Good reasons for the Earthquake Insurance
Protected against a widely underestimated risk
Did you know that the average number of earthquakes per year in Switzerland ranges between 500 and 800? The very next quake could turn out to be a big one. Earthquake insurance affords effective protection against quake events, large and small.
Closing the coverage gap at last
Earthquakes are not covered under standard property and buildings insurance policies. The financial protection afforded by cantonal buildings insurance is inadequate for the effects of major quakes. Take steps to eliminate your exposure to this risk.
Comprehensive protection, great service
Has a building suffered wall cracks – or did it collapse entirely? Zurich Earthquake Insurance compensates you for such damage, and even for earthquake-related consequential losses resulting from fires or looting, for example.
Information and frequently asked questions about the Earthquake Insurance
Services
- Protect your property: Private individuals and small-to-mid-sized businesses can protect their real estate, household contents and business inventories against the financial consequences of earthquakes.
- Eliminate your exposure to risk: Protect yourself against a risk that is not fully covered - if at all - under most insurance policies.
- Protect your income and assets: Secure compensation for lost rental and business income if your property should be rendered unusable for a period of time.
- Consequential losses covered: Earthquake insurance pays compensation for related subsequent losses due to fires, looting and other circumstances.
- Round-the-clock assistance: Our emergency hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, staffed by claims experts dedicated to providing you rapid assistance.
Why are most Swiss unaware of the danger posed by earthquakes?
Severe earthquakes are rare, so people go about their lives generally unconcerned. The last major earthquake occurred in 1946 in Valais. But in fact, such occurrence could happen tomorrow – anywhere in Switzerland.
Most quakes are scarcely even noticeable. So that’s not a real problem, right?
Switzerland records between 500 and 800 tremors a year on average, most of which are minor. But small quakes can cause great damage, like costly cracking of a load-bearing wall, or water damage from pipe breakage.
Optional insurance protection against lost rental and business income is available, but what are the specifics?
For example, if you own a restaurant and it has to close for several weeks after being rendered structurally unstable in an earthquake. Zurich will then compensate you for the lost business income from the restaurant.
Isn’t earthquake insurance extremely expensive?
At just modest extra cost you get excellent protection against the natural disaster that harbors the most damage potential.
How much does coverage of consequential damages cost?
Unlike other insurers, Zurich also covers consequential damages resulting from earthquakes, if fire breaks out for example, or looting by people trying to exploit the crisis situation.
Guide to earthquake Insurance
Suppressed risk: Earthquakes
Earthquakes are the natural hazard with the greatest destructive potential in Switzerland. However, there is no mandatory insurance. With Zurich, homeowners can find the right protection.
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Thunderstorms: how you can protect yourself
Lightning strikes around 150,000 times a year in Switzerland. You can protect yourself effectively by following a few simple rules.
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Natural disasters – Do you know your risks?
The frequency and intensity of natural disasters and flooding or landslides is increasing as a result of climate change. How safe is your location?
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Floods are increasing – what can you do?
Extreme weather events are becoming more common. Flooding is increasing. What should you do if your cellar is flooded?
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As a result, you enjoy all-round protection at home.
Household insurance covers household contents insurance and personal liability insurance and is the basic insurance for your home.
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Staying safe during storms
January and July are the big storm months in Switzerland. Storms not only cause extensive damage to property, but can also be dangerous for people. How to protect yourself.
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Water damage – what you need to know
Whether it's a burst pipe or a wet basement: Water damage can have many causes. Find out everything you need to know about "water damage" – who pays, how do I protect myself, and what do I do if it happens anyway?
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