Illinois Secretary of State Launches Campaign Against Unfair Auto Insurance Rates

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has launched the 'Driving Change' campaign to address what he describes as unfair and excessive car insurance rates, particularly targeting the use of factors like credit scores, ZIP codes, and age to determine premiums rather than primarily relying on driving records. Giannoulias highlighted disparities such as safe drivers with poor credit paying significantly more than drivers with DUIs but good credit, and noted that older drivers, despite being among the safest, often face higher premiums. The campaign includes a series of town hall meetings and a website for Illinois residents to share their experiences, aiming to gather public input to inform upcoming legislation. Despite previous legislative attempts being blocked, largely due to lobbying from insurance companies and concerns that restrictions might raise premiums or drive insurers out of the state, Giannoulias and supportive lawmakers remain committed to pushing for reform. Critics, including some legislators, argue that credit scores are a valid measure of financial responsibility and caution against regulatory actions that could lead to insurance companies exiting Illinois. Giannoulias emphasizes that the goal is not to harm insurers but to seek transparency and fairness in rate-setting, with hopes that public pressure will lead to meaningful legislative change.