Claim of hire car damage

[Runnyyolkplease]

4 months ago my car went in for repairs, I was given a hire car through Enterprise. I picked my car up from the body shop once it was repaired, advised to leave car there for collection by Enterprise which I did. Keys left with body shop staff.
Yesterday I received a letter from enterprise claiming that I returned the hire car without the key. I called them and it seems between them and the body shop the key has been lost. They stated that they are pursuing me as their only option to reclaim costs.
How should I best defend myself against this and avoid paying out (£250)?
They made no attempt to contact me at the time to investigate who I had left the keys with, surely they have to notify me within a period of time if they intend to put a claim against me? Any advice would be gratefully received!

Tell them you'll see them in court.

As above, you'll see them in court.

You are not responsible for this, especially as it was 4 months ago.

Trust me enterprise do not want to go to court

Who booked the car? Was the garage responsible for the hire or you?

my car is a lease through work, car rental any time it’s goes into a garage is just part of that - but it was in my name and not the companies.
thanks for the comments, I was feeling very worried but you are right - they can see me in court.

Update- enterprise have held my card on record and today charged it. I’m furious. Other than contact bank about unauthorised charge is there anything I can do?