Daily Motor News – Tuesday 4 August 2026 

“The market is struggling to get a foothold [on pricing]. Everyone’s trying to increase prices and anyone you talk to at any of the insurance conferences is talking about the need for price increases. But that’s not been happening consistently and the market is struggling to make the prices stick.” Geoff Carter, Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sabre Insurance Group plc. Read more

Consumer Legal Association hits back at FCA motor claim campaign 

The Financial Conduct Authority has urged motorists not to bother with law firms and claims management companies when they seek compensation. But the regulator upped the ante last month when it revealed it was spending £2m on an advertising campaign directing people seeking redress to a free template complaint letter on the FCA website. Read more

Defaqto names 2026 insurers 

Defaqto has named Aviva, Lloyds Bank, InsureandGo and Sainsbury’s Bank as its Insurers of the Year for 2026–27, following an independent assessment of product quality and customer experience across the UK personal insurance market. Read more

Sabre grows premiums 16% for HY26 as Carter warns motor market requires further price rises 

Sabre Insurance Group achieved a 15.7% increase in gross written premium (GWP) for the first half of 2026 as chief executive Geoff Carter warned that motor insurers still require “some pretty chunky price increases” to keep up with the pace of claims inflation. Read more

New MOT law as penalty points considered with August update 

Fresh penalties could be brought in for a range of motoring offences, including failing to obtain a valid MOT, which may result in vehicles being confiscated at the roadside. Police forces and road safety organisations have raised concerns with the government that certain violations do not carry adequate sanctions, such as penalty points or vehicle seizure. Read more

Secondhand EV leasing hits the fast lane as more UK drivers explore ways to cut motoring costs 

The number of people leasing used electric cars in the UK has more than doubled in the last year as drivers look for cheaper ways to avoid soaring petrol prices during Donald Trump’s war on Iran. Read more

Vertu Brings Renault, Dacia Sales Back To Mansfield 

Award-winning automotive retailer Vertu has reintroduced new car sales to its Renault and Dacia site in Mansfield, with the range offered by both manufacturers once again available to customers. Read more

June 2026 new car pre-registration figures 

SMMT released figures for June pre-registrations in the UK new car market. The data shows the number of cars disposed of by vehicle manufacturers in June 2026 that were defined as pre-registrations. Read more

Renters face EV charging gap 

Renters are more than twice as likely as homeowners to find charging an electric vehicle (EV) harder than expected, according to new research commissioned by temporary car insurance provider Tempcover. Read more

Best of Belron 2026: the world cup of windscreens 

For two days in June, Lisbon became the centre of the global vehicle glass industry as 30 of the world’s finest windscreen technicians gathered at the MEO Arena for Best of Belron 2026. Representing national champions from across the Belron family, competitors arrived having already proved themselves in fiercely contested domestic finals. But while only one technician would leave Portugal with the coveted title, the event itself was about something far bigger than competition. Read more

WSG launches direct-to-consumer EV warranty 

Warranty Solutions Group (WSG) has launched a direct-to-consumer electric vehicle (EV) extended warranty product. The product was intended to provide more specialised support for ageing EVs, as manufacturer warranties expire. Read more

The bodyshop industry is mourning the passing of Andy Smith, a highly respected figure whose career spanned Akzo Nobel, BASF, MKPE and LKQ, where he earned a reputation for his professionalism, loyalty and dedication. Tributes have highlighted the lasting impact he had on colleagues and customers, with condolences extended to his family and friends. Read more

VBRA Commercial has appointed Paul Sewell as Northern Business Development Manager, bringing more than 25 years of experience in commercial growth, strategic partnerships and technical innovation across the automotive and engineering sectors. Read more

INSHUR has promoted Mark Dennis to Chief Commercial Officer, where he will lead the company’s global commercial strategy, expand its partner and product portfolio across the UK and Europe, and accelerate growth in the US. Read more