Motor insurance
If you own a car or motorcycle you should cover yourself from financial claims linked to traffic damage you caused. It is mandatory if you own a vehicle.
Basic liability coverage
A basic liability insurance is in Switzerland mandatory if you own or lease a car. It covers you against claims that third parties can raise against you. This is related to damages that you might have caused accidentally to another party or its objects while driving your car or riding your motorcycle. Basic cover provides protection for the most common use cases like:
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Damages to persons: You hit someone accidentally with your motorcycle and the person needs further medical assistance; her medical bills will be covered by your basic liability insurance
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Damages to objects: While parking your car in the city you accidentally bumped into another car and put a dent into it; the costs to fix that dent at a car repair shop is covered by your basic liability insurance
The basic liability insurance will only cover costs you are responsible for to third parties, not the damage that happens to your car or motorcycle if its your fault. To cover damages that are caused to your own car or motorcycle you will need additional cover.
Additional coverages
Other types of use cases can be added to the basic coverages by including additional modules. The most common modules are:
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coverage for damages cause by accident to your car or motorcycle if it's your fault
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coverage for damages to your car or motorcycle by unknown third parties; for example if someone puts a dent into your car but does not contact you and drives away
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coverage for damages caused by natural disaster; hail, flying objects due to storm