Home Insurance in Switzerland: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners, Tenants, and Expats

Switzerland is known for its breathtaking landscapes, efficient infrastructure, and high standard of living. Whether you're a local resident or a newly arrived expat, protecting your home or rented property is essential—and home insurance in Switzerland is a critical part of doing just that.

Although not always legally mandatory, home insurance (known locally as Hausratversicherung and Gebäudeversicherung) is highly recommended—and in many cantons and situations, required. It helps protect your property and possessions against risks like fire, water damage, theft, and natural disasters.

This article offers a complete, up-to-date overview of home insurance in Switzerland, including:

• Types of home insurance

• What’s covered and what’s not

• Mandatory vs optional policies

• Average costs

• Top insurers in Switzerland

• How to save money

• Advice for expats and first-time homeowners

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1. Is Home Insurance Mandatory in Switzerland?

In Switzerland, home insurance comes in two main forms, and their requirement depends on your location and whether you own or rent your home:

A. Building Insurance (Gebäudeversicherung)

This type of insurance covers the structure of the building (e.g., walls, roof, foundation). It is mandatory in 19 of the 26 Swiss cantons, including:

• Zurich

• Bern

• Vaud

• Geneva

• Basel-Stadt

• Fribourg

In these cantons, you must insure the building against fire and natural hazards. In most cases, you are required to take this insurance through a cantonal insurance provider, not a private company.

For example:

• In Zurich, the GVZ (Gebäudeversicherung Zürich) handles this.

• In Bern, it’s the GVB (Gebäudeversicherung Bern).

In other cantons (like Geneva), you are free to choose a private insurer.

B. Household Contents Insurance (Hausratversicherung)

This insurance covers the movable items in your home—your furniture, electronics, clothing, valuables, and other belongings. It is not legally required, but it’s strongly recommended, especially for renters.

Landlords often require tenants to provide proof of household insurance before signing a lease.

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2. What Does Home Insurance Cover in Switzerland?

Household Contents Insurance (Hausratversicherung)

This insurance typically covers damage or loss due to:

• Fire and smoke

• Water leaks (e.g., burst pipes)

• Theft and burglary

• Vandalism

• Natural disasters (storm, hail, avalanche)

• Glass breakage

• Electrical surge damages

Example: If a fire breaks out in your kitchen and destroys your appliances and furniture, household insurance will compensate you for the replacement costs.

Coverage usually applies at replacement value, not the depreciated value, meaning you'll be reimbursed for the cost to buy new items.

Building Insurance (Gebäudeversicherung)

Covers the physical structure of your home or property. This includes:

• The roof, walls, floors

• Pipes and installations

• Built-in kitchen units

• Garages or sheds

It usually covers:

• Fire

• Storm and hail

• Earthquake (optional add-on)

• Landslides or floods (depending on location)

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3. Optional Add-ons to Consider

Many insurers in Switzerland allow you to customize your coverage with add-ons, such as:

• Theft outside the home (e.g., stolen bicycle or phone)

• Valuable items insurance for jewelry, art, or high-end electronics

• Legal protection insurance

• Glass breakage insurance (windows, glass tables, etc.)

• Liability insurance (often bundled with household insurance)

Personal liability insurance (Privathaftpflichtversicherung) is not mandatory either, but it is crucial—it covers you if you accidentally cause damage to someone else's property or injure another person.

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4. Average Cost of Home Insurance in Switzerland

The cost of home insurance in Switzerland varies based on the type of policy, your location, property size, and coverage limits. Here are rough estimates:

Household Contents Insurance:

• CHF 100 – CHF 300 per year for a 2- to 3-room apartment

• CHF 300 – CHF 600+ for a larger house or luxury apartment

Building Insurance:

• CHF 1 – CHF 3 per CHF 1,000 of insured building value

• For example, a house valued at CHF 800,000 might have annual premiums of CHF 800 – CHF 2,400

Bundled packages (contents + liability + legal protection) can offer discounts up to 20%.

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5. How to Choose the Right Insurer in Switzerland

There are many reputable insurance providers operating in Switzerland. Some of the top home insurers include:

• AXA Switzerland – Popular for expats and offers English-language services

• Zurich Insurance – One of the largest and most trusted

• Mobiliar – Known for excellent customer service

• Helvetia – Strong in both property and liability insurance

• Generali – Offers customizable packages

• Smile Direct – Digital-only, affordable, and efficient

• Allianz Suisse – Good for higher-value properties

When choosing a provider, consider:

• What is and isn't covered

• Deductible amounts

• Customer reviews and claims service

• Multi-policy discounts

• Language support (if you’re not fluent in German, French, or Italian)

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6. How to File a Claim

In case of loss or damage, follow these steps:

1. Notify your insurer immediately (within 5 days, ideally).

2. Document the damage with photos and, if applicable, police reports.

3. List the damaged/lost items with their values.

4. Fill out a claim form online or by phone.

5. Cooperate with the insurance adjuster if they visit your home.

Claims are generally processed quickly in Switzerland, especially with digital insurers.

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7. Home Insurance for Expats in Switzerland

For expats, the Swiss insurance system can seem complicated at first. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Many providers offer English-language contracts and customer service.

• When renting, landlords often require proof of tenant insurance and liability insurance.

• If you're buying property, check if cantonal building insurance is required.

• Some insurers (like Smile, AXA, and Zurich) are especially friendly toward foreigners and offer bundled packages that include health, vehicle, and household insurance.

Pro tip: Start with a comparison website like Comparis.ch or Moneyland.ch to compare quotes in English.

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8. How to Save Money on Home Insurance in Switzerland

Home insurance is relatively affordable in Switzerland, but you can save more by:

• Bundling policies (home, liability, legal, car, etc.)

• Increasing your deductible (e.g., from CHF 200 to CHF 500)

• Only insuring what you need (skip theft outside the home if unnecessary)

• Installing security systems (alarms, fire detectors)

• Paying annually instead of monthly

• Avoiding small claims (which can increase your premiums later)

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9. Final Thoughts

Home insurance in Switzerland may not be legally required in every situation, but it is a critical safeguard for your home, possessions, and financial well-being. Whether you are a tenant in a Zurich apartment, a homeowner in Bern, or an expat in Geneva, the right insurance plan ensures that you are protected against unexpected risks—fire, theft, water damage, and more.

Take the time to assess your needs, compare providers, and read the fine print. With Swiss efficiency and a wide range of reliable insurers, finding high-quality, affordable home insurance is well within reach.