"Illinois Drivers Battle Soaring Insurance Rates: Tips to Slash Costs"

Illinois drivers are experiencing significant increases in auto insurance rates, with some seeing their premiums jump by 20% or more. The hikes are attributed to higher costs for insurance companies to settle claims, including more expensive replacement parts, increased labor costs for auto body work, and a rise in the number of claims as people travel more post-pandemic. Experts advise consumers to shop around for better rates and not to wait until their policy renewal, as most can save significantly by switching insurers. Liberty Mutual attributes the national trend of rising premiums to inflationary increases in labor, repair, used car, and medical costs. The Illinois Department of Insurance acknowledges the lack of regulatory authority to approve rates before implementation but is open to enhancing consumer protections.