Legal Advice on Rental Car and Deposit Reclaim

Questioner

Recently rented a car from a car rental company to move some stuff. Paid a deposit of 660 euros. Later returned the car. Only the car key of the rental car got stuck between the tailgate and broke. I suggested to the company to have a new key made and that this would cost me 93,-. They do not agree and indicate that they will deduct 250,- euros from my deposit because they have the key made at the dealer. I don't want to agree to this high amount now that I know it can be done for much cheaper. So I refuse to sign a paper for this and now I won't get my deposit paid until I sign. What would be the best thing for me to do in this case?

Lawyer

If nothing is specified in the general terms and conditions about this, you can have the key repaired at your own expense. It must be the same type of key with e.g. remote control etc. The rental company will then have to accept this. If you wish, you can contact me directly and free of charge for consultation.