Fuel Costs: Gasoline and Diesel Prices Rise Significantly

4 February 2026

Fuel prices in Germany have risen sharply this week, with diesel increasing by 2.3 cents to 1.721 €/liter and Super E10 up 1.2 cents to 1.748 €/liter. Diesel prices are now at their highest since April 2024, despite crude oil prices remaining roughly stable at around $67 per barrel. The small price gap between diesel and gasoline highlights room for potential diesel discounts. Drivers can save by refueling in the evening rather than the morning, comparing station prices, using Super E10 instead of the more expensive E5, or applying ADAC fuel card discounts.

Third Party Motor Insurance Claims: Why Courts Are Tightening Insurer Defences

3 February 2026

Indian courts are increasingly limiting the scope of routine defences used by insurers to deny or reduce third-party motor accident compensation. Tribunals and higher courts are reaffirming that third-party insurance under the Motor Vehicles Act is a welfare mechanism, not a standard commercial contract. Insurers are now required to prove a wilful and fundamental breach of policy, with technical or procedural violations viewed narrowly unless they directly caused the accident. Even where breaches exist, courts frequently apply the “pay and recover” principle to ensure victims receive timely compensation. This shift prioritises social justice, faster relief for claimants, and greater accountability for insurers.

Insurance Crisis in Mexico: miituo Challenges Premium Hikes with a Model Closing the Gap for 70% of Uninsured Cars

3 February 2026

Rising accident claims and premium increases have left 68% of Mexican drivers without insurance, creating a severe financial vulnerability. miituo offers flexible, technology-driven insurance models, including monthly fixed payments and pay-per-kilometer options, allowing users to pay only for the coverage they actually use. These digital solutions make insurance accessible and affordable, with potential savings of up to 70% compared to traditional policies. By aligning costs with vehicle usage, miituo helps drivers maintain legal protection while avoiding financial strain, redefining auto insurance in Mexico.

Bodywork and Paint: Mutua Madrileña Grows Over Three Points in Auto Policies, Closing in on Mapfre’s Leadership in Spain

2 February 2026

Mutua Madrileña increased its market share in auto insurance from 12% to 15.3% in 2025, narrowing the gap with Mapfre, whose share fell to 16.43%. Including SegurCaixa Adeslas, Grupo Mutua now leads the Spanish market with an 18.6% share, surpassing Mapfre’s 17.8%. The growth reflects Mutua’s strategy of moderating premium increases and has intensified conflicts with workshops over low labor and parts pricing. Overall, the auto insurance sector grew 8.38% in premiums, benefiting insurers like Mutua and Generali, while Allianz, Generali, and AXA round out the top five.

Around 26% of UK Drivers Say They Have Suffered Vehicle Crime

2 February 2026

New research from the RAC shows that 26% of UK drivers experienced vehicle crime such as theft or vandalism in the past year. Drivers in towns and city centres are far more affected, with nearly half reporting incidents, compared to much lower levels in rural areas. Common issues include vandalism, theft of personal items, vehicle theft, and stealing of parts like catalytic converters. Despite lower crime rates, rural drivers report equal or greater concern about theft and vandalism. The RAC warns that rising vehicle crime is adding to insurance costs, already under pressure from higher repair expenses and increasingly complex vehicles.

New bills aim to end discrimination against guide dog users and elderly drivers

2 February 2026

Two bills will be presented in Cyprus parliament to protect the rights of people with guide dogs and elderly drivers. One bill guarantees access for individuals with guide or assistance dogs to public buildings and transport, while the second prohibits insurers from denying or increasing third-party motor insurance premiums solely based on age. The legislation is supported by pensioners’ organisations, which argue that age alone should not determine driving risk. The proposals aim to end arbitrary discrimination, ensure fair treatment, and uphold mobility and human rights for affected citizens.

From Annual Insurance to Daily Coverage: How Risk Management in Road Transport Is Going Digital

2 February 2026

The Spanish road transport sector is increasingly adopting digital, flexible insurance models, including “on-demand” daily policies that cover vehicles only when in use. These temporary policies can be purchased entirely online, with instant issuance and email delivery, allowing transport professionals to cover trucks, vans, trailers, or machinery for specific days or campaigns. Daily insurance helps small fleets and independent drivers reduce costs, better plan vehicle use, and integrate coverage into overall risk management. While annual policies remain essential for year-round operation, on-demand insurance complements them by providing flexibility, cost control, and administrative efficiency.

Weak vehicle sales drag auto insurance growth into negative territory in Jan

30 January 2026

China’s auto insurance market started 2026 on a weak note as sluggish vehicle sales weighed on premium growth. Several insurers reported negative growth in auto insurance premiums in January, with some experiencing double-digit declines. The downturn reflects softer demand in the auto sector, which continues to pressure new policy issuance. Market participants are closely watching how evolving trends such as EV insurance and intelligent driving regulations may influence recovery later in the year.

Change for All Drivers in Vehicle Tax – What Applies from 2026

30 January 2026

From January 2026, all vehicle owners in Germany must pay their motor vehicle tax in a single annual payment, eliminating the previous option of installment payments. The tax amount itself remains unchanged, calculated based on engine size, CO₂ emissions, fuel type, and registration date. The reform aims to simplify administration, reduce payment defaults, and streamline digital processing. Drivers should prepare by budgeting for the full payment upfront, especially those with multiple vehicles or high tax amounts. Early planning will help avoid financial strain and ensure compliance with the new rules.

FMA slaps Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance with public warning for overcharging $700,000

30 January 2026

The Financial Markets Authority (FMA) issued a public warning to Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance (AIOI) after the insurer failed to apply advertised multi-vehicle and multi-policy discounts, overcharging more than 5,000 customers nearly $700,000 over nine years. The issue arose from flawed processes that did not correctly identify eligible customers, though there was no evidence of deliberate misconduct. AIOI self-reported the problem, notified affected policyholders, and made remediation payments. The FMA highlighted the need for insurers to maintain accurate systems and controls to ensure fair pricing and honour advertised discounts.

Electric Car Sales Surpass Gasoline Models in Europe

30 January 2026

In December 2025, electric vehicle sales in the EU exceeded those of gasoline cars for the first time, marking a major step in Europe’s energy transition. Fully electric car registrations rose 51% year-on-year, while plug-in hybrids increased 36.7%, together making up 67% of new registrations. Meanwhile, traditional gasoline and diesel vehicle sales fell sharply, by 18.7% and 24.2% respectively. Hybrids remain important in the transition, appealing to buyers hesitant to switch fully electric, and used car markets continue to be dominated by combustion vehicles.

Thailand: Directive on online vehicle insurance takes effect 1 Jan 2026

29 January 2026

A new directive issued by Thailand’s insurance regulator, the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC), came into force on 1 January 2026, formalising the framework for online motor insurance. The regulation governs the issuance, delivery, and management of motor insurance policies through digital channels. It is part of a broader push to fully digitalise mandatory motor insurance and modernise distribution across the sector. The move is expected to improve efficiency, transparency, and consumer access to vehicle insurance products.