Daily Motor News – Friday 16 January 2026  

Insurers turn out in force for ARC360 2026 

More than 50 individual representatives from over 20 insurance companies have already confirmed their attendance at ARC360 2026, highlighting the event’s growing importance as a collaborative platform for the motor claims and repair sector. Read more

New partnership formed as shock figures show pothole damage at record high 

A new partnership has been launched between road users and industry to help tackle the scourge of potholes as shock new figures from the AA show pothole damage to vehicles has hit a five year high. Read more 

UK insurers must tackle privacy concerns to unlock growth in telematics 

Over a quarter of UK consumers suggested that a telematics/usage-based insurance (UBI) policy gives them privacy concerns, a GlobalData survey has found. Meanwhile, the telematics provider IMS has warned that insurers risk stalling the adoption of UBI policies in 2026, unless they address consumer concerns around data privacy and transparency. Read more

Post-merger data migration drives UK insurers’ IT priorities, Sollers reports 

UK insurers are redirecting technology budgets toward post-merger integration and data migration following four major market consolidation deals, the Sollers Prediction Report 2026 said. Read more

Aviva shows support for UK charities and communities 

Aviva, the UK’s leading diversified insurer, has simplified its charitable activity by bringing together the Aviva Community Fund and its previous grant-making programme, the Foundation, into a single integrated offering. Read more

Omoda & Jaecoo launches OJ Approved in response to used car demand 

Omoda & Jaecoo UK has launched OJ Approved, a manufacturer-approved used vehicle programme aimed at boosting customer confidence and protecting residual values as the brand continues to expand. Read more

Updated analysis finds average battery degradation of 2.3% per year, with charging behaviour emerging as a key driver 

Updated electric vehicle (EV) battery health data from Geotab, a global leader in connected vehicle and asset management solutions, shows that modern EV batteries continue to perform strongly through their operational lifespan, even as fast charging becomes more common. Read more

BYD extends warranty of Blade Battery to eight years or 250,000km 

BYD has strengthened its commitment to its customers in Europe by extending the warranty of its cars’ Blade Batteries to eight years or 250,000km – and making the switch applicable to existing cars as well as new purchases. Blade Battery technology is at the heart of all BYD’s New Energy Vehicles – pure-electric and Super Hybrid. These cars already feature a basic-coverage warranty of six years or 150,000km, along with a 12-year, unlimited-mileage anti-perforation warranty and cover for the electric drive unit of eight years or 150,000km. Read more

Bentley Motors recognised by Top Employer for excellent workplace culture 

Bentley Motors is pleased to announce it has been recognised as a UK Top Employer for the 15th consecutive year by the internationally renowned Top Employers organisation. Read more

IMI Response to the Government’s 16-19 Pathways Reform Consultation 

IMI supports the ambition to simplify the 16–19 qualifications landscape and strengthen parity of esteem for vocational pathways. However, the proposed reforms represent a significant structural change to how technical competence, safety, and progression are developed in the automotive sector. Read more

Auto30Club reaches 30% goal five years early as it announces annual awards 

The Auto30Club has achieved its goal of securing 30% of automotive leadership roles being filled by women five years early, as it announces its Inspiring Automotive Women 2026 award winners. Read more

EV charging point group seeks spark amid Reeves tax raid 

An electric vehicle charging point provider backed by Britain’s biggest high street banks is exploring a sale amid fears over the impact of the Treasury’s latest tax raid on the sector. Sky News has learnt that Trojan Energy, which is part-owned by the BGF, is working with advisers on a review of its strategic options, including a sale to new investors. Read more

Training and development employer insight survey 

The Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) is running this survey to gather direct input from employers across the automotive sector about training and development needs. Read more

Following a career spanning 53 years in the motor claims arena, Paul Smith, Group Claims Director at Markerstudy Group has retired. 

Steve Barwick has started a new position as UK Supplier Performance Manager at Intact Insurance UK. 

Edward Lloyd has started a new role as Manager, Partnerships at The ABI. 

Steven Bowyer has started a new position as Head of New Partnerships & Strategy at Allianz UK. 

Alan MacEwan has become the new Chief Customer and Operations Officer at Ageas UK. 

Anita Laszecka has started a new role as Complex Claims Manager at Cogent Hire. 

Hannah Wilson has started a new position as Deputy Third Party Manager at Direct Commercial Ltd.