Building insurance

In Switzerland, a building is defined by insurers as any construction resulting from human intervention. These real estate assets are exposed to several risks, generally covered by specific insurance policies.

The main protections offered

Building insurance covers claims related to:

• fire,
• infiltrations or water damage,
• theft,
• glass breakage.
  

The special case of fire insurance

In the majority of Swiss cantons, fire coverage falls under a mandatory cantonal regime. This is notably the case in the canton of Vaud, where the Cantonal Insurance Establishment (ECA) holds the monopoly for insuring buildings against fire and natural events.

Only a few cantons — including Ticino, Geneva, Valais and Appenzell Innerrhoden — leave owners free to take out fire insurance, with a private organisation if necessary.

Private insurance for other risks

Other claims (theft, glass breakage, water damage) can be covered through contracts with private insurers, independently of the cantonal regime in force.