The Illinois Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) revealed on Jan. 18 that the ten largest car insurance providers, by market share in Illinois, increased rates by a total of more than $1.25 billion last year. The year 2023 marked the second consecutive year that rate increases exceeded $1 billion in Illinois.

In its analysis, Illinois PIRG examined hundreds of rate filings from the ten insurance providers that represent 81% of the state's car insurance market, according to a press release. State Farm and Allstate saw the most significant rate increases, at $364 million and $210 million, respectively. These two companies combined accounted for 40% of Illinois' car insurance market.

According to the press release, Illinois is one of only two states in the country where regulators do not have the authority to deny or modify "excessive" rates; Wyoming is the other. Abe Scarr, Director of the Illinois PIRG Education Fund, stated that this policy should be challenged. "Illinois car insurance customers deserve the same basic consumer protections most Americans take for granted," said Scarr. "2023 should be the last year insurance companies can raise our rates by anywhere near — let alone more than — a billion dollars without scrutiny from the public and regulators."

The Zebra reported that car insurance rates in Illinois increased by an average of 9% between 2022 and 2023. States that experienced higher increases during this period include Georgia (29%), New York (36%), and New Jersey (40%).

As stated on its website, Illinois PIRG works towards increasing awareness of potential threats to consumers' health or well-being through research, education, and outreach. The organization seeks bipartisan solutions and is part of a national PIRG network.