Daily Motor News – Wednesday 08 July 2026 

“What is important is the direction of travel. That indicates that the sustained reductions of the last two years have come to an end. Insurers are again applying upward pressure where they need to, particularly as they seek to protect margin and respond to underlying cost dynamics.” Stephen Kennedy, Director at Defaqto. Read more

Mobility conference expands programme 

The programme for ILC’s Mobility in Insurance Conference 2026 continues to evolve, with a growing line-up of experts from across insurance, mobility, technology and legal services confirmed to explore the trends reshaping the future of motor claims. Read more

Motor premiums continue rising 

Motor insurance premiums increased for a second consecutive quarter during Q2 2026, signalling a return to price growth following two years of sustained reductions, according to the latest Defaqto Market Pricing Motor Insurance Price Index. Read more

Large gap between UK drivers confidence behind wheel and understanding of car insurance driving abroad 

Prima Insurance has released data showing that while 50% of people feel confident about driving on European roads. And, more than four in five said they are very, or fairly, confident that they understand the driving laws and requirements of the countries they visit. Read more

Introducing Picnic 

1st Central Group is expanding its presence in the UK motor insurance market with the launch of a new car insurance brand, named Picnic. Read more 

Aviva has successfully completed its £350m share buyback programme 

Aviva plc has successfully completed its share buyback programme which was notified to the market on 5 March 2026. As a result of the Programme, Aviva acquired 56,721,704 ordinary shares at an average price of 617.05 pence per share. Read more

CMT offers telematics-based insurance through Geotab Marketplace 

Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT) has made its telematics-based insurance offering, DriveWell Fleet, available to fleets through Geotab Marketplace. Read more

Used EV interest from independent dealers increasing, data shows 

Interest in used EVs from independent dealers rose significantly in the second quarter of 2026, according to new data from G3 Vehicle Auctions. Read more

Warrantywise Reveals Common EV Faults & Repairs 

As the used electric vehicle market matures and consumer confidence in electrification grows, increasing numbers of buyers are choosing pre-owned EVs through franchised and independent dealer networks. To help retailers better understand this changing landscape, Warrantywise – a trusted provider of extended used car warranties for more than 25 years – has analysed its repair request data to reveal new insights into used EV reliability, ownership patterns and aftersales considerations across the second-hand market. Read more

EV salary sacrifice schemes boost recruitment and retention, says Tusker 

Employers are turning to EV salary sacrifice schemes to help attract and keep staff, according to Tusker’s latest EV Employer Survey. Read more

World Youth Skills Day: why is investing in apprentices an investment in the future? 

Every year on 15 July, World Youth Skills Day shines a spotlight on the importance of equipping young people with the skills they need to succeed in the workplace, and whilst yes, qualifications will certainly always play an important role, today’s employers are increasingly recognising that some of the most valuable skills simply can’t be learned in a classroom. Read more

ZIGUP: Announcement of Results for the Full Year Ended 30 April 2026 

Martin Ward, CEO of ZIGUP, commented: “I am delighted with the progress made across our business, with a near 10% growth in EBIT excluding disposal profits reflecting both the underlying strength of our offering and sustained demand. Spain has had another standout period with its fleet at record levels, and the UK&I business is gaining good momentum, with some notable success from the performance of our nationwide bodyshops and the long-term renewal of our National Highways contract for a further 10 years.” Read more

Gecko highlights BEV trends 

Gecko has published its latest Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Insights for July 2026, highlighting continued growth in the UK’s electric vehicle parc alongside the latest repair cost and labour data for battery electric vehicles. Read more

Matthew Maxwell Scott, Chief Executive of the Consumer Legal Association (CLA) and ACSO, and familiar face at ILC events over the years has sadly passed away. All here at ILC send our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.  

Steer Automotive Group has been recognised in the UK’s Top 100 Apprenticeship Employers 2026, placing 81st in this year’s rankings. Read more

Scott McPheson has started a new role as Chair of the Board at the Motor Ombudsman. 

Europcar Mobility Group UK has partnered with BMW Group to add a range of premium cars to its ever-growing fleet throughout 2026. Vehicles joining the fleet include the 3 Series, 5 Series and 1 Series along with popular electric models in the i4 and iX series. 

Last week DCI Nik Jethwa, Head of Unit at IFED, featured on BBC Morning Live to discuss how IFED is tackling the growing use of AI in insurance fraud. Read more