Building/House Insurance

Hi Folks,

I searched under both Insurance & Housing forums but couldn't find much, so apologies if its already covered.

I'm looking to buy a small house in Kanton Schwyz and need to get building (not contents) insurance. I know most of you don't have this as almost all Kantons have obligatory building insurance through the Kanton; but for those in my situation, any tips on which are the private insurance companies that provide this would be helpful.

Its rare enough that even comparis doesn't seem to have a section for this. Any insurance company or agent contacts/leads would be much appreciated.

Thanks

Our building is insured through Nationale Suisse - we took over the policy from the sellers, as this was the simplest option. However, IIRC, their rates were pretty much competitive with other insurers.

http://www.nationalesuisse.ch/de-CH/.../Gebaeude.aspx

(There is an agent search by PLZ on that site).

Do look into the companies you are already insured with for other things - some might offer a rebate if you have multiple policies.

Oh, and do make sure you understand exactly what is covered under building insurance and what is covered under contents - glass breakage, etc..

Are you doing any renovation or building work? This was a separate policy, again from Nationale Suisse, taken out for the duration of the remodeling.

In Vaud only fire insurance is provided by the Canton so other risks - like water damage and broken glass have to be arranged with a private company. In addition to the things Meloncollie mentioned, be careful about the term of the contract they try to lock you into. Many insurers will try to lock you into three, five or even 10 year fixed term contracts which automatically renew at the end of that term if you don't cancel with three months prior notice at the end of the term. In my five year contract I negotiated an option to cancel every year.

Also, as Meloncollie mentioned, be careful to check what risks are covered. Earthquake insurance is not a risk that's usually covered here. As I live in an area where that is a possibility, I had it added for little cost, though some of the quotes I received from some insurers for earthquake cover were fairly expensive and some wouldn't cover it at all.

It really pays to shop around.

Thanks very much, meloncollie & Nev (can't officially thank you yet)! This is very useful. Will also check with AXA-Winterthur & Allianz.

Hello,

I am the owner of a flat in the UK but I reside in Switzerland. Anyone would recommend and have experience with Buildings Insurance in the UK for liveout landlords?

Kind regards,

Alex