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The bonus level, explained

Each claim-free year lowers your premium by one step. A single claim raises it by several at once — and that is paid for over years.

How it moves

The bonus level is a percentage applied to the base premium. It goes down one step for each claim-free calendar year, and up several steps as soon as a claim is charged to you.

Since the market was liberalised in 1996 there has been no official scale: each insurer sets its own steps and decides how many a claim costs. Two companies can therefore treat the same accident very differently — this is a clause to read, not a rule to know.

The calculation before reporting

For damage that is your fault and that you could pay for yourself, the question is not «am I entitled to a payout» but «what will it cost me in total».

Ask your insurer which level would apply after reporting, and over how many years you come back down. Multiply the premium difference by those years, add the casco deductible, and compare with the quote. Below a few hundred francs, paying yourself is often cheaper.

This question only arises for your own damage. In liability, the injured party claims directly from your insurer: reporting is not your choice.

The level belongs to you

  • It transfers to a new insurer. Ask for the claims history certificate BEFORE cancelling: without it, the new insurer starts you at an unfavourable level.
  • A «protected bonus» option prevents the rise after a claim. It costs money, and mainly pays off if you drive a lot.
  • A claim your insurer recovers in full from the liable third party should not weigh on your level. Check this on your renewal policy.
  • The level attaches to the person, not the vehicle: changing car does not reset it.

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