Protection for the property structure
Building insurance covers real estate elements: walls, roof, floors, fixed installations, sanitary facilities, integrated glazing and built-in equipment.
Yes, in most cantons
Fire and natural events are mandatory in most cantons, often through a cantonal institution. The rules differ in the GUSTAVO cantons.
Private risks still need to be checked
Water damage, glass breakage, building liability, loss of rent or earthquakes are not always included in mandatory cover.
Simple building insurance diagram
The building (walls) is not household contents. Part may be mandatory by canton.
- Keep separate Household / contents Covered by another policy
- Core Building Fire, natural hazards, structure
Owners: separate structure, common parts and private inventory.
What is mandatory depends on the canton
In Switzerland, building insurance against fire and natural events is mandatory in most cantons. In 19 cantons, this cover generally goes through a cantonal insurance institution. It protects the building against the basic risks defined by cantonal rules, but it does not replace a full analysis of private risks.
The so-called GUSTAVO cantons, namely Geneva, Uri, Schwyz, Ticino, Appenzell Innerrhoden, Valais and Obwalden, work differently. Some require insurance with free choice of private insurer, while others do not make the cover mandatory. Finwise therefore checks your canton before comparing useful supplements.
A building is protected in layers
We identify the fire and natural events cover imposed by your canton.
We add risks often excluded from the base: water, glass, theft, malicious damage or consequential costs.
We check whether your private liability is enough or whether separate building liability is needed.
We adjust the cover after purchase, renovation, extension or energy modernization.
Do not confuse building, household and civil liability
Building insurance protects real estate elements. Household insurance protects your movable belongings: furniture, clothing, electronics and personal items. Private liability insurance or building liability applies if a third party claims damage for which you would be responsible as owner.
Example: a leak in an embedded pipe may affect walls and floors, therefore the building. Damaged furniture is more likely to fall under household contents. If a poorly maintained tile injures someone or an icy access causes a fall, the owner’s liability may be involved.
Common pitfalls we check
Cantonal insurance may be essential, but it does not necessarily cover everything that can be expensive in everyday life. The risk often lies in building details and undeclared works.
I already have this policy, how can I cancel or switch insurer?
If mandatory cover goes through a cantonal institution, it cannot be replaced like a standard private insurance policy. For private supplements, compare the renewal date, notice periods, exclusions, limits and coordination with your bank or mortgage before switching.
When should building insurance be reviewed?
A purchase, renovation, extension, rental, solar installation or new heat pump justifies a review. The building insured ten years ago does not always match the real building today.
This analysis is also important if you own property in a GUSTAVO canton, a condominium, a rental building or a house with outbuildings, garden, pool, retaining walls or important technical installations.
We coordinate canton, bank and private insurers
We check mandatory cover, private supplements, mortgage requirements, building value and exclusions. Our partners make it possible to compare useful solutions without duplicating what is already covered.
Complete your home protection
Building insurance is always read alongside other home insurance policies. These pages help you clearly separate building, contents, liability and disputes.