Jones Passes New Protections in Auto Theft Cases, Cracks Down on Insurance Loopholes that Deny Coverage

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Victims of auto theft will be better protected under a new measure passed by state Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-South Holland, preventing insurance companies from denying needed coverage because of the circumstances of a crime.

“Insurance companies have been finding loopholes to deny customers coverage for too long,” Jones said. “No one chooses to get their car stolen so owners shouldn’t have to pay for someone’s crime. I’m urging the lawmakers in the Senate to pass this bill, so motorists have peace of mind, when faced with a horrible situation.”

Loopholes in some auto policies allow big insurance companies to deny coverage in incidents of theft where a break-in could not be proven, or if a vehicle was left unlocked—leaving victims without compensation. Jones’ House Bill 2842 closes these loopholes to ensure victims of theft receive the coverage they paid for regardless of the circumstances of the theft. The measure also prohibits insurance companies from unfairly denying coverage based on a driver’s home address. 

Jones’s bill broadens the resources and security from auto thefts by coinciding with House Bill 2245, passed into law last year. House Bill 2245 provides a car theft hotline to the manufacturer as well as the local sheriff’s department to ensure proper claims and remedies are put into motion. 

The bill passed out of the House floor on Wednesday, and awaits consideration in the Senate