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Vehicle Registration and Car Insurance in Switzerland

Vehicle Registration and Car Insurance in Switzerland

Obtain your Swiss plates and your car insurance to drive legally.

Registering a vehicle in Switzerland goes through the cantonal automobile service (Strassenverkehrsamt / SAN). You must present the customs clearance certificate, the result of the technical inspection and a liability insurance certificate. The plaques are cantonal and bear the coat of arms of the canton of residence.

What's Included

  • Preparation of the complete registration file
  • Comparison and subscription of automobile liability insurance
  • Making an appointment at the automobile service
  • Obtaining cantonal plates
  • Implementation of the motorway sticker

Steps and Timeline

1

Insurance

We compare car insurance offers (compulsory liability, partial and full comprehensive insurance) and take out the appropriate coverage.

2

Case

We collect all the documents: customs certificate, technical inspection report, insurance certificate, Swiss driving license.

3

Registration

We submit the file to the automobile service and collect the plates and the circulation permit.

4

Finalization

We install the motorway vignette (obligatory for motorways) and check that all documents are in order.

Common Mistakes

  • Driving without liability insurance – it’s illegal and punishable by a heavy fine
  • Not having the Swiss technical inspection before requesting registration
  • Forgetting the motorway sticker (CHF 40) — the fine is CHF 200
  • Do not announce a change of vehicle or canton to the automobile service

Related Services

Service Driving License Exchange in Switzerland

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does car insurance cost in Switzerland?
Compulsory liability insurance costs between CHF 400 and 1,200 per year depending on the driver profile, vehicle and canton. The full casco adds CHF 500 to 2,000. Premiums vary considerably depending on bonus/malus, age and experience. We obtain comparative quotes.
Are license plates linked to the canton?
Yes, each canton has its own plates (GE for Geneva, ZH for Zurich, etc.). If you move to another canton, you must change your plates within 14 days. The number changes but can sometimes be kept upon special request.

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