SPRINGFIELD — Since October 2024, State Senator Michael Hastings has been raising concerns about steep and unjustified homeowners insurance rate increases affecting families across Illinois and has repeatedly called for legislative reforms to protect consumers. Hastings is again urging legislative action to protect homeowners after State Farm recently announced a historic dividend for auto insurance customers.

“Illinois families deserve a system that protects consumers, demands transparency and ensures rates are based on real data and fair standards,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “We will continue pressing forward until homeowners receive the same level of fairness and relief that auto policyholders are now beginning to see.”

Hastings has introduced multiple bills focused on addressing excessive increases in homeowners and auto insurance premiums, strengthening transparency in rate setting and ensuring stronger oversight of insurance companies.

Homeowners continue to face significant premium increases with little explanation or accountability. Many Illinois residents have experienced sharp rate spikes while lacking clear information about how those increases are calculated.

This week, State Farm announced a historic dividend for auto insurance customers, one of the largest in company history. The announcement is expected to provide meaningful financial relief for drivers and reflects improving claim trends in the auto insurance market. Hastings said the rebate is positive news for consumers and demonstrates that sustained public attention and policy pressure can produce results, but emphasized that relief for homeowners remains unresolved.

“Rebates for auto customers is encouraging,” said Hastings. “However, they do not address the larger issue facing Illinois families who continue to see dramatic increases in homeowners premiums. Temporary financial returns do not replace long-term structural reforms.”

Hastings noted that Governor JB Pritzker has publicly highlighted the need for insurance transparency and accountability and referenced reforms consistent with Hastings’ legislative proposals in his State of the State address, calling that development a meaningful step.

Hastings is urging the General Assembly to pass House Bill 3799, legislation designed to strengthen oversight of insurance rate setting, require clearer explanations for premium changes and ensure rate increases are justified and reasonable.