Avis / Budget car hire deny me my refund

Made a booking via Budget car hire and they most ridiculous conditions. I hired a car the day before I had to fetch it. When I went to pick it up, I experienced some complications which led me to make a cancelation. So when I eventually call to cancel, I am being refused a refund, whereas I called less than 24hours from the time I made a booking.

Apparently you need to make cancelation 3 days before pick up to get a refund, but what kind of condition is that when I've made a booking a day before pick up? How on earth would I have known I'd have complication on the evening before I rent this car?

They have funny conditions to catch you out. This was such a bad experience. ? ? ?

Use Hertz if you want to be treated right. Quick and efficient.