DROPPING AUTO RATES

Drivers in Illinois can expect relief on their car insurance bills starting in 2026, as auto insurers plan to cut premiums by an average of 4.26%. That’s according to a ValuePenguin report, which contrasts the state’s trend with a slight 0.67% national rate increase. Researchers based these findings on S&P Global’s RateWatch and additional analysis from Quadrant Information Services. The move comes as state leaders, including House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, place auto insurance regulation high on their legislative agendas, aiming for greater consumer protection and competitive pricing.