"Forgot" to return key
 

So I just returned an Avis car to a rental location, and went to the desk, got the return paperwork and everything. In the confusion I guess, the agent forgot to ask me for the keys back and I forgot to give it to him. When I realised it, the location is now closed, so I'll have to hand it back in the morning.

Has anyone had a similar experience before?

Why the quote marks? Does that mean that you intentionally kept the keys?

Either way, if Avis has a spare and they needed the vehicle, you are OK. If they didn't, you may find yourself hit with whatever the extra hour/day charges are until the vehicle is back in service.

I would get back there as early as possible, be apologetic and move on.

I went back literally 15 minutes after they closed, and there was nobody at the location. The carpark was completely full though, so I highly doubt they needed the vehicle. I'll go back tomorrow.

Location didn't have a drop box for the key?

It's only a few hundred dollars to get a new key from the dealer...

It did, but as I'm literally staying less than 5 minutes to the location, I'd prefer to deliver it in person in the morning.