Animal collisions in Switzerland: who pays for the damage?

1. How do I reduce the risk of an animal collision when driving?

In Switzerland, collisions with wild animals such as deer, foxes or badgers are quite common.

By following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of accidents:

• Reduce your speed on country roads, in agricultural areas (such as roads close to corn fields) and in forested areas.

• Pay increased attention in the early morning, at dusk and at night.

• Take special care in autumn and winter.

• Pay attention to traffic signs that indicate wildlife crossings.

• Keep an eye on the edge of forests and fields.

• Switch on your high beam lights. This allows you to detect wild animals early on the road.

• Switch to low beam and slow down if you notice animals close to the road.

• Beep the horn and switch on the hazard warning lights when animals are on the road. Stop the car if you can.

• Wild animals are rarely alone. If one animal jumps onto the road, another often soon follows.

2. What should I do if I’m about to hit an animal with my car?

How to react if an animal runs out in front of your car:

• Perform an emergency stop immediately.

• Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and avoid steering too far in one direction or another.

• Try to stay in your lane.

Swerving is not a good idea

An evasive manoeuvre is usually more dangerous than an emergency stop. Plus, there is also a risk of increased financial damage. If an accident occurs without hitting the wild animal, the damage is not considered a “wildlife-related accident”. The damage is then not covered by your partial casco insurance.

3. What should I do after an animal collision?

If you are in a car accident involving a wild animal, you should proceed as follows:

1. Stop and switch on your hazard warning lights. Put on a yellow reflective vest if possible.

2. Secure the accident site and set up a breakdown triangle.

3. Inform the police (117) or gamekeeper. The person responsible will be called out and will take care of the animal.

4. Do not touch the animal. There is a risk of injury or illness.

5. Wait for the police or person responsible to arrive.

5. Which insurance covers car accidents involving wild animals?

Animal collisions are generally covered by partial casco insurance.

If you have a car accident involving an animal, contact your insurer as soon as possible. Do not arrange any repairs without consulting them first. You can make a claim by telephone or online.

A police report helps

A report from the police or a gamekeeper will result in a smoother claims process. If you do not have this report, a claims expert will inspect the damage. In addition to a longer waiting time, there may be a risk of claim rejection without a report.

All-round protection with full casco cover

A full casco insurance policy covers damage to your vehicle even in the absence of a report or in the event of an evasive manoeuvre. As a rule, you only have to pay the deductible agreed in the contract. You may also lose your no-claims bonus, depending on your insurer.