Household insurance
This insurance covers water damage, broken glass and theft (including theft occurring outside the home) in your apartment or a neighbour’s flat (for water damage only).
- This insuranceis not mandatory but almost always required by rental agencies and student halls when renting an accomodation.
- This insurance is inexpensive and offers good protection.
- This insurance is often included in student halls’ contracts.
- Such a contract can be cancelled in writing by giving 3 months’ notice before the end date.
Fire and natural disasters insurance
This insurance covers fire hazard (explosions, smoke etc.) and natural disaster (falling rocks, avalanches, storm, hail, etc.)
Most cantons (districts) have a Cantonal Insurance Institution.
Cantons of Vaud (main campus)
The ECA (Cantonal Establishment of Insurance) is informed of your presence in the canton by the Residents’ Registration Office of your commune of residence, for the time of a visit, when you arrive in the commune or when you move out of the commune. The weeks following your registration to the commune, you will receive a letter from the ECA, in order that you insure your household contents and personal property (furniture, clothing, electronic devices, equipment etc.) against fire (fire, explosions, smoke, etc.) and natural disasters (flooding, hail, hurricanes : violent windstorms, etc.). This insurance is compulsory for all residents of the canton (article 27 of the law concerning building insurance and personal property insurance against fire and natural disasters – LAIEN).
More information can be found on the ECA website
Your regional agency is at your disposal.
This insurance is compulsory in the canton of Vaud for all residents
Canton of Geneva, Valais (extended campus)
There is no Cantonal Insurance Institution, so fire insurance is optional and can be provided by private insurance companies. More information on this page.
Canton of Neuchatel (extended campus)
This insurance is compulsory. More information on this page.
Canton of Fribourg (extended campus)
This insurance is compulsory. More information on this page.
If you live in a furnished apartment, check with your landlord that the furnishings are already covered by his/her policy.
Don’t underestimate this amount, as the insurance is really not expensive (from 25.- CHF/year in canton of Vaud).
Third part liability insurance
Please see on this page.