Daily Motor News – Monday 09 March 2026

ILC ARTICLE

9th March 2026

This week’s headlines highlight the continued evolution of road safety, industry collaboration and technological progress across the motor sector.

The AA has called for a national campaign to improve motorway behaviour after new research revealed that a significant proportion of drivers regularly witness risky lane changes, middle lane hogging and undertaking on UK roads (AA). As road safety remains a priority, initiatives such as the partnership between Microlise and Streamax are also exploring how AI-powered camera technology could help improve fleet safety and driver awareness.

Collaboration across the repair and claims ecosystem continues to strengthen ahead of ARC360 2026, which will bring together insurers, vehicle manufacturers and repair leaders to address key challenges shaping the sector’s future.

Across the automotive landscape, the industry is marking major milestones. Volvo celebrates 70 years since the introduction of the seatbelt, while Volkswagen Group has delivered four million all-electric vehicles globally as electrification gathers pace.

At the same time, rising oil prices could present fresh pressures for UK drivers, with the RAC warning that fuel costs may continue to increase if global market volatility persists (RAC).

As emerging technologies, safety innovation and industry partnerships continue to evolve, the sector remains focused on building a safer, smarter and more sustainable mobility future.

AA calls for lane discipline campaign as drivers see risky lane moves

The AA is calling for a national lane discipline campaign after new research* found eight out of 10 drivers regularly see risky lane moves on motorways, with 85% also reporting middle lane hogging and 80% noticing undertaking. Read more

ARC360 2026 set to unite the industry voices

ARC360 2026 is set to bring together the organisations actively shaping the future of the UK vehicle repair sector when it returns to the British Motor Museum, Gaydon on Thursday 21 May. The event continues to strengthen its position as one of the industry’s most important meeting points, with representation already confirmed from around 30 insurer brands, more than 10 vehicle manufacturers and some of the UK’s most innovative, forward-thinking and fastest-growing repair businesses. Read more

Empowering young women through our UK Youth partnership

In support of International Women’s Day (IWD) 2026, we are focusing on our partnership with UK Youth, the leading national youth work charity focusing on social change. Today, we hear from some of our people at Intact Insurance, and UK Youth, on what IWD means to them, how we are working on breaking down barriers for young women, and a personal story from one of our colleagues. Read more

UK insurance distribution M&A loses momentum – MarshBerry

Despite tentative signs of a pickup in January and a couple of sizeable early-year deals, UK insurance distribution mergers and acquisitions (M&A) slowed again in February, with only five new transactions announced for the month. Read more

Opinion: Autonomous vehicles and insurance, is the UK prepared?

The announcement that fully driverless vehicles are expected to operate on London’s roads later this year represents a watershed moment for both transport policy and the insurance market. Read more

Volvo celebrates 70 years of the seatbelt saving lives

Volvo Car UK is celebrating 70 years of pioneering seatbelt technology this year with the debut of the world-first multi-adaptive seatbelt in the new EX60 model. Read more

Electrifying milestone: Volkswagen Group delivers four million all-electric vehicles

With the delivery of four million all-electric vehicles, the Volkswagen Group has reached another milestone in its successful electrification strategy. In 2025, the Group was one of the top five BEV manufacturers worldwide and was the clear BEV market leader in its home market of Europe with a market share of around 27 per cent. Read more

What $100 oil could mean for UK drivers: RAC statement and data

Following the continued rise in the cost of oil, RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Average petrol and diesel prices have rocketed in the last week and are unfortunately likely to keep on rising, so the situation for UK drivers is looking increasingly bleak. Petrol is up 5p to 137.5p and diesel up 9p to 151p a litre since the current crisis began on Saturday 28 February.” Read more

CII and EDII – Future talent

Developing future talent remains one of the CII Group’s core priorities and the New Generation programme continues to play a central role in equipping emerging leaders with the skills, confidence and mindset needed to shape the profession’s future. This year marks an important evolution, with the programme bringing together rising professionals from across both the insurance and financial services sectors. Read more

Microlise and Streamax partnership to drive fleet safety

Microlise has agreed a new partnership with Streamax for its next-generation AI-powered distraction camera and wider camera technology for commercial vehicles. Read more

Rainbow Trust has selected a team of 13 intrepid explorers to take part in a trip of a lifetime to the Arctic Circle. Included in the challenge is ILC ClaimsTech Sector Lead, Jonathon Valentine. Read more

To meet growing demand for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Europcar Mobility Group UK has added the JAECOO 7 premium SUV to its rental fleet, available for business and leisure drivers across the UK.