Switzerland
Switzerland uses Eurotax as a transparent valuation baseline, which you can challenge with market evidence. The independent Ombudsman for Private Insurance offers free mediation — often the required first step before legal action.
Versicherungsvertragsgesetz (VVG) · Swiss Code of Obligations (OR)
Your key rights
Eurotax baseline valuation
Most total-loss settlements in Switzerland start from a Eurotax valuation. You can challenge this with comparable listings from autoscout24.ch, comparis.ch and dealer adverts.
Lower total-loss threshold
Swiss insurers typically declare a total loss when repair cost exceeds 60–65% of actual cash value — lower than many neighbours, which means more cars get written off.
Free Ombudsman for Private Insurance
The independent Ombudsman offers free mediation and is often a required first step before suing. They can pressure insurers into improved offers.
Ambiguity favours the insured
The VVG requires exclusions to be unambiguous. Any lack of clarity is construed against the insurer.
Formal demand letter
If negotiations stall, a lawyer can issue a Mahnung — a legally binding demand letter — which often unlocks an improved settlement without going to court.
2 years from the insured event (5 years for liability insurance)
Article 46 VVG — most claims have a 2-year limitation; certain liability matters extend to 5 years. Limitation can be interrupted by formal action.
Free, neutral mediation. Often a required step before litigation.
Think you've been underpaid?
Get a free, no-obligation analysis of your settlement. We'll tell you within days whether there's a real case to push back.
Get my free analysis