Wallet stolen: what should I do?

1. Stolen wallet: inform the police and make an official report

Have you lost your wallet or was it stolen? Inform the police as soon as possible. Did the theft take place abroad? Contact the police station nearest to the crime scene. 

If you only realize the theft once you get home, contact the closest police station in your area. You’ll need the official notice of loss to apply for new documents.

2. Block your bank and credit cards

Get your cards blocked as soon as you notice the theft. There are two ways to do this:

• Many banks let you block your cards online via e-banking.

• You can also have your card blocked by phone. You can find the phone number on your bank’s website. It’s also on the back of your card. Write the number down or store it in your mobile phone after receiving your card.

Blocking your card is usually free of charge. However, depending on the bank, you may have to pay for a new card.

3. Replacing your identity card, residence permit and driving licence

Identity card

Your ID card is blocked when you report its theft to the police. The card is invalidated. You cannot use your ID card if you find it again. You must hand it in to your canton’s passport office.

New identity cards cost 70 francs for adults and 65 francs for children, including postage.

Residence permit

As with an identity card, you can file a police report with a residence permit. They will give you an official certificate of loss.

Take it to your municipality offices or the cantonal migration authorities and use it to apply for a new residence permit. You need the following to apply:

• the official certificate of loss

• your passport

• passport photo

The cost of the new ID varies. If you find your old residence permit again, you must have it invalidated by the municipality.

Driving licence

You must also report losing your driving licence. You can then have a temporary replacement issued to you by the Road Traffic Office. You can use this until you receive your new licence. The cost for a replacement varies from canton to canton, but is usually less than 100 francs.

Your old driving licence is no longer valid after declaring it lost. If you find it again, send it to the Road Traffic Office with a short statement.

4. Swisspass

Replacing your Swisspass costs 30 francs. You can apply for a new Swisspass at the following locations:

• online at SBB.ch

• by phone at the SBB Contact Center

• at a staffed service point

5. Health insurance card

With most health insurance companies, you can order a new health insurance card online or by phone. Depending on the insurance company, you will need to inform your health insurer of the theft or loss in order for your card to be blocked.

Medical data is only stored on specific cards and at medical practices. Your data needs to be saved onto your new card so that you won’t lose it. This can be done, for example, by your family doctor.

6. Other cards

Make a list of any other cards and documents that were also in your wallet. These may include loyalty or reward cards, for instance. In most cases, replacing them is free of charge. This gives you an overview of the cards you need to replace.

Cards with a payment function should be blocked as quickly as possible in the event of loss or theft. Depending on the provider, you’ll have to pay a replacement fee. A new student ID card from the University of Zurich costs 25 francs, for example.

7. Wallet stolen: insurance doesn’t always pay

In order for your home contents insurance to pay for any losses, you must have the “simple theft away from home” supplemental insurance. However, you must pay the applicable deductible.

Robberies are different: high-value items, wallets and any costs incurred through theft are covered. 

What does robbery mean? 

Robbery means that the thief uses threats or force. However, costs are usually limited to a certain percentage of the total sum insured by the contents insurance policy or to a maximum amount.

8. How to beat pickpockets

Here are some tips to help prevent theft: 

• Never leave your valuables unattended.

• Wear your purse or rucksack on your front if possible. This is especially true in crowds.

• Only have as much cash on you as necessary.

• Always carry some small change in your pockets. This means that you have to take your wallet out of your pocket less often.

• Keep your valuables in internal pockets. External pockets make the theft easier.

• Don’t make it obvious where you carry your wallet.

• Make sure that all the pockets of your purse or rucksack are fastened.

• Don’t fall for attempts to distract you.

• Carry a bag or backpack on the opposite side of traffic.