Fire insurance in Switzerland: who covers the damages in case of a claim?

Have you just bought a property or moved into a rental? A fire can lead to significant financial losses. To avoid bearing alone the consequences of a claim, it is crucial to know the insurances that cover this type of risk and to ensure adequate protection.

What is the definition of fire insurance in Switzerland?

Contrary to what one might think, Switzerland does not offer a single fire insurance. It is two types of insurance that come into play:

• Household contents insurance, which covers movable property such as furniture, clothing, household appliances, etc.
  
• Building insurance, which covers damage affecting the structure of your property (walls, roof, fixed installations such as heating or solar panels).
  

These insurances protect both against the fire itself and against side effects such as smoke, the water used to extinguish the fire, or explosions.

What damages are covered by fire insurance?

Whether you are a tenant or an owner, the following claims are generally covered:

• Accidental fire: uncontrolled spread of a fire outside a hearth.
  
• Smoke damage: often present even if the fire is quickly contained.
  
• Explosion: damage resulting from a sudden chemical or physical reaction.
  
• Lightning: direct strikes or power surges can damage electronic devices.
  

Good to know: some insurers also cover appliances damaged by a power surge due to lightning.

Frequent exclusions:
Certain damages related to fire are not systematically covered, except with complementary coverage:

• Scorching: such as a burn on fabric caused by a fallen ember, without flame spread.
  
• Implosion: destruction of a hollow object due to external pressure (for example, an old cathode-ray tube television).

Is fire insurance mandatory in all Swiss cantons?

The obligation to insure property against fire varies depending on the canton:

• Building insurance: mandatory in the majority of cantons through the cantonal building insurance, except in the so-called GUSTAVO cantons (Geneva, Uri, Schwyz, Ticino, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Valais, Obwalden).
  
• Household contents insurance: optional, except in the cantons of Fribourg, Jura, Vaud and Nidwalden, where it is imposed to cover fire risks and natural disasters.
  

Even when it is not mandatory, household insurance remains strongly recommended to avoid bearing losses alone.

How much does fire insurance cost?

The cost of fire protection depends on several factors:

• For household insurance: estimated value of your personal belongings.
  
• For building insurance: surface area of the property, location, year of construction, general condition.
  

Premiums therefore vary from one household to another, but an insurance comparison tool will allow you to obtain a rate adapted to your situation.

How to reduce the risks of fire?

Here are some simple reflexes to effectively protect your home:

• Never leave candles or cooking appliances unattended.
  
• Install smoke detectors in all main rooms.
  
• Equip yourself with a fire extinguisher or a fire blanket.
  
• Keep children away from any source of flame.
  
• Immediately replace defective appliances.
  
• Never use alcohol or petrol to light a barbecue.

FAQ – Fire insurance in Switzerland