Europcar: Unauthorised deductions and non refund of deposit

My insurance, Naked Insurance, arranged a rental car with Europcar while my car was at the panelbeaters. I collected the rental car on 27 July 2023, the same day I dropped my car at the panelbeaters. There was a R2000 deposit that I paid upon collection, which was due to be refunded to me when I returned the car (bar any accident damage).

My car was at the panelbeaters for an extended period due to the tax strike in the Western Cape, where I communicated with my insurance that I would require the rental car for long than scheduled, which my insurance said that it would not be a problem and they would make the necessary arrangments with Europcar.

I collected my car on 25 August 2023 and returned the rental car to Europcar. Inspection was completed and no damage found. The lady advised the refund of the deposit would take 3 - 10 days. No problem.

On 30 August 2023, Europcar decides to DEDUCT another R2900 from my account. After calling their call centre, they state that the car was returned after my due date and I was charged for late fees! I went to the branch where I collected the car (Claremont) and they said no communication was received.

I called my insurance and they said everything was communicated with head office and sent an email advising that this R2900 should be credited. Europcar agreed and said it would be actioned urgently.

Fast forward to today: 7 September 2023 NO REFUND OF DEPOSIT (R2000) NO REFUND OF ADDITIONAL AMOUNT DEDUCTED (R2900)

I've contacted Europcar countless times and everytime someone says they will follow up and never gets back to me. Absolutely SHOCKING service.

The next step for me will be legal action as money was deducted from my account WITHOUT my authorisation unless Europcar gets in touch me with.