How to cancel an insurance in Switzerland: the procedure
Cancelling an insurance in Switzerland always follows the same logic: identify the renewal date, respect the notice period, write a clear letter and keep proof of sending. This guide details each step, valid for most lines governed by the Insurance Contract Act (ICA).
1. Identify the renewal date and the notice period
It all starts with your policy: it states the main renewal date and the contract duration. Under the ICA, the usual ordinary notice period is three months before renewal, but your contract may provide a more favourable rule.
For contracts concluded or renewed under the revised law (in force since 1 January 2022), ordinary cancellation at the end of the first year and then yearly is made easier. Always check your policy's general conditions before writing.
2. Draft the cancellation letter
An effective cancellation letter contains your details, the policy number, the insurer and the line concerned, the desired effective date and an unambiguous cancellation wording. There is no need to justify an ordinary cancellation; stating the renewal date is enough.
Our generator produces a compliant letter for every line and insurer, in French, German or Italian. You can also start from a PDF template and adapt it.
3. Send by registered mail and keep the proof
Sending by registered mail is strongly recommended: it gives you proof of posting and of receipt. In the event of a dispute, this proof is what counts. Keep the receipt and the postal tracking.
Allow for delivery time: it is the date of receipt by the insurer, not the date of the letter, that counts for meeting the notice period.
FAQ
Does a cancellation at renewal need to be justified?
No. For an ordinary cancellation at renewal, the effective date and policy number are enough. A justification is only required for certain extraordinary cancellations.