europcar car hire problems

snowmen

recently hired a car from europcar at a uk airport.
on returning vehicle I dropped the keys and the metal pin that connects the key to the fob dropped out meaning that the key became detached from it. You could still use the key to start the ignition and the fob to lock the car.
A man checked over the car and I gave him the keys and he said that they would have to be secured before the car could be rented again. He said nothing more and walked off.
When I checked my credit card statement a couple of days later I had been charged over £200 extra. I rang them to query this and they said that I had been billed extra for lost keys and a chip on the windscreen (which I was not made aware of). I didnt sign anything when I returned the car.
What is the best way to deal with this? I would have thought that if the man who dealt with checking the car back in saw any damage I would have to sign for it.
Has anyone had any experience with this kind of thing before?
Thanks.

ponsaloti

A new flip key from the dealer would range from about £120 to £240 depending on the make and model.
These keys are repaireble but if you were in there position, would you chance a repair or would you go for a new one. Chances are a new one wont cause any future problems.
Legally I dont know where you stand but morally you broke the key so you should stand the cost or the replacment, unless you were insured for this.

Good Luck

xycom1

I agree, broken key will necessitate replacement. When they hand the car in to the manufacturer/lease company when it's finished with them, it will have to have a properly serviceable set of keys.

snowmen

thanks for the replies.
I thought I would have been told to sign for the damaged keys and chip to the windscreen if it was being charged to my credit card though.

wacko911

What was the insurance excess? Did the insurance cover accidental damage?

snowmen

just rang a kia dealership and together with the information about the damage to the key (no key pin but key and fob still working) and registration of car rental vehicle - they said that no new key is required, just a new pin which is easy to fit at .... wait for it.... £1.22 + VAT!
Think europcar are seriously taking the proverbial.
Writing a letter of complaint - based on my previous experience of 4 attempts to get an breakdown invoice of the charges emailed to me I don't hold out much hope though (even of getting a reply).

vax2002

Inform your credit card that this is a unauthorised transaction and to start a chargeback.

ponsaloti

In defence of the hire company, and from the information you have given. I would say from experience, the pin cant just drop out, unless
the key had previous repairs ie.. new pin fitted etc, but as proven, this key is now damaged and you were , unfortunatly the last one the hire the car.

Good luck