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Statutory charges in car insurance
If you take out car insurance in Switzerland, you will be subject to statutory charges. Comparis explains what stamp duty, the fixed charge amount and the accident prevention contribution are all about.
19.04.2023
iStock / johan10
1. Statutory charges at a glance
As a motorist in Switzerland, you pay statutory charges annually with the premium invoice. They are composed of three parts:
| Contribution | |
|---|---|
| Stamp duty | 5% of the total car insurance premium |
| Fixed charge (NGF and NBI) | CHF 4.20 (for cars) |
| Contribution to accident prevention | 0.75% |
2. Why do I pay stamp duty on car insurance?
The federal government levies stamp duties on many insurance benefits – including car insurance.
As an insured person, you are subject to an annual stamp duty of 5% of the total premium amount. The contribution goes to the federal budget.
3. Charges to the National Guarantee Fund (NGF) and the Swiss National Bureau of Insurance (NBI)
Anyone who takes out liability insurance in Switzerland pays a fixed charge annually to the National Guarantee Fund (NGF) and the National Bureau of Insurance (NBI). The charge is automatically settled via the car insurance premium.
These are the annual charges by vehicle type:
| NGF | NBI | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles | CHF 1.90 | CHF 0.20 | CHF 2.10 |
| Light motor vehicles up to 3.5 tons | CHF 3.80 | CHF 0.40 | CHF 4.20 |
| Heavy-duty motor vehicles | CHF 7.60 | CHF 0.80 | CHF 8.40 |
What does the National Guarantee Fund (NGF) do?
The National Guarantee Fund covers damage caused by unknown persons. The NGF receives an annual contribution from motor vehicle owners through their third-party liability insurance. This is how the fund is financed.
Example: damage while parked
Has parking damage occurred, but the person responsible is unknown? If no insurance pays the damage, the National Guarantee Fund steps in here. In principle, it assumes such damages after deducting a coinsurance of 1,000 francs.
Do you have insurance cover for damages while parked? In that case, this policy will generally pay for the damage. The coinsurance is significantly lower or waived entirely.
What is the purpose of the Swiss National Bureau of Insurance (NBI)?
The NBI covers liability for damage caused by drivers of foreign motor vehicles and trailers in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
This allows injured parties to contact the National Information Centre in the event of accidents involving foreign participants and to settle the claims in accordance with the provisions applicable in Switzerland.
Motor vehicle owners finance the NBI through a fixed contribution via the motor vehicle liability premium.
4. Why is an accident prevention contribution necessary?
The contribution goes to accident prevention: as a motorist, you pay an annual accident prevention contribution that corresponds to 0.75% of your motor vehicle liability premium.
The contribution goes to a fund that promotes and coordinates measures to prevent accidents in road traffic.
This article was first published on 27.05.2010
