Daily Motor News – Friday 21 March 2025 

New Highway Code changes could be introduced as drivers ‘switch off’ crucial car features

A third of drivers are failing to use potentially lifesaving technology in their vehicles amid calls to introduce new Highway Code rules, according to groundbreaking new research.

The IAM RoadSmart 2024 Road Safety Report reveals that despite modern vehicles being equipped with various assistance aids, 33 per cent of drivers never engage with these systems. Read more

UK Insurance Market Outlook

The UK insurance market exhibited a general softening throughout 2024. This transition has been characterized by increased competition and abundant capacity across many key classes of insurance, with the potential for average pricing reductions between 11 percent and 20 percent. Strong insurer financial results, including robust underwriting and investment performance, coupled with increased capacity from both established and new market entrants, were responsible for this shift. Read more

Lithium-ion batteries and recall risk

Lithium-ion batteries (li-ion batteries) have revolutionized the way we power everything from household electronics and medical devices to electric vehicles, industrial equipment, and renewable energy storage systems. Read more

Motor Injury Insights – March 2025

MII premiums around Australia and NZ

Figure 1 summarises the headline motor injury insurance (MII) premiums effective 1 July 2024. These include any loadings relating to lifetime care (for jurisdictions with separate schemes), as well as stamp duty, GST and other levies. The 2023 premiums (diamonds) and change since last year are also shown. Read more

Uninsured drivers have “nowhere to hide” as police seized 138,000 vehicles last year

Those choosing to drive without car insurance are being warned that “there’s nowhere to hide” as new figures show police seized an uninsured vehicle every four minutes across the UK last year.

Statistics from the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB) show that in 2024, 138,000 vehicles were taken off the roads by police due to the lack of a valid insurance policy, with over 860 seized within the 1.1 square mile jurisdiction of the City of London Police alone. Read more

Motor theft claims surge 96% to $270m in Australia over nine years

AUS: The Insurance Council of Australia has reported a significant rise in motor vehicle theft claims, with the total value nearly doubling from £106m in 2015 to £208m in 2024—a 96% increase in real terms.

The number of claims also rose from 22,000 to 28,000 during the same period, marking a 27% increase. Read more

63% of motorists don’t plan to buy an EV: AXA UK research shows battery health concerns are a key factor

New AXA UK research reveals nearly two-thirds (63%) of UK motorists don’t plan to buy an electric vehicle (EV). Of those with no plans to purchase an EV, more than a third (37%) say concern over battery lifespan is one of the main reasons

In addition, only eight per cent of those questioned said they had plans to buy a second-hand EV. Read more

Allianz Partners UK extends roadside assistance partnership with Volvo Car UK

Allianz Partners UK has been reappointed as Volvo Car UK’s roadside assistance provider, extending its partnership for a further three years. Customers purchasing a new or used Volvo car – or servicing their car at a Volvo retailer – will continue to enjoy roadside assistance provided by Allianz. Read more

New VRA-CARA agreement signals closer collaboration on remarketing issues

A new agreement committing to closer collaboration has been signed by the UK’s Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA) and the Car Remarketing Association of Europe (CARA).

The memorandum of understanding approved by both boards recognises “the benefits of co-operation in the future to the benefit of our members” and grants each organisation corporate membership of the other. Read more

How government bodies can help drive EV adoption

Our latest Insight Quarterly report (IQ) reveals that the UK is moving towards its electrification goals, but wider EV adoption still faces roadblocks. Supported by Regit, we surveyed over 2,000 UK motorists, who claimed high costs, charging infrastructure, and a lack of education are causing hesitation. Read more

Higher EV volumes will drive wider growth

Growth is a core UK government mission, and making it happen amid intense economic challenges requires ambitious action. Next week’s Spring Statement provides an opportunity for the Chancellor to do just that and set out fiscal measures that boost the country’s prospects. The UK automotive sector is perfectly placed to deliver growth, provided the right conditions are in place – conditions that are critical for our sector as it faces multiple global headwinds whilst trying to deliver a “once in a century” technological transformation. Read more

Lloyd’s reports sustainable, profitable performance in 2024

2024 saw the continuation of positive returns, with profit before tax of £9.6bn (2023: £10.7bn), consisting of an underwriting result of £5.3bn (2023: £5.9bn) and an investment return of £4.9bn (2023: £5.3bn). 

Lloyd’s reported a 6.5% increase in premiums written in the market, raising the gross written premium to £55.5bn (2023: £52.1bn), primarily driven by volume of 8.5% (7.6% from existing and 0.9% from new syndicates). Price changes (including rate and inflation) contributed 0.3% as rate momentum stabilised, while foreign exchange movements offset the growth by (2.3)%. Read more

Automotive Hall of Fame to Honor Enterprise Mobility CEO Chrissy Taylor as 2025 Industry Leader

The Automotive Hall of Fame (AHF) is proud to announce Chrissy Taylor, President and CEO of Enterprise Mobility, as the recipient of its 2025 Industry Leader Award. This prestigious recognition honors individuals who have made a lasting impact on the automotive and mobility industries through exceptional leadership and innovation. Read more

PwC comments on March 2025 ONS labour market data

Commenting on the latest ONS labour market data, Paige Tao, economist at PwC UK, said:

“As with the recent GDP figures, the latest labour market data shows the UK economy remains in ‘wait-and-see’ mode.” Read more

Health and safety remains top concern for directors and officers worldwide, according to Willis

80% of directors and officers consider health and safety risks to be very important or extremely important to their organisation, according to the latest Directors and Officers Liability Insurance Survey by Willis, a WTW business, in collaboration with Clyde & Co. Read more

Cost of living crisis results in poor vehicle maintenance increasing risks for motorists

The ever-increasing pressures of the Cost-of-Living Crisis are taking an increasing toll on the UKs motorists. The release of a number of new surveys has revealed the true extent of the struggles many drivers are facing when maintaining their vehicles for use on UK roads. Read more

Garry Bloom has started a new role as Director of Operations at MPL Claims Management Ltd

Heathrow Airport will be closed throughout Friday over a “significant” power outage linked to a fire at a nearby electrical substation that supplies it. Read more

James Taylor will take over as Managing Director at Nissan GB in May, after years with Stellantis.

Ed Jones has been appointed Sales Director at Nissan GB.