Insurance for owners in Switzerland: the guide

Mandatory and optional insurance for owners in Switzerland

In Switzerland, owning a property entails certain insurance obligations. Some coverage is imposed by law depending on the canton, while other coverage remains optional but strongly recommended. To protect your assets well, it is essential to understand the difference between building insurance, household insurance and civil liability, as well as the main risks covered.

Published on 03/07/2025

Mandatory insurance for owners

Building insurance

- In 19 cantons (including Vaud, Bern and Zurich), building insurance is mandatory and must be taken out with the Cantonal Building Insurance Establishment (ECA).

- This insurance covers fires and natural events (storms, floods, landslides, etc.).

- Exception: In some cantons (such as Nidwalden), although this insurance is mandatory, owners can choose a private company instead of the ECA.

Fire and natural events insurance

In some cantons (such as Vaud and Nidwalden), insurance against fire and natural disasters is also mandatory, independently of building insurance.

The difference?

- In some cantons, this coverage is included in the mandatory building insurance.

- In others, it must be taken out separately, and depending on the canton, this can be done either with the ECA or with a private insurer.

Remember: Obligations vary by canton. Some require building insurance with the ECA, others leave the choice to the insured, and some distinguish fire insurance from other coverage. It is therefore essential to check with the local authorities.

Optional but recommended insurance

Although some insurance policies are not legally required, they offer valuable financial protection

Household insurance (or household contents)

- Fire

- Water damage

- Natural disasters

Private civil liability insurance

Civil liability insurance is an important pillar in the protection of real estate assets. It is divided into two main categories depending on your situation:

Private civil liability

Building owner's liability (building liability)

If you own a property rented to third parties (such as an apartment building, an apartment put up for rent or an income property), the situation is different. As an owner-landlord, you are liable for the damage your property could cause to others due to a maintenance defect or a structural problem.

- A tenant who is injured because of a badly maintained staircase

- A passerby hit by a tile fallen from the roof

- Water infiltration causing damage in another home

Liability and condominium (PPE)

If you are a co-owner in a condominium (PPE), you share responsibility for the common areas of the building with the other co-owners.It is therefore strongly recommended that the community take out a common building liability insurance, in order to cover the damage that may occur in the shared spaces (hall, stairs, roof, etc.) or in the event of a dispute between co-owners.

Differences between building insurance and household insurance

Understanding the distinction between these two insurance policies is crucial to avoid gaps or overlaps in coverage

Building insurance

- Covers the structure of the building (walls, roof, fixed installations)

- Mandatory in several cantons

- Taken out with an ECA or a private insurer

Household insurance

- Protects movable property (furniture, electronic devices, clothing)

It is important to note that some elements may be covered by both insurance policies. For example, damage to sanitary installations may be covered by building insurance or household insurance, depending on the terms of the contract.

The main risks covered

Fire

Damage caused by fire, smoke or an explosion is covered.

Water damage

Damage resulting from pipe bursts, infiltration or sewer backups is covered. It is nonetheless advisable to check the specific conditions of your contract, as some building insurance policies may require additional coverage for damage

Natural disasters

Damage due to natural events such as floods, storms, hail or avalanches is generally included in the coverage. However, damage caused by earthquakes is not automatically covered and may require additional insurance.

Conclusion

Understanding mandatory and optional insurance well helps avoid unpleasant surprises in the event of a claim. Depending on your canton, some insurance is essential, while other coverage is worth taking out for optimal protection.

Before any decision, it is advisable to consult the cantonal authorities and compare insurance offers to find the coverage best suited to your situation.And above all, do not forget civil liability insurance, which remains one of the key elements to protect you against the financial consequences in the event of damage caused to others.

For any questions or requests for further information, please do not hesitate to contact us!