Letters to the Editor

11-08-23

The Illinois Insurance Association reminds motorists to be on the lookout for deer in the coming weeks. Drivers may have little time to react when deer linger, step onto, or leap across the roadway.

Be vigilant behind the steering wheel, especially between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. when deer are most active. In addition, drive with high-beam headlights at night whenever possible. Watch for deer crossing signs and use caution navigating these locations. Slow down and honk the horn if you spot a deer near the road, as there may be more nearby. Finally, always wear your seatbelt and insist that passengers do the same.

Knowing how to respond when a deer-vehicle crash cannot be avoided is also important. Never swerve to dodge the deer. You may lose control of the vehicle and crash into a bridge, post, tree, or oncoming car. Instead, firmly apply brakes, grasp the steering wheel tightly, and hit the animal straight on. Pull off the roadway and request assistance if you or your passengers need medical attention. Do not touch the injured deer.

Crash victims often turn to an insurance company for help with vehicle restoration. Remember that a liability-only auto policy does not pay for damage to your vehicle. Repairs from a deer crash are covered only if you bought comprehensive coverage on the vehicle involved in the accident. The loss is a collision claim if you swerve to avoid the deer and hit another car or object.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

10-10-23

Teenagers are involved in nearly three times more fatal crashes than drivers over 20. These sobering statistics are a heartbreaking reality for many families. National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 15 - 21, a campaign designed to bring awareness to this issue.

Promoting teen driver safety is a shared responsibility. Look for opportunities to discuss and model safe driving habits with the young people in your sphere. Limit cell phone use and never text behind the steering wheel. Talk about driving distractions and best practices to reduce them. Stress the importance of following posted speed limits, leaving adequate space between cars, and adjusting to changeable road conditions. Urge young people to buckle up on every trip, whether in the driver's seat or as passengers. Discourage teens from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including certain prescription and over-the-counter medications. Encourage good sleep habits, as drowsiness also impairs the driver's ability to operate a vehicle.

Inexperience is a factor in many teen driving accidents. Illinois' Graduated licensing law addresses this problem by requiring more supervised time behind the wheel for beginning drivers. Use this opportunity to help the young person in your family recognize and respond appropriately to hazardous driving situations.

The Illinois Insurance Association, a property-casualty trade association, and its member companies encourage parents, families, community members, and all licensed motorists to support safe driving initiatives during National Teen Driver Safety Week and throughout the year. Together, we can help teens become capable, skilled, and careful drivers.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

08-09-23

it's back to school time! The Illinois Insurance Association, a state property casualty trade association, and its member companies urge motorists to be alert as kids make their way to and from school in the coming weeks.

Reduce speed and drive with extra caution. Young walkers and bicycle riders can be unpredictable. Those wearing headphones may not hear approaching traffic. Be alert for a child who might dart into the roadway near a bus stop, intersection, or after exiting a vehicle. Be vigilant and ready to react.

Big yellow buses are a familiar sight at the beginning and end of the school day. Never pass a stopped school bus from either direction unless you're on the opposite side of a divided highway. Children may need to cross the road when they board or leave the bus. Don't go around a stopped school bus until its lights are off, the stop sign is retracted, and children have left the area.

Commit to distraction-free driving. Illinois law prohibits the use of cell phones in school zones, but there are countless other disruptors. Keep your hands on the steering wheel, eyes on the road ahead, and complete focus on driving.

Other tips to avoid a school transportation-related accident: obey the speed limit - especially in school zones; never block the crosswalk; follow school crossing guard instructions; respect school drop off and pick up rules.

Let's make school traffic safety a priority throughout this academic year!

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

06-23-23

Independence Day is approaching, and fireworks will soon dominate the sky. The Illinois Insurance Association and its member companies encourage residents to choose professional fireworks shows over backyard exhibitions.

Fireworks are dangerous explosives. Mishandling fireworks can have life-altering consequences. Unfortunately, hospitals treat thousands of firework-related injuries every year. Nearly a quarter of these cases are children burned by sparklers. Property damage is also an issue as fire departments put out fires related to hot embers and falling debris.

Individuals determined to stage their own fireworks should remember the following tips.

