Bonus-Malus System (CH) – Explained
Understand the Swiss bonus-malus system: how premiums change after claims, what “bonus protection” does, and when paying small damage yourself can be cheaper long-term.
- Bonus = discount level after claim-free years.
- Malus = premium increase after at-fault claims (rules vary by insurer).
- Key skill = deciding when a claim is worth it (deductible + future premiums).
The bonus-malus system is how Swiss car insurers reward claim-free driving and penalize claims. In plain terms: if you don’t claim, you typically move into a better “bonus” level (cheaper premium). If you cause an accident and claim, you can move into a “malus” level (higher premium).
The exact step sizes and rules differ by insurer—so this guide focuses on what stays consistent: the logic, the cost drivers, and how to make smart claim decisions. For general coverage fundamentals, see: Car Insurance (CH) – Basics.
1. What “bonus-malus” means in Switzerland
Think of bonus-malus as a pricing ladder (or discount scale). Each year with no relevant claims, you typically move down the ladder (better bonus). After certain claims, you move up the ladder (malus), meaning you pay more.
- Bonus: a lower premium because you’ve been claim-free.
- Malus: a higher premium after claims (especially at-fault liability claims).
- Scale differs: every insurer has its own levels, percentages, and step rules.
2. Which claims affect bonus-malus (liability vs casco)
Not every claim affects your bonus in the same way. The impact depends on: (1) whether it’s liability (damage you cause to others) or casco (damage to your own car), and (2) whether you are considered at fault.
| Claim type | Usually impacts bonus-malus? | Typical reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Liability claim (you caused damage to others) | Often yes | Insurers price based on fault-related risk |
| Full casco collision claim (you damaged your own car) | Often yes | Collision claims correlate with higher risk |
| Partial casco (theft, hail, glass, fire etc.) | Depends | Some events are “bad luck”; rules vary by insurer/product |
Your policy documents show the exact scale and which claim types move you up/down.
3. Typical premium movement after a claim
Bonus-malus effects are rarely “one month.” They usually affect your premium over several renewal cycles. The exact step sizes differ, but the pattern often looks like this:
- You file a claim (especially at-fault collision/liability).
- Your policy moves to a worse level at renewal (malus).
- You need multiple claim-free years to return to your previous bonus level.
This is why a CHF 600 claim can end up costing much more once higher premiums are included.
4. Bonus protection: what it does (and doesn’t)
Many insurers offer a module often called bonus protection (or similar wording). The idea is to limit how much a claim hurts your premium level. This can be valuable—but only if the math works for your situation.
| Bonus protection | What it can do | What it can’t do |
|---|---|---|
| Optional add-on | Reduce or avoid moving into malus after certain claims | Make claims “free” (you still have deductibles and rules) |
| Policy-specific conditions | May apply to one claim per period / limited claim types | Cover exclusions or negligence consequences |
If you’re comparing insurers, always compare the same bonus protection setting. See: Best Car Insurance (CH) – Comparison.
5. Deductibles + bonus-malus: the real claim cost
The “real cost” of a claim is often:
Real cost = your deductible + any non-covered parts + premium increases over the next years
That’s why choosing the right deductible is important in Switzerland: Car Insurance Deductibles (CH).
6. Claim or pay yourself? (simple decision calculator)
Use this quick checklist before filing a claim for smaller damages:
- Get a repair estimate (CHF).
- Subtract your deductible (what you pay anyway).
- Estimate premium impact:
- How much could your annual premium increase after this claim?
- For how many years might it stay higher?
- Compare:
- If repair cost is only slightly above your deductible, paying yourself may be smarter.
- If repair cost is large, claiming is usually worth it.
- Consider bonus protection (if you have it): does it prevent the malus effect for this claim type?
For the step-by-step claim process, see: Car Insurance Claim (CH) – Steps.
7. How to improve your bonus faster
You can’t “hack” the system, but you can avoid common premium traps:
- Drive claim-free consistently (obvious, but it’s the main lever).
- Don’t file tiny claims if the long-term cost is higher than the repair.
- Compare insurers at renewal—your premium can change even without claims.
- Choose add-ons wisely (bonus protection may help some profiles, not all).
8. Track claims & premiums in BudgetHub
Bonus-malus only becomes “visible” when you track premiums over time. BudgetHub helps you see whether you’re paying more after claims and plan for deductibles.
- Recurring premium: add monthly/annual car insurance cost.
- Policy notes: store current bonus level, deductibles, and bonus protection.
- Deductible buffer goal: save the deductible amount (or more) as a safety fund.
- Claim log: note claim date, type (liability/casco), and renewal premium changes.
See also: Partial vs Full Casco.
9. FAQ – Bonus-malus system in Switzerland
What is the bonus-malus system in Swiss car insurance?
It’s a pricing system where claim-free years typically reduce your premium (bonus), while certain claims—especially at-fault—can increase your premium (malus). The exact scale depends on the insurer.
Do all claims increase my premium?
Not necessarily. It depends on the claim type (liability vs casco) and your insurer’s rules. Some partial casco claims may have different treatment, while at-fault liability/collision claims often affect bonus-malus.
What is bonus protection?
It’s an optional add-on that can reduce or prevent moving into malus after certain claims. Conditions vary, and you still pay deductibles and follow claim rules.
Should I claim for small damage?
Sometimes paying yourself is cheaper long-term. Compare the repair cost minus deductible against the potential premium increase over the next years.
How can I lower my premium after a malus increase?
Drive claim-free, review deductibles and add-ons, and compare offers at renewal—switching can sometimes reduce the premium depending on your profile.
Make bonus-malus work for you
The smartest savings often come from claim decisions and renewal comparisons—not just chasing the cheapest premium today. Track premiums, store policy details, and build a deductible buffer with BudgetHub.
Create your free BudgetHub budget