Swiss specifics
Car insurance in Switzerland: liability, partial casco, full casco
Car insurance is compulsory in Switzerland — at least third-party liability. But what about partial and full casco? We explain the differences, what each one covers and when a given level of cover really pays off.
What is motor third-party liability insurance?
In Switzerland, liability insurance is compulsory for every motorised vehicle used on public roads. It covers the damage you cause to third parties as a driver — injury to people, damage to other people's vehicles or buildings, and purely financial losses.
Without valid liability cover you may not move the vehicle at all. Driving it anyway brings criminal consequences and, on top of that, personal liability for every franc of damage caused.
What does liability insurance cover?
- Injury to third parties (injuries, death, disability)
- Damage to other people's vehicles or property
- Purely financial losses (e.g. loss of earnings)
- A contribution towards the cost of legal defence
Liability insurance covers no damage to your own vehicle — whether you were at fault yourself or the other party drove off unidentified.
What does partial casco cover?
Partial casco (also called «simple casco») covers damage to your own vehicle that was not caused by a road accident involving another party. It protects against the everyday risks.
What partial casco covers:
- Theft: of the vehicle or of individual parts
- Fire: vehicle fire, including from technical faults
- Broken glass: windscreen, side windows, rear window
- Forces of nature: hail, storm, flooding, avalanches, earthquakes
- Animal bites / wildlife collision: hitting a wild animal or damage caused by animals
- Vandalism: deliberate damage caused by others
What partial casco does not cover:
- Collision damage where you are at fault
- Damage caused by a known other party (paid by their liability insurer)
- Normal wear and tear
What does full casco cover?
Full casco (also called «casco» or «collision damage insurance») adds collision damage to everything partial casco already covers. In other words: whether you caused the accident yourself, an unknown driver fled the scene or the damage came from a moment of carelessness — full casco steps in.
Full casco additionally covers:
- Collision damage where you are at fault
- Damage by unknown perpetrators (vandalism with nobody identified)
- Parking knocks and manoeuvring damage you caused yourself
- Damage from natural events that partial casco does not cover
| Situation | Recommended cover |
|---|---|
| New or young vehicle (< 5 years) | Liability + full casco |
| Mid-aged vehicle (5–10 years) | Liability + partial casco |
| Older vehicle (> 10 years, low value) | Liability only |
| Financed or leased new car | Liability + full casco (usually mandatory) |
| Vehicle with a high theft risk | At least liability + partial casco |
How can you lower your premium?
- Choose the deductible: a higher franchise noticeably lowers the annual premium.
- Keep it in a garage: vehicles kept in a closed garage often get a discount.
- Bonus-malus system: claim-free years bring the premium down over time.
- Compare: premiums differ considerably from one insurer to the next.
- Choice of vehicle: many insurers give electric and hybrid cars better rates.
Car insurance at FlexiMoto
At FlexiMoto every vehicle comes with a clear overview of the usual running costs — including estimated premiums for liability, partial casco and full casco. That way you can work out before you buy what your new car really costs.
Frequently asked questions
Is motor liability insurance compulsory in Switzerland?
Yes, motor third-party liability insurance is required by law in Switzerland. Without valid liability cover a vehicle may not be used on public roads. The insurance covers the damage you cause to third parties with your vehicle.
What does partial casco cover?
Partial casco covers damage to your own vehicle that was not caused by an accident with another vehicle. That includes theft, fire, broken glass, storm damage, wildlife collisions and vandalism. It does not cover collision damage where you are at fault.
When is full casco worth it?
Full casco is worth it above all for new and valuable vehicles. On top of partial casco it also covers collision damage — regardless of who is at fault. On older cars with a low value, full casco can stop making economic sense, because the premium accounts for a large share of the vehicle's worth.
Related guides
- Vehicle tax – Cantonal comparison and tax tips.
- MFK test (Swiss roadworthiness test) – Procedure, costs and checklist.
- Winter tyre rules – What actually applies in Switzerland?
- To the vehicle marketplace – Vehicles with an insurance estimate.