KL
Konstant L
1 reviews | Active since Sept 2022
05 Aug 2025, 09:28
⭐ 1-Star Review – Extremely Disappointed with Woodford Car Hire
We rented a vehicle from Woodford Car Hire for one month. When we returned it, their representative pointed out two tiny chips on the windscreen — something we didn’t even notice during our use.
To our shock, they want to deduct R5,000 from our deposit, which is completely unreasonable for such minor damage. In most cases, reputable rental companies handle this type of wear and tear via insurance or fix it for a fraction of that cost.
I requested proof of the repairs or an invoice showing the actual cost of fixing the windscreen — and have received no response to date. The complete lack of transparency and communication is unacceptable.
This experience feels like a money-grab tactic, and I regret choosing Woodford. I strongly caution others to document every inch of the vehicle with photos and videos, and double-check their terms and conditions. I will never rent from them again.
Helpful (0)
Replies (4)0
Replies (4)
Woodford Car Hire's replyOfficial
05 Aug 2025, 10:25Dear Konstant
Thank you for your feedback and for taking the time to post this review. Your feedback and your journey is important to us, your trusted mobility partner.
We apologize for the challenges you have faced and would like to assure you of our very best attention at all times as we collaborate with you to resolve this matter in the fastest possible time.
To process any complaints and offer the best possible resolution, please direct all concerns to the below email address. Our trusted team will review the mail and reach out to you soonest.
You may email us on ***
Thank you for your support.
Yours Sincerely.
Abigail Mentor
The Woodford Group
Vision 2025 Team
Thank you for your feedback and for taking the time to post this review. Your feedback and your journey is important to us, your trusted mobility partner.
We apologize for the challenges you have faced and would like to assure you of our very best attention at all times as we collaborate with you to resolve this matter in the fastest possible time.
To process any complaints and offer the best possible resolution, please direct all concerns to the below email address. Our trusted team will review the mail and reach out to you soonest.
You may email us on ***
Thank you for your support.
Yours Sincerely.
Abigail Mentor
The Woodford Group
Vision 2025 Team
Woodford Car Hire's reply05 Aug 2025, 10:25
Official
Dear Konstant
Thank you for your feedback and for taking the time to post this review. Your feedback and your journey is important to us, your trusted mobility partner.
We apologize for the challenges you have faced and would like to assure you of our very best attention at all times as we collaborate with you to resolve this matter in the fastest possible time.
To process any complaints and offer the best possible resolution, please direct all concerns to the below email address. Our trusted team will review the mail and reach out to you soonest.
You may email us on ***
Thank you for your support.
Yours Sincerely.
Abigail Mentor
The Woodford Group
Vision 2025 Team
Thank you for your feedback and for taking the time to post this review. Your feedback and your journey is important to us, your trusted mobility partner.
We apologize for the challenges you have faced and would like to assure you of our very best attention at all times as we collaborate with you to resolve this matter in the fastest possible time.
To process any complaints and offer the best possible resolution, please direct all concerns to the below email address. Our trusted team will review the mail and reach out to you soonest.
You may email us on ***
Thank you for your support.
Yours Sincerely.
Abigail Mentor
The Woodford Group
Vision 2025 Team
KL
Noma | Woodford Car Hire<***>
Good day,
Thank you for reaching out to us, we have logged your query under reference number ***. One of our skilled, friendly consultants will contact you within 48 hours.You can also visit our FAQ page to read through common queries.We appreciate your patience during this time and will do our best to respond to you as soon as possible.
The Woodford Car Hire Team |
Our customer support team is available 07:00 to 16:30 Monday to Friday.
Email: *** | WhatsApp: +***0 | Call: +***0
Woodford Car Hire Pty Ltd, a division of The Woodford Group. Registration number: ***. Level 1 BBBEE contributor. Corporate Headquarters: 1 Intersite Avenue, Umgeni Business Park, Durban, 4051 . General enquiries: ***. Email enquiries: *** . For additional information visit: www.woodford.co.za. This document is confidential and may be privileged, intended solely for the named recipient(s) - unauthorised review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. The Woodford Group is not liable for any damages resulting from the use of information contained herein.Yours sincerely,
Contact Centre Agent |
Call: +***0 | WhatsApp: +***0 | On Mon, Aug 4, 2025 8:39 AM, *** wrote:
Hi
Please see email below, we need assistance ASAP. We rented a vehicle from Woodford Car Hire in Cape Town (Bellville) from the the 2nd of July 2025 until the 2nd of August 2025. On return the customer representative pointed out 2 very small chips on the windscreen. I told him that I was unaware of that and he advised me to just sign the form and state it like that on the document and that we won't be charged for that. Today I received a total claim of just over R5000.00. I find it EXTREMELY hard to believe that the repairs will be that expensive. I would also like to see the quotes that Woodford Car Hire received to repair the "damages" and if it has really been done. I also know that most car hire companies have insurance for that and that the excess will not even be close to R5000. I don't even know if a brand new windscreen (which won't be needed) will cost R5000.00.
