You drive a new lease car or company vehicle out of the garage, proud as a peacock. Two weeks later, your insurer calls: without a SCM vehicle tracking system Your theft insurance doesn't pay out. Or worse — your car is simply no longer parked in front of your door in the morning. It sounds like a nightmare, but it happens to more people than you think.

Fortunately, the solution is simpler than it seems. In this article, you will read exactly what an SCM vehicle tracking system is, why insurers are increasingly requiring it, and when you need one. Plus: what TrackJack’s brand-new SCM system will soon mean for you.

What is an SCM vehicle tracking system?

An SCM vehicle tracking system is a GPS-based security system that transmits your vehicle's location in real time to a Private Alarm Center (PAC)As soon as something goes wrong — theft, sabotage, or an alarm — the control room intervenes immediately and calls in the police if necessary.

SCM stands for Stichting Certificering Motorrijtuigbeveiliging, currently part of KiwaiKiwa SCM tests and certifies vehicle security systems according to strict Dutch standards. A system with a valid SCM certificate has proven that it works, that the installer is recognized, and that the connection to the monitoring center is secured.

So that certificate is not a formality. It is the difference between being paid out by your insurer or not if things go wrong.

Class 4 versus Class 5: what is the difference?

Within the SCM system, Class 4 and Class 5 are the two classes for vehicle tracking systems. They are similar, but there is an important difference.

SCM class 4 is a standalone tracking system. The system determines the location 24/7 via GPS and transmits this information to a certified PAC monitoring center. As a minimum requirement, an SCM Class 1 immobilizer is mandatory. Class 4 is ideal if your primary goal is to have your car recovered after theft.

SCM class 5 goes a step further. It includes everything from Class 4, but combines this with a Class 3 alarm system — including tilt angle detection. As soon as the alarm goes off, the PAC monitoring center receives an immediate notification. This makes Class 5 the highest security standard and has become virtually the standard for more expensive or theft-prone vehicles.

In short: Class 4 follows, Class 5 follows and alerts. Which class you need depends on your vehicle and your insurer's requirements.

Why does your insurer require an SCM vehicle tracking system?

Insurers are not charities. They base their policy conditions on risk. And vehicle theft — especially of more expensive models — is a real and growing risk in the Netherlands.

That is why more and more insurers are making it mandatory: a valid SCM vehicle tracking system as a condition for coverage in the event of theft. Without a valid certificate, the insurer may refuse to pay out in the event of a claim. It is a painful moment to discover that.

But there is also good news. An SCM-certified system significantly reduces the risk of theft. And if theft does occur, it greatly increases the chance of recovery. Insurers factor this benefit into their pricing: in many cases, an SCM-certified vehicle results in a lower insurance premium.

There is something else you need to take into account. Due to the phasing out of 2G and 3G networks in 2025 and 2026, older tracking systems have sometimes lost their connection. A certificate that was once valid may now be worthless if the system is not 4G compatible. Check this in good time — you don't want to discover afterwards that your coverage has expired.

How does an SCM vehicle tracking system work in practice?

The operation is actually elegantly simple. Your vehicle is equipped with a built-in tracker that continuously communicates via GPS and a mobile data network (4G). That tracker always knows where your car is.

In the event of an alarm signal — theft, sabotage, or another trigger — the system automatically sends a notification to the PAC control room. This center operates 24/7 and contacts the police immediately upon confirmation. At the same time, you or the fleet manager can track the location live via an app or portal.

The beauty is: with a good vehicle tracking system You don't have to do anything yourself. The system works in the background, even when you are not thinking about it. Only when something goes wrong do you see that it is doing its job.

For whom is an SCM vehicle tracking system interesting?

In theory, an SCM vehicle tracking system is of interest to anyone with a vehicle. In practice, for some groups, it is no longer a choice, but a necessity.

Business drivers and fleet managers hebben er dubbel baat bij. Een SCM-gecertificeerd systeem beveiligt het wagenpark én levert data voor fleet management — locations, trip registration and driving behavior. Killing two birds with one stone.

Owners of more expensive or theft-prone vehicles are increasingly having this requirement imposed on them by their insurer. Think of premium brands, plug-in hybrids, and electric cars, but also vans and commercial vehicles parked outside at night.

People with an existing SCM class 1, 2 or 3 system sometimes want to scale up to class 4 or 5 to meet new insurance conditions or to upgrade security.

And also: everyone who already a GPS tracker used for track & trace, but also wants an official SCM certificate that is recognized by his insurer.

TrackJack's new SCM system — be the first to get it

TrackJack will soon launch a new SCM system. One that combines the security of your vehicle with the familiar TrackJack functionalities: live tracking, trip logging, and clear fleet management via a single platform.

We are not yet ready to reveal everything. But here is what you can know already: it will be a system that fully takes advantage of the latest 4G networks, is easy to manage via the TrackJack app, and complies 100% with Kiwa SCM standards.

Do you want to be the first to know when it is available — and be the first to benefit from the introductory price?

➡ Sign up and be the first to discover our new SCM system

Frequently asked questions about SCM vehicle tracking systems

When is a vehicle tracking system mandatory?

An SCM vehicle tracking system is mandatory if your insurer requires it as a condition for theft insurance. This is increasingly the case for vehicles with a higher value or an increased risk of theft. Some leasing companies also make it mandatory as part of their fleet policy.

How much does an SCM vehicle tracking system cost?

Costs vary by system and class. Expect a one-time fee for purchase and installation (typically between €700 and €1.200 for class 4/5), plus a monthly subscription for the PAC dispatch service. TrackJack prices will be announced at the launch of the new system.

What is the difference between a GPS tracker and an SCM vehicle tracking system?

Create a GPS tracker It provides your location data but is not necessarily linked to a control room and does not have an SCM certificate. An SCM vehicle tracking system is certified, linked to a PAC control room, and recognized by Dutch insurers. That makes it a different category, both legally and practically.

How long is an SCM certificate valid?

An SCM certificate is typically valid for one year. After that, a re-certification is required. Ensure that the installation is carried out by a recognized installer and that the system is up to date — including 4G compatibility. An expired certificate can invalidate your insurance claim.

What is Kiwa SCM?

Kiwa SCM (formerly Stichting Certificering Motorrijtuigbeveiliging) is the independent Dutch body that tests and certifies security systems for vehicles. A Kiwa SCM certificate is the official recognition that a system meets the national standards for vehicle security.