Global Insurance and Mobility Updates: Rising Costs, Regulatory Shifts, and Emerging Risks

Car insurance will become significantly more expensive: Car owners will have to dig deeper into their pockets from 2026 onwards.

29 Oct 2025

Car insurance in Germany is set to rise again in 2026, with average premium increases of 7% across all coverage types. Comprehensive (Vollkasko) policies see the highest jump at 8%, while partial coverage (Teilkasko) rises 6% and liability insurance increases 5%, though the sharpest increases from last year’s 26% surge have eased. Despite higher prices, significant savings are possible by switching to cheaper tariffs, with differences of up to 52% between mid-range and low-cost options. Premiums are influenced by factors such as vehicle type, driver age, mileage, location, and coverage options, while discounts can be earned via higher deductibles, telematics policies, or workshop agreements.

These first names pay significantly more for car insurance

29 Oct 2025

Car insurance premiums in Germany vary by first name, but the difference is linked to the typical age of people with those names, not the name itself. Younger drivers like Jennifer or Patrick tend to pay significantly more—up to 86% higher—than older drivers such as Martina or Uwe, because they have fewer years of driving experience and lower no-claims bonuses. Verivox’s analysis shows that older drivers benefit from higher damage-free years, resulting in lower premiums, while younger names generally have lower bonus classes. The pattern reflects generational naming trends rather than driving skill, explaining why names correlate with insurance costs.

The Mexican Tax Administration Service (SAT) forgives insurance companies, but punishes consumers: insurance premiums will increase throughout Mexico.

28 Oct 2025

Mexico’s tax authority (SAT) has settled a long-standing dispute with insurers over VAT, requiring the industry to start covering the tax from 2025. While past debts are largely forgiven, analysts warn that the added cost will likely be passed on to consumers, particularly for auto and major medical insurance. Premiums for these products, which make up nearly 40% of the market, could rise 10–20%, further straining policyholders amid already high medical inflation. The VAT will now be applied directly to coverage amounts, potentially reducing the effective protection available for serious medical treatments. Experts caution this could discourage insurance uptake and worsen financial vulnerability for many Mexicans.

Driving licences will cost more: all the increases will take effect from 1 November.

28 Oct 2025

Starting November 1, 2025, obtaining a Category B driving license in Italy will become more expensive due to higher examiner fees and an increase in mandatory driving lessons from six to eight hours. The added costs are estimated at around €20 for administrative fees and over €100 for the extra lessons. The new rules also require more comprehensive training, including highway, secondary roads, and night driving. Looking ahead, European directives will allow obtaining a license at 17 with accompanied driving, likely taking effect in Italy between late 2028 and early 2029. Updated theory and practical exams will also include modern road safety topics, with a two-year probationary period for new drivers.

Allianz Reports Safety Gains From Automated Mobility and Urges EU-Wide “Driving License” for Autonomous Vehicles

28 Oct 2025

Allianz highlights significant safety improvements from autonomous vehicles, reporting that advanced driver assistance systems have already reduced accidents, such as rear-end collisions by 30% and parking crashes by 66%. The insurer calls for an EU-wide “driving license” for autonomous vehicles, combining digital simulations, practical tests, and real-world trials, alongside a Europe-wide database of accidents and near misses. Allianz emphasizes that liability should remain with vehicle owners and insurers should remain the first point of contact for victims. The company predicts that widespread adoption of autonomous systems could cut European road accidents by 20% by 2035 and over 50% by 2060. Consumers see safety and comfort benefits but remain cautious about reliability and technological maturity.

Treasury Moves to End Unfair Motor Insurance Claim Denials

28 Oct 2025

Kenya’s Treasury is proposing new Insurance Claims Management Guidelines to prevent unfair motor insurance claim denials. Insurers would no longer automatically reject claims for minor technicalities, such as an expired license, late reporting, or undisclosed information that the driver couldn’t reasonably know. Policies must include up-to-date vehicle valuations, and insurers must acknowledge claims within two working days and make decisions promptly once investigations are complete. Even unpaid or mistakenly cancelled policies must still be honored if the insurer hasn’t formally terminated coverage. The reforms aim to increase trust in insurance and reduce the widespread practice of rejecting claims on technical grounds.

UCA Receives Letter from Insurance Authority for Violating Regulatory Instructions

28 Oct 2025

United Cooperative Assurance (UCA) announced that the Insurance Authority ordered a suspension of all new or renewed mandatory insurance policies, including vehicle, domestic, and health labour coverage, effective October 27, 2025. The company warned that this suspension could negatively affect its 2025 financial results, though the full impact is not yet clear. UCA confirmed it is coordinating with the Insurance Authority to implement corrective measures and ensure full regulatory compliance.