I need this to be investigated ASAP and I also need further advice in terms of my rights as a customer and I would also like legal advice on how to take this case further.
RegardsKonstant Lourens+***
From: konstant lourens <***>
Sent: Monday, 04 August 2025 11:15
To: Cape Claims <***>
Cc: Info <***>
Subject: Re: WOODFORD CAR HIRE - Damage Invoice for Claim No.: CPTE81-1107-D01 Hi,
Thank you for the email.
Can you kindly send me the quotation that you have in order to repair the so called "damages"? When I returned the vehicle the customer representative said that we should just state our side of the damages. I told him that we were unaware of those "chips" on the windscreen. I find it very hard to believe that the total repair costs totals R5000.00. Please send me the repair quotes that you have received from a company or companies in order to repair the damages. As far as my knowledge goes all car rental companies have insurance on their vehicles and IF there are any damages they repair it through their insurance companies which will require a small excess fee which can't be R5000.00. I think this is a total rip-off.
Looking forward to your reply.
Kind regards.
Konstant Lourens
Konstant L's updateReviewer Update
05 Aug 2025, 10:30I Abigail I have sent numerous emails and the only reply that I received back was a short (looked like a computerised/AI reply) NO effort has been put into the case. Please see below:
Noma | Woodford Car Hire<***>
You
Dear KonstantI trust that you are well.Thank you so much for contacting me. I apologize for any inconvenience. According to our video record/pictures at pickup and return, we noted the following damage: [x2 Chips on the windscreen] Copies of the video/picture were emailed to you upon collection and return, with the return video indicating the damage. As per policy, the incident report was signed by you – prompting our team to send the vehicle for assessment and repairs. The chip could have happened anywhere along your trip.The charges reflect the cost of these repairs. We trust this answers your query. For more information, you may view our website; https://www.woodford.co.za/faq/how-are-damages-calculatedhttps://www.woodford.co.za/faq/how-do-damages-affect-my-deposithttps://www.woodford.co.za/faq/how-are-damages-billedhttps://www.woodford.co.za/Thank you and keep well.Yours sincerely,
Noma ThembaContact Centre Agent |
Call: +***0 | WhatsApp: +***0 |
On Mon, Aug 4, 2025 8:39 AM, wrote:Noma ThembaContact Centre Agent |
Call: +***0 | WhatsApp: +***0 |
Good day,
Thank you for reaching out to us, we have logged your query under reference number ***. One of our skilled, friendly consultants will contact you within 48 hours.You can also visit our FAQ page to read through common queries.We appreciate your patience during this time and will do our best to respond to you as soon as possible.
The Woodford Car Hire Team |
Our customer support team is available 07:00 to 16:30 Monday to Friday.
Email: *** | WhatsApp: +***0 | Call: +***0
Woodford Car Hire Pty Ltd, a division of The Woodford Group. Registration number: ***. Level 1 BBBEE contributor. Corporate Headquarters: 1 Intersite Avenue, Umgeni Business Park, Durban, 4051 . General enquiries: ***. Email enquiries: *** . For additional information visit: www.woodford.co.za. This document is confidential and may be privileged, intended solely for the named recipient(s) - unauthorised review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. The Woodford Group is not liable for any damages resulting from the use of information contained herein.Yours sincerely,
Contact Centre Agent |
Call: +***0 | WhatsApp: +***0 | On Mon, Aug 4, 2025 8:39 AM, *** wrote:
Please see email below, we need assistance ASAP. We rented a vehicle from Woodford Car Hire in Cape Town (Bellville) from the the 2nd of July 2025 until the 2nd of August 2025. On return the customer representative pointed out 2 very small chips on the windscreen. I told him that I was unaware of that and he advised me to just sign the form and state it like that on the document and that we won't be charged for that. Today I received a total claim of just over R5000.00. I find it EXTREMELY hard to believe that the repairs will be that expensive. I would also like to see the quotes that Woodford Car Hire received to repair the "damages" and if it has really been done. I also know that most car hire companies have insurance for that and that the excess will not even be close to R5000. I don't even know if a brand new windscreen (which won't be needed) will cost R5000.00.
