Of all the things home insurance is proving to be the most problematic to cancel.

Our policy expired in January, Zurich (our insurers) wrote to us with a payment slip to renew, having decided we have never had to use it we would take the chance of going six months without so never renewed. Then in March we receive a reminder to the bill from Zurich, I call them to inform we are leaving in the Spring. They say OK they will cancel but urge us to take up until we move out, we receive a letter in German asking us to confirm we are leaving, to which I didn't reply. Yesterday we receive a further letter by registered post that we must pay in thirty days, I call again to cancel and they inform me again it's no problem and they will call me back to confirm. Next day another letter saying I have to pay the premium and include the date we are leaving and bank details to refund us the amount we would be owed.

I am now thinking just to renew and to try to claim any potential apartment damages on our insurance. Anyone else had any similar experience here or confirm it's best to keep and claim as I suggest. I'm sure they will take there time in reimbursing the remainder of the policy costs too.

I recommend you cancel it with a registered letter. Most won't accept a telephone call for cancellation. It has to be in writing and it has to be "Einschreiben".

Insurance companies love people like you - not. Likewise us customers who pay increased premiums to cover rising costs of administration...

Markandsona is not trying to rip off the insurance company. Obviously, they have just been trying to cancel the policy and must have been willing to pay cash for any apartment "damage." It's the insurance company that is pushing to keep the unwanted insurance policy in place.

The question is whether you actually informed the insurers that you wanted to cancel the contract according to the terms of the contract. I think you will find that most insurances renew automatically unless you have cancelled giving the requisite notice. We have been insured with Zurich and have never had any problems cancelling/modifying contracts.

I didn't read like that.

OP is leaving Switzerland, doesn't inform the insurance company until they chase up non-payment. Insurance company agree to cancellation on phone. Meanwhile a reminder from insurance co. arrives in post.

OP now wonders if a renewal might in fact be in order "to try to claim any potential apartment damages"...

What else is the insurance for other to to claim for damages?

Ab Fab, above is the clue. I don't think the OP is trying to do anything that will affect my future premiums.

Not trying to, perhaps, but I read it the same as AbFab. I get payment slips in the mail too - right about the time my contractually-agreed renewal comes along. The OP seems to be waffling too: oh wait, it might be beneficial not to cancel after all, can I take that back?

Insurance company seems to be doing their bit - but if the OP can't be bothered to return the requested confirmation, what does s/he expect?