Losing your car or house keys most often happens when you least expect it. According to the Ipsos survey in 2016, almost 65% of French people have accidentally lost them. Also, at some point, there is a need to entrust a key lock copy to a tenant, a relative, or a neighbor.

Faced with all these situations, it becomes essential to duplicate or make a patented key with a property card. Compared to changing the lock, this operation may seem simple and quick to carry out. For more information on the subject, we invite you to consult this article. But before discussing the details, let’s first look at the various good reasons to make a patented Vachette key reproduction.

When should you make duplicates of your keys?

Given the hectic pace of daily life, it is not uncommon to forget or lose the patented Vachette key to the home. Some people don’t even remember the location of their identity card photocopy. Yet, no one can access the house or car without the key copy. It is therefore essential to make duplicates to avoid damaging or drilling a lock.

It is equally important to make this decision following attempted burglaries. It is not only useful to reinforce the protection of the house with a good door security bar. It is also necessary to make a patented key with a property card. Don’t forget to file a loss declaration after the key theft. Also, try to change the door lock immediately.

Besides losing and stealing the lock key, duplicating it may also seem essential to avoid unforeseen events. A family member might need a copy of the patented Vachette key while you are far from them. Thus, it is imperative to have duplicates. Before asking yourself how to make a patented key with a property card, you should know the price of a key copy.

Summary table of reproduction types

Key type	Complexity	Average time	Required proof
Classic flat key	Low	Immediate (5 min)	None
Security point key	Medium	24 to 48 hours	None
Patented key	High	1 to 2 weeks	Property card mandatory

How much does it cost to make a duplicate key?

No matter the reason that leads you to make a Vachette patented key duplication, know that the price can vary depending on countless factors. It should be noted that up to 15,000 key models can be found in France. The fees for patented key duplication with property card therefore depend on the specific model.

If you are equipped with standard type keys, making a duplicate seems less expensive. Especially since these are flat keys. They are the easiest to reproduce. You can prepare an amount ranging from 10 to 15 euros.

Similarly, duplicating grooved keys does not cost much. Like flat keys, the price ranges between 10 to 15 euros. This equipment is characterized by its bulky appearance. It is especially suitable for gates, cabinets, or small doors.

Regarding high-security keys, you should budget between 30 to 75 euros. For professional quality models, making copies can cost between 200 and 300 euros. If you own armored door keys, their duplication requires a significant expense that can go up to 350 euros.

It is important to emphasize that these devices benefit from better design. They can promise you increased security. That is why they are more difficult to duplicate. This key can be pump, radial, magnetic, or ball type. Consequently, its duplication requires expertise and appropriate equipment. It is not surprising that the operation seems costly. 

What types of keys can be duplicated?

Although there are a number of key models on the market, they cannot necessarily be copied. So, before asking how to make a patented key with property card, first find out if yours can be duplicated or not.

In general, you can reproduce standard keys. However, when you see the mention duplication prohibited on the back of your key, know that it is impossible to make a duplicate. Any Vachette patented key or protected key must not be copied. The Vachette Assa Abloy patented key is part of this category.

In reality, there is still a way to carry out this operation. However, legal provisions regulate Vachette patented key duplication. If you own keys protected by a patent, you are required to prove that you are truly the owner. In this case, you must present not only a photocopy of your identity card but especially your key property card.

It is the manufacturer who gave it to you at purchase. Only specialized websites and locksmiths handle reproducing or making patented keys with property card. So when you have lost your key, you just have to present your key property card and they take care of everything. As for duplicating locks protected by the copyright mention, the manufacturing company is also the only one able to make a duplicate.

Where can I quickly make a duplicate key?

As explained above, a protected key or Vachette patented key can only be reproduced by the designer’s factory. This is the case for a radial model Vachette Assa Abloy. The manufacturer can similarly delegate the copying to specialized websites.

But if yours shows no duplication prohibited indication, you can very well duplicate it at a locksmith of your choice. He has the ability to perform this operation without difficulty. It should be recalled that France is full of many profiles. There are approximately 17,500 locksmith companies in the country. Consider comparing prices before hiring an expert.

If you are short on time, do not hesitate to use express key services. As their name so aptly suggests, they are able to duplicate your keys as quickly as possible. Generally, the professionals who handle this also offer other services simultaneously. For example, they are both cobblers and locksmiths. Before contacting them, be sure to provide necessary information such as the cylinder extension number, the brand of the VIP Vachette key, and more.

Although they save you valuable time thanks to their speed of work, some key models cannot be duplicated more quickly on-site. They must contact the manufacturer for the copy of the patented Vachette key Assa Abloy. This requires a property card for reproducing the patented Vachette key.

Besides locksmiths and express key services, it is also possible to have your keys made online. There is therefore no need to go through a locksmith or an express key shop. The service sends you a key lock copy directly to your home. To minimize errors, it is essential to send a photo of your original key. If it is lost, it is imperative to clearly mention its brand and references.

