Global Automotive and Insurance Updates

Seniors pay more: Insurers massively increase car insurance premiums

12 Nov 2025

Many senior drivers in Germany face rising car insurance premiums after age 65, even if they have a clean driving record. Insurers justify increases by citing higher accident risk in older age, though consumer advocates call this age discrimination. Premiums can jump up to 74% for a 75-year-old and 139% for an 85-year-old compared to a 55-year-old with the same claims history. While legally permitted under German law, seniors can reduce costs by comparing policies, claiming no-claims discounts, switching to cheaper providers, or registering the car under a younger family member when allowed. Regular review and adjustment of insurance can save significant money.

Japan’s Non-Life Insurance in 2025 Gains Strength Through Reform

11 Nov 2025

Gallagher Re’s latest Asia Pacific Market Watch Report highlights Japan’s non-life insurance market as one of the largest and most disciplined globally, with 2024 premiums rising 3.9% to $76.6 billion. Despite slowing growth due to competition and cautious underwriting, profitability and capital strength remain solid. Property catastrophe reinsurance rates eased 10–15% at April 2025 renewals, reflecting improved market conditions after years of hardening. However, insurers continue to face major climate and catastrophe risks, including the 2024 Noto earthquake and Hyogo hailstorm. Regulatory reforms — including a new solvency regime, stricter compliance rules, and stronger climate risk testing — signal Japan’s shift toward more sustainable, risk-focused insurance operations.

Study: 32 percent of Austrians are in favor of driving licenses from age 16

11 Nov 2025

A recent study by Marketagent for Smile Versicherung shows that 32% of Austrians support allowing a car license at age 16, with 47% of Gen Z in favor. Many see it as easing parental responsibilities (61%) and improving mobility for rural youth (67%). Nearly half believe younger drivers could gain responsibility and independence, and 45% think 16-year-olds can drive as safely as 18-year-olds with proper training. At the same time, 84% call for stricter safety rules, and 78% demand mandatory insurance for 16-year-olds. In Vienna, however, most prefer free public transport over earlier licensing.

Mexico Struggles to Raise Vehicle Insurance Rate Beyond 33%

11 Nov 2025

Auto insurance coverage in Mexico has remained stagnant since the pandemic, with only 33.3% of vehicles insured in 2024, according to the Mexican Association of Insurance Institutions (AMIS). Despite an expanding vehicle fleet, coverage levels have barely recovered from their pre-COVID peak of 35.5% in 2019. AMIS attributes the stagnation to low financial literacy, weak enforcement of mandatory insurance laws, and poor policy renewal rates. Digital platforms and usage-based products could help boost accessibility, but experts say stronger public policies and consumer education are essential. Without these efforts, AMIS warns insurance penetration may remain below 40% by 2030.

Quotezone Warns on Insurance Costs For Automatic Cars

10 Nov 2025

Drivers with automatic licences are paying 84% more for car insurance than manual drivers, according to data from Quotezone.co.uk. The rise in automatic and electric vehicles, now making up nearly 30% of cars on UK roads, has contributed to higher premiums due to their costlier technology and repair needs. Between April and June 2025, average premiums were £696 for manual drivers and £1,296 for automatic drivers. Quotezone’s CEO Greg Wilson said insurers view automatics as higher risk but advised motorists to shop around and consider telematics or multi-car policies to reduce costs.

Car theft with violence is on the rise with the new ignition systems

9 Nov 2025

In Mexico, the rise of modern car technologies like keyless start has contributed to a surge in violent vehicle thefts. According to AMIS, 60,625 insured vehicles were stolen by June 2025, with 57% involving the driver being present. Experts note that modern ignition systems, which require the driver and key, have made violent theft more common, while older vehicles still account for around 43% of thefts. Only one-third of Mexico’s 62 million vehicles are insured, and the highest rates of violent theft occur in states like Sinaloa, Guerrero, and Tlaxcala. This trend is expected to continue as car technology evolves.

Insurance claims worth Rs 3.78 billion filed for loss during October disasters

8 Nov 2025

Insurance companies in Nepal have received claims totaling Rs 3.78 billion for damages caused by floods and landslides in October. Continuous rainfall from October 3–5 affected 37 districts, with Sunsari, Morang, and Kathmandu recording the highest number of claims. A total of 434 claims have been filed, including property, engineering, agriculture, motor, marine, and miscellaneous insurance. Rising natural disasters have also increased claims from other events, such as September protests (Rs 23.23 billion) and June floods (Rs 985.9 million). Currently, 14 general insurers and four non-life microinsurance companies are processing these applications.

Digital driving licence will start in 2026 and digital vehicle registration certificate already available.

7 Nov 2025

The German government plans to allow drivers to present their license and vehicle registration digitally via smartphone. A draft law approved by the Cabinet sets the legal basis for a digital driver’s license, expected nationally by the end of 2026, ahead of the EU-wide rollout in 2030. The digital vehicle registration is already available through the free i-Kfz app, which also supports digital vehicle registration and sharing with others. While the digital license will complement the physical card, drivers can show it during checks, though authorities recommend carrying the paper versions initially. This initiative aims to simplify everyday driving, rentals, and car-sharing, with automatic updates for vehicle data integrated into the app.

Hagerty partners with Liberty Mutual for car insurance

7 Nov 2025

Hagerty, the leading specialty vehicle insurer and automotive lifestyle brand, has partnered with Liberty Mutual Insurance to expand access to its collectible car coverage for Liberty Mutual and Safeco policyholders starting in 2026. The partnership strengthens Hagerty’s carrier network and allows Liberty Mutual—America’s seventh-largest auto insurer—to offer customers tailored protection for classic and collectible vehicles. Hagerty, known for its deep connection to car culture and its 900,000-member Drivers Club, continues to build its ecosystem of insurance, valuation, and automotive services. Executives from both companies highlighted the partnership as a way to deliver superior products, claims handling, and service for passionate car enthusiasts.

Spain bans warning triangles from motorways

6 Nov 2025

From January 2026, drivers in Spain will no longer use warning triangles on highways and expressways; instead, a special flashing light (V-16 beacon) will be required. The change aims to improve safety, as drivers no longer need to leave their vehicle to place the signal, reducing accident risk. The battery-powered beacon is visible up to one kilometer and can transmit the vehicle’s location to authorities and emergency services. The rule applies only to vehicles registered in Spain, so German tourists using their own cars are unaffected, but rental cars must be equipped with the device. On local and urban roads, warning triangles remain allowed, though using the flashing light is recommended for safety.