Personal liability insurance in Switzerland, when it pays

What does personal liability insurance pay and what not?

In short

Personal liability insurance pays when you cause damage to others, to people or property.

It also fends off unjustified claims. It is voluntary, but often required when you rent. It never pays for your own belongings.

As of 2 October 2026 · Sources ch.ch

QuizTest your knowledge

Does personal liability insurance pay or not?

Six everyday cases. Tap your answer.

0 of 6 answered

You knock over an expensive vase at a friend's house.

Answer

Pays. You carelessly damaged another person's property. That is exactly what personal liability insurance is for, minus the excess.
You drop your own phone on the floor.

Answer

Does not pay. Liability insurance only pays damage to others. For your own things at most household contents insurance is responsible, and for breakage usually only with an extension.
When you move out, the parquet floor shows scratches from your furniture.

Answer

It depends. You do not pay for normal wear and neither does the insurer. Real damage to the rented flat is included in many policies as rental damage.
You deliberately damage your neighbour's car.

Answer

Does not pay. Damage caused on purpose is never covered.
Your six-year-old child throws a ball through a window.

Answer

It depends. Small children are often not legally liable, and parents only if they failed to supervise. Many policies still pay such damage if you want that. Look at your terms.
You ride your bike into a parked car.

Answer

Pays. Your personal liability insurance pays the damage to the car. With a fast e-bike with a number plate it is its own liability insurance.

General answers. What exactly is covered is in your policy. Not advice.

Want to know more?

What does personal liability insurance pay?

Personal injury. You injure someone, for example while skiing.
Property damage. You damage something that belongs to others.
Consequential costs. For example the lost earnings of the injured person.
Defence. If a claim is unjustified, the insurer fends it off for you.

Not covered are your own belongings, damage caused on purpose and damage with the car.

Do you need it as a tenant?

Many landlords require it. Check whether rental damage is included. That is damage to the rented flat that goes beyond normal wear, such as a burn hole in the carpet or a scratched basin.

What does that mean in francs?

The premium is small compared with the risk. A single personal injury, such as a ski accident with a hospital stay and lost earnings, can cost tens of thousands of francs. That is why the insurance is worth it for almost everyone.

What many people get wrong

“Liability insurance is compulsory.” Wrong, it is voluntary. Without it, though, you are liable with all your assets.
“Liability insurance also pays for my belongings.” Wrong. Household contents insurance is for that.
“For children the insurer always pays.” Small children are often not legally liable. Many policies pay anyway if you want that. Read your terms.

How high should the insured sum be?

Insurers recommend CHF 3 to 20 million. Personal injury can become very expensive, and a high sum costs hardly any more premium.

How high is the excess?

You choose that when you take out the policy, a few hundred francs is usual. For rental damage a separate excess often applies.

Is my family covered too?

With a family policy everyone in the same household is insured. Check whether children in training living away from home are included as well.

Does liability insurance pay if I borrow a car?

Damage with a motor vehicle is paid by the vehicle's motor liability insurance. Some personal liability policies have an extension for damage to the borrowed car itself.

This page explains in general terms and does not replace personal advice. Law and your policy are what counts.