wu2026.2.3

Data dodania: 13 sierpnia 2026

The right to withdraw from an insurance contract in Poland and Switzerland. Some comparative remarks in the light of the recent reform of the Swiss Insurance Contract Act (VVG)

Michał P. Ziemiak

DOI: https://doi.org/10.33995/wu2026.2.3

Abstract

This article offers a comparative analysis of the right to withdraw from an insurance contract in Polish law (Article 812 § 4 of the Civil Code and Article 40 of the Consumer Rights Act) and in Swiss law following the reform of the Insurance Contract Act (Versicherungsvertragsgesetz, VVG) of 19 June 2020, in force since 1 January 2022 (Articles 2a and 2b VVG). The aim is to identify the similarities and differences between the two models and to assess them against the background of European Union (EU) law (the Solvency II Directive, Court of Justice of the European Union [CJEU] case law, Directive 2023/2673). The legal-dogmatic and comparative methods are applied. The analysis reveals a fundamental divergence in effect: in Polish law, withdrawal under Article 812 § 4 CC produces an ex nunc effect (the premium for the period of cover is due), whereas in Swiss law it produces an ex tunc effect (full restitution, with no remuneration for the insurer). The protective function (period for reflection) and the linkage of the period with the information duty remain common to both.

Keywords

right of withdrawal; insurance contract; consumer protection; VVG reform; comparative law

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