Automotive Insurance & Mobility Sector Briefing

AMI report links ADAS adoption to steady collision decline

26 Nov 2025

A recent AMI report shows that Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have contributed to a 7% annual reduction in collision claims in New Zealand, as vehicles with these technologies become more common. However, young drivers, particularly Gen Z, remain at significantly higher risk, with older vehicles lacking ADAS contributing to elevated collision rates. Survey data indicates that while ADAS improves safety perception, some drivers develop dependency on the systems, affecting basic driving skills. Insurers are addressing this gap through educational initiatives like the Ryda programme, complementing technology with driver safety training. Despite fewer traffic violations and declining fatality rates among young drivers, collision risk remains concentrated in low-speed, high-incidence areas such as urban streets and parking zones.

Rising thefts and significant gaps in insurance for the most vulnerable cars

26 Nov 2025

Rising vehicle thefts are directly impacting car insurance in Chile. From January to October 2025, the SEBV recorded 31,052 theft reports, with the capital region alone accounting for 65% of cases. Insurance premiums vary widely for high-risk models, with differences reaching up to 788% for certain vehicles like the Mitsubishi L200. Experts note that these disparities reflect differing risk assessments for each model. As theft rates climb, comparing coverage options becomes essential for drivers to protect their assets without overspending.

Everything you need to know about the V16 beacon that will be mandatory in Spain from January 1st

26 Nov 2025

Starting January 1, 2026, all vehicles in Spain must carry a connected V16 beacon, replacing traditional emergency triangles. The device emits a 360° flashing light and transmits the vehicle’s location to the DGT 3.0 platform during emergencies, enhancing safety without sharing personal data. Only homologated models are legal, and failing to comply can result in fines up to €200. The beacon can be placed on the vehicle exterior without exiting the car, and it requires minimal maintenance to ensure proper functionality. Motorcycles are recommended but not required to carry one, and a single beacon can be used across multiple vehicles.

New insurance partner: AutoProtect attracts VHV

26 Nov 2025

AutoProtect GmbH has partnered with VHV Allgemeine Versicherung AG to offer VHV’s auto insurance products through its digital sales portal, starting November 15, 2025. The portal integrates insurance directly into the car-buying process for both new and used vehicles, serving clients like Nissan Germany and their dealer networks. This collaboration provides strategic benefits, combining product offerings with technical integration to enhance AutoProtect’s market position in 2026. VHV sees the partnership as an opportunity to insure customers at the point of purchase, driving joint growth. Founded in 2018, AutoProtect specializes in digital insurance solutions for dealerships, banks, and automotive networks across Germany.

UK Budget 2025: Key takeaways for insurance professionals

26 Nov 2025

The UK Budget 2025 extends the freeze on National Insurance and income tax thresholds to 2028, reducing disposable income and potentially lowering demand for insurance, savings, and investment products. A cap on pension salary sacrifice from 2029 could increase costs for employers and limit retirement benefits, while Insurance Premium Tax remains at 12%, keeping health insurance expensive. New property and EV taxes—including a council tax surcharge on high-value homes and a mileage-based EV tax from 2028—may influence motor and high-net-worth insurance demand. Overall, insurers will need to adapt product offerings, guide clients on tax-efficient solutions, and address changing risk profiles amid these fiscal and regulatory shifts.

Australia: Insurance Council of Australia to launch insurance fraud detection platform

26 Nov 2025

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) is partnering with Shift Technology and EXL to launch a national fraud detection and investigation platform in early 2026, focusing initially on motor insurance claims. The platform will use advanced analytics to alert investigators to suspicious activity in real time and enable insurers to securely share fraud patterns and coordinate collaborative investigations. Developed with the ICA’s Insurance Crime Intelligence Network of Australia (ICINA), it emphasizes privacy, governance, and security, using encryption and role-based access controls. This initiative aims to combat increasingly sophisticated organized fraud networks, reduce fraudulent claims, and lower costs for honest customers.

As Flood Risk Escalates, LexisNexis Risk Solutions Delivers Additional Clarity on Climate Change Scenarios Over the Next 75 Years

25 Nov 2025

LexisNexis Risk Solutions has launched new climate change flood datasets to help property and motor insurers better assess long-term risk, as over 600,000 additional UK properties could face high flood risk by 2100. The data, aligned with IPCC Representative Concentration Pathways, allows insurers to model future scenarios for individual addresses, vehicle locations, or entire portfolios, improving pricing, underwriting, and claims forecasting. Accessible via LexisNexis Informed Quotes and Map View, the datasets provide granular, property-level insights for more accurate risk assessment and resilience planning. This initiative supports insurers in reducing exposure, enhancing portfolio management, and contributing to broader ESG and community resilience goals.

