A French startup is challenging the traditional locksmith industry with an app that promises key duplication at half the cost and in a fraction of the time. SecurClés, launched in 2021, allows users to create duplicates of keys, access badges, and remote controls simply by uploading a photograph of the original.
The application utilizes a patented, French-developed artificial intelligence that analyzes the submitted image, generating a reproduction model with millimeter precision. SecurClés currently supports over 15,000 different models, including standard keys, Vigik access badges, and electronic car keys. For automotive keys, the process is partially remote; however, a final step of pairing the new key with the vehicle requires a visit to an approved garage.
The company claims significant cost savings for motorists, with duplication services costing approximately half the price of a dealership, and delivery times reduced to a tenth of the traditional timeframe. SecurClés emphasizes the security and anonymity of the process, offering secure online ordering and delivery options. The company also points to the potential for insurance reimbursement, noting that lost or stolen keys are often covered by bank card insurance policies, and provides tools to facilitate customers navigate the claims process.
France sees approximately 34 million key reproductions annually, representing a market valued at €1 billion, according to SecurClés. The company has already partnered with over 140 garages across France, including the Speedy network, and aims to expand this network to 350 locations by the end of 2026. The in-garage pairing process for automotive keys takes approximately 15 minutes.
Although dealerships traditionally handle over 95% of automotive key duplication, SecurClés offers a potential alternative. Dealerships typically charge around €350 for a car key duplicate, a cost that can increase depending on the key’s complexity. SecurClés aims to reduce this cost by approximately 50%, with a delivery timeframe of 48 hours, compared to the three to four weeks often quoted by dealerships. The company guarantees refunds of up to €300 to customers who successfully claim reimbursement from their bank card insurance following a documented loss and claim process.