  • Federal, state, and local laws and ordinances restrict - and often prohibit personal fireworks displays. Find out what's allowed in your locale.
  • Identify a responsible, sober adult to light fireworks. Keep children far from the launch area. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that firecrackers, reloadable shells, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and novelties cause 41 percent of firework-related injuries. Another 19 percent are related to sparklers, which can burn at temperatures up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Set off fireworks in a clear, flat, open area clear of combustible debris.
  • Keep a water bucket or garden hose near the light-off location.
  • Use water to extinguish deployed fireworks and place them in a metal trash can. Do not re-light duds. Soak nonfunctioning fireworks in a water bucket before disposal.

Fourth of July celebrations are a fun, family tradition. Protect your loved ones by attending an approved fireworks display this year!

Kevin J. Marin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

04-12-23

Losing concentration behind the wheel contributes to thousands of crashes each year. These incidents cause property damage, injury, and sometimes death. Driving distractions put vehicle operators, passengers, pedestrians, construction workers, and emergency responders at risk.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, a national campaign to bring attention to this serious, pervasive problem. The Illinois Insurance Association and its member companies encourage drivers to minimize distractions whenever possible.

Cell phones are an obvious distraction, but there are countless others. Road signs, billboards, crash scenes, construction zones, landscape vistas, and GPS mapping are visual distractions. Manual distractions include eating, drinking, adjusting controls, reaching for an object, or grooming behind the steering wheel. Any activity that causes the driver to lose concentration is a cognitive distraction.

Most vehicles are equipped with hands-free technology these days. Still, this advancement does not eliminate visual, manual, and cognitive distractions inherent in cell phone use. Set up an auto-response to let callers know you cannot talk while driving. Never text, email, or record video behind the steering wheel.

In addition, program GPS and adjust temperature controls, music selection, and mirrors before leaving home. Organize essentials for the trip ahead. Insist that all passengers wear seat belts. Securely strap children into car seats. Crate pets for transportation. Avoid eating, drinking, grooming, and smoking while driving.

Your driving habits directly impact traffic safety. Keep eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and focus on driving in April - and throughout the year!

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

02-23-23

Unstable weather patterns may cause flooding in the coming weeks. Just a few inches of floodwater can make roadways dangerous and damage property. The Illinois Insurance Association and its member companies encourage residents to be prepared.

Be familiar with flood and flash flood advisories, watches, and warnings. Establish safety procedures for these communications, and be sure household members know how to respond. For example, never drive, walk, or swim through floodwater. Keep children away from storm drains that pull water off flooded streets. Avoid bridges that may be structurally compromised by rushing water underneath.

Flood water causes major damage to homes and belongings. Repairing structural damage and replacing ruined possessions causes financial hardship. Many intend to turn to a homeowners or renters insurance company for help, not realizing these policies exclude flood-related property damage.

Insurance for flood-related damage to dwellings and personal belongings is available by purchasing flood insurance. Federally insured mortgage lenders require flood insurance on homes in high-risk areas. Flood insurance is optional for everyone else.

Contact a local property insurance agent for details on flood insurance costs, coverage options, and restrictions. Act soon, though, as coverage begins 30 days after the policy's effective date.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

11-15-22

Statistics confirm an uptick in deer-related crashes in November. The Illinois Insurance Association and its member companies encourage motorists to be alert in the weeks ahead.

Deer are most active at dawn, dusk, and night-time hours. There may be little time to react. Habits to help drivers carry on when deer suddenly appear on or along the roadway:

  • Always wear a seat belt.
  • Avoid distractions.
  • Slow down, especially in areas where deer commonly gather.
  • Blast the horn if you see deer near the roadway. The sudden noise may scare others nearby.
  • Drive with high beam headlights at night whenever possible. Deer eyes reflect bright light.
  • Never swerve to avoid a deer. Instead, firmly grip the steering wheel, brake steadily, and hit the animal head-on. Stay in your lane and come to a controlled stop. Suddenly turning the steering wheel may cause you to lose control. Better to hit the deer than a tree, post, or another vehicle.
  • Pull over to a safe place and call for assistance following a deer crash. Request medical help for injuries. Do not get out to check on the animal. Stay inside your car until help comes or it's safe to move the vehicle.

People often turn to an insurance company following a deer hit. Comprehensive insurance covers damage when there is direct contact with the deer. Without this evidence, the claim is a collision loss. Liability-only insurance provides no coverage for damage to your vehicle.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

10-12-22

National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 16 - 22. This campaign, now in its fifteenth year, brings awareness to troubling teen crash statistics and urges change. The Illinois Insurance Association encourages residents to be part of the solution.

