Daily Motor News – Friday 1 May 2026  

Motor premiums remain stable, but cost of repairs still high 

The ABI’s latest data shows the average motor premium remained stable in Q1 2026, but the cost of repairs increased. The average premium held steady at £560, a marginal £1 (0.2%) increase on Q4 2025 but still £20 lower than Q1 2025, or £38 lower when adjusted for inflation. Read more

FCA statement on legal challenges to motor finance scheme 

An industry-wide scheme is the fastest, simplest route for consumers and the most efficient way for firms to put things right and give certainty to their investors. Alternative approaches would be slower and much more costly for firms. Read more

Brokers remain confident in growth despite challenging trading conditions 

Aviva’s latest Broker Barometer reveals a high level of confidence among brokers, with 95% expecting their business to grow in the next 12 months. Optimism is highest amongst regional brokers - 98% expect their business to grow.  Read more

New legislation strengthens action against keyless vehicle theft 

The NVCRP has welcomed new legislation in the Crime and Policing Act 2026 aimed at tackling keyless vehicle theft. The legislation introduces offences relating to electronic devices commonly used to gain unauthorised access to vehicles, including equipment designed to interfere with or exploit keyless entry systems. It is now a criminal offence to manufacture, possess, import, adapt or supply these devices without a legitimate purpose. Read more

CII launches Chartered firm vulnerability research programme 

The CII has sponsored the participation of Allianz, Chubb, Cornish Mutual and Covéa to combine their customer outcomes expertise with lived experts’ and charities’ insights to create new guidance and good practice. Read more

Claims AI Requires Strong Operational Guardrails 

Artificial intelligence is already changing insurance claims operations. It can shorten cycle times, improve fraud detection, reduce administrative costs, and help carriers handle routine claims with greater speed and consistency. Those benefits are real. But the difference between a useful AI system and a risky one is rarely the model itself. It is the control environment around it.  Read more

Car production stabilises but outlook still challenging 

UK vehicle production fell -8.2% in March, with 72,511 units rolling out of factories, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 69,755 cars (down -0.8%) and 2,756 commercial vehicles (down -68.3%) were produced following strong growth last year. Car output was also affected by a part supply challenge temporarily pausing production at a large plant, weak exports to Asian and US markets, and model changeovers. CV volumes continued to reflect a major manufacturer restructuring in 2025. Read more

Electrification advances, but progress remains uneven across Member States, report finds 

Transport & Mobility Leuven (TML) has released its first quarterly KPI update of 2026, commissioned by ACEA, tracking Europe’s progress towards zero-emission mobility across four key areas: electricity grid readiness, consumer adoption, charging infrastructure deployment, and European battery production and energy costs. Read more

TRL commissioned to develop national Blue Light standard for UK police vehicles 

TRL has been commissioned by the Metropolitan Police on behalf of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), to develop a new national Fleet Blue Light Standard for emergency vehicle lighting across UK policing. Read more

Fleets can save thousands of pounds on fuel by taking a few simple measures 

Fleets could save thousands of pounds at the pumps if their employees adopted an eco-driving style, according to research from IAM RoadSmart. Based on current average diesel prices of £1.90 a litre, avoiding bad habits like sharp acceleration, sudden braking, high revs, and mismanaged loads could save a business with a fleet of 100 vans almost £50,000 a year. Read more

Hertz and Uber partner to power autonomous robotaxi and driver-led fleet operations 

US: Hertz Global Holdings Incs affiliated operating company, Oro Mobility, and Uber Technologies Inc have announced two strategic fleet partnerships, accelerating Hertz’s growth into new mobility vectors and advancing Uber’s autonomous robotaxi and driver-led strategic fleet services. Read more

The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Group has announced the appointment of two new Executive Directors, further strengthening its leadership team. Ben Turner has been appointed Executive Director, Member Engagement, joining with immediate effect, and Will Holt will join as Executive Director, Learning, from 3 August.