Illinois Passes Legislation to Give Insurance Department Oversight of Rate Changes
Article 0 Comments Illinois lawmakers this week passed a pair of bills that gives the insurance department the authority to review homeowners and auto rate filings to determine whether they are excessive. The insurance industry has heavily opposed the legislative measures, warning that expanded government control over insurance rates will reduce competition and drive prices up. HB 4273 and SB 714 give the Illinois Department of Insurance the ability to review and overturn rate increases that are deemed “excessive, inadequate or unfairly discriminatory.” Brian Christenberry, regional vice president for NAMIC, said the bills add a tighter regulatory framework without addressing the underlying drivers of premium increases. “Illinois has a competitive insurance market, but when policymakers focus on controlling rates instead of reducing costs and risk, consumers end up with fewer choices and a less stable market,” Christenberry said. Illinois leaders for years have pushed lawmakers to pass legislation that would give the insurance department more power to reign in rate increases. Governor J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday he would sign the bills into law. “Too many families have dealt with unexplained, unfair insurance price hikes on their homes and cares, so this legislation helps protect consumers while maintaining core principles the...