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for teens across the country. In fact, the Center for Disease Control estimates seven teens die in car crashes every day. The statistics are sobering.

Impact teens in your sphere by discussing the importance of following posted speed limits, leaving adequate space between cars, and wearing seat belts. Discourage cell phone use while driving. Hands-free technology is still distracting. Point out other distractions and best practices to reduce them. Talk about why it's a bad idea to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or consuming certain prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. Urge good sleep habits. Studies show drowsy drivers react like drunk drivers. Perhaps even more important, veteran motorists need to model these responsible behaviors.

Drivers routinely adjust to inclement weather, traffic, construction, deer, and other unexpected situations. Experience helps seasoned motorists safely navigate these hazards. Illinois' Graduated Licensing law gives teens more supervised time to acquire critical driving skills. Embrace the opportunity to help the beginning driver in your family respond appropriately when they're behind the wheel.

Let's all support young motorists in their quest to become capable, skilled, and careful drivers during National Teen Driver Safety Week and throughout the year.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

08-18-22

Students will be returning o school soon. The Illinois Insurance Association and its member companies remind motorists to pay attention as another academic year gets underway.

Young pedestrians can be unpredictable. Be alert for walkers and bicycle riders. Reduce speed near schools and residential areas where children and teens gather. Use extra caution between 7 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Follow school crossing guard instructions. Do not block the intersection crosswalk.

Yield to school buses. Children may need to cross the road when getting on or off the bus. Never pass a stopped school bus unless you are on the opposite side of a divided highway. Remain twenty feet behind the stopped school bus until flashing lights are turned off and you have confirmed no children are nearby.

Watch for passenger vehicles preparing to load or unload children. Respect carpool rules if you're the driver. Do not double park or pick up or drop off children across the street from the school.

Make driving safety top priority when children are nearby. Keep hands on the steering wheel; eyes on the roadway; focus on the task at hand. Obey the speed limit, especially in designated school zones. Keep an eye out for beginning motorists too. Inexperienced drivers are vulnerable to mistakes behind the wheel.

Safe driving practices re essential to protecting our children. Let's all do our part to eliminate crashed related to getting kids to and from school this year!

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

06-23-22

Fireworks are an essential part of the Fourth of July holiday for many. However, fireworks are dangerous explosives. The Illinois Insurance Association and its member companies encourage residents to yield to professionals for this year's fireworks display.

Federal, state and local laws and ordinances restrict and often prohibit individual fireworks displays. Despite these limitations, hospitals still treat thousands of individuals for firework-related injuries each year. In addition requests for firemen to douse flames from hot sparks and falling debris multiply during this time.

Protect your family and friends this Independence Day by attending an approved fireworks display. Individuals resolved to put on their own show should keep the following tips in mind:

  • Buy properly packaged fireworks from a licensed seller.
  • Appoint a responsible, sober adult to light the fireworks. Firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets, and other novelties seem harmless, but cause 41 percent of firework-related injuries. Another 19 percent are related to sparklers, which burn at temperatures as high as 1200-2000 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Select a clear, flat, open area free of combustible debris to light fireworks.
  • Review directions, and ignite fireworks one at a time. Point them away from the crowd.
  • Keep a water bucket or garden hose near the light-off location.
  • Use water to extinguish spent fireworks. Place cooled remains in a metal trash can. Do not re-light duds. Soak the nonfunctioning firework in a water bucket before disposal.

Don't become a statistic. Make firework safety top priority!

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

04-12-22

Distracted driving is a serious problem in Illinois and across the nation. Distractions contribute to thousands of crashes each year and make roadways dangerous for drivers, passengers, first responders, pedestrians, construction workers, and others. The Illinois Insurance Association and its member companies encourage residents to limit districtions in April, Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and throughout the year.

Most vehicles are equipped with hands-free tehnology for cell phones. However, hands-free does not mean distraction-free. Silence the unit or set up an auto-response that sends calls directly to voicemail.

Pull off the road to check texts and emails.

Program the destination into your GPS and review the route before leaving home.

Securely strap children in car seats. Front and back seat passengers should be buckled up too. Crate pets for transportation.

