In Switzerland, insurance premiums can take up a big part of your budget — whether it’s health, home, or car coverage. While many people compare providers, there are other, lesser-known strategies that can cut costs without sacrificing protection. Here are practical ways to reduce your premiums, with examples from real Swiss situations.

1. Adjust Your Deductible (Franchise) Wisely

Increasing your deductible can significantly lower your premium. For example, in Swiss health insurance, moving from a CHF 300 franchise to CHF 2,500 can reduce annual costs by hundreds of francs. This works best if you’re healthy and rarely visit the doctor. Just be sure you can afford to pay the higher amount in case of an emergency.

2. Bundle Your Policies

Many insurers offer discounts if you combine multiple products — such as household, personal liability, and car insurance — into one package. A family in Lausanne saved 15% on their annual premiums by consolidating their policies with a single provider. Bundling also makes managing your insurance simpler.

3. Improve Your Home Security

Better security often means lower household insurance costs. Installing approved locks, alarm systems, or smoke detectors can lead to discounts. For example, a homeowner in Bern added a certified alarm system and saved CHF 120 per year on household insurance. Always check with your insurer to confirm which upgrades qualify for reduced rates.

4. Pay Annually Instead of Monthly

Some Swiss insurers charge extra fees for monthly or quarterly payments. Paying your premium annually can avoid these surcharges, saving up to 2–3% per year.

5. Avoid Overlapping Coverage

Double coverage means paying for the same protection twice. For instance, travel insurance may already be included in your credit card benefits or supplementary health policy. Reviewing your policies can help you spot and remove unnecessary overlaps.

6. Join an Insurance Group or Association

Certain Swiss professional associations, unions, or clubs negotiate reduced premiums for members. A teacher in Zurich saved CHF 200 a year on car insurance by joining an education union that had a group deal with a major insurer.

Conclusion

Saving on insurance in Switzerland is about more than just finding the lowest price. By adjusting your deductible, bundling policies, improving security, paying annually, avoiding overlaps, and joining groups, you can keep costs down while staying well protected. The key is to review your policies regularly and ask your insurer about all possible discounts.