Illinois House Passes Giannoulias' Auto Insurance Reform Bill

Legislation aims to protect consumers from unfair rate hikes and discrimination

Mar. 22, 2026 at 1:15pm

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The Illinois House has passed Senate Bill 1486, a measure led by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to reform the state's auto insurance industry. The bill introduces several consumer protections, including requiring insurers to provide at least 60 days' notice before increasing renewal premiums by more than 10 percent, expanding prohibitions on excessive or unfairly discriminatory rates, and granting the Illinois Department of Insurance greater authority to review and challenge rate filings.

Why it matters

The legislation reflects concerns raised during Giannoulias' statewide 'Driving Change' campaign, which highlighted how insurers use socioeconomic factors like credit scores, ZIP codes, and age to set rates in ways that disproportionately impact seniors, working families, and communities of color. Illinois is one of only two states that does not require prior review of insurance rates, leaving consumers vulnerable to excessive or unfair pricing.

The details

Senate Bill 1486 builds on the momentum generated by the Secretary of State's 'Driving Change' advocacy effort, which elevated concerns from Illinois drivers and helped shape a comprehensive proposal to bring greater fairness, transparency and accountability to insurance ratemaking. The bill also modernizes requirements for the National Safety Council's Defensive Driving Course.

  • Senate Bill 1486 passed the Illinois House on March 22, 2026.
  • The legislation will now return to the Senate for a concurrence vote.

The players

Alexi Giannoulias

Illinois Secretary of State who launched the 'Driving Change' campaign to combat unfair and discriminatory auto insurance practices.

Robyn Gabel

Illinois House Leader and sponsor of Senate Bill 1486.

Thaddeus Jones

Illinois State Representative and sponsor of Senate Bill 1486.

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What they’re saying

“As this bill moves through the final stages, we are taking a meaningful step toward a more transparent and accountable insurance marketplace. Illinois drivers and homeowners deserve a system that is rooted in fairness, prioritizes actual risk and protects consumers from excessive or unjustified rate increases.”

— Robyn Gabel, Illinois House Leader

“For too long, Illinois families have faced rising insurance costs without clear justification. Senate Bill 1486 establishes important guardrails to ensure rates are not only transparent, but fair. This is about protecting consumers and making sure insurance companies are accountable.”

— Thaddeus Jones, Illinois State Representative

What’s next

The legislation will now return to the Senate for a concurrence vote before heading to the governor's desk for signature.

The takeaway

This reform bill represents a significant step forward in holding insurance companies accountable and ensuring auto insurance rates in Illinois are fair, transparent, and based on actual risk rather than discriminatory factors. The passage of this legislation is a victory for Illinois consumers and a testament to the power of grassroots advocacy campaigns like 'Driving Change' to drive meaningful policy change.