The Department for Transport in conjunction with the Centre of Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, and Simon Lightwood MP have launched a consultation to gather views from road users, industry and disability groups to help shape the rollout of autonomous vehicles.

The Financial Conduct Authority has announced an AI live testing initiative to help firms develop their use of artificial intelligence in a safe and responsible way. Homeprotect is one of the brands within the first cohort of companies using the new environment.

Van insurance premiums fell by 4.4% in the three months to November 2025 and are down by 19% when compared to the same period last year. The data from consultancy Pearson Ham Group’s latest van insurance price index shows that premiums are down by 26% since their peak in mid-2024.

The Financial Conduct Authority is looking to replace five different complaints returns with a single consolidated return in a bid to reduce duplication and drive more consistent and comparable data collection. The new process will require regulated firms to report complaints involving customers in vulnerable circumstances.

The Lloyd’s Market Association has set out its aspirations for the market in 2026 in relation to operations and technology. These include an increased move to peer-to-peer technology adoptions, the adoption of the core data record across claims and the implementation of accredited data-standards in the proliferating number of broker platforms.

Motor insurer By Miles, which is part of the Direct Line Group has confirmed it has stopped quoting on new business and will not offer renewal quotes to existing customers from 6th January 2026. The announcement follows Aviva’s acquisition of Direct Line Group.

Independent broker network Momentum Broker Solutions has launched Momentum Equity Partners, which is a joint venture with AUB Group. Momentum Equity Partners will provide capital and support to the network’s appointed representatives and assist them to expand organically and/or through acquisition.

Bridgehaven Europe Holdings Limited has confirmed receipt of all the requisite regulatory approvals to formally complete its acquisition of SureStone Insurance DAC, which was announced earlier this year.

Specialty re/insurance broker Consilium has launched a UK contractors’ all risk facility that is available on an annual renewable basis as well as for standalone project risks. Consilium said cover would be available to contractors including civil engineers, builders, allied trades, shop and office fitters, groundworkers, and landscapers.

Independent intermediary Clear Group has expanded its footprint into Scotland through the acquisition of commercial insurance broker Cairn Corporate. Cairn is based in Kirkcaldy, Fife and was founded by Robert Young. It has an annual income of approximately £1m.

Axa XL and Placing Platform Limited have opened a new data exchange facility using Acord Solution Group’s Adept Placing data exchange gateway. The new connection enables Axa XL to receive structured data, final market reform contracts and supporting documents directly from PPL’s placing platform.

Addept Insurance Services has launched a new protection product for motorists that provides legal costs cover for personal injury, uninsured losses, motor prosecution defence, contract disputes and vehicle cloning claims. The product is called ‘Drive’.

Let and unoccupied property specialist Abacus has named managing general agent Alps on its panel. Under the agreement, Alps will provide Abacus brokers with online access to its home emergency, commercial landlord legal, excess protect and rent protection add-on products.

Wrightway Underwriting Limited has rebranded to Pen Underwriting Ireland following its acquisition in June 2024. The Wexford-based business has a network of around 200 broker partners and Pen has stated its intention of growing its Irish operations going forward.

Mark Richard Insurance, which is a subsidiary of The Broker Investment Group, has acquired a 75% stake in Portal Group. Portal was established in 2022 and is based in Tarporley, Cheshire. The commercial insurance broker manages gross written premium of £2m. Its existing managing director Jason Munnelly (pictured) will continue to lead the business following thew deal.

Partners& has acquired 3 Dimensional Insurance Limited, which is a Lloyd’s broker based in Upshire, Essex with a focus on property. The deal follows the recently announced acquisition of Avenue Insurance Partners and Ko-bolt International. The nine-strong team at 3DI will move to Partners& and form the foundation of the group’s operations as a Lloyd’s broker.