Car accident in Switzerland:
what to do?
The most important steps after an accident – written by independent Swiss vehicle experts, not by an insurance company.
1. At the scene: the first minutes
Hazard lights on, safety vest, warning triangle (50 m in town, 100 m outside town and on motorways).
Emergency numbers: ambulance 144, police 117, fire brigade 118 – or 112 throughout Europe.
Required with injuries, damage to third-party or public property, or disagreement about the facts.
Photograph the final positions, damage, skid marks and surroundings before clearing the road.
Names, addresses, number plates and insurance details of everyone involved; note witnesses.
Use the European accident report – it documents the facts, not the question of fault.
2. The next 24–48 hours
Notify your insurance ideally within 24–48 hours and stick to the facts. Important: do not have the vehicle repaired prematurely – the damage must be documented first, otherwise you weaken your position.
Notify the correct insurer
For a no-fault liability claim, contact the other party's motor liability insurer. For a comprehensive claim such as a single-vehicle accident or parking damage, notify your own insurer. Keep the completed accident report or police reference, photographs, the parties' details and a factual account ready.
Do not repair prematurely
Independent documentation is particularly important where liability is disputed, damage is substantial, a total loss is possible or an older vehicle's current value is uncertain. An insurer-recommended workshop may be convenient, but the insurer has an interest in controlling claim expenditure.
Do I need an independent damage report?
As a rule of thumb: worthwhile from about CHF 2,000 damage, with an unclear question of fault or when you doubt the insurer's assessment. Since 1 January 2025, privately commissioned expert reports are admissible documentary evidence in Swiss courts. In a liability claim, the expert costs are generally part of the recoverable damage.
Who pays for the report?
- No-fault liability claim: the other party's insurer generally bears the necessary expert costs as part of the loss.
- Comprehensive claim: check the cover and conditions of your own policy before commissioning.
- Legal expenses insurance: where a dispute develops, it often covers a party-commissioned report after approval.
3. The process at a glance
1. Scene
Secure, help, call the police if needed.
2. Evidence
Photos, witnesses, accident report form.
3. Insurance
Notify within 24–48 hours – facts only.
4. Assessment
Have the damage documented and quantified before any repair.
5. Settlement
Check the offer – current vs. replacement value, residual value, diminished value.
4. The most common mistakes
- Admitting fault at the scene – the insurers assess liability, not you
- No photos of the final positions before moving the vehicles
- Signing the accident report despite disagreement
- Repairing the vehicle before the damage has been documented
- Reporting the claim late or with speculation instead of facts
5. Checklist to keep in the vehicle
Secure the scene · help injured people · call police where required · photograph positions and damage · exchange driver, keeper and insurer details · record witnesses · complete the European accident report · make no admission of liability · notify the insurer promptly · document the damage before repair.
Accident in Germany?
Different claims may apply under German law, including diminished value, loss of use and notional settlement. See our complete guide for Swiss motorists involved in an accident in Germany.
Only need the repair costs?
With ClaimTec you record your vehicle damage online – our vehicle experts prepare a professional SilverDAT repair cost calculation (PDF) based on your photos, from CHF 75.67 incl. VAT.
Accident – FAQ
Need an independent damage report?
Our VFFS-trained experts inspect on site in Eastern Switzerland – usually within 48 hours.