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What is total loss insurance?
Total loss insurance lies halfway between partially and fully comprehensive cover. It includes all the benefits provided under partially comprehensive insurance and covers total loss of your car in the event of a collision, even if you caused the accident.
The main difference compared to fully comprehensive insurance is that minor damage caused by policyholders themselves, such as a dent or a scratch, is not covered. But a total loss is. That’s why total loss insurance costs less than fully comprehensive insurance while still covering you in the worst-case scenario: the total loss of your car.
| Situation | Partially comprehensive insurance | Total loss insurance | Fully comprehensive insurance |
| An accident caused by the policyholder, resulting in a total loss | Not covered | Covered | Covered |
| Minor damage caused by the policyholder (dents, scratches) | Not covered | Not covered | Covered |
| Hail, storm, theft, martens, glass breakage, accidents involving wild animals, fire, wilful damage | Covered | Covered | Covered |
Who should consider taking out total loss insurance?
Total loss insurance is worth it if your car is getting on a bit but you don’t want to have to foot the bill yourself in the event of a total loss:
- Your car has lost value – fully comprehensive insurance just isn’t worth it any more.
- You rely on your car and wouldn’t be able to cope if it were written off as a total loss.
- You want more cover than partially comprehensive insurance provides, but you don’t want to pay for fully comprehensive insurance.
- You’d be willing to cover the costs yourself in the event of partial damage to your car, or you’d be prepared to forego having it repaired.
As a rule of thumb, fully comprehensive insurance becomes less appealing for many motor vehicle owners from around the fifth to seventh year in operation. Instead of simply switching to partially comprehensive insurance and losing all cover in the event of a total loss, with total loss insurance, you can retain exactly the level of security you need.
Whether total loss insurance for your car is worth it depends on its age and value. Your peace of mind is also an important factor. You can calculate your premium in just a few minutes – or get in touch with us.
What others wanted to know
Our customer advisors can provide answers to selected FAQs. Just tell us what you want to know. We will be happy to help you.
Rolf D. (54), Köniz
When is a motor vehicle considered a total loss?
The repairs will cost as much as, or more than, your motor vehicle’s current value. Or: your motor vehicle is stolen and is still missing 30 days after you report your claim.
Good to know: A separate rule applies during a motor vehicle’s first two years in operation for the “basic”, “protection of purchase price” and “protection of purchase pricePLUS” types of compensation. A motor vehicle is considered a total loss if the repair costs amount to 65 per cent of the motor vehicle’s list price.
Pascal B. (45), Opfikon
What does total loss insurance cover, and what doesn’t it cover?
Jonathan B. (45), Wil
What’s the difference between total loss insurance and fully comprehensive insurance?
Imer H. (33), Kloten
How much does total loss insurance cost?
The premium depends on your vehicle and your profile. You can calculate your premium online in just a few minutes, or book an appointment with us. We’d be happy to advise you on which type of insurance is best suited to your motor vehicle and your requirements in terms of cover.
Marlon L. (35), Rapperswil-Jona
Can I switch from fully comprehensive insurance to total loss insurance?
Yes, you can easily adjust your cover, provided your vehicle has already reached its fourth year in operation. We’d be happy to advise you on which solution would be best for your motor vehicle.
Rolf D. (54), Köniz
When is a motor vehicle considered a total loss?
The repairs will cost as much as, or more than, your motor vehicle’s current value. Or: your motor vehicle is stolen and is still missing 30 days after you report your claim.
Good to know: A separate rule applies during a motor vehicle’s first two years in operation for the “basic”, “protection of purchase price” and “protection of purchase pricePLUS” types of compensation. A motor vehicle is considered a total loss if the repair costs amount to 65 per cent of the motor vehicle’s list price.
Pascal B. (45), Opfikon
What does total loss insurance cover, and what doesn’t it cover?
Jonathan B. (45), Wil
What’s the difference between total loss insurance and fully comprehensive insurance?
Imer H. (33), Kloten
How much does total loss insurance cost?
The premium depends on your vehicle and your profile. You can calculate your premium online in just a few minutes, or book an appointment with us. We’d be happy to advise you on which type of insurance is best suited to your motor vehicle and your requirements in terms of cover.
Marlon L. (35), Rapperswil-Jona
Can I switch from fully comprehensive insurance to total loss insurance?
Yes, you can easily adjust your cover, provided your vehicle has already reached its fourth year in operation. We’d be happy to advise you on which solution would be best for your motor vehicle.
