SLT-Mobitel and Fairfirst Launch First Mobile Billing Motor Insurance in Sri Lanka

11 February 2026

SLT‑Mobitel Mobile and Fairfirst Insurance have introduced Sri Lanka’s first motor insurance solution integrated with mobile billing, allowing customers to purchase and renew policies directly via their mobile accounts. The service eliminates the need for physical paperwork or office visits, offering a secure, transparent, and user-friendly process. It expands access to insurance, including for rural communities, and aligns with the government’s digital transformation goals. This innovation builds on SLT‑Mobitel’s existing mobile-delivered insurance services, enhancing convenience and financial protection for vehicle owners nationwide.

New Zealand Weighs Benefits of Mandatory Third-Party Car Insurance

11 February 2026

Transport Minister Chris Bishop says he is not opposed to mandatory third-party vehicle insurance, but believes the benefits may be limited since most New Zealanders already have coverage. The Automobile Association notes that compulsory insurance could raise costs for existing policyholders without significantly increasing coverage among the uninsured. New Zealand’s current system covers personal injuries through ACC, while property damage insurance remains optional. Authorities suggest that improving driver training and road safety may be more effective than mandating additional insurance.

Car Dealers and Manufacturers Gain Ground as Alternative Channels for UK Motor Insurance

10 February 2026

A GlobalData survey finds that traditional insurers still dominate UK motor insurance distribution, accounting for just over 60% of policies, while digital-only providers represent 16.6% of purchases. Automotive-linked channels are also expanding, with nearly 9% of consumers buying cover through car dealers and just over 8% via manufacturers. Recent initiatives, such as the Cuvva and Toyota partnership offering short-term digital motor insurance, highlight the rise of embedded insurance models. Although traditional channels remain primary, digital and automotive partnerships are increasingly complementing existing distribution strategies.

AI Competition Hits MoneySuperMarket After ChatGPT Launches Rival App

10 February 2026

MoneySuperMarket’s parent company, Mony Group, lost £144m in market value after Spanish startup Tuio launched an AI-powered app on ChatGPT that allows users to compare home insurance prices by describing their properties. Shares fell up to 13.8%, alongside drops in Admiral and GoCompare-owner Future Plc, as investors feared AI disruption to traditional comparison websites. The move mirrors similar US developments, such as Insurify’s ChatGPT-based comparison tool. Analysts suggested the impact on UK comparison sites may be overstated, as companies like Mony Group could develop their own AI-powered apps.

Severe Weather Poses Growing Challenges for Motor Insurance

10 February 2026

Recent UK flooding and prolonged road closures are highlighting how severe weather impacts motor risk beyond immediate claims, particularly for fleets and commercial vehicles. Insurers face rising questions around liability, driver behaviour, and loss of use, while businesses contend with higher transport costs and operational disruption. Legal experts note that disputes often arise over policy coverage, foreseeability, and adequacy of warnings or diversion routes. Although claims spikes remain limited, severe weather is already driving cost pressures, contested losses, and evolving expectations for motor insurance coverage.

Benign Loss Year Boosts German P&C Underwriting Results

10 February 2026

Germany’s property and casualty insurers saw a strong recovery in 2025, with the gross combined ratio falling to 91% from 96% in 2024, aided by unusually low natural catastrophe losses of €2.6 billion. Motor and homeowners’ insurance showed notable improvements, driven by premium increases and moderated claims inflation. Gross written premiums for P&C reached €99.7 billion, with motor insurance accounting for €38.6 billion and homeowners’ insurance €29.1 billion. While underwriting results improved, the market remains cautious about long-tail liability risks, such as PFAS exposure. Life insurance also saw growth, mainly from single premiums, supported by higher guaranteed interest rates and improved investment returns.

Axa Faces Pressure Amid AI Disruption Concerns

10 February 2026

Axa shares fell 2.8%, along with other European insurers, following U.S. market declines driven by AI-related disruption fears. The launch of an AI tool by Insurify, a U.S. insurance comparison platform, raised concerns about potential impacts on the auto insurance sector. Analysts note Axa and Allianz have limited exposure to U.S. personal lines, so the effect is indirect, but investor worries are still weighing on European insurers. While some see AI tools as a growth opportunity, others fear they could disrupt advisory and brokerage activities.

