Car insurance: assess cover and premium together
Good car insurance fits the actual car and the people driving it. A cheaper quote with different excesses or missing cover is not equivalent. First establish the vehicle, use and desired risks, then examine the complete contract terms.
Separate liability from damage to your own car
Motor liability covers insured damage caused to third parties and is required for registration. It does not automatically insure your own car. Partial casco covers agreed events such as theft or hail; comprehensive casco adds collision cover. Check the events and exclusions actually listed.
| Cover | Key distinction |
|---|---|
| Liability | Insured damage to third parties |
| Partial casco | Agreed damage events affecting your car |
| Collision | Own collision damage under the contract |
Describe the model, use and financing
Make, model, year and engine specification are more useful than a broad vehicle class. State private driving, commuting or business use and expected annual mileage. Leasing or financing may impose additional contractual requirements. For an electric car, ask specifically about cover and exclusions for its battery and charging accessories.
Assess extras through concrete situations
Parking damage caused by an unknown person, a collision while manoeuvring and normal wear are different situations. Assistance, replacement vehicles and bonus protection also have their own limits. Ask about territory, duration and maximum amounts. An add-on’s name alone does not establish cover for your situation.
Compare the premium and excess together
Quotes are comparable only for the same car, driver profile and cover. Compare the annual premium, payment surcharges, excesses by event and settlement rules. A higher excess may reduce the premium while increasing your share of a covered loss. No general Swiss average premium is asserted here.
| Cost item | What to compare in writing? |
|---|---|
| Annual premium | Same cover and payment method |
| Excess | Amount by event and driver group |
| Total loss | Valuation basis and any additional limits |
Coordinate the start and cancellation
When switching, check the contract end, notice period and written acceptance of the new contract. A comparison request is neither cancellation nor proof of insurance. The insurer transmits the proof required for registration. Contract changes and replacement vehicles follow their applicable terms; resolve any possible gap in cover.
Quote comparison checklist
Prepare the vehicle details and expected use. Check insured drivers, young-driver terms, excesses, total-loss settlement and foreign cover. Have extras and exclusions stated explicitly. Where a broker is involved, also ask which insurers are considered and how the intermediary is paid.
From enquiry to a checked contract
First describe the car, use and desired cover. Then compare written quotes and contract terms on the same basis. Decide whether to proceed and arrange any switch once outstanding points are resolved. Number plates, full policy documents and identity documents are not needed for this initial enquiry.
Frequently asked questions
Is comprehensive cover compulsory?
Liability is required for registration. Casco is generally additional; leasing or financing may impose its own requirements.
Does comprehensive insurance include all parking damage?
Not automatically. Check unknown perpetrators, your own collisions and the conditions of any parking-damage add-on separately.
Can I estimate annual mileage?
Yes, a reasonable forecast is enough for the first enquiry. Confirm the provider’s required details for a binding quote.
Is a low premium enough to decide?
No. Excesses, exclusions, settlement rules and extras also determine what you bear after a loss.
Must I give my number plate here?
No. Model, year, use and home location support the initial assessment; further vehicle evidence can be requested securely later.
Does this enquiry cancel my existing insurance?
No. Check and confirm cancellation and the new start separately. A quote request is not an insurance contract.
