Swiss Car Insurance Hikes 2026: 5 Best Ways to Lower Your Premium Before Renewal

Swiss Car Insurance: Car insurance premiums in Switzerland are set to climb again in 2026. Insurers point to rising repair costs, more severe weather events and pricier spare parts, in short, “claims inflation” – as the main drivers behind the increases. Several major insurers told a recent Comparis survey they plan to raise premiums next year.

Swiss Car Insurance

Five practical ways to lower your Swiss car insurance premium before renewal

Here are five steps that consistently deliver savings in Switzerland. I explain each, show how it works, and give a compact example so you can judge the impact.

1. Increase your deductible: Swiss Car Insurance

What it is: The deductible (franchise) is the amount you pay yourself before the insurer covers the rest of a claim. Choosing a higher deductible lowers your premium because you accept more of the small-loss risk.

Why it helps: Swiss insurers explicitly advertise premium reductions for higher franchises; it’s one of the fastest levers to pull.

2. Protect or keep your No-Claims Bonus (NCB) / use “bonus protection”

What it is: Swiss insurers use a bonus/malus (no-claims) system that rewards claim-free years with lower premiums. “Bonus protection” is an optional add-on that prevents loss of bonus after one small claim.

Why it helps: Preserving your bonus (or buying protection) can be cheaper than the cost of a premium jump after a single claim. AXA and other Swiss insurers offer explicit bonus-protection options.

3. Compare, switch and negotiate – don’t accept renewal automatically

What it is: Use comparison services (e.g., Comparis, Moneyland) to check competing offers and negotiate with your current insurer.

Why it helps: Many Swiss drivers overpay because they renew without checking the market. Comparis’ recent survey shows many insurers plan increases, and comparison tools can reveal which companies are offering better pricing/discounts.

4. Reduce optional coverage and tailor protection to your car’s age

What it is: For older cars, full comprehensive (Kasko / casco) may be cost-ineffective. Consider limiting cover to third-party, fire & theft, or removing add-ons you don’t need.

Why it helps: Premiums for comprehensive cover increase with car value. If the replacement cost is low, switching to lighter cover can save a lot. Moneyland and other Swiss advisory sites recommend avoiding over-insurance and choosing a level appropriate to your car’s value and usage.

5. Reduce risk profile: park securely, fit approved anti-theft devices and lower mileage

What it is: Insurers price risk — lower risk typically means lower premium. Actions you can take include parking in a locked garage, installing approved immobilisers/alarms, and declaring lower annual mileage.

Why it helps: Insurers offer discounts or more favorable pricing for vehicles in secure storage and for policyholders who drive less. They also often give discounts for fitted security devices.

Swiss Car Insurance

Swiss Car Insurance: Actions and Expected Effect

ActionTypical effect on premiumWhen it’s best
Increase deductible (franchise)−10% to −30% (varies)If you rarely claim and have emergency savings.
Preserve NCB / buy bonus protectionAvoids large jump after small claimIf you have many bonus years built up.
Compare & switch insurersVaries — often CHF 50–300/year savedWhen market shows cheaper equivalent cover.
Reduce cover for older carSignificant (depends on car value)When repair/replacement cost is low relative to premium.
Lower mileage / improve security5–15% possibleIf you drive much less or can garage the car.

Conclusion

Yes, Swiss car insurance premiums are under upward pressure for 2026, driven by claims inflation and more costly claims. But you still have options. Small, concrete actions — raising a deductible sensibly, preserving your no-claims bonus, comparing offers, tailoring coverage to car age, and reducing your risk profile — can add up to meaningful savings before renewal.

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