Italy's Ivass and Antitrust launch probe into soaring car insurance premiums

The Italian insurance regulator Ivass and the Competition Authority (AGCM) have opened a joint knowledge‑gathering investigation into the compulsory motor liability (RC Auto) insurance market. The sector, which generated about €13.5 billion in premiums in 2025, has some of the highest average costs in the European Union – €432 per policy in the fourth quarter of 2025, a 3.5 % increase year‑on‑year.

The inquiry will examine risk‑rating mechanisms such as the bonus‑malus system and class‑of‑merit tables, the direct‑compensation procedure, the use of on‑board “black‑box” devices, price‑comparison platforms and discount practices. A public consultation runs until 31 July 2026 to collect inputs from insurers, consumer groups and other stakeholders. Consumer association Codacons estimates the higher premiums cost Italian drivers an extra €2.9 billion compared with 2022 and calls for corrective measures.