SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Thaddeus Jones, D-Calumet City, is protecting auto insurance policyholders by narrowing the circumstances under which insurers can deny theft claims.
“The technology to commit theft is always evolving, and the laws we have on the books to compensate victims should evolve alongside it,” said Jones. “Someone who consistently pays their monthly premium should be afforded the peace of mind that their insurance company will be on their side if they are victimized.”
Jones’ House Bill 3755 tightens the rules auto insurers must follow when they deny a theft claim based on suspicion of fraud. Jones’ bill stipulates that a lack of broken glass or other signs of forced entry, an unopened door, or the presence of a key fob cannot be used as evidence of fraud or grounds for claim denial. The bill will ensure that more drivers are fairly compensated when their vehicle is stolen.
“Key cloning and computer-enabled theft have been established as well-known methods of vehicle theft for decades, and they do not leave signs of forced entry,” said Jones. “Someone who loses their vehicle through such a method deserves to be treated by their insurer in the same way as someone who faces a more violent or direct method of theft.”
House Bill 3755 recently passed the House and now awaits committee assignment in the Senate.