I need this to be investigated ASAP and I also need further advice in terms of my rights as a customer and I would also like legal advice on how to take this case further.
RegardsKonstant Lourens+***
Sent: Monday, 04 August 2025 11:15
To: Cape Claims <***>
Cc: Info <***>
Subject: Re: WOODFORD CAR HIRE - Damage Invoice for Claim No.: CPTE81-1107-D01 Hi,
Thank you for the email.
Can you kindly send me the quotation that you have in order to repair the so called "damages"? When I returned the vehicle the customer representative said that we should just state our side of the damages. I told him that we were unaware of those "chips" on the windscreen. I find it very hard to believe that the total repair costs totals R5000.00. Please send me the repair quotes that you have received from a company or companies in order to repair the damages. As far as my knowledge goes all car rental companies have insurance on their vehicles and IF there are any damages they repair it through their insurance companies which will require a small excess fee which can't be R5000.00. I think this is a total rip-off.
Looking forward to your reply.
Kind regards.
Konstant Lourens
KL
Konstant L's update05 Aug 2025, 10:30
Reviewer Update
I Abigail I have sent numerous emails and the only reply that I received back was a short (looked like a computerised/AI reply) NO effort has been put into the case. Please see below:
Noma | Woodford Car Hire<***>
You
Dear KonstantI trust that you are well.Thank you so much for contacting me. I apologize for any inconvenience. According to our video record/pictures at pickup and return, we noted the following damage: [x2 Chips on the windscreen] Copies of the video/picture were emailed to you upon collection and return, with the return video indicating the damage. As per policy, the incident report was signed by you – prompting our team to send the vehicle for assessment and repairs. The chip could have happened anywhere along your trip.The charges reflect the cost of these repairs. We trust this answers your query. For more information, you may view our website; https://www.woodford.co.za/faq/how-are-damages-calculatedhttps://www.woodford.co.za/faq/how-do-damages-affect-my-deposithttps://www.woodford.co.za/faq/how-are-damages-billedhttps://www.woodford.co.za/Thank you and keep well.Yours sincerely,
Noma ThembaContact Centre Agent |
Call: +***0 | WhatsApp: +***0 |
On Mon, Aug 4, 2025 8:39 AM, wrote:Noma ThembaContact Centre Agent |
Call: +***0 | WhatsApp: +***0 |
Good day,
Thank you for reaching out to us, we have logged your query under reference number ***. One of our skilled, friendly consultants will contact you within 48 hours.You can also visit our FAQ page to read through common queries.We appreciate your patience during this time and will do our best to respond to you as soon as possible.
The Woodford Car Hire Team |
Our customer support team is available 07:00 to 16:30 Monday to Friday.
Email: *** | WhatsApp: +***0 | Call: +***0
Woodford Car Hire Pty Ltd, a division of The Woodford Group. Registration number: ***. Level 1 BBBEE contributor. Corporate Headquarters: 1 Intersite Avenue, Umgeni Business Park, Durban, 4051 . General enquiries: ***. Email enquiries: *** . For additional information visit: www.woodford.co.za. This document is confidential and may be privileged, intended solely for the named recipient(s) - unauthorised review, use, disclosure, or distribution is prohibited. The Woodford Group is not liable for any damages resulting from the use of information contained herein.Yours sincerely,
Contact Centre Agent |
Call: +***0 | WhatsApp: +***0 | On Mon, Aug 4, 2025 8:39 AM, *** wrote:
Please see email below, we need assistance ASAP. We rented a vehicle from Woodford Car Hire in Cape Town (Bellville) from the the 2nd of July 2025 until the 2nd of August 2025. On return the customer representative pointed out 2 very small chips on the windscreen. I told him that I was unaware of that and he advised me to just sign the form and state it like that on the document and that we won't be charged for that. Today I received a total claim of just over R5000.00. I find it EXTREMELY hard to believe that the repairs will be that expensive. I would also like to see the quotes that Woodford Car Hire received to repair the "damages" and if it has really been done. I also know that most car hire companies have insurance for that and that the excess will not even be close to R5000. I don't even know if a brand new windscreen (which won't be needed) will cost R5000.00.
