scratch. When I called in to inquire I was told that the money was for the insurance that I never took. I believe that this is unfair consumer treatment that an organization deemed reputable like Avis can just go and deduct money from customer accounts without any prior notice. Furthermore it is so unfair that I don't even get the invoice of what is going to be billed on my personal account. Plaatjie
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Lulamile P
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
6 Feb 2026, 14:00
Appalling Service From Avis Car Rental
I would like to express my grave concern about the appalling service I got from Avis Rental at Isando. I got a courtesy car rented by Discovery Insure for the claim I had logged with them. The rental was supposed to run for 7 renewable days and on the day before the expiry of 7 days, I was expected to call the insurance company and ask for extension. I was also advised by the consultant that I can take the insurance for minor scratches every time I extend the period of renewal. I took the minor scratches for the 1st week but I didn't renew Avis insurance for the next 3 weeks because I figure out I dont need it. Upon returning the car a minor scratch was detected and I was told that the money will be charged on the R3000 deposit I have paid. Only to my suprise on the 6th Feb Avis deducted an amount of 700+ from my account, without prior communication/notification to me or sending me any invoice for the scratch. When I called in to inquire I was told that the money was for the insurance that I never took. I believe that this is unfair consumer treatment that an organization deemed reputable like Avis can just go and deduct money from customer accounts without any prior notice. Furthermore it is so unfair that I don't even get the invoice of what is going to be billed on my personal account. Plaatjie
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samantha T
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
6 Feb 2026, 10:52
BEWARE - They DO NOT return deposits
I had an 11 month contract with Avis Budget fascilitated by Flexiclub. During the 11month period i was blatantly accused on 2 or 3 occasions of non payment despite my sending pop to multiple parties. On one occasion i was even told the vehicle had been handed over for recovery!! I had to take 4hours out of my own time to resend the pop again and again. Once the contract ended they again accused me of failing to pay and again thr same story. I have now sent the pop to each and every staff member and requested my deposit refund. The contract ended on 6 December and it is now 6 February and I am STILL waiting for the deposit. Avis Budget are completely ignoring alll attempts at communication. Apart from the dishonesty/*****, the lack of even basic customer service training is shocking!
Helpful (0)
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samantha T
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
6 Feb 2026, 10:52
BEWARE - They DO NOT return deposits
I had an 11 month contract with Avis Budget fascilitated by Flexiclub. During the 11month period i was blatantly accused on 2 or 3 occasions of non payment despite my sending pop to multiple parties. On one occasion i was even told the vehicle had been handed over for recovery!! I had to take 4hours out of my own time to resend the pop again and again. Once the contract ended they again accused me of failing to pay and again thr same story. I have now sent the pop to each and every staff member and requested my deposit refund. The contract ended on 6 December and it is now 6 February and I am STILL waiting for the deposit. Avis Budget are completely ignoring alll attempts at communication. Apart from the dishonesty/*****, the lack of even basic customer service training is shocking!
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Replies (0)JM
Jerry M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
3 Feb 2026, 18:05
Formal Dispute of Charges - Rental Agreement
I am writing to formally dispute the deductions made from my security deposit regarding my recent rental (Agreement Number: E609180644 from 23 January 2025 to 27 January 2026 . I paid a total of R7,300, which included a R5,000 security deposit. Upon returning the vehicle, I expected a full refund of my deposit minus the petrol refuel. Instead, I received only R940. I am extremely dissatisfied as I am being charged for "damages" or "issues" that I did not cause. I strongly believe I am being held liable for pre-existing issues with the vehicle that were present at the time of collection. I hereby request the following documentation within 48 hours: Itemized Final Invoice: A clear breakdown of every cent deducted from my R5,000 deposit. Photographic Evidence: Clear, timestamped photos of the alleged damage taken at the time of return, compared to photos/reports from the time of collection. Signed Vehicle Inspection Report: Copies of the check-out and check-in documents showing the condition of the car at both stages. This is the second time I have rented from Avis recently (previously in December), and the lack of transparency regarding these charges is unacceptable. I have always been a loyal customer, but I cannot accept the arbitrary deduction of over R4,000 without proof or prior communication. Please treat this as a formal dispute. If this matter is not resolved and my funds are not refunded promptly, I will be forced to escalate this complaint to SAVRALA (South African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association) and initiate a chargeback via my bank. I look forward to your prompt response and the immediate refund of the disputed amount.
