Car alarms, different classes and which do I need myself?
You just got a new car, often a hefty investment, so you want to secure your car properly. How do you do this and what do you need. In this blog, we discuss the different classes of car alarms.
The classes car alarms
There are five classes of car alarms, numbered from 1 to 5, these certificates are given by the Centre for Crime Prevention and Safety (CVV). The higher the class the better the alarm. A CVV class is also called SCM (Motor Vehicle Security Certification Foundation) class.
Class 1 – Immobiliser
This class is the basic level of security and is fitted in every car (manufactured in Europe). Class 1 car alarms have at least two immobilisers that prevent the car from simply moving under its own power.
Class 2 – Alarm system
Class 2 car alarms involve an alarm system that uses sensors to detect intrusion. Should this be the case, an alarm sounds.
Class 3 – Slope angle detection
Slope angle detection dictates whether the car is jacked up or hoisted up. This often happens when a car is stolen.
Class 4 Vehicle tracking system
With the help of a vehicle tracking system, the police can see where your car is at all times, so in case of theft, its whereabouts will be known.
Class 5 – Automatic alarm notification
Should your car be stolen, an alarm goes to the control room or police.
What class of car alarm should I have?
What class of alarms you need depends on several factors. For instance, your insurer has requirements for the security of your car, so based on these requirements, you can look at what you need as a minimum for insuring your car. It also depends on how expensive your car is, should you have a very expensive car it is natural to have a higher class alarm on your car. Often, car manufacturers already have car alarms fitted themselves. For cars that are prone to theft, a high alarm class is a prerequisite.
Installing your own car alarm
It is advisable to have an alarm system installed by professionals. Built-in alarm systems nowadays are connected via the car’s CAN bus and have to be taught, making DIY solutions no longer doable. If you want to install it yourself, the quality will be lower and the alarm will not be certified. This can cause problems in terms of your insurance, for example. The more modules are installed, the more expensive the system becomes. Having a system fitted often costs around 650 euros for a class 3.
Conclusion
So there are 5 different classes of car alarms, the higher the class, the more security features. Most cars already have a built-in car alarm, but if not, it is recommended to have one fitted by professionals. Check what is the best type of alarm for you, paying attention to insurance conditions. A type 3 car alarm will cost you around 650 euros, but it is suitable for most cars. Do you have a more expensive car? Then you can opt for a better alarm.
