Insurance Advice for the Self-Employed and SMEs
More freedom the self-employed
Years ago, Marcel Gfeller completed his training as a landscape gardener. He loves his work and is now fulfilling his lifelong dream of going self-employed.
It’s a big step, and it means clarifying quite a few administrative, legal and financial matters. However, Marcel doesn’t have the time (or the patience) to deal with them; he’d much rather focus on his new venture, acquiring new clients as quickly as possible and expanding his business.
Making room for what matters most
Marcel hears about Union Swiss Brokers Holding AG from a colleague who went self-employed a few months ago. A brokerage association that offers independent, expert advice in the field of private and commercial insurance is just what Marcel’s looking for, so he arranges a one-to-one consultation with a client advisor.
The client advisor starts by listening to Marcel’s requirements, gets an understanding of his concerns and determines Marcel’s expectations as a client. He then suggests the option of an insurance mandate.
Granting a mandate
Union Swiss Brokers Holding AG works with all the leading Swiss insurance providers. By granting an insurance mandate, the client instructs Union Swiss Brokers Holding AG to review, design, coordinate, manage and administer their insurance portfolio. This means Union Swiss Brokers Holding AG is commissioned and authorised to manage the client’s current insurance contracts and obtain quotes on their behalf.
To find out exactly what’s included in the mandate, why Article 45 of the Insurance Oversight Act (IOA) is mentioned and how the mandate is structured, click here.
The client advisors at Union Swiss Brokers Holding AG are highly knowledgeable about the insurance market, so every client can expect the best price/performance ratio. At Union Swiss Brokers Holding AG, the client always has the final say in determining what they want to insure and where. Union Swiss Brokers Holding AG takes care of the administrative side of things, such as:
Obtaining insurance quotes
Submitting insurance applications
Reporting any changes in insurance (such as changes of address) to providers
Preparing and submitting insurance cancellations
Ordering proof of insurance for a vehicle change, preparing and submitting the application
Ensuring uncomplicated processing in the event of a claim
Making full use of ongoing insurance optimisations and ensuring nothing’s covered twice, underinsured or overinsured
Of course, this list is not exhaustive. Support and advice may vary depending on the size of the company, industry, place of residence and individual needs.
Would you like to focus on your business?
On our Business Insurance Solutions page, you will find comprehensive information on personal, property and liability insurance, as well as tailored support for self-employed professionals, SMEs and larger businesses.
Added value
Marcel is thrilled with the advice and service he receives from Union Swiss Brokers Holding AG. After their first meeting, his client advisor immediately gets to work. He informs Marcel about the forms of insurance he’s required to have by law and establishes his insurance needs. He then obtains comparative quotes from various insurance providers. At their next meeting, Marcel will be able to choose the insurance solution that suits him best.
Marcel can leave the management of his commercial insurance policies to his personal client advisor, safe in the knowledge that he’s in good hands. The advisor will take care of the essentials, while the young entrepreneur focuses on building his business.
Here at Union Swiss Brokers Holding AG, we offer insurance advice tailored to your needs, which means added value for your business. Our advisors will work with you to carry out a comprehensive analysis of your requirements, backed up by our many years of industry experience and continuous further training. We can then make you an offer tailored to you and your business.
Our experts are always on hand, whatever your query, so book your consultation now. You can reach us by e-mail at burgdorf@unionsb.ch or by phone on 034 422 70 24.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insurance for the Self-Employed
Which insurance policies are mandatory for self-employed individuals?
Legal requirements depend on the chosen business structure and the entrepreneur’s personal situation. Depending on the activity, OASI, accident insurance or occupational pension solutions may be relevant.
Is an insurance mandate worthwhile?
With an insurance mandate, an independent broker takes care of administrative tasks such as obtaining quotations, optimising policies and providing support in the event of a claim. This leaves more time to focus on running the business.
Do I need business liability insurance as a sole proprietor?
For many self-employed professionals, business liability insurance is one of the most important forms of protection. It helps cover the financial consequences of damage caused to third parties during business activities.
How do I find the right insurance solution for my business?
The right insurance solution depends on factors such as industry, business model, company size and specific risks. A professional needs analysis helps avoid both overinsurance and coverage gaps.
Can a broker review my existing insurance policies?
Yes. An independent insurance broker can analyse existing contracts, identify opportunities for optimisation and compare offers from different insurance providers.
Editorial note: This article was originally published on 1 June 2022 and was reviewed and updated in September 2026.
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