What alarms are there for a car?
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 very popular with thieves. So, in addition to good car insurance, a good car alarm is important. An alarm system in the car reduces the chances of burglary and theft. Security systems are classified into five alarm classes: from simple to very comprehensive. 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 set more extensive security requirements.
The Kiwa SCM Foundation has divided the different types of alarm systems into five different security classes. Good car security is not only wise for your car and yourself, but a car alarm is also often required by insurers. It depends on the type of car insurance which security class your insurer requires. You can find this in your insurer's policy conditions. If the security system in your car falls under one of the following security classes, you will receive a certificate.
Car insurance? Calculate your premium!
VbV/SCM immobilizer (formerly: car alarm class 1)
VbV/SCM immobilizer is the former car alarm class 1. All European cars produced from 1998 onwards are equipped with a dual immobilizer. This makes it much more difficult to start a car without the key in the ignition. The immobilizer automatically engages when the key is removed from the ignition. This security class consists of an immobilizer with at least two automatically engaged immobilizers, namely: blocking the starter motor and blocking another system in the vehicle, usually the fuel supply. This alarm class does not include intrusion detection or alarms.
VbV/SCM alarm system (formerly: car alarm class 2)
VbV/SCN alarm system is the former car alarm class 2. In addition to an immobilizer, your car is equipped with intrusion detection. As soon as someone tries to open the door, the car alarm goes off and the flashing lights turn on. The alarm system does not turn off automatically when you unlock the car and you still have to turn it off yourself. Also, the alarm system is not linked to the alarm center.
VbV/SCM alarm system with inclination detection (formerly: Auto Alarm Class 3)
VbV/SCM alarm system with inclination detection is the former car alarm class 3. This alarm consists of an approved immobilizer, triple detection and alarm with inclination detection, perimeter detection and interior detection. It causes the alarm to go off as soon as your car is jacked up to steal the rims, for example.
VbV/SCM vehicle tracking system (formerly: car alarm class 4/5)
VbV/SCM vehicle tracking system is the new name for the former car alarm class 4 and 5, supplemented with an additional immobilizer. Cars with this security system are enhanced with a vehicle tracking system. This allows your car to be tracked, traced and blocked after 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 engine contact, a sabotage report will be sent to the PAC control center. The control room will subsequently contact the owner/driver of the vehicle for verification.
In case of theft and an official theft report, a private investigation agency (POB) and the police will be called.
VbV/SCM recovery system (TV01)
Since June 2016, VbV/SCM recovery system has been established by Kiwa SCM. A Kiwa SCM (Keurmerk CCV Voertuigbeveiliging) approved TV01 recovery system is an after-theft system that ensures that a vehicle, in accordance with the standard, should be recovered within 24 hours in the Netherlands.
Post-theft systems with TV01 certification meet a recovery percentage of at least 80% or higher.
Re-inspection car alarm required!
After installing a car alarm, the alarm certificate issued is valid for 3 years. It is therefore important to have the car alarm re-inspected before the certificate expires. You can have a re-inspection done from € 71.00.
Want to know more about how to secure your car against burglary and theft? Some tips to prevent car theft can be found here.
Related pages about car alarms
Never underinsured
Put together your own package
A wide range
We compare all insurers for you, saves time again
Help from our experts
Can't figure it out? Our experts are always ready to help you
We can be reached via chat, WhatsApp, phone or email
Questions? Contact us if you want to know more.
We are here Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 18:00.