What types of car alarms are there?
A car alarm isn't just convenient—it's often a requirement for your car insurance. Car alarm systems are divided into 5 classes: from basic to very advanced. Which class you need depends on your car and the type of insurance you have.
Insure a CarCar theft is common
Every year, many cars are stolen in the Netherlands. Most of them are taken directly across the border. Because modern vehicles are becoming increasingly secure, older cars are much more attractive to thieves. In addition to good car insurance, a good car alarm is therefore important. This reduces the risk of theft.
Modern cars come standard with security features
Since 1998, all cars manufactured in Europe have been equipped with the most basic security system as standard. For cars that are more susceptible to theft, such as convertibles and higher-end vehicles, auto insurers impose more stringent security requirements.
Car Alarm Required for Insurance
Good car security isn't just a smart choice for your car and yourself; a car alarm is often required by your car insurance. The security rating your insurer requires depends on your car and the type of insurance you have. You can find this information in the policy terms and conditions.
Generally, there are no requirements for liability insurance coverage
For auto insurance with a single basic third-party liability coverage , the insurer will not require an alarm system. This is because third-party liability coverage does not include protection against car theft or break-ins.
What are the requirements for limited comprehensive or all-risk coverage?
This is different with auto insurance that includes limited comprehensive coverage or comprehensive coverage, where the insurer does assume the risk of theft or break-in. In these cases, insurers may impose certain security or alarm requirements.
Alarm Requirements for Vehicle Type
Alarm requirements depend on the make and model of the car and vary by insurer. There may be specific alarm requirements if you own one of the following cars:
a car with a high list price
a classic car
a sports car
a limited edition
The 5 Categories of Car Alarms
The Kiwa SCM Foundation (Foundation for Motor Vehicle Security Certification) has categorized the various types of alarm systems into five different security classes. This SCM/VbV certification ranges from basic to very comprehensive. If the security system in your car falls under one of the security classes listed below, you will receive a certificate for it.
Class 1 Car Alarm: Immobilizer
The VbV/SCM immobilizer was formerly known as a Class 1 car alarm. All European cars manufactured since 1998 have this security class. This means they have a dual immobilizer system. The immobilizer has at least two automatically activated locks, namely:
- starter motor lockup
- disabling another system in the vehicle, usually the fuel supply
This makes it much harder to start the car if the key isn't in the ignition. The immobilizer activates automatically when you remove the key.
Class 2 Car Alarm: Alarm System
The VbV/SCN alarm system used to be called a Class 2 car alarm. In addition to an immobilizer, your car also has an intrusion detection system. If someone tries to open the door, the alarm goes off and the hazard lights turn on.
The alarm does not turn off automatically when you open the car. You have to turn it off yourself. The alarm system is also not connected to a monitoring center.
Class 3 Car Alarm: Alarm System with Tilt Detection
The VbV/SCM alarm system with tilt detection used to be classified as a Class 3 car alarm. This alarm features an approved immobilizer, an alarm, and three types of detection:
- tilt angle detection
- outline detection
- interior detection
The alarm goes off when your car is lifted off the ground, for example, to steal the rims.
Class 4/5 Car Alarm: Vehicle Tracking System
The VbV/SCM vehicle tracking system is the new name for the former Class 4 and 5 car alarms. The system consists of a tracking device and an additional immobilizer. With the vehicle tracking system, your car can be tracked, located, and stopped after it has been stolen.
A vehicle tracking system is connected to a private alarm monitoring center (PAC control room). This control room is in direct contact with the national police. If a vehicle is stolen or moves while the engine is off, the following happens:
- A sabotage alert is sent to the PAC control room.
- The dispatch center will then contact the owner or driver of the vehicle to verify the information.
- In the event of theft and an official theft report, a private investigation agency (POB) and the police are called in.
TV01 Recovery System
Since June 2016, the VbV/SCM vehicle recovery system has also been introduced by Kiwa SCM. A system with this certification ensures that a stolen vehicle is usually recovered within 24 hours in the Netherlands. Post-theft systems with TV01 certification have a recovery rate of at least 80% or higher.
Car Alarm Must Be Reinspected
When you purchase an immobilizer, car alarm, and vehicle tracking system, you will receive a KIWA SCM alarm certificate that is valid for 3 years. After that, you must have your car security system inspected annually by a certified company in order to be eligible for reimbursement for any damage. You can have a re-inspection performed starting at €71.00.
Would you like to learn more about how to protect your car against break-ins and theft? Read these tips for preventing car theft.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Alarms
What if my car alarm doesn't meet the insurer's requirements?
Do you want to file a claim for damage caused by a break-in or car theft to your auto insurance company, but you don’t meet the alarm system requirements? In that case, an additional deductible may apply, or you may not receive any payout at all.
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