What are the steps to make a duplicate of a secure key?

Before answering this question, it is important to summarize what is meant by a secure key or protected key. It is primarily a key distinguished by its multiple locking mechanism. Its design benefits from advanced patented technology that is unique to its manufacturer, the sole operating owner.

If you want to know how to make a patented key Vachette Assa Abloy, know that this operation cannot be done just anywhere. The device can only be duplicated at the designer’s factory itself. Thus, this lengthens the procedures and delays and can also increase the prices.

You must first prove that you are the owner of the protected key. To do this, you must show your key property card. You must also provide other information such as the key number or the cylinder reference extension number.

With some brands, it is required to provide the alphanumeric code. This consists of letters and numbers inscribed on the patented property card key. In some cases, you must show an original model key.

And if you have lost the key property card, you are obliged to give the number mentioned on the key. When no code is displayed, you can present supporting documents such as a photocopy of your identity card, proof of address, or a passport. They prove that you are truly the owner of the key.

Is it legal for a tenant to make a duplicate key without the owner’s permission?

When renting a property, more and more questions arise, which can lead to confusion and a huge misunderstanding between owner and tenant. Once the latter takes possession of the apartment or house, it is required that the owner gives him all the protected keys.

The tenant has every right to change the locks. He can choose the brand of keys according to his expectations and desires. He may choose not to inform the owner, although this may be necessary. In any case, he is obliged to keep the original lock key. At the end of the lease contract, he must return it to the owner.

When the tenant has lost the keys provided by the landlord, they can of course duplicate them. But upon departure, all keys including copies must be returned to the landlord. They cannot keep any key even though they cover the costs of the Vachette patented key duplication.

What are the timeframes to obtain a duplicate key?

The time to make a duplicate key can vary depending on several factors such as the key model, the lock’s level of protection, and the professional you entrust with the patented key duplication.

If you have a flat key, you will get the lock key copy in just a few minutes. More and more craftsmen can handle this. Also, it doesn’t cost much. If your lock uses a more complex key, the professional needs a few hours or even days to make duplicates. Hole or radial keys require specific equipment, which takes more time.

Regarding the Vachette patented key duplication, the duration can be a week or a few days. Since the device enjoys legal protection such as copyright, only the factory of the original protected key manufacturer is authorized to duplicate them.

What are the differences between a standard key and a secure key?

Many categories of keys can be found on the market. We often hear about standard keys and secure keys. As the name suggests, the first model is nothing other than the most common key, whose blank can be public. In case of theft or loss, it is easily reproducible by the shoemaker or locksmith.

On the other hand, a secure key is a coded key. It displays the manufacturer’s identity. At the time of purchase, the owner receives, in addition to the original key, a key ownership card. They must present it to the factory when they intend to do the Vachette patented key duplication. Thanks to its superior quality design, this key is suitable only for reinforced security padlocks.

It stands out due to the integrated innovative protection technologies. These technical features are patented. They guarantee that only authorized resellers and the manufacturer itself can perform the key duplication.

How to find a good locksmith to make a duplicate key?

When you need to duplicate the key to your front door, it is important to carefully choose the professional you turn to. To make a patented key with ownership card, you must delegate the duplication only to the manufacturer. But when it comes to standard keys, you can entrust the task to a craftsman recommended by the lock manufacturer or seller. You can also listen to recommendations from your circle.

For those accustomed to searching on the internet, they can go through professionals who have reliable websites. Many craftsmen are also listed in the Yellow Pages. You can make your choice simply by selecting those near your home. Prefer those who have a locksmith shop.

What to do in case of car key loss?

We have already explained above how to make a patented key with ownership card when you lose your house key. But when you misplace your car key, sometimes you tend to panic.

The first thing to do is to go directly to the gendarmerie or police station. You must report the loss or theft of your keys. These law enforcement authorities will issue you a certificate allowing you to claim with the insurance company for the damage.

The next step is to have the key duplicated. If you have an old car, duplication may seem easier to accomplish. A locksmith needs only a maximum of one hour to make a copy.

In the case of a modern or new vehicle, it must be admitted that the key is difficult to replace. It is often equipped with a transponder. To duplicate it, you must have a code number in your possession. If you do not have one, it is better to contact a dealer and then change the keys.

What documents are necessary to make a duplicate of a secure key?

In order to reproduce or make a patented key, the most essential supporting document relates to the key ownership card. Let us recall that the duplication of the protected key is strictly regulated. To make a copy, it is required to present the key ownership card to the professional who handles the making of the key duplicate. Upon acquisition, please keep this supporting document in a safe place to avoid losing it.

If this is the case, you are obliged to submit a separate file to the manufacturer’s factory. This serves to prove your identification as well as your request. It includes a photocopy of identity card front and back, a certificate of loss of the key ownership card, and a sworn statement. The latter indicates that the applicant is obviously the legal occupant of the property.

Frequently Asked Questions