Driven to distraction: High-tech hurdles and broker challenges in the motor insurance market

25 Nov 2025

The motor industry has rapidly evolved, with modern vehicles featuring sensors, cameras, and autonomous technologies that make even minor accidents costly to repair. Brokers now face the challenge of explaining to clients why small dents or bumps can lead to weeks-long repairs and five-figure bills. Educating clients about repair complexities, premium justifications, and coverage options has become essential. By guiding clients through claims, offering advocacy, and positioning themselves as trusted advisors, brokers can turn these challenges into a competitive advantage. Those who fail to adapt risk losing clients in this high-tech automotive landscape.

France: New life insurance policies, gas prices, Christmas bonuses… Everything that will change for your budget in December

24 Nov 2025

Starting December 1, both parents can independently receive child care support (CMG) from CAF for registered in-home care, without reducing the previous amount. The Christmas bonus will be paid in mid-December, with amounts varying by family situation. New “green sector” rules for life insurance require advisors to assess clients’ responsible investing preferences and financial goals for all new policies from December 31. High-income households must pay a 95% advance on the new CDHR tax starting December 1, while income tax adjustments for 2026 should be submitted by December 6. Gas prices will slightly drop for cooking and hot water, and from December 1, all wheelchairs will be fully covered by health insurance.

Aggressive driving ups auto insurance costs, AAA study shows

24 Nov 2025

A recent AAA Foundation study shows that aggressive driving—such as speeding, tailgating, and road confrontations—is widespread, with 96% of drivers admitting to such behaviors, leading to more frequent and severe auto insurance claims. Nearly 10% reported deliberately violent actions, further increasing insurers’ losses and driving up premiums, especially in high-risk areas. To mitigate this, insurers are using telematics-based policies, driver education programs, and incentives for safe driving to reduce claims and stabilize premiums. The findings highlight the direct link between driver behavior and insurance costs, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve road safety and manage risk.

2026: What will change for drivers

24 Nov 2025

In 2026, drivers across Europe will face several changes, including the introduction of digital driver’s licenses in Germany, higher CO₂ fuel charges, and extended tax exemptions and subsidies for electric vehicles. New vehicle safety standards, such as Euro 7 emissions rules, enhanced driver-assistance systems, and next-generation eCall, will become mandatory. Consumers will also benefit from easier online contract cancellations and expanded product liability covering software and digital services. Additionally, urban traffic regulations, higher fines, and stricter road safety measures are planned in Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, and the UK. These updates aim to improve safety, environmental protection, and convenience for drivers and road users.

Motor insurance premiums fall for third straight quarter

21 Nov 2025

Motor insurance premiums in the UK have fallen for three consecutive quarters, with the average cost dropping to £551 between July and September, £56 lower than the same period in 2024. ABI members paid out £3bn in motor claims during the third quarter, with repair costs making up £1.9bn and theft-related claims totaling £142m. Chris Bose of the ABI noted that while falling premiums are positive, many families still face financial pressure and underlying claim costs remain high. The industry is pursuing a 10-Point Roadmap to address insurance costs, and government support in repair sector training and road safety is crucial. Any rise in Insurance Premium Tax could undermine this progress.

The government has finally abandoned plans to tighten the ecological penalty for cars until 2028.

21 Nov 2025

The French government has decided not to increase the car CO2 penalty (malus écologique) up to 2028, withdrawing the proposed higher limits from the 2026 finance bill. For 2026, the CO2 tax will apply from 108 g/km, with a maximum penalty of €80,000, rising to €90,000 by 2028. From July 2026, the weight-based malus will also affect low-emission vehicles, including electric models, with specific weight abatements depending on the vehicle type. The measure aims to encourage cleaner vehicle purchases, though EV and hybrid repairs remain costly, impacting insurance rates. Consumers can still access competitive insurance offers through online comparison tools.

Lithuanians will have to pay a new tax starting in 2026

20 Nov 2025

From 2026, Lithuanian residents will face higher costs on most non-life insurance policies, including home, comprehensive (CASCO), travel, and health insurance, due to a new 10% insurance contribution legalized by the Seimas. While the Bank of Lithuania expects minimal impact, insurers warn the contribution will effectively increase premiums, similar to a VAT-style tax. The exact price rise will depend on insurer decisions, competition, and policy structure, with some costs potentially absorbed or offset. The contribution applies to new or renewed policies from January 1, 2026, meaning many residents may not see changes immediately, especially for multi-year home insurance contracts. Long-term contracts signed before 2026 can delay the impact, but the increase is ultimately unavoidable.