Cancel your car insurance: Important information and tips

When can you cancel your car insurance?
You can usually cancel your car insurance at the end of the specified term of contract. You can find this information in your policy. If no annual entitlement to cancellation has been agreed upon, you can cancel your insurance at the end of the third insurance year, or any insurance year after that. It is important to pay attention to the period of notice.

Period of notice and conditions in Switzerland
The period of notice can usually be found in the General Policy Conditions (GPC). In many cases, it will be three months prior to the end of the insurance year. If you miss the period of notice, the contract will usually be extended automatically for another year. However, there are special rights of cancellation that allow extraordinary termination.

How do I cancel my car insurance in Switzerland?

Write a notice of cancellation
Make sure to write this in good time. The cancellation must be submitted in writing and comply with the period of notice. If you want to be on the safe side, you can send your cancellation by registered mail. Important: The cancellation date is based on the date on which the insurance company receives your letter, not the date on which you sent it. Make sure your letter states that you want the insurance company to confirm the cancellation of your insurance. Confirmation serves as proof that your cancellation has been properly received in good time.

Switching insurance policies
Once you have taken out your new insurance, the insurance certificate will be sent directly to the responsible driver and vehicle licensing office. Once it has been received and the vehicle has been registered, you will receive a new vehicle registration. The registration will also state the new insurance company. Important: Make sure you are continuously insured, so that there is no gap in coverage and you can keep driving without worry.

Options for extraordinary cancellation

There are situations in which you can also change your insurance before the end of the regular period of notice. These are the most common:

• Premium increase: If your premium is raised, you have the right to cancel the policy. The insurance company must inform you of the premium adjustment. If you do not act in good time after being informed, it is assumed you have accepted the adjustment.
  
  
• Claim: You can terminate your policy after receiving payment in a claim covered by the insurance. You have 14 days to cancel your insurance after receiving the information from your insurance company that the claim has been processed.
  
  
• Change of vehicle: If you change your vehicle, you can adjust the contract or switch providers. This option is available throughout the entire year. Any premiums paid will be proportionally reimbursed.
  
  
• Change of vehicle keeper: If the vehicle keeper changes, the mandatory third party liability insurance is automatically transferred to the new keeper. Any accidental damage insurance will lapse in this case. However, if you do not wish to be insured under the conditions of the previous owner, you can conclude your own car insurance policy.

Conclusion: How to cancel your car insurance easily

In order to cancel your car insurance, you should keep a close eye on your period of notice and send your notice of cancellation in good time. Find out what your rights are regarding extraordinary cancellation and carefully plan your switch to a new insurance company. This will help you to avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure you remain continuously insured.