To think the garage should pay for a new car key?

[KiwiOtter]

Took my car to the garage for some repairs last week. They phoned to say it was ready, and I went up to get it. They had left for the day, and my car was outside the locked premises on the road, so I used my spare key and took it home (had paid online banking for the bill).

I went up today to collect my key, and they have told me they left it in the coil spring, and surprise, it’s now lost. At no point did they tell me they had done this.

If someone had seen them do this, my car could have been stolen also.

AIBU to think they should pay for a new key? It’s going to cost £350!

coil spring? Whats a coil spring?

My garage always leaves my key on the driver's side wheel when I collect after they've closed. But they always communicate this

100% they should pay, but doubt they will as their not insured once car outside the locked premises.

Thats exactly what I asked! It was left sort of behind the driver side wheel resting on a spring!

If they didn't tell you then yes, they should pay for a replacement car key.

so I'm guessing you drove off and the key just fell down? Have you checked to see if it's still there somehow?

Put a message up on your local facebook group to see if anyone found a car key.

I might have checked the wheel tops but definitely not any kind of coil! Definitely on them to replace as they didn't tell you where the key was.

Is it a main dealer garage, or a smaller independent.?

If main dealer, I would the garage one last chance to replace the key - or inform them you will be escalating to UK main offices, also mention usual Social media outlets.

It is obviously their fault, as they lost the key… therefore it’s up to them to replace it!.

Will definitely go up and check, good idea thanks.

no i mean checked your car

I know what a coil spring is I’d never think to look there even if garage said they’d left keys with car. Utterly bizarre.

Surely it wine on the ground within 1m of where it was parked ?