Smaller Insurers Gain Ground as UK Motor Premiums Fall — For Now

21 January 2026

After the turbulence of 2024, the UK motor insurance market calmed in the first half of 2025 as falling premiums reduced consumer shopping and switching, according to LexisNexis Risk Solutions. This easing allowed smaller insurers to compete more effectively on price, resulting in customer gains outside the top ten providers, while larger insurers lost some dominance. However, rising repair, theft, and claims costs suggest this balance may be short-lived, with premiums likely to increase again in 2026. Data also show sharper differences in risk management, as larger insurers demonstrated stronger fraud detection and more proactive policy cancellations.

Rising Living Costs Change How Australians Maintain and Insure Their Cars

21 January 2026

Australian motorists are cutting back on vehicle maintenance and insurance as cost-of-living pressures intensify, with 57% of car owners reducing or delaying at least one car-related expense in the past year, according to Canstar research. Many drivers are postponing servicing, repairs, or even cancelling non-compulsory insurance, particularly younger motorists and those in states such as Victoria and Western Australia. Insurers warn that delaying maintenance may increase safety risks and could lead to claim denials if vehicles are not kept roadworthy. Additional research shows more drivers are extending service intervals, performing DIY repairs, or downgrading insurance cover, trends that may affect future claims frequency and underinsurance levels.

Quote Detective Partners with PremFina to Expand Operations

21 January 2026

Quote Detective, a specialist UK motor insurance broker, has partnered with premium finance provider PremFina in a multi-year deal to streamline operations and support growth. The partnership followed a competitive review, with Quote Detective citing PremFina’s competitive rates, sector expertise, and technology-driven platform as key advantages. The collaboration allows the broker to respond quickly to regulatory and market changes while maintaining high service standards. PremFina has seen strong demand from brokers seeking technology-led, reliable premium finance solutions amid shifts in the market.

Robotaxi Incidents Challenge Insurers’ Autonomous Vehicle Risk Models

21 January 2026

Recent robotaxi incidents are testing whether autonomous vehicles (AVs) truly reduce risk for insurers, as real-world deployments reveal complexities not captured in controlled trials. Collisions and operational disruptions, often caused by unpredictable human drivers or technical freezes, highlight that fewer accidents do not automatically mean lower overall exposure due to costly AV sensors and hardware. Experts caution that while long-term data still suggest AVs could be safer, insurers face uncertainty in pricing and reserving before the evidence fully supports reduced risk. The short-term challenge lies in balancing trial-based expectations with real-world incidents and claims severity.

Car Insurance and the Energy Transition: How Insurers Adapt to New Driving Habits

20 January 2026

The rise of electric and hybrid vehicles in France is reshaping driving habits and prompting insurers to adjust their offerings. EVs now represent a significant share of new registrations, driven by environmental benefits and lower running costs, while drivers increasingly favor occasional-use policies for reduced mileage. Despite these changes, risks such as theft and road accidents remain, making insurance coverage essential. Insurers like GMF are tailoring policies for electric and hybrid cars, covering batteries, charging equipment, and offering mileage-based pricing to reflect new mobility patterns. Personalized contracts aim to balance cost, safety, and environmental considerations for drivers.

E-Car Subsidies 2026: Up to €6,000 in Grants

19 January 2026

Starting in 2026, Germany will reintroduce a nationwide subsidy for electric vehicles, retroactively applying to cars registered from 1 January 2026. Private households with taxable annual incomes of up to €80,000 (or up to €90,000 for families with children) can receive between €1,500 and €6,000, depending on income level, family size, and vehicle type. Funding applies to new battery-electric cars, plug-in hybrids, and range-extender vehicles, including leased cars, but excludes used vehicles. Applications are expected to open online in May 2026, after vehicle registration, with a minimum ownership period of 36 months.

Only One in Ten Cars in Romania Has Voluntary Motor Insurance

19 January 2026

In Romania, only about 10% of cars are covered by voluntary motor insurance (CASCO), according to insurers’ association UNSAR, leaving most owners unable to afford repairs after self-caused accidents. The majority of cars without CASCO are over 10 years old and therefore not eligible for this type of insurance, and data show that these older vehicles account for most incidents. By contrast, cars insured with CASCO are involved in accidents far more frequently, suggesting that higher-risk drivers are more likely to insure themselves. Because only around 20% of Romanian cars are newer than 10 years, the effective CASCO coverage among eligible vehicles is closer to 50% rather than 10%.

Car Insurance in Italy Adapts to EU Rules: Key Changes

19 January 2026

Italy is updating its car insurance regulations to comply with EU Directive 2021/2118, introducing more flexibility and new coverage options. Mandatory liability insurance (RC Auto) will no longer apply to vehicles permanently unusable, while classic and historic vehicles can insure for “static risk” when parked. Infra-annual policies for seasonal vehicle use and simplified insurance for motorsport events will also be allowed. Additionally, IVASS will regain powers to regulate risk certificates and oversee data reporting for policyholders and claims. These changes aim to modernize the system without increasing public costs.

Premier Insurance Collapse Leaves 16,000 UK Motor Policyholders Searching for New Cover

18 January 2026

Around 16,000 UK motorists have been affected by the administration of Gibraltar-based Premier Insurance Company, which stopped operating after prolonged financial difficulties. The insurer entered administration in October 2025 and officially cancelled all remaining active motor policies on 1 December 2025, meaning customers must now arrange alternative insurance. The UK Financial Conduct Authority confirmed that policies will not be renewed and warned drivers to secure replacement cover immediately to avoid driving uninsured. Eligible customers may receive limited protection through the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, while brokers are working to prevent gaps in mandatory motor insurance coverage.

What’s Changing for Your Car in 2026: 10 Key Measures to Know

16 January 2026

From 1 January 2026, several new rules affect drivers in France, including higher ecological bonuses for electric cars (up to €5,700) and tax credits for home charging stations. Fuel, electricity, tolls, and car insurance premiums are rising, with insurers citing higher repair costs and climate-related claims. Parking regulations are stricter, low-emission zones remain, and driving licences now expire every 15 years with mandatory medical checks for renewal. Social leasing for affordable electric vehicles continues, while heavier and higher-emission cars face increased malus charges, potentially doubling costs for certain hybrid models.