Mobile on the road: with or without your own car

Whether you are buying your first car or want to change an existing vehicle insurance policy, Zurich will keep you mobile. Even when on the road using car sharing or an e-bike.

Stay on the move

Protection Car Digital

Changing car or Carinsurance

Is it time for a new car or insurance? We'll help you change your car and insurance and offer you advice. 

Bicycle

Alternatives to owning a car

Are you mainly on the road with your e-bike or do you occasionally borrow vehicles in car sharing? We show you what you need to look out for. 

Car side digital

My first car

Buying your first car is a big decision: both financially and emotionally. Our tips and tricks will help you keep your cool.

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Frequently asked questions

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  • My first car
  • Alternatives to owning a car
  • Changing car or insurance
My first car

My first car

Who is liable for damage that occurs during a test drive?

Here we distinguish between damage suffered by third parties as a result of an accident and damage to the vehicle itself.

Damage to third parties: The vehicle owner's motor third party liability insurance covers property damage and bodily injury suffered by third parties in the event of an accident with the car. 

Damage to the vehicle: Damage to the test vehicle itself is covered by the (comprehensive) insurance, if such an insurance exists. Otherwise, the driver must always pay for the damage himself/herself. If the driver has third-party driver's insurance, this will cover the damage. Third-party driver’s insurance can be part of a household insurance policy.

Where should I buy my first car and what do I need to bear in mind?

Basically, you can buy your car from various sources: a private individual, an official garage or an independent car dealer. You can also buy your car via an online portal. In any case, you should know what to look for before you buy.

If you buy a used car from a private individual or from an official dealer, you should pay attention to the date of the last vehicle inspection. This will help you avoid any nasty surprises. In general, you should consider the past history of the vehicle when buying a used car. How many previous owners has the car had? Has the car been serviced regularly and has this been documented? Is there any manufacturer's or dealer's warranty? If not, is it worth buying a warranty extension? 

You can find more tips on buying a used car in our Guide "5 tips on buying a second-hand car".

As a young driver, what should I bear in mind when taking out car insurance?

As a young driver up to the age of 25, you usually have higher deductibles in your car's liability insurance. This means that in the event of a claim, you will bear a larger part of the costs yourself. We therefore advise you to check the deductible when you take out the insurance.

Some insurers offer attractive benefits for young drivers. These include, for example, premium reimbursements after claim-free years or low-cost product solutions.

Zurich offers young drivers under the age of 25 a variety benefits:

  • After three years with no claims, you will get ten percent of your premium back.
  • Your premiums will reduce year by year until your 25th birthday.
  • You will receive a 15 percent discount if your parents already hold at least two policies with Zurich.
  • You will receive a combination discount, if you take out household contents or life insurance with Zurich.
  • You will receive a 10 percent discount if you have had an existing motor policy with Zurich for at least two years.

What does a car cost per month?

There is no general answer to this question. The maintenance costs of a vehicle vary too greatly for that. Important points to consider are fuel or electricity consumption, traffic taxes, insurance, service costs and costs for parking spaces. 

Basically, however, you should be aware that a car will cost you money every day, even if you don't move it.

How can I keep my costs to a minimum when driving?

An anticipatory driving style with sufficient distance, gentle acceleration and braking will reduce the costs of driving a car in the long term. With a moderate driving style, you will protect your brakes and at the same time reduce the risk of rear-end collisions. This will enable you to save on costs for minor repairs and deductibles.

What do you need to take with you in the car?

On Swiss roads there are certain things you have to take with you in the car. Otherwise you may be fined. The following documents and items are compulsory in the car:

  • Driver's license
  • Vehicle registration document
  • Exhaust emission document (for vehicles without OBD error memory)
  • Breakdown triangle
  • Highway permit sticker (for highways)

Depending on the country, different regulations will apply abroad. Find out about the regulations of the respective country before you travel abroad.

Alternatives to owning a car Changing car or insurance

Keep moving

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