Use of Recycled Auto Parts Surges After Accidents

9 February 2026

The use of recycled auto parts after accidents is increasing in France, with over 6% of replaced components now coming from reuse, especially for vehicles older than five years. These parts, mainly body panels, lights, and non-safety-related mechanical components, are strictly regulated for quality and compatibility. Rising repair costs have encouraged insurers to promote reused parts, helping limit claims expenses and reduce future premium increases. The practice also supports environmental goals by cutting the production of new parts and integrating recycling into auto insurance repairs. This trend is expected to continue in 2026 as repair costs rise and recycling standards tighten.

Kyrgyzstan Delays Europrotocol Launch Due to Low Motor Insurance Coverage

9 February 2026

The introduction of the Europrotocol in Kyrgyzstan has been postponed because only about 61% of vehicle owners hold compulsory motor third-party liability (CMTPL) insurance, below the required 80% threshold. Since the CMTPL system began, insurers have paid out over 333 million KGS, demonstrating its functionality. Authorities stressed that full documentation is required for claims, including insurance policies, accident reports, and identification. Implementation of the Europrotocol will proceed once insurance coverage reaches the mandated level, ensuring a stable system for compensating accident victims.

Mexico EV Insurance Costs Rise Faster After 2026 Tax Change

9 February 2026

Insurance premiums for electric vehicles (EVs) in Mexico are rising faster than for gasoline cars following a 2026 tax change that prevents insurers from crediting VAT on repairs and claims, increasing operational costs by up to 20%. EV premiums are higher due to expensive components like batteries and advanced electronics, specialized repair requirements, and additional coverage for high-voltage systems and home chargers. Average claim costs for EVs are 60–70% higher than for comparable gasoline vehicles, even for minor incidents. Despite similar repair times, the cost structure drives the premium gap, and insurers advise comparing policies carefully. The tax change and higher premiums may slow EV adoption, with more Mexican consumers favoring gasoline vehicles in 2026.

Motor Insurance Prices Surge 381.8% in Uzbekistan After Coverage Changes

7 February 2026

Uzbekistan saw a dramatic 381.8% rise in compulsory motor third-party liability (CMTPL) insurance premiums in January, driven by a doubling of coverage limits from UZS 40 million to UZS 80 million. Passenger car insurance costs increased fourfold nationwide, with Tashkent rates rising from UZS 56,000 to UZS 192,000. The government also introduced new rules for policies covering limited or unlimited drivers. The hike follows complaints over delayed payouts and insufficient coverage, combined with rising vehicle and repair costs. Regulators stated the updated insurance provides adequate protection for life, health, and property damage for most budget vehicles.

UK Prepares for Autonomous Vehicle Liability Shake-Up

6 February 2026

The UK’s Automated Vehicles Act 2024 introduces new legal entities—Automated Self-Driving Entities (ASDEs) and No-User-In-Charge operators (NUICs)—to assign liability when driverless cars crash. While the law clarifies responsibility, insurers face uncertainty due to high repair costs, limited accident data, and evolving vehicle software behavior. Event data recorders and a new independent accident investigation branch aim to determine fault, but access to proprietary vehicle data remains contentious. Full regulation is expected by late 2027, leaving insurers and operators to navigate a complex, evolving risk landscape as autonomous driving becomes more common.

Public-Private Insurance Must Become “Resilience Engines” – Geneva Association

6 February 2026

A Geneva Association report urges public-private insurance schemes to move beyond post-disaster payouts and actively build long-term resilience. Many programs face financial stress, with the US NFIP carrying over $22 billion in debt and France’s CCR reporting consecutive losses, while Spain’s CCS shows stronger stability. Globally, protection gaps remain large, with up to 60% of economic losses uninsured, particularly in Asia and Latin America. The report proposes a three-pillar approach: invest in risk reduction, strengthen private insurance markets, and use public-private programs for targeted risk-sharing to better prepare societies for disasters.

Industries Facing AI and Tech Disruption

6 February 2026

AI and technology are set to disrupt several sectors, including motor insurance, travel portals, property and car classifieds, and retail. Insurers like Admiral face challenges from AI-driven autonomous vehicle policies, while platforms such as Expedia and Rightmove must compete with AI agents offering faster, cheaper, and more personalized services. In retail, AI virtual try-on tools and recommendation systems could reduce returns and boost sales, pressuring companies to adopt new technologies or risk falling behind. Investor concern over AI disruption also hit software and data firms like RELX and Sage, though established trust and proprietary data may slow immediate impact. Overall, AI is reshaping business models, customer expectations, and market valuations across industries.