Damage and loss
What should I do if I have a car accident?
What should you do if you’re involved in a car accident in Switzerland? Read about the proper course of action after an accident and what to consider when reporting damage.
16.06.2023
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1. Immediate action in case of damage or injury
Get a clear overview
Stop your car. Switch on the hazard lights and dipped headlights and look around:
How many vehicles are involved in the accident?
Has anyone been injured?
Is there any risk of fire or explosion?
Important: if you’re on the motorway, steer the car onto the hard shoulder, if possible.
Secure the accident site
Put on a reflective vest and secure the accident site. Place your warning triangle at least 50 metres before the location of the accident – at least 100 metres before it on fast roads. Make sure you are in no danger while doing this.
Give first aid
Move any injured people out of danger and give them first aid. Ensure that the scene of the accident remains unchanged as far as possible. Always be mindful of your own safety.
Notify the emergency services
If necessary, call an ambulance (144) and the fire brigade (118). If anyone is injured, you should always call the police (117). They will take care of reporting the events leading up to the accident.
Attend to injured persons
Attend to anyone with injuries and try to keep them conscious. Observe them carefully and talk to them.
Once the emergency services have arrived and the scene of the accident has been secured, you can take the next steps. Don’t forget to report the accident to your car insurance company.
You can switch insurance
Not satisfied with how your claim was handled? Want to change your liability insurance or simply save on premiums?
Remember that after making a claim, you are allowed to cancel your policy and take out a new one. It’s definitely worth comparing different insurers.
2. Accidents involving wildlife are a special case
According to road traffic law, animals are generally considered “property”. So as in the case of any property damage, you must notify the party suffering the damage – such as the owner of a cat. If you have a collision with a wild animal, inform the cantonal gamekeeper.
3. Documenting the accident correctly
Record details of the scene: avoid moving the vehicles involved in the accident if possible, unless the accident happened on a motorway, or the vehicle is a write-off, in which case the vehicles should be moved to the hard shoulder immediately. Take photos of the accident site and the damaged vehicles from as many angles as possible.
Fill in the European accident report: in Switzerland, you are not obliged to provide an accident report, but it is advisable to do so. Note the names and addresses of any witnesses and formulate your description clearly. Tip: it’s best to complete the report as soon as you get home if you can.
Liability unclear? If you don’t agree on how the accident came about, call the police. A police report will help your insurance company to establish liability. This is also important for the other party’s liability insurer.
Comparis tip: in the event of an accident, your compulsory liability insurance only covers damage to third parties and their vehicles. If you have taken out partial casco or full casco insurance, you will also be covered for damage to your own vehicle.
4. Reporting a car accident to your insurer
If you had an accident where there was no obvious damage, it’s best to have the vehicle checked by a professional. Report any damage to your insurance company.
If several people are involved, the person who caused the accident should normally report the accident to their insurance company. The insurer will contact the other party’s insurer. Find more information on the subject here: reporting accident damage.
This article was first published on 14.04.2020
