In Switzerland, many people hear about legal protection insurance, known as Rechtsschutz, but it is not always clear what it is for and what it does not cover. Therefore, we summarize the key points.
🔹 What is Rechtsschutz?
Legal protection insurance is a type of insurance that covers costs in the event of legal disputes, such as:
• lawyer’s fees
• court costs
• legal advice
• costs of official procedures
⚠️ Important: it does not provide cash payments, but legal protection and coverage of legal costs.
🔹 What cases can it apply to?
Depending on the policy, for example:
• employment disputes (dismissal, salary disputes)
• rental and lease agreements
• traffic matters (fines, accidents)
• disputes with insurance companies or authorities
❗ Not every case is automatically included – the contract is always decisive.
🔹 When does Rechtsschutz NOT help?
• if the case occurred before the insurance was taken out
• in cases of intentional criminal acts
• in private disputes that are excluded
• if the case is still within the waiting period (Wartefrist)
🔹 Waiting period (Wartefrist)
In Switzerland, it is common that after signing the insurance contract,
not all legal cases are covered for 3–6 months.
Therefore, taking out the insurance only after a problem arises is not a solution.
🔹 Is it worth it?
For many people, yes, because:
• lawyers in Switzerland are very expensive
• a single legal dispute can cost several thousand francs
• insurance provides a sense of security
But:
• it is not mandatory
• not everyone needs the same coverage
📌 Zurich TV Info note
Rechtsschutz is not a miracle solution, but it can be useful protection for those who plan to stay longer in Switzerland, work, rent a home, or use a car.
💰 How much does Rechtsschutz cost in Switzerland?
• Private legal protection: 15–30 CHF / month
• Traffic legal protection: 5–15 CHF / month
• Combined package: 20–40 CHF / month
📌 On a yearly basis: 200–450 CHF / year
💳 How do you pay?
• monthly payments
• annual payment (often cheaper)
Payment methods:
• automatic bank debit (LSV / Debit)
• eBill
• bank transfer
⚠️ If payment is not made on time, the insurance may be suspended or terminated.
⏳ When does coverage start?
• after signing the contract
• often with a 3–6 month waiting period
⚠️ Deductible (Selbstbehalt):
• often none
• sometimes 200–500 CHF per case
📍 Zurich TV Info summary
Rechtsschutz is not mandatory and does not solve every problem,
but it can be affordable protection in an expensive legal system.
