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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU My manager's daughter broke my car keys, is it unreasonable to expect a refund?

49 replies

Monipop84 · 07/03/2019 10:24

Keys were a bit scuffed but she removed the internal circuit completely. It's just a bit awkward as I had initially said: "Don't worry, they've always been scuffed" without realising the extent of the damage. This morning I couldn't start the car and bring it to the MOT, and I was quoted £200 for a new key. I am 9 months pregnant and money is tight, what do I do? 😿

OP posts:
IWannaSeeHowItEnds · 07/03/2019 10:26

Talk to your manager. The cost is way more than you initially expected and the manager or DD (if adult) should pay to replace them.

Nesssie · 07/03/2019 10:27

Why did she remove the internal circuit? Why did she have the keys?

RhymingRabbit · 07/03/2019 10:28

Hmmm... it's tricky.

If they were on their last legs and she just happened to be the unlucky person who was using them when they finally snuffed it, it wouldn't be fair to ask her to pay.

However, if they were absolutely fine then I would mention it.

Although I think you might be on to plums.

Houseonahill · 07/03/2019 10:28

Why did she have your car keys? If you'd given her permission to play with them then I don't think you can expect her to foot the whole bill but you could ask if she'll go halfs.

Houseonahill · 07/03/2019 10:28

Why did she have your car keys? If you'd given her permission to play with them then I don't think you can expect her to foot the whole bill but you could ask if she'll go halfs.

19lottie82 · 07/03/2019 10:29

Not really an answer to your OP but £200 for a new key seems very steep. Get a few more quotes, you should be able to get one for about half that .

Houseonahill · 07/03/2019 10:29

Sorry stupid phone posted twice

Eliza9917 · 07/03/2019 10:29

How old is the dd?

Did you not realise when you left to go home?

twistable · 07/03/2019 10:29

Check your insurance policy. It might include key cover

HeadsDownThumbsUpEveryone · 07/03/2019 10:30

It depends on why she had the car keys.

If she is a toddler playing with them and you gave them her then no I really don't see how she is to blame and your boss should not have to pay.

If she is a teen who was conducting an experiment to dismantle and reassemble them without your permission then by all means ask your boss to place them.

LIZS · 07/03/2019 10:30

Does it not depend how manager's daughter had hold of them to break and if she is a toddler or adult? If you voluntarily handed them over to play with then that was a risk you took. If she deliberately broke them or took without permission then say something.

Margot33 · 07/03/2019 10:33

Depends on who gave them to the child. If it was you, then you pay. If it was the child then half each. If it was your manager then they should pay.

Original poster
Monipop84 · 07/03/2019 10:33

The reason she had the keys was that I had forgotten them in my manager's office. They are attached to work fob.

OP posts:
Original poster
Monipop84 · 07/03/2019 10:34

Also I don't always drive to work. This is the first time I drove after the incident (bringing car to MOT). Otherwise I carpool with DH

OP posts:
LIZS · 07/03/2019 10:35

But is she a child or an adult? Were they abused or just damaged in the time taken to return them to you?

DSHathawayGivesMeFannyGallops · 07/03/2019 10:35

If I were your manager, I'd want to know and I'd replace them. I'd definitely talk to your manager.

HeadsDownThumbsUpEveryone · 07/03/2019 10:36

The reason she had the keys was that I had forgotten them in my manager's office. They are attached to work fob.

So you left them in the office and the [child/toddler/teen/adult] delete as appropriate found them. What was she doing with the keys playing with them or giving them to you?

It honestly sounds like the keys were on their last legs already and that she was just the unfortunate one to have them when they broke?

Margot33 · 07/03/2019 10:40

In that case mention it to your manager. Ask if she would mind paying half towards them. If you don't ask, you don't get. But you can't leave It too long otherwise she won't believe you. It has to be today.

caughtinanet · 07/03/2019 10:42

How old is the child and how did she manage to take out the internal circuit?

Original poster
Monipop84 · 07/03/2019 10:43

*Daughter is 4 years old, sorry I should have said! Keys were scuffed but still usable, you know when you have small dents in them? She must have picked at those and digged in.

OP posts:
Nesssie · 07/03/2019 10:44

Well seeing as you didn't give them to her, and she took them and broke them, I would approach your manager.

NotSuchASmugMarriedNow1 · 07/03/2019 10:44

i'm amazed a child was able to remove the internal circuit for a car key. How old is she?

TopBitchoftheWitches · 07/03/2019 10:47

Spare key?

HeadsDownThumbsUpEveryone · 07/03/2019 10:47

4 years old. I am amazed a 4 year old was able to remove the internal circuit and you didn't notice. That suggests to me the keys were not just scuffed, surely they were pretty battered for her to remove the circuit and it not be obvious when you got the keys back?

catmumof1 · 07/03/2019 10:50

We thought DPs car key was a gonner but we ordered a new shell/casing for it and it's fine now, might be worth a shot before getting a replacement?
I just googled the car make and model key replacement, it was only a few quid.

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