Damages: what benefits and services do I get?

You have a crash and your car is damaged. Who pays for the repair? Comparis explains the various services offered by car insurance companies.

Autor Adi Kolecic Foto
Adi Kolecic

13.10.2022

A man signing a contract. Toy cars can be seen in the foreground.

iStock/AndreyPopov

1.What benefits and services do I get if I claim?
2.What deductibles apply in the event of damage?
3.Can the amount paid out be restricted when making a claim?
4.When is it worth receiving a payout instead of repairing my car?
5.Do I receive a replacement vehicle?

1. What benefits and services do I get if I claim?

The benefits and services you receive from claiming on your car insurance depend on two factors:

  • Cause of damage

  • Details of insurance cover

An overview of the cover usually offered by liability insurance as well as partial casco and full casco can be found in the linked articles.

What is the difference between cover and benefit?

The benefit is the amount given by the insurance company in the event of a claim. However, you can only claim this if the damage in question is covered. Cover therefore refers to any damage events that are insured.

2. What deductibles apply in the event of damage?

With liability insurance, the deductible differs depending on the driver. They may also vary depending on the insurance company. In most cases, however, the following applies:

  • Young drivers (up to the age of 25): deductible of 1,000 francs

  • New drivers (over 25s driving for less than two years): deductible of 500 francs

  • Other drivers: usually no deductible

For full- and partial casco, the deductible varies depending on the damage event and the insurance company.

Good to know: if you want to save and set your deductible higher, you can usually adjust your policy online.

3. Can the amount paid out be restricted when making a claim?

Have you violated traffic laws and shown gross negligence? If so, expect the amount to be paid out for your claim to be reduced. Find out more about potential payout reductions relating to gross negligence here.

4. When is it worth receiving a payout instead of repairing my car?

Instead of having the repair bill paid, you can also receive the full amount paid out by the insurance company. This can be worthwhile in certain cases. However, you should think carefully about whether you want to have the sum paid out or have the damages paid for. Find out more about this topic in this article about receiving pay outs or paying for the repair.

5. Do I receive a replacement vehicle?

If the accident was caused by a third party, their liability insurance provides you with a replacement vehicle if one is urgently needed. The insurance taken out in accordance with the policy also applies to the replacement vehicle if:

  • the vehicle belongs to the same price range and category,

  • a permit to drive the replacement car has been obtained from the authorities,

  • the number plates listed in your policy are used on the replacement vehicle.

Partial casco insurance continues to apply to the replaced vehicle. When the replaced vehicle is put back on the road with its old number plates, the insurance no longer applies to the replacement car.

This article was first published on 17.08.2020

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