Daily Motor News – Wednesday 15 April 2026 

“Claims data is often the earliest signal of how risk is changing,” said Shane Riedman, president, anti-fraud analytics, at Verisk. “Even as overall volumes declined in 2025, the underlying loss patterns tell a very different story. This report analyses claims activity at scale, and can help insurers better gauge risk, anticipate emerging risks, identify subrogation opportunities and make smarter decisions for the year ahead.” Read more

ClaimsTech semi-finals open for registration 

Registration is now open for the ClaimsTech – The Pitch 2026 semi-final webinars, as ILC invites the market to engage with the next wave of innovation shaping the future of claims. Following a record-breaking year for entries, the competition now moves into its next phase, with a series of live digital sessions designed to showcase emerging technologies from across the claims ecosystem. Read more

‘Easy target’ drivers: Keyless car owners warned over leaving themselves open to thieves 

Keyless car owners could be making their vehicles an “easy target” for thieves, as new research from Go.Compare car insurance reveals that many drivers are still, literally, leaving the door open to criminals. Read more

Enhanced out of hours reporting for commercial motor claims 

AXA Connect has strengthened its support for Commercial Motor customers by partnering with Carpenters Group to handle out of hours claim notifications on its behalf. This enhancement ensures that any Commercial Motor claim can be reported at any time, with full details captured during the first call. Read more

AI declarations would be “overkill” 

Lawyers should not have to declare when artificial intelligence (AI) has been used in the preparation of court documents, APIL has urged in response to a Civil Justice Council (CJC) review. Read more

Covéa reports profit growth 

Covéa Insurance has reported a significant increase in profitability for 2025, with profit after tax rising to £72.4m, more than double the £32.9m recorded in 2024. The insurer’s financial results show gross written premiums of £616.8m, alongside a combined operating ratio (COR) of 91.6%, improved from 97.8% the previous year. The results reflect continued underwriting discipline and enhanced operational efficiency in what remains a competitive market environment. Read more

The FCA’s changing approach to MGAs 

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) recently published its regulatory priorities for the insurance sector, providing a useful summary of what the regulator is focusing on over the next 12 months. The FCA continues to be outcome drive n- particularly when it comes to customer understanding, product value and claims experience. At the same time, it is signalling that it wants to support innovation and growth across the sector. That balance is particularly important for Managing General Agents (MGAs), which often deal with product innovation, underwriting expertise and distribution. Read more

Insurance risk paradox: claims volume declined but risk is more elevated and concentrated, new Verisk report finds 

US: Insurance claims declined in 2025, but the underlying risks became more complex and concentrated, leading to more severe and challenging losses for many insurers, according to Verisk’s Annual Insurance Claims Trends Report, drawing on insights from ClaimSearch. Read more

Sharing the road with driverless cars 

Chris Vallance finds out about research to help self-driving cars communicate with other road users. Hear what happened when he came into contact with a virtual vehicle. Read more

Rivian’s Factory Will Run On Its Own Used EV Batteries 

In something of a full-circle moment, Rivian’s factory in Illinois will soon be powered by old Rivian battery packs. On Tuesday, the EV startup announced a deal with the battery-recycling firm Redwood Materials that will result in an initial 10 megawatt-hours of stationary energy storage at its plant. Read more

London gets closer to its first robotaxi service as Waymo begins testing 

Waymo has started testing its autonomous vehicles on public roads in London as it prepares to launch a commercial robotaxi service in the city this year. Read more

Lucid to receive new investments from the PIF and Uber 

Lucid Group Inc maker of the world’s most advanced software-defined vehicles and technologies, today announced a significant expansion of its partnership with Uber, further supported by an additional long-term investment from Ayar Third Investment Company, an affiliate of the Public Investment Fund (PIF). Read more

CMA orders the AA and BSM driving schools to refund learner drivers over drip pricing 

The AA Driving School and BSM Driving School – both of which are owned by the AA – must refund more than 80,000 customers and pay a fine of £4.2 million. Read more

‘Exploring remote testing’: DVSA may tackle huge backlog of learner driver theory test with home-based option 

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has launched a procurement process that could eventually allow learner drivers to sit their theory test from home. The contracts, which cover three separate regions of the UK, include provisions for “exploring remote testing and proctoring technology in the delivery of the service.” Read more

Fleet Assist launches ADAS charter to help fleets embrace new vehicle safety technologies 

Fleet Assist has launched an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) charter for fleets embracing new technologies that will make their company vehicles safer. This comes as ADAS introduces leasing, rental and salary sacrifice companies to a complex environment of technology validation and digital systems which require support from their SMR garage network partners. Read more

Supply Chain thefts soar in 2025, with over 50% increase, BSI report finds 

 Supply chain thefts rose by 56% last year, even before the effects of the latest geopolitical instability were felt, research by BSI has found. Throughout 2025, expanding tariffs, export controls and shifting trade policies raised costs, disrupted sourcing strategies and accelerated supply chain restructuring throughout global routes. These shifts also introduced new risks, including increased exposure to theft, compliance challenges and operational complexity. Read more

PIB Group Ltd, the specialist insurance intermediary Group, has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Rob Houghton as Chief Operations Officer (COO), bolstering operational capabilities across the Group in the UK and Europe. Read more

LKQ Europe has announced the acquisition of ACtronics, a leading European specialist in the repair and remanufacturing of automotive electronic components. Read more

BCA continues to expand its market leading motorbike sale programme with the announcement of a two-year exclusive re-marketing partnership with WeBuyAnyBike that will bring thousands of used motorbikes to the marketplace. Read more

Ian Clarkson has started a new position as Head of Operational Support – Customer at Ageas UK.