Updated: October 2026Editorial team: Umzugsexpress GmbHTeam: 17 years in moving and clearance
Friends help for free – lovely, but not without risk. What many do not know: for favours, insurers often pay only part of the damage. Here are the rules, so you can decide well.
In short
Friends are only liable if they act negligently; for favours insurers often deduct up to 50 percent or pay nothing. Your own liability insurance never covers your own belongings. If a helper is injured, their own accident or health insurance pays.
If a helper damages something
In principle the person who causes the damage is liable – but helpers only if they handled the goods negligently. For a favour, the liability insurer may deduct up to 50 percent or pay nothing, depending on the policy (Beobachter, in German). Usually only the current value is paid (Beobachter).
Important: your own personal liability insurance never pays for your own belongings. If you drop the chest of drawers down the stairs yourself, you bear the loss.
If a helper is injured
Anyone employed at least 8 hours a week is insured against accidents through their employer, also in their free time. For everyone else, compulsory health insurance covers the accident risk (ch.ch). Back pain and crushed fingers are the typical consequences of moving – plan enough people for heavy items.
With a moving company
We are liable for damage we cause and are insured for it: business liability up to CHF 5 million and carrier’s liability with Allianz Suisse up to CHF 200,000. Details are under Our commitments and in the guide Insurance when moving. When comparing, note that some companies limit their liability to gross negligence in their terms (Beobachter) – ask.
The mix that often saves most
- Friends pack boxes and carry light items.
- The company handles heavy items, furniture lift, transport and assembly.
- You only pay for the hours in which professionals are really needed – the moving calculator shows the range.
Renting the van yourself? Prices, licence and parking: Rent a van or hire movers? The honest comparison
Frequently asked questions
Does my friend’s liability insurance pay if he drops my TV?
Only if he acted negligently – and even then many insurers deduct up to 50 percent for favours or pay nothing.
Is a helper insured through me?
No. They are insured against accidents through their employer (from 8 hours a week) or their own health insurance.
What does it cost to have only the heavy items done?
We charge by the hour with a minimum of 3 hours; the moving calculator shows the range, the survey gives the fixed price.
Sources
- Beobachter: Schaden beim Umzug – wer bezahlt?
- Beobachter: Haftpflicht bei Gefälligkeiten
- ch.ch: Unfallversicherung (UVG)
Information as of October 2026. The linked offices are authoritative.
Read on
- Insurance when moving: who pays if something breaks?
- How much does a move in Switzerland cost?
- Home removals in Switzerland
Book helpers only, without a moving van: hire moving helpers.