I need this to be investigated ASAP and I also need further advice in terms of my rights as a customer and I would also like legal advice on how to take this case further.
RegardsKonstant Lourens+***
Sent: Monday, 04 August 2025 11:15
To: Cape Claims <***>
Cc: Info <***>
Subject: Re: WOODFORD CAR HIRE - Damage Invoice for Claim No.: CPTE81-1107-D01 Hi,
Thank you for the email.
Can you kindly send me the quotation that you have in order to repair the so called "damages"? When I returned the vehicle the customer representative said that we should just state our side of the damages. I told him that we were unaware of those "chips" on the windscreen. I find it very hard to believe that the total repair costs totals R5000.00. Please send me the repair quotes that you have received from a company or companies in order to repair the damages. As far as my knowledge goes all car rental companies have insurance on their vehicles and IF there are any damages they repair it through their insurance companies which will require a small excess fee which can't be R5000.00. I think this is a total rip-off.
Looking forward to your reply.
Kind regards.
Konstant Lourens
KL
Konstant L's updateReviewer Update
05 Aug 2025, 10:32I need to see the actual cost of repairing the "damage" There is no way that two tiny chips in a windscreen can cost R5000!!!! I also want evidence that the actual "damage" has been fixed and that the costs were R5000.
KL
Konstant L's update05 Aug 2025, 10:32
Reviewer Update
I need to see the actual cost of repairing the "damage" There is no way that two tiny chips in a windscreen can cost R5000!!!! I also want evidence that the actual "damage" has been fixed and that the costs were R5000.
KL
We recently rented a vehicle from Woodford Car Hire for one month and returned it in excellent condition, with no major issues. Upon return, the staff pointed out two very small chips on the windscreen – hardly noticeable and certainly not unusual for long-term rentals on South African roads.
Konstant L's updateReviewer Update
06 Aug 2025, 13:12🚫 Unreasonable R5000 Charge for Minor Windscreen Chips – Woodford Car Hire Disappoints
We recently rented a vehicle from Woodford Car Hire for one month and returned it in excellent condition, with no major issues. Upon return, the staff pointed out two very small chips on the windscreen – hardly noticeable and certainly not unusual for long-term rentals on South African roads.
To our shock, they are now charging R5,000 from our deposit to "repair" this – an amount that seems completely excessive and unjustified. We requested a breakdown of the actual repair costs or a formal invoice showing what the amount would be used for. No response. No proof. No transparency.
To be clear – R5,000 is more than the cost of replacing an entire windscreen in many cases. Most companies have insurance coverage for this type of minor wear and tear, and the cost to repair small chips is usually under R500.
This feels like a money-grab tactic from a company that clearly doesn’t prioritise fair customer service. We were not offered any assistance, just an arbitrary deduction with no explanation. We feel taken advantage of and are extremely disappointed.
We have been renting cars for years and have never experienced something like this. Be very cautious when using this company, and take detailed photos of every inch of the vehicle before and after rental – even things you’d never think would be considered "damage".
We are still waiting for our refund and proof of any real damage or repairs.
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KL
Konstant L's update06 Aug 2025, 13:12
Reviewer Update
🚫 Unreasonable R5000 Charge for Minor Windscreen Chips – Woodford Car Hire Disappoints
We recently rented a vehicle from Woodford Car Hire for one month and returned it in excellent condition, with no major issues. Upon return, the staff pointed out two very small chips on the windscreen – hardly noticeable and certainly not unusual for long-term rentals on South African roads.
To our shock, they are now charging R5,000 from our deposit to "repair" this – an amount that seems completely excessive and unjustified. We requested a breakdown of the actual repair costs or a formal invoice showing what the amount would be used for. No response. No proof. No transparency.
To be clear – R5,000 is more than the cost of replacing an entire windscreen in many cases. Most companies have insurance coverage for this type of minor wear and tear, and the cost to repair small chips is usually under R500.
This feels like a money-grab tactic from a company that clearly doesn’t prioritise fair customer service. We were not offered any assistance, just an arbitrary deduction with no explanation. We feel taken advantage of and are extremely disappointed.
We have been renting cars for years and have never experienced something like this. Be very cautious when using this company, and take detailed photos of every inch of the vehicle before and after rental – even things you’d never think would be considered "damage".
We are still waiting for our refund and proof of any real damage or repairs.
image.png 395.09 KBimage.png 542.84 KBimage.png 376.8 KB