Swiss Car Insurance Premiums Set to Rise Again in 2026

Zurich, March 10, 2026 – Swiss motorists are bracing for another year of increasing car insurance premiums. A recent survey by Comparis indicates that a significant majority of insurers plan to raise rates in 2026, citing rising repair costs, more expensive spare parts, and an uptick in weather-related damage as key factors.

Premiums on the Rise

According to a representative survey conducted by Comparis among 1,026 car owners, nearly half (45%) report an increase in their car insurance premiums from 2025 to 2026. For over a third of those facing higher premiums, the increase exceeds 100 Swiss francs.

Regional Disparities

The premium increases are not uniform across Switzerland. Motorists in the French-speaking region (Romandie) are experiencing significantly larger increases – exceeding 200 francs – compared to those in German-speaking Switzerland.

Accident History Doesn’t Shield Drivers

Notably, the majority of drivers haven’t experienced accidents. Comparis found that 80% of respondents reported no accidents in the past year, yet still received premium increases. This suggests that broader economic factors are driving up costs, rather than individual driver risk profiles.

Limited Policyholder Response

Despite the widespread increases, a surprisingly small percentage of policyholders are switching insurers. Only 6% of those surveyed changed companies. Still, those who did switch saw substantial savings, with over half reducing their premiums by at least 200 francs annually.

Loyalty Doesn’t Pay

The survey reveals a high degree of customer loyalty, with 30% of respondents having been with the same insurer for over 10 years and 50% for at least 6 years. Comparis financial expert Harry Büsser notes that “loyalty is a positive value, but in the insurance sector it rarely translates into savings.” He emphasizes that regular comparison shopping is crucial to ensure value for money.

Significant Premium Variation

There’s a wide range in premiums paid by Swiss drivers. While 8% pay less than 500 francs per year, 11% are paying 1,600 francs or more.

Awareness of Cancellation Rights is Low

Many policyholders are unaware of their rights. Approximately 30% of respondents don’t realize they have the right to cancel their contracts if premiums increase.

Workshop Choice: Branded vs. Independent

When it comes to repairs, 44% of respondents opt for branded (affiliated) workshops, while 43% choose independent garages. Büsser suggests that branded workshops are sensible during the warranty period, but independent garages often offer more competitive pricing afterward without compromising quality.

Key Takeaways & Advice for Insureds

• Check Your Premium Increase: Don’t automatically accept higher bills.
• Know Your Cancellation Rights: You are entitled to cancel your contract if premiums increase.
• Compare Quotes: Significant differences exist in the market.
• Re-evaluate Long-Term Contracts: Loyalty doesn’t guarantee the best rates.

As the Swiss car insurance market continues to evolve, proactive comparison shopping and awareness of policyholder rights are essential for securing the best possible coverage at a competitive price.

Source: comparis.ch, Switzerland Times, Handelszeitung, comparis.ch (English)