Italy
Car insurance in Italy: trends, regional differences, and helpful tips
In Italy, car insurance (RC Auto) is mandatory and its cost is influenced by factors such as vehicle age, type of fuel, driver age, profession, and region. Premiums decreased between 2014 and 2021 but have risen since 2022, with significant regional disparities—for example, Naples averages €601 while Enna is €295. Newer vehicles, hybrids, and electric cars benefit from lower rates, while older cars and young drivers face higher premiums. Tools like the Legge Bersani, RC Familiare, and black box installation can reduce costs, sometimes by up to 30%. Comparison platforms like Facile.it help drivers navigate these variables to find the best coverage at the most competitive price.
India
Why motor insurance was kept out of GST exemptions
Health and life insurance have been exempted from GST to encourage wider adoption, but motor insurance remains taxable. Experts note that life and health cover are considered essential services tied to social welfare, while motor insurance is treated as a financial product and a legal requirement for vehicle owners. Since owning a vehicle is viewed as an economic activity, motor insurance is not seen as a necessity like health or life cover. Additionally, GST on motor insurance provides the government with a steady revenue stream, making exemptions unlikely.
UK
Latest Pothole Index Data From the RAC: More Damage, More Call-Outs
Pothole-related breakdowns in the UK hit an unseasonable high in Q2 2025, with RAC patrols attending 6,575 incidents — up 9% from the same period last year. Broken suspension springs led the list of issues, rising 23% to nearly 4,800 cases, while total pothole call-outs over the past year reached almost 25,000. The RAC attributed the surge to a colder winter that worsened road conditions, with pothole-related call-outs now at their highest proportion in seven years. Despite record funding for roads, the RAC urged councils to prioritise preventative maintenance like surface dressing over temporary fixes to reduce long-term damage and costs for drivers.
Spain
While aid is aimed only at new cars, people choose used cars
Spain faces an aging vehicle fleet, with an average age of nearly 15 years, leading to higher pollution, lower safety, and slower transition to efficient mobility compared to other European countries. Access to new or electric vehicles remains limited for many, making refurbished cars a practical, affordable, and cleaner alternative. These vehicles, often under five years old, are rigorously inspected, certified, and up to 30% cheaper than new models, yet they remain largely excluded from major incentive programs. Supporting refurbished cars could accelerate fleet renewal, reduce emissions, and improve road safety while ensuring mobility remains accessible for middle- and low-income households. Policymakers are urged to prioritize realistic solutions that reflect the needs of everyday drivers.
Canada
SAAQclic: An SAAQ VP was unaware of the numerous bugs detected before the launch
Jean-Philippe McKenzie, vice president at the SAAQ, testified that he would have asked more questions of IT contractors had he known about the numerous bugs in the SAAQclic portal months before its launch. The system went live despite persistent issues, leading to severe service disruptions and tense conditions at service points, including police interventions due to unruly crowds. Employees faced extreme stress, with some crying and managers resigning amid the chaos. McKenzie emphasized that with earlier warning, the agency could have demanded stricter testing and follow-up before rollout. The commission continues to investigate the technological modernization failures at SAAQ.
