Tom Barnes is an Automotive Partnerships Manager at Admiral Group, where he leads the company’s engagement with the rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle (AV) ecosystem. Based in the UK, Tom works at the intersection of insurance, technology, and regulation—helping to shape how motor insurance adapts to the transition toward automated and connected mobility.

In his role, Tom is responsible for building and managing strategic relationships with leading automotive manufacturers, technology firms, and mobility providers. This includes collaboration with companies at the forefront of autonomous driving innovation, as well as engagement with government bodies and industry stakeholders on the development of the UK’s regulatory framework for automated vehicles.

Tom plays a central role in Admiral’s response to legislative and policy developments, including the implementation of the Automated Vehicles Act and related secondary legislation. He contributes to consultation responses, policy discussions, and cross-industry forums, with a particular focus on liability models, data access, and the future structure of motor insurance in an increasingly automated environment.

Alongside his regulatory work, Tom leads initiatives to explore new insurance products and business models enabled by AV technology, including fleet-based insurance for robotaxi services, embedded insurance with vehicle manufacturers, and data-driven underwriting approaches. He is also involved in research and internal programmes assessing the feasibility and impact of autonomous vehicles on Admiral’s core business.

Tom regularly represents Admiral externally through industry events, workshops, and thought leadership, contributing to discussions on the future of mobility, safety, and risk in a driverless world. His work focuses on ensuring that insurers are not just adapting to change, but actively shaping the future of transport.