Manley Highlights Auto Insurance Reform Efforts to Support Consumers, Combat Unfair Increases

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As part of her continued efforts to deliver a more affordable Illinois that prioritizes consumers over corporate profits, state Rep. Natalie Manley, D-Joliet, recently backed reforms to combat unfair and discriminatory auto insurance practices.

“As auto insurance rates continue to rise, this measure would deliver needed oversight from the Illinois Department of Insurance to review and challenge irresponsible increases,” Manley said. “We’re creating safeguards for consumers, and developing a better, more transparent system that reflects accountability.”

Highlights of the Manley-backed Senate Bill 1486 include:

• Explicitly prohibiting auto insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory,
• Empowering experts at the Illinois Department of Insurance to review and challenge unfair rate changes,
• Stopping surprises by making insurance companies give customers 60 days’ notice before double-digit increases,
• Preventing cost shifting practices so that Illinois families are not saddled with increased premiums because of disasters in other states, and
• Streamlining defensive driving course requirements that can reduce premiums for those over age 55.

Senate Bill 1486 is spearheaded by the Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias as part of his Driving Change initiative to address fairness and transparency in the auto insurance industry. Additional information about the effort can be viewed at https://www.ilsos.gov/special/driving-change.html.

“The cost of vehicle ownership is already high, and it’s important for Springfield to take action to rein in excessive insurance rates that are hurting families,” Manley said. “This is a good step in the right direction, and I appreciate the Secretary of State’s strong advocacy on this topic.”

Senate Bill 1486 has returned to the Senate for concurrence and is currently under consideration. For more information, please contact repmanley@gmail.com.