How much did repair costs increase for parking damage in Switzerland between 2023 and 2025?

According to Comparis, which analysed 7.3 million cases, the tailgate went from an average cost of CHF 92 in 2023 to CHF 134 in 2025, an increase of almost 50%. The side increased by 41%, the mudguard by 32%. Painting underwent a smaller increase of 3.5%. The repair and painting of the rear door as a whole increased from approximately CHF 330 to CHF 380, or 15%.

What are the main causes of these increases in repair costs?

Two main factors: the increasingly complex technology of cars (sensors, electronics, assistance systems) and the increase in the hourly rates of workshops. In 2024, the average hourly rate of Swiss workshops increased by about 3%, reaching CHF 172.30 per hour. In addition, the workshop and spare parts sector has become economically more important for garages, which contributes to the increase in prices.

Should you really take out parking damage insurance?

It depends on your personal situation. If a damage of 1,000-2,000 francs would represent an important exit for your budget, or if your car has special paintwork (which costs more than average), it might suit you. If you can afford to pay smoothly, it may not be necessary. Evaluate what amount of damage would be economically viable for you.

What are the typical limits of parking damage covers?

Limited coverages often cover between CHF 1,000 and CHF 2,000 per claim, with a maximum of two damages per year. Some policies offer coverage with no fixed limit, but with higher premiums. It is important to check that the sum insured is sufficient for your car, especially if it has special coatings.

Does the rise of technology in cars really affect costs that much?

Yes, according to Harry Büsser, Comparis expert, seemingly simple parking damage today can affect electronics, sensors or assistance systems, increasing the cost of repair. However, Büsser points out that technology only partially explains the increases: even the higher hourly rates of the workshops play a significant role in the observed increases.

Stagnation on parking damage: price increases of up to 50% (cross-border guide)

Di Redazione Frontaliere Ticino · Published on 27 August 2026

Car with parking damage at a Swiss repair workshop

Comparis study: rear door repair from CHF 92 to 134 in two years. Car technology and workshop rates behind the prices.

Context

In a nutshell

Parking damage: rear door +50% (CHF 92→134) between 2023-2025
Sidewall +41%, mudguard +32%, paint only +3.5%
Causes: more technological cars, workshops increase rates (+3% in 2024)
Comparis analyses 7.3 million cases in Switzerland

Key facts

What: Increased parking damage repair costs in Switzerland
When: 2023-2025
Where: Switzerland (Comparis national analysis)
Who: Comparis (7.3 million claims analysed)
Rear door: CHF 92 (2023) → CHF 134 (2025)
Workshop hourly rate: CHF 172.30 (2024, +3% compared to 2023)
Painting: +3.5% (among the lowest)
Combined works: from CHF 330 to CHF 380 (+15%)

A Comparis analysis based on around 7.3 million cases reveals that repair costs for parking damage increased considerably between 2023 and 2025, well beyond the general inflation rate. In Switzerland, the situation is particularly acute for disassembly and structural repair work, while painting has recorded much smaller increases.

The most emblematic figure concerns the rear door: the average cost went from 92 francs in 2023 to 134 francs in 2025, an increase of almost 50%. The front doors have undergone similar increases. The side increased on average by 41%, while a front fender increased by 32%.

What happened to the repair and painting costs

However, the data from Comparis shows a substantial difference

Operational details

The Economic Context of the Swiss Automotive Sector

The economic dynamics of the Swiss automotive sector have changed in recent years. According to FIUSGA data, while profitability in the workshop and spare parts sector has increased, margins in the trade of new and used vehicles have decreased significantly. This means that garages are becoming increasingly dependent on maintenance and repair as a source of profit, a factor that directly contributes to the rising prices of these services.

Büsser notes that, from an economic point of view, the workshop and spare parts sector is becoming increasingly important for garages. However, it points out that it is not possible to deduce with certainty from the available data whether the increase in costs was also caused by higher rates or margins and to what extent. What is certain is that the overall trend is upward.

Who is most affected by parking damage charges

The economic consequences of these increases are not the same for all Swiss motorists. Those who own a car with standard painting will not suffer dramatic increases for painting alone (increased by only 3.5%), but structural repair works have increased significantly and represent the most important item on the invoice. For those who have a car with special paints, metallic, pearl or effect, the repair costs will be even more

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Key points

How to Assess Whether Parking Damage Insurance Really Works

The decision to take out parking damage cover must be based on a pragmatic analysis of your budget and the type of car you own. Here's how to proceed in practice.

Step 1: Calculate your personal financial tolerance If parking damage costing 1,000 or 2,000 francs would be a significant hit to your monthly budget, insurance could be helpful in reducing financial risk. However, if you can afford to pay this amount without problems, coverage may not be necessary from an economic point of view.

Step 2: Evaluate your car's paint job If your car has a special paint job, metallic, pearlescent or with special effects, the repair costs will be higher than the national average reported by Comparis. In these cases, full coverage with no amount limit may be more convenient than coverage limited to CHF 2,000.

Step 3: Check the insured sum is adequate Make sure the coverage you choose is sufficient for potential damage to your car. Use a car insurance comparison tool to evaluate different options and premiums in your Swiss region.

Step 4: Carefully check the policy limits Read the terms of the policy: maximum number of damages covered per year (often 2), maximum amount per claim (frequently 1,000-2,000

Source: tio.ch

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did repair costs increase for parking damage in Switzerland between 2023 and 2025?: According to Comparis, which analysed 7.3 million cases, the tailgate went from an average cost of CHF 92 in 2023 to CHF 134 in 2025, an increase of almost 50%. The side increased by 41%, the mudguard by 32%. Painting underwent a smaller increase of 3.5%. The repair and painting of the rear door as a whole increased from approximately CHF 330 to CHF 380, or 15%.
What are the main causes of these increases in repair costs?: Two main factors: the increasingly complex technology of cars (sensors, electronics, assistance systems) and the increase in the hourly rates of workshops. In 2024, the average hourly rate of Swiss workshops increased by about 3%, reaching CHF 172.30 per hour. In addition, the workshop and spare parts sector has become economically more important for garages, which contributes to the increase in prices.
Should you really take out parking damage insurance?: It depends on your personal situation. If a damage of 1,000-2,000 francs would represent an important exit for your budget, or if your car has special paintwork (which costs more than average), it might suit you. If you can afford to pay smoothly, it may not be necessary. Evaluate what amount of damage would be economically viable for you.
What are the typical limits of parking damage covers?: Limited coverages often cover between CHF 1,000 and CHF 2,000 per claim, with a maximum of two damages per year. Some policies offer coverage with no fixed limit, but with higher premiums. It is important to check that the sum insured is sufficient for your car, especially if it has special coatings.
Does the rise of technology in cars really affect costs that much?: Yes, according to Harry Büsser, Comparis expert, seemingly simple parking damage today can affect electronics, sensors or assistance systems, increasing the cost of repair. However, Büsser points out that technology only partially explains the increases: even the higher hourly rates of the workshops play a significant role in the observed increases.