Global Motor Insurance Updates and Trends

Hei, Insurance Companies, Here’s Same Drivers Fraud Hiding in Plain Sihgt

24 Dec 2025

Streetsblog argues that widespread “garage fraud” by New York City drivers using out-of-state vehicle registrations is contributing to higher insurance costs and increased road danger. City data shows nearly 21,000 out-of-state vehicles received violations in every quarter of the year, strongly suggesting many owners actually live in New York but avoid registering locally and paying higher insurance premiums. This shifts financial risk onto law-abiding drivers and creates a cycle of rising insurance costs and unsafe behavior, including speeding and red-light violations. Streetsblog urges insurers and the New York State DMV to use publicly available violation data to flag potential fraud, demand proof of residency, and enforce registration and insurance laws more aggressively. Stronger regulatory action, they argue, would improve road safety and help stabilize insurance costs.

Changes in the SOAT in 2026: low-displacement motorcycles and taxis will see higher rates, family cars will pay less

23 Dec 2025

In 2026, Colombia’s SOAT insurance rates will rise by around 5% for low-displacement motorcycles and public transport vehicles like taxis and microbuses, while rates for family cars and larger motorcycles will decrease slightly. The adjustments reflect inflation and higher accident rates for certain vehicles, while declining claims for family cars justify their small reductions. Medical coverage calculations will switch from minimum wages to the Unidad de Valor Tributario (UVT), stabilizing costs annually. Additionally, driving license renewals will become more stringent, with standardized physical, mental, and theoretical-practical tests, and renewal frequency will vary by age and vehicle type. These changes apply to policies purchased from January 1, 2026.

HUK confuses millions of customers

23 Dec 2025

HUK Coburg mistakenly debited millions of customers’ car insurance premiums weeks early in December, affecting around six million policyholders and moving potentially €2 billion. The insurer cited “process-related reasons” for the error and quickly reversed the payments, ensuring all funds were returned. Despite the mishap, coverage remained uninterrupted, and premiums will now be collected at the usual January schedule. Customers were briefly inconvenienced during the busy pre-Christmas period, but the issue has since been resolved.

What lies ahead for UK insurance in 2026?

23 Dec 2025

As the UK insurance industry heads into 2026, it faces rapid, overlapping change driven by artificial intelligence, financial pressure in motor insurance, and long-awaited market reforms. AI is expected to move from pilot projects to full-scale deployment, streamlining underwriting, claims, and customer service, though strong governance will be critical to manage regulatory and trust risks. At the same time, UK motor insurers are bracing for continued losses as rising claims costs outpace modest premium increases. Consolidation across broking and insurtech is accelerating, favouring firms with scale, profitability, and integration capabilities. Meanwhile, emerging risks—from cyber threats and energy disruption to fusion power and geopolitical instability—are reshaping how insurers think about resilience and long-term value.

UAE insurers required to cover flood damage under comprehensive motor policies

21 Dec 2025

UAE insurers must cover flood and heavy rain damage under comprehensive motor insurance policies, provided the weather event is not officially declared a natural disaster. According to the Emirates Insurance Federation, the unified comprehensive policy automatically includes flood-related losses, and recent rainfall has not been classified as a disaster, meaning insurers are required to settle valid claims. However, coverage applies only if vehicles are used or parked in lawful, designated areas such as public roads or approved parking zones. Damage caused by deliberately driving into wadis, flood channels, or other known high-risk areas is excluded, as it is considered reckless behavior rather than an unforeseen risk. Regulators continue to monitor insurer compliance, while policyholders are urged to act responsibly to remain eligible for compensation.

International motor insurance Green Card: why have Ukrainians started to take out policies less frequently?

19 Dec 2025

Ukrainian drivers are purchasing international Green Card motor insurance less frequently, according to the Motor Transport Insurance Bureau of Ukraine, due to reduced travel and regulatory changes in European countries. Many Ukrainians living abroad for extended periods now opt for local vehicle registration and insurance, lowering demand for short-term international policies. At the same time, the number of accidents involving Ukrainian drivers abroad has declined, though claims payouts remain high, with compensation in some EU countries reaching hundreds of thousands of euros. Despite the trend, the Green Card remains mandatory for driving in most European countries with Ukrainian plates and protects drivers from severe financial liability. Reliable online platforms now allow motorists to obtain compliant Green Card coverage quickly and securely before traveling.

UK motor insurance market stabilises, LexisNexis finds

18 Dec 2025

The UK motor insurance market showed signs of stabilisation in the first half of 2025, with premiums easing after recent volatility and fewer drivers actively shopping around for new cover, according to LexisNexis. Average insured vehicle values fell to about £10,500, while the typical car age rose to nearly 11 years, reflecting ongoing cost-of-living pressures. Switching activity declined, with daily searches down by around 20,000 year on year and only 22% of shoppers changing insurers. As competition shifted, smaller and mid-sized insurers gained market share, narrowing the gap with larger players. Analysts warn the calmer period may be short-lived, as rising repair costs and claims inflation could reignite consumer movement in 2026.

Alps launches Fleet Guaranteed Hire Vehicle insurance policy

18 Dec 2025

Alps has introduced its Fleet Guaranteed Hire Vehicle Insurance, offering fleets of 5 to 300 vehicles guaranteed access to a replacement vehicle if one becomes undrivable. Coverage lasts up to 14 days per claim and applies to collisions, fire, theft, or malicious damage, including replacements up to large van size. The policy aims to reduce operational disruptions while repairs or claims are processed. Michelle O’Reilly, Alps’ managing director, highlighted that the product addresses fleet downtime challenges and ensures continuity for businesses, in partnership with Strategic Insurance Services and Collinson Insurance.

Ageas UK and Saga launch 20-year insurance partnership for over-50s

17 Dec 2025

Ageas UK and Saga have launched a 20-year partnership to offer motor and home insurance for customers over 50, with motor cover available immediately and home insurance following in early 2026. Saga manages marketing and proposition design, while Ageas handles pricing, underwriting, claims, and customer service, with customer ownership retained by Saga. The collaboration combines Ageas’ insurance expertise with Saga’s deep understanding of the over-50 market to provide trusted, competitive products. Executives from both companies emphasized that the long-term deal reflects a strategic focus on stable distribution and delivering high-quality, tailored insurance solutions.

Aviva secures multiyear motor deal with data enrichment provider

17 Dec 2025

Aviva has signed a multiyear partnership with Percayso Inform to enhance its vehicle data enrichment across pricing, underwriting, and claims operations. The collaboration aims to provide more accurate, risk-reflective premiums by leveraging detailed vehicle intelligence, including historic data, DVLA/DVSA records, MOT history, and motor trade information. Percayso’s platform offers a comprehensive view of each vehicle to support both personal and commercial lines. Executives highlighted that the partnership will help Aviva underwrite competitively and settle claims more efficiently, while providing actionable insights across its teams.