Scooter insurance in Switzerland
Are you considering buying a new scooter or a Vespa? Make sure to take out the right insurance. Comparis explains what to watch out for.
13.07.2022
iStock / egon69
1. Do I need scooter insurance?
Swiss law requires all owners of scooters to take out liability insurance. Without liability insurance, the Road Traffic Office will not issue a vehicle registration certificate, or number plates if you are registering for the first time. Without a vehicle registration certificate and number plates, you are not permitted to drive on public roads. Partial and full casco (comprehensive) insurance, on the other hand, are optional.
Comparison of scooter insurance policies
2. Which scooter insurance do I need?
You insure your scooter like you would larger motorcycles. Here, too, liability insurance is compulsory for scooters. For scooter theft insurance, select partial casco or full casco. Here is an overview of what’s available:
| Liability | Covers any damage that you cause to others with your scooter. | compulsory |
|---|---|---|
| Partial casco | Covers, among other things, theft and natural hazards. | voluntary, recommended for scooters up to approx. 7 years |
| Full casco/ collision casco | Covers damage you cause to your own scooter. | voluntary, recommended for scooters for up to approx. 4 years |
| Passenger accident insurance: | Assumes the consequential costs of accidents for accompanying persons | voluntary, not usually worthwhile in Switzerland |
Good to know:
Full casco insurance is a combination of partial and collision casco.
Leasing companies normally require full casco insurance.
Most people in Switzerland are insured against accidents through their employer or through their health insurance. This is why it often does not make sense to take out passenger accident insurance. Exception: uninsured people from abroad, for example, who regularly use or accompany you on your scooter.
More information about insurance coverage can be found in the following article: What motorcycle insurance do I need?
3. What does scooter insurance cost in Switzerland?
Whether simple moped insurance or full casco scooter insurance, the cost varies depending on the scope of coverage, purchase price and engine power. You can find three specific examples here:
Model Vespa 125 Primavera Sport Scooter 11 HP
Full casco insurance: from CHF 140 per year
Excess for partial casco: CHF 500
Excess for collision: CHF 1,000
With suspension discount
Model Peugeot Scooter Speedfight 4 & 6 HP
Liability insurance: from CHF 40 per year
No suspension discount
Model NIU M1 Pro 2 HP
Partial casco insurance: from CHF 67 per year
Excess for partial casco: CHF 500
With suspension discount
Basis for the calculation: Swiss woman, 32 years old, place of residence Lucerne, driving licence since 10.08.2017, insurance valid from 1.6.2022. Premiums depend on driver profile and examples presented are for illustrative purposes only.
4. When can I change my scooter insurance?
Do you want to cancel your Vespa insurance in Switzerland or change your scooter insurer? You have the following 5 options:
When the contract expires
If premiums rise
Change of vehicle
Change of owner
After a claim
Find out more about switching insurance: Switching motorcycle insurance
5. Is it worth waiving suspension for scooters?
Depositing your number plates at the Road Traffic Office essentially suspends your registration. If you sign a waiver for suspension with your insurance company, you forfeit the option of depositing your number plate for a few months each year – for example in winter. In this case you usually pay 9 months' premium. You receive the remaining 3 months of the year for free.
Do you use your scooter for more than 9 months on average each year? Then save by waiving suspension. Even if your vehicle is kept in the garage for only one month a year, the insurance will cover 3 months free of charge.
If you drive your scooter for less than 9 months per year, you should not sign a waiver of suspension. You are better off depositing the number plate at the Road Traffic Office. Then you will receive a premium refund from the insurance company.
6. Scooter sold without a replacement: what happens to your insurance?
You need to sell the scooter without a number plate and deposit the plate at the Road Traffic Office. The Office will declare the vehicle registration certificate to be invalid. This means that you are no longer the owner of the scooter; in the event of damage, your insurance remains unaffected.
Notify your insurance company of the date of submission of the number plates. You must terminate your casco insurance policy in writing when selling a vehicle. Otherwise, the insurance provider assumes that you still have the scooter and continues to charge you for part of the coverage. The reason is that, even without number plates, you can take out casco insurance. This is because even then damage can occur, for example in the event of a flood or fire.
This article was first published on 07.05.2018
