Daily Motor News – Friday 06 March 2026  

John Lewis to expand insurance business after becoming broker 

John Lewis has said its financial arm is set to expand its insurance operation after becoming an official broker. The employee-owned firm said it is doubling down on its insurance offer a week after abandoning plans to diversify the business through building thousands of rental properties. Read more

Clear joins ILC as Insurer Partner  

Clear Insurance Management has joined ILC as an Insurer Partner, joining a cohort of 36 highly influential insurers supporting ILC’s better tomorrow ethos. Clear Insurance Management is focused on providing specialist insurance solutions while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards. Offering specialist insurance guidance since 2001, Clear Insurance Management has gone from humble beginnings to a thriving enterprise including investment from Goldman Sachs in 2022.  Read more

ERS launches Private Client Ultimate for UHNW motor segment 

ERS, the UK’s largest specialist motor insurer, today announced the launch of its new Personal Lines proposition, Private Client Ultimate. Building on the strength of its existing Prestige motor offering, both Private Client propositions will be available to trade via UK brokers. Read more

Fitch Places Beazley on Rating Watch Positive on Zurich Insurance Company’s Proposed Acquisition 

Fitch Ratings has placed Beazley Insurance Designated Activity Company’s ‘A+’ Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) Rating on Rating Watch Positive (RWP). It has also placed Beazley Insurance’s and Beazley plc’s (together Beazley) – its ultimate parent and holding company – ‘A’ Long-Term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) on RWP. Read more

Industry leader interview: 10 minutes with… Pete Allchorne, DAC Beachcroft 

In a fast-moving sector like insurance claims, the sharpest minds are often too busy to sit still – which is why we invited Pete Allchorne, Partner – Head of Strategic Advisory, DAC Beachcroft to give us 10 minutes of honesty, perspective, and insight… Read more

Self-driving technology races ahead of policy 

In recent years, the automotive industry has made huge strides in automation. Today, many cars, even mid-range models, can automatically adjust speed, brake in emergencies, stay in their lane, and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. Read more

ACEA sets out critical conditions for a stronger EU automotive package 

Against the backdrop of intensifying global competition, fragile supply chains, and rising protectionism, the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) Light-Duty Vehicle Board met today to assess the conditions required for Europe to maintain its global automotive leadership. Read more

No worse time for damage to UK-EU trade 

The ‘Made in Europe’ proposals set out this week in the European Commission’s Industrial Accelerator Act are gravely concerning for the sector given, as drafted, they would discriminate against UK-made vehicles and components – damaging a trading relationship worth almost £70 billion annually. Read more

Diesel at 16-month high in UK as Iran war drives oil prices up further 

UK average diesel costs have hit a 16-month high, less than a week after war gripped the Middle East and sent oil costs rocketing. Global energy prices have been the main financial market focus since Tehran launched attacks against Gulf nations in retaliation for the US-Israeli strikes on its country, disrupting production and deliveries of both oil and natural gas. Read more

Lloyd’s Lab unveils Cohort 16 following Pitch Day in London 

Lloyd’s has announced the companies selected for Cohort 16 of the Lloyd’s Lab Accelerator, following a Pitch Day that brought together InsurTech innovators, Lloyd’s market participants and international partners. Read more

Guidewire Announces Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Results 

Guidewire has announced its financial results for the fiscal quarter ended January 31, 2026. “We delivered another outstanding quarter highlighted by consistent execution, strong growth, and durable demand for large, multi-year deals,” said Mike Rosenbaum, chief executive officer, Guidewire. “Our momentum continues to build as AI drives core system modernisation activity, product development velocity, and customer and partner engagement.” Read more

Competition watchdog clears BCA acquisition of Aston Barclay 

The acquisition of Aston Barclay by British Car Auctions (BCA) has been approved by the UK’s competition watchdog following a detailed investigation. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) confirmed the deal would not significantly harm competition in the business-to-business used vehicle auction sector. Read more

TfL hack in 2024 affected around 10 million people, BBC can reveal 

Around 10 million people had their data stolen when Transport for London (TfL) was hacked in 2024, the BBC has discovered, making it one of the biggest hacks in British history. Read more

Chris Knight will join the FCA in July 2026 as director of insurance within our Supervision, Policy and Competition (SPC) division. He joins the FCA from Legal & General, where he has been the group chief risk officer for the last 5 years and member of the Group management committee. Prior to this, he was CEO of Legal & General Retail Retirement for 3 years. Read more

Tokio Marine Kiln (TMK), a leading specialist insurer, is pleased to announce that Lauren Storer has joined as an Underwriter in its Property & Motor division, reporting to Neil Robertson, Divisional Head of Open Market Property. Read more

Tackling the cost of living crisis is the UK public’s top priority for government, according to a new poll from Deloitte and the think tank Re:State. Read more