I am a non resident and my girlfriend has an L permit. We are planning on buying a car soon, registration and insurance in her name. As a non resident is it possible to be a named driver on her insurance policy?

Cheers,
Gibbsy

Anybody can drive a Swiss registered car, there will be at least 3rd party insurance, drivers below 25 need to be named if you want full cover.

Careful.... normally all Swiss cars here are insured for any driver, but...!

I would ask the insurance company in writing, enclosing a photocopy of your driving license and passport.

It would be very easy for them to state "In our rules it states clearly under paragraph 5.13 we only insure people with an EU license and living and registered in Switzerland"

Do you have, or have ever seen a Swiss insurance policy with such wording with regard to 3rd party insurance? There is a reason why when you get stopped in a police control they don't ask for proof of insurance, they know the answer if number plates are fitted.

In Switzerland even failing to pay the premium does not get the insurance company off the hook on any compulsary insurance.

Yes it is possible to be named on the policy although it is probably not necessary, dependant on usage, unless there are odd circumstances or the policy has say a youngest driver clause and you are under said age. Are you here as an EU visitor and / or are you moving here getting a permit? Did you simply want to be on her policy?

The minimum age depends on the policy and the pricing premium,usually only the details of the youngest driver that regally use the car will be named extra on a policy. However, as you don't have the car and she doesn't have the policy this and the problems mentioned above are a bit of a moot point. A suitable policy can easily be tailored to suit your situation.

If you PM me your details and more exact circumstances I can surely help you with all this as we are currently tailoring a special service for EF users.

So what would happen if someone came here, with for instance a North Korean driving license, and jumped in the girl friend's car and had an expensive accident?

Obviously the car insurance would pay for any personal damages but would they pay for third party damage and who would pay for the girl friend's car?

If the driving license is not recognised by the Cantonal Administration then surely the insurance will claim the driver had no license and refuse to pay for anything above the minimum requirements.

Not forgetting that there is a wealth of law in Switzerland which is specific to insurance: they do not have to put everything in writing in the policy statement as their backs are covered by standard insurance law.

As I wrote, yes but be careful... is probably the best approach!

I am refering to 3rd Party insurance which is the only sort I have had at any time in the last 30 years in both the UK & Switzerland.

If the driver does not have a valid driving license, it's would depend on if permission to drive had been given & if the insurance covers theft.

Swiss insurance pays out very fast with few questions, they are not looking for get outs, unlike UK insurance, as it's against the law! Failing to tell a UK insurance about a speeding fine would invalidate your insurance, and usually reduce to 3rd party if you leave the UK.

Insurance is one area where the Swiss are more flexable!

Thanks to all for your speedy responses. Many thanks to saint7uk for your offer, PM sent.

Cheers,
Gibbsy