We’re moving, we trust a keyring to a reliable neighbor, or we discover that the bike storage key exists in only one copy. In each of these cases, the reflex is the same: make a duplicate.
However, the price displayed in the window tells only part of the story. Type of key, presence of a patent, possible travel costs: several items add up, and the differences from one provider to another can be surprising. Comparing the prices for a key duplicate requires knowing exactly what you’re comparing.
Identify your key before asking for a quote
Before entering a locksmith’s shop or filling out an online form, it’s helpful to know precisely what model you have. A classic flat key, the kind found on most old front doors, does not require the same tools or stock as a pump key or a high-security patented key.
The most determining distinction for the price remains the presence or absence of a patent. A patented key can only be reproduced by the lock manufacturer or an authorized distributor, upon presentation of the ownership card. This process extends the timeframe (sometimes two to three weeks) and increases the cost.
By comparing the rates offered by Dépannage Serrurier 92 services, we find that the price of a simple flat key remains modest, while a high-security model can represent several dozen euros more. The range goes from a few euros for a basic copy to over a hundred euros for certain patented keys.
To compare effectively, the first step is to classify your key into the correct category. Look for the engravings on the blade or the head: a patent number, a manufacturer’s logo (Fichet, Picard, Bricard, Kaba) or the mention “reproduction prohibited” immediately guides the search.
What the displayed price hides: travel costs and mandatory quotes
A key copy made in-store does not incur any travel costs. The situation changes when calling a locksmith to your home, for example, to reproduce a key after a cylinder change or a door opening.
Since the decree of January 24, 2017, a detailed quote must be provided before any intervention, with no minimum amount. Previously, a quote was only required for amounts over 150 euros. This obligation protects the consumer, but one must be aware of it to enforce it.
Travel costs are free to set. However, they must be announced before the client’s agreement and explicitly stated in the quote, then on the invoice. A low call-out fee for key reproduction loses all interest if an unannounced travel charge doubles the final bill.
Items to check on a locksmith quote
- The unit price of the reproduced key, distinguishing the exact type (flat, pin, patented, electronic).
- The travel costs, their fixed or per-kilometer amount, and whether they are included or excluded in the price quoted over the phone.
- The labor costs if the intervention goes beyond simple copying (cylinder replacement, transponder programming).
- Any additional charges for emergency intervention, at night or on weekends.
Asking for the total announced cost before validating remains the only reliable reflex. A high price is not illegal in itself: emergency service rates are not capped. It is the lack of prior information that constitutes the fault.
Lost ownership card: a often overlooked extra cost
The ownership card accompanies security locks. It proves that you are the legitimate owner of the cylinder and allows the reproduction of the associated key. Without it, an authorized locksmith will normally refuse to copy your patented key.
However, the process is not impossible. Depending on the manufacturers, a sworn statement or proof of property of the residence may suffice to restart the manufacturing. The process is slower, and the price may include additional administrative fees related to identity verification.
This is an expense item that most online pricing grids do not mention. When comparing prices, we often compare the ideal scenario (free key, card in hand, workshop nearby). Considering the case of the lost card allows for anticipating a realistic budget.
Comparing the prices for a key duplicate: a concrete method
Rather than relying on a single quote or a call-out price found online, one can structure the comparison in three steps.
Collect at least three quotes for the same model
A minute key cobbler, an independent locksmith, and an online service cover three channels with different cost structures. The cobbler often works on flat keys and common models. The locksmith has access to patented ranges. The online service can offer competitive rates on referenced models, with a postal delay in return.
Isolate the price of the key from the overall cost
Each quote should allow you to read separately the price of reproduction, additional fees, and the timeframe. Comparing only the price of the key skews the result if travel or processing fees vary from simple to triple.
Check compatibility with your lock
A key reproduced on a generic machine may have a slight play that prematurely wears out the cylinder. For security locks, going through the manufacturer’s authorized network guarantees mechanical compatibility and preserves the lock’s warranty. The extra cost is justified by the longevity of the cylinder.
The price of a key duplicate depends less on the gross rate than on what you put against it: type of key, reproduction channel, additional fees, and compatibility guarantee. Three detailed quotes, read item by item, are usually sufficient to identify the most coherent offer for your situation.
