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Third-party liability insurance for motorcycles: what you need to know

Third-party liability insurance is compulsory for motorbike owners in Switzerland. It protects against the financial consequences of damage to other people or their belongings.

Lara Surber Foto
Lara Surber

25.01.2023

A person signs a contract for compulsory motorcycle liability insurance.

iStock / roibu

1.What is motorcycle liability insurance?
2.What does personal liability insurance for motorcycles include?
3.What is not covered by motorcycle liability insurance?
4.Is liability insurance compulsory for motorcycles in Switzerland?
5.How much does third-party liability insurance for motorcycles cost?
6.What do I need to know when choosing motorcycle liability insurance?
7.How high is the deductible for motorcycle liability insurance?

1. What is motorcycle liability insurance?

Motorcycle liability insurance covers any damage or injury that you cause to third parties with your motorcycle. This differentiates it from partial casco and full casco insurance. These types of insurance cover damage to your own vehicle.

2. What does personal liability insurance for motorcycles include?

The following damage is insured:

  • Damage to other persons, for example, treatment costs and loss of employment

  • Damage to objects, for example repair costs for other vehicles

  • Damage to animals, e.g. treatment costs

3. What is not covered by motorcycle liability insurance?

Motorcycle liability insurance does not pay in the following situations:

  • Damage to your own motorcycle

  • Damage you have intentionally caused

  • Damage caused by driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

  • Damage caused by driving on closed or prohibited roads

  • Damage caused by driving without a valid driver's license

4. Is liability insurance compulsory for motorcycles in Switzerland?

Yes, third-party liability insurance is compulsory for motorcycles in Switzerland. It is mandatory and regulated by road traffic law. This compulsory insurance not only protects the motorcyclist, but also other road users.

This means that registering a motorcycle in Switzerland is only possible with valid proof of insurance (liability insurance).

5. How much does third-party liability insurance for motorcycles cost?

The cost of motorcycle liability insurance depends on various factors. They include:

  • the chosen deductible

  • the type of motorcycle

  • the place of registration

  • any add-ons

Motorcycle liability insurance: example of costs

The premiums for liability insurance for different types of motorcycles look like this*:

  • Piaggio Vespa 50 Primavera scooter (50 cc): from 41 francs per year

  • Yamaha XSR 700 (689 cc): from 84 francs per year

  • Harley Davidson FXFBS Fat Bob 114 (1868 cc): from 101 francs per year

Go to the motorcycle insurance comparison tool

*Example of costs based on: first registration shortly before the start of the policy (new motorcycle), overnight parking in a garage, place of residence: 8004 Zurich, age of driver: 39 years, driving licence since 2005. Source: Comparis, as at January 2023.

6. What do I need to know when choosing motorcycle liability insurance?

When it comes to liability cover, insurance companies offer very similar benefits. The main differences are the deductible and the cost of the premiums.

Therefore, pay special attention to the costs when comparing different liability insurance policies for motorcycles.

7. How high is the deductible for motorcycle liability insurance?

There are different deductibles for motorcycle liability insurance, mostly costing between 0 and 1,000 francs. Many insurances allow you to set a higher deductible to benefit from lower premiums.

This article was first published on 22.07.2019

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