Deposit Refund Delayed — Woodford’s Batch Payment Excuse Is Unacceptabl

I rented and returned a vehicle from Woodford Car Hire on 24 September 2025. On 1 October, I contacted their office to enquire about my deposit refund, as no damage had been identified. I was told a request had been made and I should receive the refund within 2 days.

After no payment was received, I followed up again on 3 October. Only then was I informed that Woodford is “still within their 14-day window” to assess whether I should receive my deposit — despite no damage, no incident, and no prior mention of this timeline when the vehicle was returned.

This lack of transparency and shifting explanations is unacceptable. The Consumer Protection Act requires suppliers to refund deposits promptly once their purpose has been fulfilled. I comp**** fully with the rental terms and returned the vehicle in good condition.

At no point was I informed that deposits are paid “in batches.” I find this unacceptable — when I made the payment, it was processed individually, not as part of a group. It makes no rational sense that repayment should now be delayed under a batch system.

I’ve rented from Woodford before, but I will not do so again. This batch refund practice reflects a profit-driven mindset, not a customer-focused service. Consumers deserve clarity, consistency, and timely redress — not vague excuses and delayed payments.