RAC Warns on Dazzling Headlights Risk

28 Oct 2025

RAC research finds that 82% of drivers are concerned about dazzling headlights, with 75% of those nervous about night driving citing bright lights as the main cause. The issue has prompted government-commissioned research following campaigns by the RAC, IAM RoadSmart, and The College of Optometrists. Headlight glare is causing some drivers to reduce night driving, while experts stress the importance of correct headlight aim, clean lenses, and safe driving adjustments. The study highlights the growing impact of brighter LED lights and higher vehicles on driver visibility. A parliamentary debate on the issue is scheduled for October 29, 2025.

Insuregroup sees surge in truck insurance policy uptake

28 Oct 2025

Insuregroup, an Australian brokerage for the transport and logistics sector, has processed over 10,000 policies, seeing a 25% increase in the past year due to rising demand for truck insurance. Growth is driven by increased freight activity, regulatory scrutiny, and contractual insurance requirements for government and private projects. The NTARC reports show human factors like inattention and distraction remain leading causes of major truck accidents, highlighting the importance of comprehensive coverage. Insuregroup helps operators access tailored policies to protect drivers, vehicles, and the broader supply chain. The brokerage emphasizes that thoughtful insurance is essential for safeguarding businesses and maintaining industry compliance.

Surge in e-bike injuries exposes gaps in insurance cover

27 Oct 2025

The rise of e-bikes in the UK has led to increased injuries and highlighted gaps in insurance coverage, as compliant e-bikes (EAPCs) do not require motor insurance and victims may struggle to recover damages. Non-compliant e-bikes are treated as motor vehicles but are often uninsured, creating legal and financial risks for riders and third parties. Experts stress that standard home or auto policies rarely cover e-bikes, leaving riders exposed to medical and liability costs. The ABI and industry groups are calling for stricter safety standards, product testing, and regulation, including a kite mark-type certification and battery safety enforcement. Insurers will need to clarify coverage, especially for business and delivery e-bike use, to address these gaps.

Judge rules Allstate owes TD $143,500 in underinsured motorist coverage battle

27 Oct 2025

An Ontario court resolved a $143,500 underinsured motorist dispute between TD and Allstate, clarifying when corporate fleet policies take precedence over personal coverage. Timothy Pare was injured on his father’s motorcycle in a 2018 crash, and both insurers faced potential liability under OPCF 44R Family Protection Coverage. The court ruled that Allstate’s corporate fleet policy extended coverage to Pare as an employee, while TD’s personal policy was excluded because he was already insured under Allstate. The decision highlights that corporate OPCF 44R endorsements override standard policy exclusions and underscores the need for insurers to review employment and vehicle usage when multiple policies apply. Allstate was ordered to reimburse TD $143,500 plus $6,500 in costs.

Aviva urges policy checks as rodent damage claims climb

24 Oct 2025

Aviva warns UK drivers to review their insurance coverage as rodent-related motor claims rose 28% between 2023 and 2024, with average claims reaching £2,494 and some exceeding £20,000. The increase is linked to winter, when rodents seek warmth and can damage wiring, interiors, and engines. Aviva advises motorists to check if their policies cover vermin damage and take preventive measures, such as removing food and inspecting engine bays. The trend highlights how environmental factors are driving new types of insurance claims, prompting insurers to reassess policy design, pricing, and claims management.

Latest RAC Pothole Breakdown Data

23 Oct 2025

RAC data shows pothole-related breakdowns in the UK rose 25% between July and September 2025, with patrols attending 5,035 incidents, often involving suspension, wheel, or shock absorber damage. Over the past year, drivers experienced 25,758 pothole-related issues, averaging 71 breakdowns per day. While fewer drivers now report worsening road conditions, 29% still suffered vehicle damage from potholes. RAC and industry groups urge local authorities to prioritize preventative maintenance, supported by new government funding and reporting requirements. The RAC also offers mobile repair services to assist drivers affected by pothole damage.

Car insurance hit: Umbria tops the list for increases

23 Oct 2025

In Umbria, average car insurance premiums rose 6.9% in August 2025, the third-highest increase in Italy, reaching €645.51, with Terni slightly more expensive than Perugia. Nationwide, premiums increased only 1.7%, but rising repair costs, more frequent personal injury claims, and automotive inflation are driving the upward trend. Younger drivers under 25 face premiums 60–70% higher than those over 60, and optional coverages like roadside assistance, driver injury, and legal protection further affect costs. Recent stricter road safety laws have also increased demand for waiver-of-recourse policies, while coverage for natural disasters remains rare due to high costs. Overall, Italy’s car insurance market is experiencing a steady return to higher premiums after years of decline.