What car alarms are there?
A car alarm is not only convenient, but often mandatory for your car insurance. Car alarm systems are divided into 5 classes: from simple to very comprehensive. Which class you need depends on your car and type of insurance.
Car InsuranceCar theft is common
Every year many cars are stolen in the Netherlands. Most cars disappear directly across the border. Because modern vehicles are becoming more secure, older cars are much more attractive to thieves. So in addition to good car insurance, a good car alarm is important. This reduces the chances of theft.
Modern cars equipped with security as standard
Since 1998, all cars produced in Europe have been equipped with the simplest security system as standard. For theft-prone cars such as convertibles and more expensive cars, car insurance companies impose more extensive security requirements.
Car alarm required for insurance
Good car security is not only wise for your car and yourself, but a car alarm is often required by your car insurance. Which security class your insurer requires depends on your car and type of insurance. You can find this in the policy terms and conditions.
Usually no requirements with third-party coverage
For car insurance with a single basic WA coverage the insurer will not require an alarm system. This is because with third-party coverage, there is also no coverage for auto theft and auto burglary.
However, requirements with limited casco or all risk
This is different for car insurance with a WA limited casco or a WA All Risk coveragewhere the insurer does assume the theft/burglary risk. In these cases, insurers may impose certain security or alarm requirements.
Alarm requirements for car type
Alarm requirements depend on the make and type of car and vary by insurer. There may be specific alarm requirements if you have one of the following cars:
a car with a high list value
a vintage car
a sporty car
a limited edition
The 5 classes of car alarms
Stichting Kiwa SCM (Foundation for Certification of Motor Vehicle Security) has divided the different types of alarm systems into 5 different security classes. This SCM/VbV quality mark ranges from simple to very extensive. If the security system in your car falls under one of the following security classes, you will receive a certificate.
Car alarm class 1: immobilizer
The VbV/SCM immobilizer was formerly known as car alarm class 1. All European cars made since 1998 have this security class. This means they have a dual immobilizer. The immobilizer has at least two automatically engaged immobilizers, namely:
- blocking of the starter motor
- blockage of another system in the vehicle, usually the fuel supply
This makes it much more difficult to start a car when the key is not in the ignition. The immobilizer automatically comes on when you remove the key.
Car alarm class 2: alarm system
The VbV/SCN alarm system used to be called car alarm class 2. Your car has intrusion detection in addition to an immobilizer. If someone tries to open the door, the alarm goes off and the flashing lights come on.
The alarm does not automatically stop when you open the car. You have to turn it off yourself. The alarm system is also not connected to an alarm center.
Car alarm class 3: alarm system with inclination detection
The VbV/SCM alarm system with ramp detection used to be car alarm class 3. This alarm has an approved immobilizer, alarm and three types of detection:
- slope angle detection
- perimeter detection
- interior detection
The alarm goes off if your car is lifted, for example, to steal the rims.
Car alarm class 4/5: vehicle tracking system
The VbV/SCM vehicle tracking system is the new name for the former car alarm class 4 and 5. The system consists of a tracking system and an additional immobilizer. With the vehicle tracking system, your car can be tracked, found and stopped after theft.
A vehicle tracking system is connected to a Private Alarm Center (PAC control room). This control room has direct contact with the national police. If a vehicle is stolen or moved without the engine on, the following happens:
- A tamper notification is sent to the PAC control room.
- The control room then contacts the owner or driver of the vehicle for verification.
- In case of theft and an official theft report, a private investigation agency (POB) and the police are called in.
TV01 Retrieval System
Since June 2016, the VbV/SCM 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. After-theft systems with TV01 certification have a recovery rate of at least 80% or higher.
Re-inspection car alarm required
When you purchase a 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 checked every year by an authorized company in order to be reimbursed for any damage. You can have a re-inspection done from € 71.00.
Want to know more about how to secure your car against burglary and theft? Read the tips to prevent car theft.
Frequently asked questions about a car alarm
What if my car alarm does not meet the insurer's requirements?
Do you want damage from burglary or car theft report to the car insurance company, but do not meet the alarm requirements? Then an additional deductible may apply or even nothing at all may be paid out.
Related pages about car alarms
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