Third-party liability, partial casco & co: Is fully comprehensive cover still worthwhile for me?

Nobody can avoid this one insurance: third-party liability insurance is compulsory for every car on the road in Switzerland. It covers damage that we cause to other vehicles, things like crash barriers or people. This means that the other car that breaks down, medical treatment, hospitalization and rehabilitation are paid for by the liability of the person responsible for the accident. However, damage to the car of the person responsible for the accident is not covered. Although third-party liability applies abroad, in some countries proof is required - the green card (now usually white). You can find out where at tcs.ch.

Partial accidental damage insurance, which goes beyond this, is not compulsory. This protects against costs caused by external influences such as theft, vandalism, damage caused by animal collisions and natural disasters. Partial casco makes sense if the vehicle is between five and seven years old or has a comparatively high value. And regardless of the amount of damage, the policyholder still has to pay any excess. As the next higher level, fully comprehensive insurance - strictly speaking called collision insurance - also offers insurance cover if your own car is damaged in a collision for which you are responsible. It is recommended for new or expensive cars. Comprehensive insurance, which is mandatory for leasing contracts, covers self-inflicted damage.

Countless supplementary insurances
There is also supplementary insurance. Parking damage caused by strangers, for example, can also be insured. In Switzerland, the frequently advertised passenger accident insurance rarely makes sense. And depending on the situation, third-party driver insurance (often as part of personal liability insurance) can be useful: Anyone who occasionally uses their neighbor's car, for example, should have it. Good to know: In the event of speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, insurance companies generally claim money back. And car insurance generally does not pay for non-collision damage that is not your fault, such as misfuelling.

Which insurance for whom?
If you want to get by with the lowest possible premiums, limit yourself to third party liability plus excess and do without additional insurance. If you are prepared to spend a little more, choose partial casco, which does not cost significantly more, and make sure you have a low excess. Fully comprehensive insurance is for those who want maximum financial protection against damage. The amount of the insurance premium depends not only on the insurance company, but also on previous damage, place of residence and nationality. Either way, it is always worth comparing premium levels, for example on portals such as comparis.ch. After all, if you cancel (you can do so after three years at the latest with one to three months' notice or after a claim) and switch, you can almost always save money - because the car insurance market has been in a state of flux in recent years, resulting in attractive offers.