Velo Vignette: A few questions...

Finance, Taxes, Banking, Insurance and Retirement
101
We are covered for both theft and 3rd party liability via our House Insurance and General liability insurance via our local Mobillière ins. I just wouldn't ride a bike with 3rd party liability insurance even if you are an experienced rider - any kid can turn and run into your wheels, and could cost 1000000s.

102
The velo vignette is no longer required in Canton Geneva (since January 2012)

103
I can confirm that, I was unable to buy one at Post here today

But what about other cantons? I live in Lausanne, and I see no news about Vaud...

104
No, it's not. Lots of folk here bang on about (various types of) insurance, as if everyone should have it, but there's no real requirement.

Having said that, I did like the peace of mind that the vignette used to give...

105
Just checked out the home page of my 3rd party insurance (AXA Winterthur) and it says "Als Fahrradfahrer verursachte Schäden eingeschlossen ab 2012".

Does that mean that this new liability is included in new policies only or is it automatically added also to the old ones that are still valid?

106

This information is MISLEADING.

The velo vignette system has been DISCONTINUED as of 2012. The 2011 stickers are still valid until May of this year under the old system.

IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT INDIVIDUALS WILL NOW GET 3RD PARTY COVER FOR RIDING A BIKE VIA THEIR PERSONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE.

You still need to be covered in case you are involved in an accident where you are liable. Do not ride a bike until you have this issue clarified with your insurance company.

107
As one of ours was "at fault" in an accident with a car this past summer, I had a chance to meet one of the accident experts from AXA Winterthur. He knew of 5 + cases in 2011 that involved damages of over CHF 1'000'000

These cases were "caused" by the bike rider.

So, you may not legally need to have a 3rd party insurance to ride a bike but why take the risk.

108
What a mess... seem to me that situation didn't get better but potentially worse?

Who can be primary provider of this thing, health insurance companies? I am pretty sure they will not make a 5-franc insurance contract, instead offer "complex solution" for far more, with restrictions etc.

109

Despite your alarmist statements, I feel no more need for 3rd party liability cover when cycling than I do when walking along a street. Never had it in the UK (although it _may_ have been covered by household insurance), no idea if my French house insurance covers me (in France) but I don't even have any insurance in our Swiss home.

Please note: I'm not advocating that anyone else should share my views. Other folks can make up their own minds, but I've always been of the opinion that insurance is just a form of gambling, so I try to avoid it wherever I can.

110
I Think, you better have a 3 rd party insurance, better pay a small amount each

year and be protected , then getting hit with the big invoice when something is happen , because you were a second not at 100% .

111
The only thing is that without third party insurance you are "gambling" on behalf of everybody else. If you cause damage and do not have the financial means to cover it, the third party suffers.

Also, there is larger risk of damaging other (cars, pedestrians other cyclists) when cycling than walking around.

112
They should make it compulsory. Maybe use some sort of sticker on the bike to prove you have one. That way it could be offered quite cheaply as the costs will be averaged out over every bike. Probably around 5 CHF.

113
Hi,

someone told me last year that I had to buy one of these stickers for every bike that I drive. I think they are available in the supermarket... Is it still like that?

I cannot find the stickers anymore!

Thanks

114
How is it with the "vignette" ?

Is it mandatory in Canton Zurich?

What documentation do I have to prepare to ride with my new bike (soon).

115
The vignette is a thing of the past. No new ones are being sold anymore.

Existing ones still give you insurance cover until the end of May.

Before you ride your bike, make sure you have personal liability insurance that covers third party damages caused by bike accidents.

116
A number of household insurance policies are inlcuding this in the policy now. If you look on your policy it may state that this is covered, our had special notice included at the top of the policy.

117
Is a insurance that covers third party damages now mandatory?

I still don't have one...

That means that I have to get one. What's the best option for less money?

118
Have a look here for the best option. As stated, most 3rd party insurance in CH is attached to an apt. policy (also covers a bunch of other stuff).

Link: http://en.comparis.ch/hausrat-versic...ngsnehmer.aspx

119
Just to get it clear, as far as i know private liability insurance is not obligatory (not like that health insurance per say), no ? so if one has a bike and does not want to have this insurance and you kindly mentioned the vingette is a past...wht are the other options?

120
You are correct. There is no legal obligation to have 3rd party liability insurance.

The ONLY option (that I know of) to protect yourself if you are to ride a bike is to now have a 3rd party liability insurance since the velo vignette system no longer exists.