What types of alarms are available for a motorhome?
Every year, RVs are stolen in the Netherlands. Most of them disappear immediately across the border. Because modern vehicles are becoming increasingly secure, older RVs are very popular with thieves. In addition to good RV insurance, a reliable RV alarm is therefore essential.
An alarm system in a motorhome reduces the risk of break-ins and theft. Security systems are categorized into alarm classes: from basic to very comprehensive.
The Kiwa SCM Foundation has categorized the various types of alarm systems into different security classes. Good security isn’t just a smart choice for your RV and yourself; an alarm is also often required by your insurer. The security class your insurer requires depends on the type of RV insurance you have. You can find this information in your insurer’s policy terms and conditions. If the security system in your RV falls under one of the security classes listed below, you will receive a certificate for it.
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VbV/SCM Ignition Interlock
All European motorhomes manufactured since 1998 are equipped with a dual immobilizer. This makes it much more difficult to start a motorhome without the key in the ignition. The immobilizer engages automatically when the key is removed from the ignition. This security class consists of an immobilizer with at least two automatically activated locks: a lock on the starter motor and a lock on another system in the vehicle, usually the fuel supply. This alarm class does not include intrusion detection or an alarm system.
VbV/SCM Alarm System
In addition to an immobilizer, your RV is equipped with a burglar alarm. As soon as someone tries to open the door, the alarm goes off and the turn signals flash. The alarm system does not turn off automatically when you unlock the RV; you must turn it off manually. Also, the alarm system is not connected to a monitoring center.
VbV/SCM alarm system with tilt detection
This alarm system consists of an approved immobilizer, triple detection, and an alarm system with tilt detection, perimeter detection, and interior detection. It ensures that the alarm sounds as soon as your RV is jacked up—for example, to steal the wheels.
VbV/SCM Vehicle Tracking System
RV's equipped with this security system also include a vehicle tracking system. This allows your RV to be tracked, located, and immobilized in the event of theft. The security system consists of a tracking system and an immobilizer.
A vehicle tracking system is linked to a Private Alarm Center (PAC control room). This control room is in direct contact with the national police. As soon as a vehicle is stolen or is moving without the engine running, a tampering alert will be sent to the PAC control room. The control room will then contact the vehicle’s owner or driver to verify the alert.
In the event of theft and an official theft report, a private investigation agency (POB) and the police will be called in.
VbV/SCM Tracking System (TV01)
In June 2016, Kiwa SCM launched the VbV/SCM recovery system. A Kiwa SCM (CCV Vehicle Security Certification) approved TV01 recovery system is a post-theft system that ensures a vehicle, in accordance with the standard, must be recovered within 24 hours in the Netherlands.
Post-theft systems with TV01 certification must achieve a recovery rate of at least 80% or higher.
Additional mechanical security: VbV/SCM-approved transmission lock (Bearlock)
• For automatic transmissions, an additional protective plate must also be installed (supplied by Bearlock/Construct).
• The OBD connector port must be equipped with an OBD lock (supplied by Bearlock/Construct).
• The transmission lock, the protective plate, and the OBD lock must be installed by a Kiwa/SCM-certified installation company.
A re-inspection of the alarm is required!
After an alarm system is installed, the alarm certificate issued is valid for 3 years. It is therefore important to have the alarm system re-inspected before the certificate expires. You can have a re-inspection performed starting at €71.00.
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Alarm Certificate for Your RV
As soon as a Kiwa SCM-approved security system is installed in your RV, it is registered in the Kiwa SCM database. You will then receive a CCV vehicle security certificate. CCV stands for Center for Crime Prevention and Safety. The certificate serves as proof to your insurance company that your vehicle is secured with an approved security system.
If the insurer requires your vehicle to have an approved security system, check to see if you have the corresponding certificate and whether it is still valid.
Validity Period of the Certificate
The certificate is valid for 36 months from the date of issuance. This applies to passenger cars, motorcycles, two-wheeled vehicles, and RVs. After these 36 months, the security system must be re-inspected every 12 months. This is performed by aCCV Vehicle Security installation company. If the inspection results are positive, you will receive a “Certificate of Certification” as proof that your security system has been inspected and is functioning properly. You will not receive a new certificate.
Check to see if your certificate is still valid
How can you find out if your vehicle's certificate is still valid? You can check this usingthis link. Enter your license plate number to see if an SCM certificate is registered for that plate. You can also immediately see the validity period of your certificate.
What should I do if my RV doesn't have a certificate yet?
Does your RV not yet have a certificate, even though one is required? If so, please contact a CCV vehicle security installation company. On the Kiwa website, you cansearch for installation companies that certify vehicles and perform periodic inspections of your security system when your certificate has expired.
A certificate is issued once an installation company has inspected and approved the system’s operation. The distinctive CCV vehicle security sticker is then affixed to the vehicle’s windows. This way, potential thieves can see that the car is equipped with a Kiwa SCM-approved system and are more likely to leave the vehicle alone.
Would you like to receive a notification when your certificate expires?
You won't always receive an automatic reminder when your certificate expires. Would you like to receive an email when your certificate expires? If so, you can request a notification by providing your email address and certificate number.
What are the consequences of not having a (valid) certificate?
If your RV does not have an approved security system, this can have serious consequences. Insurers are increasingly requiring that RVs be properly secured.
A KIWA SCM certificate is proof of security. If you wish to file a claim with your auto insurance for damage resulting from a break-in or car theft, but it turns out that the alarm requirements have NOT been met, an additional deductible may be applied, or the claim may not be paid at all
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