How do bonus and malus work in car insurance?
In short
If you drive without claims, your premium falls year after year.
If you report a liability or collision claim, it rises for a few years. Every insurer has its own system. With small claims it can be cheaper to pay them yourself.
CalculatorWith your numbers
Report the claim or pay yourself?
After a reported claim the premium usually rises for a few years. With small claims it can be cheaper to pay yourself.
Ask your insurer or look at the bonus table in your policy.
Pay the claim yourself
CHF 1,500Extra premium if reported
CHF 1,200over 4 yearsReporting pays off here. The higher premium costs you around CHF 300 less than the claim.
Every insurer has its own bonus system. Many allow you to buy back a reported claim within a deadline. Not advice.
Want to know more?
How does the system work?
- Without a claim you drop one level every year and pay less.
- After a claim you go up several levels. The TCS gives four levels as a typical value.
- Partial casco claims such as hail or glass usually do not lead to a malus.
There is no uniform system for the whole of Switzerland. The lowest and highest level and the speed differ by insurer.
Report or pay yourself?
Compare the size of the claim with the higher premium over the years until you are back at your old level. If the claim is smaller, pay it yourself. The calculator above shows you.
You must still report the claim as soon as you know about it. Many insurers allow you to take it over yourself afterwards within a deadline.
What many people get wrong
- “Every claim costs bonus.” Partial casco claims usually do not.
- “The bonus is the same everywhere.” Wrong. Every insurer has its own table.
- “Not reporting saves money.” Anyone who does not report at all risks their insurance cover. Better to report and buy back afterwards.
Frequently asked questions
By how much does the premium rise after a claim?
That depends on your insurer. Often it goes up several levels. Your policy contains a table with the premium levels.
Can I buy back a reported claim?
With many insurers yes, within a deadline. You pay the claim back and keep your bonus level.
What is bonus protection?
For a premium surcharge your level stays the same after the first claim. It mainly pays off with high premiums.
Do I take my bonus with me if I switch?
As a rule yes. The new insurer asks about your claim-free years and grades you. The levels are not the same everywhere, though.
What comes next?
Your path · I am on the move Step 4 of 8
Your next step How do you insure your bike and e-bike correctly?Sources and date 2 October 2026
This page explains in general terms and does not replace personal advice. Law and your policy are what counts.