versicherungswissen DE

What do you do right after damage has happened?

In short

After damage, three things count.

Limit the damage, document everything and report it as soon as possible. Do not repair anything major before the insurer has seen the damage. Tick off what is done.

As of 2 October 2026 · VVG Art. 38 and 61 · Sources fedlex.data.admin.ch

ChecklistTick off what is done

0 of 9 done

Straight away
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If people are injured or in danger, call the emergency number 144, 117 or 118.

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Turn off the water, cover windows, get things out of the water. The law requires this too.

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Before clearing up, close up and as an overview.

The same day
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For burglary, theft and accidents with injured people a report is needed.

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As soon as you know about the damage. If you report late through your own fault, the insurer may reduce payment.

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Damage to the building is the owner's responsibility.

In the next days
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Do not throw anything away before the insurer has agreed.

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Receipts, proofs of purchase, invoices for emergency measures.

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Say what happened, but do not promise payment. The insurer clarifies that.

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Which insurance is responsible?

That depends on what is damaged. For the building the building insurance, for your belongings the household contents insurance, for the car the casco, and if you have damaged something belonging to others, liability insurance. The guide on the hail and storm damage page helps you work out which one applies.

What comes next?

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.

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