Worldwide Insurance Insights: Trends, Risks, and Policy Updates

The Consortium transfers the Hello Auto portfolio to Ges Seguros

19 Nov 2025

As part of Hello Auto’s liquidation process, the Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros has transferred the company’s entire insurance portfolio to Ges Seguros, effective November 1, 2025, following approval by the DGSFP. Claims arising before this date remain the responsibility of Hello Insurance Group, while those after November 1 fall under Ges Seguros. The Consorcio has invited unknown creditors to submit claims within one month, providing original supporting documents. Creditors in EU member states may submit claims in their official language, but the submission must be titled either “Presentation of claims” or “Presentation of observations on claims.”

Three million uninsured cars in Italy: from the depths of the South (one in ten in Reggio) to the surge in the North

18 Nov 2025

In Italy, nearly three million vehicles are circulating without insurance, with the uninsured rate rising from 5.2% in 2021 to 6.1% in 2024. While the South and islands remain the worst, northern regions have seen a 53% surge in uninsured cars over two years, with Aosta reaching 11.3%. The lack of an enabling decree for automatic license plate readers since 2012 has hindered effective enforcement, leaving motorists at risk of high fines and vehicle seizure. Additionally, fraudulent online policies are proliferating, tricking drivers with fake certificates and disappearing after payment. Authorities and insurers are strengthening guidelines and digital monitoring to combat these “ghost vehicles” and protect compliant drivers.

Fraudulent insurance claims continue to top £1bn

18 Nov 2025

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) reports that detected general insurance fraud reached £1.16 billion in 2024, marking a slight increase from the previous year, with over 98,000 fraudulent claims uncovered. Motor insurance remained the biggest target for scams, while exaggerated losses continued to be the most common type of fraud. Insurers also blocked more than 684,000 fraudulent policy applications, reflecting growing sophistication in fraud attempts. Industry leaders stressed the need for continued collaboration across insurers, law enforcement, and technology platforms to combat increasingly advanced fraud tactics. As fraud continues to rise, authorities urge consumers to stay vigilant and report suspicious activity.

Homes and cars damaged by the rains: what you should do to protect your property

17 Nov 2025

Recent storms in Southern California have caused property and vehicle damage, with more severe weather expected in the coming days. Homeowners are advised to review their insurance policies carefully, as standard homeowners coverage protects against rain, wind, and fallen trees, but flood damage requires separate flood insurance. Auto policies with comprehensive coverage generally cover storm-related vehicle damage. Experts recommend documenting all damage with photos and videos, keeping receipts, and avoiding major repairs until an insurance agent has assessed the property. When hiring contractors, ensure they are properly licensed and confirm coverage and deductibles with your insurer.

Countdown to mandatory scooter insurance starting January 2nd

17 Nov 2025

Starting January 2, 2026, electric scooters in Spain will be required to have mandatory liability insurance, but key regulations and a vehicle registry are not yet finalized, leaving insurers uncertain about product launches. The law sets minimum coverage of €6.45 million for personal injury and €1.3 million for property damage, aligning scooter insurance with car third-party coverage. Scooters must also have a circulation certificate, registration, and identification label, but the registry is not yet operational. Insurers, including AXA, Mapfre, and Zurich, are designing products while awaiting regulatory clarity, with premiums expected to rise above current voluntary rates of €20–100 annually. The Consorcio de Compensación de Seguros will cover damages in cases where the responsible scooter rider is unknown or uninsured.

Operating costs put pressure on insurance companies in Central America

17 Nov 2025

Rising claims, particularly in health and auto insurance, are putting pressure on operating costs for insurers in Central America, according to Moody’s Local. The annualized loss ratio reached 56% by mid-2025, with health insurance loss ratios around 70% in some countries, leaving limited margins for managing expenses. Combined ratios, which include losses and operating costs, rose to 96%, reflecting slight financial deterioration across the region. Premium growth has slowed, averaging 8% year-on-year in U.S. dollars, with Costa Rica and Panama growing more slowly than in previous years. Insurers are focusing on expanding sales channels to support premium growth despite the rising claims and operational challenges.

License plates and insurance for scooters: the current situation

17 Nov 2025

Since December 2024, new traffic regulations in Italy require scooters to have license plates and liability insurance, but implementation is still pending. Although the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport has issued technical specifications and pricing for the “Targhino” plate, the online registration platform is not yet active, so citizens are not yet required to register their scooters. Some companies provide insurance via family policies, but this does not meet legal requirements. Helmets and other safety gear are already mandatory for all electric scooter riders, and scooters must meet technical standards including lights, indicators, brakes, and bells. Full compliance, including insurance, will become compulsory once registration and license plate issuance are operational.

Insurance fraud costs you dearly in Belgium: 150 euros per year for each household!

16 Nov 2025

In 2024, over 7,000 insurance fraud cases were detected in Belgium, preventing losses of €147.5 million, mostly from workplace accidents, car, and fire insurance. Assuralia warns that hidden fraud could account for an additional 5–10% of claims, meaning hundreds of millions more go undetected, ultimately raising costs for all. On average, each household bears up to €150 per year due to these fraudulent activities. Fraudsters face severe consequences, including denied claims, contract termination, and possible criminal prosecution. The industry emphasizes that fighting fraud protects victims and ensures fair premiums for everyone.

