INSURANCE CHECKLIST: Total Vehicle Protection (Swiss 2026 Edition)

Phase 1: The Strategic Foundation

☐ Liability Lock (Haftpflicht): Mandatory. In 2026, ensure your insurer has transmitted the Electronic Insurance Certificate to the IVZ (Information System for Vehicle Registration) so you can use the new Digital Self-Registration portal. ☐ The 7-Year Asset Wall: If your car is <7 years old, Full Casco (Vollkasko) is the standard. Pro-Tip: In 2026, check if your car has “800V Architecture”—if it’s high-tech, keep Full Casco for up to 9 years due to specialized repair costs. ☐ CO2 Penalty Clearance: Ensure your insurance activation is synced with your CO2 penalty payment. In 2026, the Strassenverkehrsamt will not issue plates if the CO2 sanction is unpaid, even with insurance. ☐ Leasing “Gap” Protection: If leased, verify Purchase Price Protection (Zeitwertzusatz). In 2026, high depreciation on early-gen EVs can leave you owing the bank thousands if the car is totaled.

Phase 2: Tactical 2026 Add-Ons

☐ Gross Negligence Waiver (Grobe Fahrlässigkeit): Non-Negotiable. Without this, the insurer can “recourse” (demand money back) if you miss a stop sign or a red light. (Note: Alcohol and high-speed “Raser” offenses are never covered). ☐ Parking Damage “ULTRA”: Standard “Parking PLUS” often has limits. In 2026, a single dent on a sensor-heavy bumper can cost CHF 3,500+. Upgrade to a policy that covers two incidents per year with zero deductible. ☐ Glass & Sensor PLUS: Essential for 2026. This must cover Glass Substitutes (Polycarbonate) and Calibration Costs. If a stone chips your windshield, the cost isn’t just the glass; it’s the CHF 600 calibration of the LIDAR/Camera system. ☐ Cyber & Software Recovery: Modern 2026 OS-driven cars can be “bricked” by failed OTA (Over-the-Air) updates or hacking. Ensure your policy covers Software Restoration and hardware replacement of the Head Unit.

Phase 3: The Swiss Environment Shields

☐ Marten (Marder) “Consequential” Cover: Martens love EV cable insulation. Ensure the limit for Consequential Damage (Folgeschäden) is at least CHF 5,000–10,000. A chewed hose leading to a melted battery is a total loss. ☐ Natural Hazard Protection: With the increase in Swiss “Super-Storms,” ensure your Partial Casco (Teilkasko) has a CHF 0 deductible for hail. ☐ Bonus Protection: Lock your level. One mistake in 2026 shouldn’t reset 10 years of “Good Driver” discounts.

Phase 4: Financial Deployment (The Audit)

☐ The “September/November” Pivot: Most Swiss policies can be cancelled by September 30th (for end-of-year) or November 30th (if premiums rise). ☐ “Claims Inflation” Check: In 2026, if your premium rose by >5%, you have a Special Right of Termination. Use this to pivot to “Neo-Insurers” who offer better digital rates. ☐ Deductible (Franchise) Calibration: * Low Risk: CHF 1,000 deductible = ~20% premium saving. High Risk: CHF 0–500 (Recommended for new drivers or high-value urban cars).

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The rule for 2026

“In 2026, you aren’t just insuring a car; you are insuring a computer on wheels. If your policy doesn’t mention Sensors, Software, and Calibration, you are under-insured.”