Partial casco insurance for motorcycles: is it worthwhile?

Motorcycle partial casco insurance covers damage such as theft, marten bites or vandalism. Find out more about benefits and costs here.

Roman Heiz Foto
Roman Heiz

19.03.2024

A motorcycle stands outside a building.

iStock/Mor65

1.Partial casco insurance for motorcycles: what is it?
2.Partial casco insurance for motorcycles: what benefits do I get?
3.What add-ons are available for motorcycle partial casco insurance?
4.How much does partial casco insurance for motorcycles cost?
5.Partial casco insurance for motorcycles: is it worthwhile?

1. Partial casco insurance for motorcycles: what is it?

Partial casco insurance is optional for motorcycles. It pays for the repair costs of damage that you did not cause yourself. This includes damage to the motorcycle caused by animals, storms or vandalism.

Motorcycle liability insurance is mandatory

In Switzerland, only motorcycle liability insurance is mandatory. Partial casco and full casco are voluntary. The premiums and benefits sometimes vary greatly depending on the provider, so it’s always worth comparing.

Calculate motorcycle insurance

Overview of motorcycle insurance models

Here are the differences between liability, partial casco and full casco insurance policies.

Note: the graphic is interactive.

2. Partial casco insurance for motorcycles: what benefits do I get?

Insured event Description of cover
Theft Damage, loss or destruction caused by:
  • Theft of the motorcycle
  • Attempted theft
Damage from natural hazards
  • Heavy winds
  • Avalanches or snow slides
  • Hail
  • Landslides
  • Rockfall or falling stones
  • Flooding
  • Load from heavy snowfall
  • Falling aircraft parts
Fire
  • Fire
  • Lightning
  • Explosions
  • Short circuit
  • Fire brigade callout
Glass damage Breakage of vehicle parts made of glass or glass substitutes (exclusions are possible depending on the provider)
Collision with animals Crashes with animals
Vandalism Examples of maliciously inflicted damage:
  • Paint or spray
  • Broken rear-view mirror
  • Slashed tyres
  • Punctured seat or saddlebags
  • Contamination of tank contents
Marten damage
  • Martens or other rodent bites
  • Consequential damage due to bites

Note: check the exact cover in the general insurance conditions of your insurance company. Depending on the insurance company, there are differences in benefits.

Will partial casco insurance pay if my motorcycle is stolen?

In the context of partial casco insurance, theft is considered total loss. You will receive compensation for this. The amount of compensation varies from one provider to another. Important: did you fail to lock or secure your motorcycle properly? Then you may not receive any money from your insurer in the event of theft.

3. What add-ons are available for motorcycle partial casco insurance?

In addition to the basic cover provided by partial casco insurance, other add-ons are available.

Popular insurance add-ons include, for example:

Some providers may require you to take out full casco insurance in order to be able to select add-ons.

4. How much does partial casco insurance for motorcycles cost?

Partial casco insurance can only be taken out alongside liability insurance. Among other things, the costs depend on:

  • Driver (e.g. age, nationality, driving behaviour)

  • Type and age of the motorcycle

  • Place of residence

  • Chosen deductible

  • Any add-ons

Cost of motorcycle partial casco insurance: examples

Partial casco for a scooter

Insurance package: third-party liability + partial casco for a 50 cc scooter

Insured scooter Piaggio Vespa 50 Primavera Scooter 3 HP
Deductible for partial casco CHF 300
Annual premium From approx. CHF 81 per year

Scenario 1. Vehicle registered shortly before the start of the policy (new scooter); overnight parking: garage; place of residence: 8004 Zurich; age of driver: 39 years; driving licence since 2005; nationality: Swiss. Source: Comparis, as at March 2024.

Partial casco insurance for a motorcycle

Insurance package: third-party liability + partial casco for a 689 cc motorcycle

Insured motorcycle Yamaha XSR 700 Naked Bike 73 HP
Deductible for partial casco CHF 300
Annual premium From approx. CHF 146 per year

Scenario 1. Vehicle registered shortly before the start of the policy (new motorcycle), overnight parking garage; place of residence: 8004 Zurich; age of driver: 39 years; driving licence since 2005; nationality: Swiss. Source: Comparis, as at March 2024.

5. Partial casco insurance for motorcycles: is it worthwhile?

There is no general rule as to when partial casco insurance for motorcycles makes sense. The following factors are important when deciding:

  • How much the motorcycle is worth.

  • Your personal budget.

  • The age of the motorcycle.

The rule of thumb for vehicle age is: partial casco insurance makes sense up to seven years after the first registration.

This article was first published on 14.05.2018

This might also interest you

Registering a motorcycle in Switzerland: information on registration

08.07.2022

Motorcycle maintenance in Switzerland: how much does it cost?

20.06.2023

Fines for motorcyclists: 12 common offences in Switzerland

03.05.2022

Is my motorcycle ready for spring?

29.03.2023
Welcome! You are now logged in.
Go to user account