Daily Motor News – Friday 20 December

UK motorists can now use digital Green Cards to show their vehicle is insured abroad 

From 1 January 2025, UK motorists can use a digital Green Card on a mobile device as proof of valid motor insurance, instead of carrying a printed copy, when taking a vehicle to any country in the Green Card system. This is thanks to the work of MIB in partnership with COB, which administers the Green Card system, and its members from 47 countries across Europe and beyond. Full story

Car loans complaints extension announced by the Financial Conduct Authority 

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has announced an extension for firms to respond to complaints about motor finance agreements that do not involve discretionary commission arrangements (DCAs). Firms now have until after December 4, 2025, to provide final responses to these complaints, aligning with a similar extension already in place for DCA-related complaints. Full story

Seven million more potholes to be filled next year as public urged to report roads in need of repair 

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has announced nearly £1.6bn to fix potholes across England for next year. The funding goes well beyond manifesto pledge, helping councils fix the equivalent of seven million extra potholes next year and saving drivers hundreds of pounds in repairs. Across England, local highways authorities will receive a £500 million uplift in funding. Full story

IAM RoadSmart welcomes government investment in roads 

IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said: “This record funding settlement will bring some festive cheer for motorists and cyclists alike. The emphasis is often on the nuisance and cost implications of potholes, but for many, particularly motorcyclists and pedal cyclists, poorly maintained roads are huge safety risk. Full story

Insuretech Marshmallow turnover surges 75% to £184m 

Marshallow’s revenues jumped 75% in 2023 as the insuretech saw another strong year of growth. The London-based motor insurance business posted turnover of £184m for the year ended 31 December 2023. Losses for the year were cut by 98% from £16.1m to £208k. Full story

Car manufacturing down in November as sector seeks an easing of cost pressures 

UK car production fell -30.1% in November, the ninth consecutive month of decline, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 64,216 cars rolled off factory lines, 27,711 fewer than in November last year. Full story

Operation to ‘sparc’ better driving behaviour in Leeds 

A special operation to tackle illegal, dangerous, and anti-social driving on Leeds’ roads has seen nearly 6,000 motorists arrested, fined or warned over their behaviour. Operation SPARC – Supporting Partnership Action to Reduce Road Casualties – was developed between West Yorkshire Police (Leeds District) and Leeds City Council following an increase in anti-social driving complaints from residents. Full story

Drivers warned of major spike in car crime in January 

Tracker is warning fleets and drivers of an increased threat of car crime with the change from autumn to winter. Over four million pounds worth of stolen vehicles were recovered by Tracker during November 2023-January 2024, equating to 32% of all vehicle recoveries last year. Full story

Government calls for pause on Vauxhall plant closure 

The Government has called for car giant Stellantis to review its plans to close Luton’s Vauxhall van factory. The move was confirmed by the Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds who has written to the company asking for it ‘pause’ redundancies to enable more time for discussions “about options to keep the plant open.” Full story

Claimsline UK joins Verisk Automated GTA 

Claimsline UK has joined the Verisk Automated GTA Grouping family. Claimsline is an independent accident management company, helping over 18,000 customers get back in the driving seat after an accident. Full story

AA CEO talks about the EV transition 

the ZEV mandate alone will be insufficient to make the net zero transition happen. Whilst the mandate is having a major effect on the supply of new EVs in the market, our research has found that supply is by now far outstripping demand from drivers. Full story

Break up for Christmas, don’t break down 

As motorists prepare for a Christmas getaway, GEM Motoring Assist has warned that more than 50% of breakdowns would not have occurred if the car had recently had a service. It says simple actions such as checking fuel and tyres will help drivers to keep moving, but added that a good breakdown policy is vital in case anything does go wrong. Full story

£360m lawsuit alleges massive fraud in no-fault insurance claims 

Allegations of rampant insurance fraud in New York’s no-fault auto insurance system have led to a $450 million lawsuit filed by American Transit Insurance Company (ATIC). The case accuses more than 180 defendants—ranging from ambulatory surgery centers to healthcare entities—of submitting thousands of fraudulent claims for reimbursement. Full story