The French behind the wheel: the end of a myth

14 Nov 2025

French drivers are generally safe, with only 7–8 claims per 100 car insurance policies, debunking the stereotype of reckless “chauffards.” Young drivers aged 18–30 have the highest accident rate at 8.36 per 100 policies, mostly minor incidents, while drivers over 30 show lower claim rates despite representing the majority of accidents due to fleet size. Experienced drivers in their 40s and 50s are the least accident-prone, and rates slightly rise again after 60. Most French motorists insure similar vehicles, mainly with third-party coverage, and overall, driving behavior is consistent across age groups.

New York to launch real-time auto insurance verification system

14 Nov 2025

New York has passed Senate Bill S.5331–A, mandating all motor vehicle insurers to participate in a real-time, statewide online insurance verification system. Starting December 31, 2028, insurers must provide the DMV with electronic access to policy issuance, cancellation, and termination data to help identify uninsured vehicles. The system will include strict data security and privacy protections, with unauthorized disclosure classified as a misdemeanor. Funding will come from civil penalties, grants, and assessments on insurers, and a one-year pilot phase is required before full implementation. The law modernizes auto insurance compliance, streamlines reporting, and enhances regulatory oversight without changing policy terms.

AXA Issues Warning on Staged Motorcycle Accidents

14 Nov 2025

AXA UK has reported a surge in “crash for cash” scams, where motorcyclists deliberately cause accidents and steal drivers’ personal details to file fraudulent insurance claims. Since 2023, over 700 such cases have been identified, often targeting vulnerable drivers and orchestrated by organised fraud rings. Fraudsters may stage accidents, request personal documents, or pose as insurers post-incident, with stolen data used to take out multiple fake policies. AXA urges drivers to gather evidence, avoid sharing personal details, and report suspicious activity to the Insurance Fraud Bureau. These scams not only cause financial and emotional distress to victims but also increase insurance premiums for all policyholders.

Are you paying more for car insurance because of your gender?

14 Nov 2025

A review by RNZ found that car insurance quotes in New Zealand often differ by gender, with middle-aged women sometimes paying slightly more and young men facing noticeably higher premiums. Insurers say gender, combined with age, can be a strong indicator of risk, although some companies have stopped using it due to changing social expectations and limited data for broader gender identities. Actuarial experts note that insurers price according to risk to avoid anti-selection, where low-risk customers move to cheaper competitors. Consumer advocates argue that gender-based pricing feels outdated as insurers shift toward more individualised risk assessments. Despite this, several insurers still use gender as a factor for motor insurance premiums based on their claims data.

Aviva posts 12% surge in general insurance premiums in 9M 2025 

14 Nov 2025

Aviva reported a 12% increase in general insurance premiums to £10bn for the first nine months of 2025, driven by strong growth in the UK and Ireland. Personal Lines rose 24% following the integration of Direct Line and new partnerships, while Commercial Lines grew 10%. In Canada, premiums were up 3%, although Commercial Lines declined due to the insurer exiting underperforming accounts. Aviva expects full-year operating profit of about £2.2bn and continues to target strong earnings and return-on-equity growth through 2028. CEO Amanda Blanc noted that the company is on track to meet its financial goals for 2025 a year ahead of schedule.

Government Proposes Major Shift in Motor Insurance Regulations

13 Nov 2025

The Indian government has proposed changes to motor insurance rules that would include compensation for owner-drivers’ injuries or deaths under third-party insurance. This adjustment could expand protection for vehicle owners while increasing insurers’ liabilities and claim costs. Companies such as ICICI Lombard and Go Digit may need to revise their pricing, underwriting models, and policy structures if the proposal becomes law. Although still under review, the amendments signal a push toward stronger consumer protection, and the insurance industry will be watching closely as the regulatory process unfolds.

Baloise again recognised as one of the most innovative companies in the Swiss insurance industry in 2025

13 Nov 2025

Baloise has won first place in the Swiss Insurance Innovation Awards for its “AI Concierge” project, reaffirming its reputation as one of Switzerland’s most innovative insurers. The generative-AI-powered tool reviews competitors’ policies in real time and instantly creates personalised counteroffers for customers. This enables financial partners to provide faster, more tailored insurance advice, with the solution currently used in motor insurance and soon expanding to other products. Baloise leadership highlighted that the award recognises the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and customer-focused digital solutions.

Survey: Almost every second motorist complains about sharp cost increases

13 Nov 2025

A recent ADAC Autoversicherung survey found that 92% of German drivers have faced rising car-related costs, with nearly half reporting significant increases. Fuel remains the largest expense, prompting 89% to refuel when prices are lower and 57% to reduce driving. Maintenance and insurance costs are also major concerns, with many using cheaper workshops or leaving minor repairs undone. Almost half of drivers are considering switching insurers to save money, while others seek premium reductions through telematics, workshop agreements, or adjusting coverage. Despite the interest in savings, 44% of respondents admit they are not well-informed about cost-cutting options for car insurance.