Helpful (0)
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Jerry M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
3 Feb 2026, 18:05
Formal Dispute of Charges - Rental Agreement
I am writing to formally dispute the deductions made from my security deposit regarding my recent rental (Agreement Number: E609180644 from 23 January 2025 to 27 January 2026 . I paid a total of R7,300, which included a R5,000 security deposit. Upon returning the vehicle, I expected a full refund of my deposit minus the petrol refuel. Instead, I received only R940. I am extremely dissatisfied as I am being charged for "damages" or "issues" that I did not cause. I strongly believe I am being held liable for pre-existing issues with the vehicle that were present at the time of collection. I hereby request the following documentation within 48 hours: Itemized Final Invoice: A clear breakdown of every cent deducted from my R5,000 deposit. Photographic Evidence: Clear, timestamped photos of the alleged damage taken at the time of return, compared to photos/reports from the time of collection. Signed Vehicle Inspection Report: Copies of the check-out and check-in documents showing the condition of the car at both stages. This is the second time I have rented from Avis recently (previously in December), and the lack of transparency regarding these charges is unacceptable. I have always been a loyal customer, but I cannot accept the arbitrary deduction of over R4,000 without proof or prior communication. Please treat this as a formal dispute. If this matter is not resolved and my funds are not refunded promptly, I will be forced to escalate this complaint to SAVRALA (South African Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association) and initiate a chargeback via my bank. I look forward to your prompt response and the immediate refund of the disputed amount.
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Replies (0)LB
Lusisipho B
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
29 Jan 2026, 21:58
Avis is not paying back my money
Booked a car online for 23 Feb 2026 at the Sandton office. Payment and deposit were taken, but the service was never provided. I was promised a refund on Monday, 25 Feb, yet to date neither the deposit nor the payment has been returned. Avis is effectively earning interest on my money while I chase them daily with no feedback. Absolutely appalling service
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Lusisipho B
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
29 Jan 2026, 21:58
Avis is not paying back my money
Booked a car online for 23 Feb 2026 at the Sandton office. Payment and deposit were taken, but the service was never provided. I was promised a refund on Monday, 25 Feb, yet to date neither the deposit nor the payment has been returned. Avis is effectively earning interest on my money while I chase them daily with no feedback. Absolutely appalling service
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Replies (0)XZ
Xabisa Z
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
20 Jan 2026, 07:52
Disappointed by a big car rental company
Made a booking for December for a 4 days. There was a special going, if you book for 4 days you get day free, I did not get that. Nonetheless, I paid for my rental, no invoice, nothing. I do not know how much the car was per day. I just got the total amount and deposit that I had to pay. My deposit was finally sent to my account minus the petrol amount, which was at most R100 and way less than what I had expected. I do not know what was deducted and why as I did not receive and invoice.
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Xabisa Z
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
20 Jan 2026, 07:52
Disappointed by a big car rental company
Made a booking for December for a 4 days. There was a special going, if you book for 4 days you get day free, I did not get that. Nonetheless, I paid for my rental, no invoice, nothing. I do not know how much the car was per day. I just got the total amount and deposit that I had to pay. My deposit was finally sent to my account minus the petrol amount, which was at most R100 and way less than what I had expected. I do not know what was deducted and why as I did not receive and invoice.
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Replies (0)JM
Jerry M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
6 Jan 2026, 08:09
Outstanding Deposit Refund - Days Overdue For Refund
I am writing to request an update on the status of the security deposit refund for my recent rental. I returned the vehicle on 26 December to the Avis Lensaria Airport. According to my final receipt, there were additional charges and no damages reported, yet the deposit has not yet been released back to my Debit Card. Rental Details: Reservation/Rental Agreement Number: 609180644 Pick-up Date: 19 December 2025 (Sunninghill, Johannesburg) Return Date: 26 December 2025 (Lansaria Airport, Johannesburg) Vehicle Model: Toyota Vitz, WHite Could you please confirm if the refund has been processed on your end? If there is an issue or a delay, please let me know so I can coordinate with my bank. Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to your prompt response. Best regards, Jerry Mathekga 064 927 1504
Helpful (0)
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Jerry M
1 reviews | Active since Jan 2020
6 Jan 2026, 08:09
Outstanding Deposit Refund - Days Overdue For Refund
I am writing to request an update on the status of the security deposit refund for my recent rental. I returned the vehicle on 26 December to the Avis Lensaria Airport. According to my final receipt, there were additional charges and no damages reported, yet the deposit has not yet been released back to my Debit Card. Rental Details: Reservation/Rental Agreement Number: 609180644 Pick-up Date: 19 December 2025 (Sunninghill, Johannesburg) Return Date: 26 December 2025 (Lansaria Airport, Johannesburg) Vehicle Model: Toyota Vitz, WHite Could you please confirm if the refund has been processed on your end? If there is an issue or a delay, please let me know so I can coordinate with my bank. Thank you for your assistance. I look forward to your prompt response. Best regards, Jerry Mathekga 064 927 1504
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