Adjust seat position, temperature control, music selection, mirrors, and other vehicle controls before putting the car in gear. Organize your IPASS, money for tolls, and other essentials. Stow loose gear to prevent reaching for items.

Avoid eating, drinking, grooming, and smoking while driving. Road signs, billboard displays, construction zone, accident sites, and scenery tempt motorists to look away from the road. Recognize the allure and return to the task at hand as soon as possible. Daydreaming, drowsiness, and emotional conversations in the driver's seat are problematic too.

Driving with focus is a choice. Choose to be attentive each time you slide behind the steering wheel. Strive to make the driver's seat a distraction-free zone!

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

03-01-22

March is a good month to prepare for the possibility of flooding. Floodwaters endanger lives, create hazardous roadways, and cause significant property damage. The Illinois Insurance Association and its member companies encourage residents to recognize the threat, have a response plan, and secure proper insurance.

First, review key flood terms. A flood advisory means forecasters anticipate a weather event that may result in flooding. Stay tuned for more information. A flood or flash flood watch indicates threatening conditions may result in flooding. Keep an eye out for changing weather. A flood warning signals an event is imminent or already occurring. Implement safety measures.

Some good flood safety practices to adopt:

  • Drive cautiously. Turn around rather than drive though water rushing over the roadway. Just a few inches of fast-moving water can carry off a small car. Stay off bridges compromised by rushing flood water. 
  • Do not approach high-water areas on foot. Adults can lose balance in only six inches of floodwater. Children are even more vulnerable.
  • Move people and affected property to higher ground as floodwaters rise.
  • Turn off electricity and gas if your home is in danger.
  • Evacuate if authorities recommend it.

Appropriate insurance protection must be in place before flood damage occurs. For vehicles, the auto insurance policy must include comprehensive coverage. Home and property owners need a stand-alone, single-peril flood insurance policy in place 30 days before the event. Traditional homeonwers policies exclude flood-related damage.

Awareness and advance preparation are essential to getting through a flood emergency!

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

11-15-21

November is an active month for deer.  Sightings occur throughout the state.  The Illinois Insurance Association reminds motorists to be alert for deer in the coming weeks.

Drivers may have little time to react when deer are on or near the roadway.  A horn blast or headlight flick may scare the animal away, but deer are unpredictable.  A crash may be unavoidable.  It's important to have a backup plan.

Never swerve to miss the deer.  You may lose control of the vehicle and crash into a bridge, post, tree, or oncoming car.  Serious injury and vehicle damage are likely.

Instead, prepare to strike the deer head on.  Grasp the steering wheel tightly, apply brakes firmly, and stay in your lane.  Then find a safe place to pull off the road and call 911.  Request medical assistance if you or passengers are injured.  Stay inside the vehicle until help arrives.  Do not touch an injured deer.

Other best practices:

  • Always wear a seatbelt.
  • Be vigilant at dusk and dawn when deer are most active.
  • Slow down in areas where deer are known to gather.
  • Use high beam headlights at night whenever possible.

Individuals often turn to an insurance company after a deer-related crash.  Keep in mind that a liability-only auto policy doesn't pay for damage to your vehicle.  Coverage may be available if your policy has physical damage protection.  The comprehensive deductible applies when there is direct contact with the deer. If not, the policyholder pays the collision deductible.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

10-13-21

National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 17 - 21.  The Illinois Insurance Association joins the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Governors Highway Safety Association, state and local traffic officials in bringing awareness to this important campaign.

Statistics show nearly half of teen drivers have car crashes before graduating high school.  Out-of-pocket repairs, medical bills, third-party damages, and increased auto insurance premiums often accommpany these incidents.  Even worse are fatal motor vehicle accidents.

The IIA and its member companies urge residents to embrace laws that improve beginning motorists' driving skills.  Illinois' graduated driver's license law requires extended supervised driving time.  Other initiatives like the ban on hand-held cell phones, limitations on passengers, and restrictions on night driving aim to improve crash statistics for young drivers as well.

Unsafe actions behind the wheel jeopardize lives and make travel dangerous.  Talk about driving distrations and best practices to minimize them.  Urge teens to limit cell phone use and never text while driving.  Discuss the impact of driving throuh rain, fog, snow, and ice, so they know how to react to deteriorating road conditions.  Promote good sleep habits.  Drowsiness is an often-overlooked impairment that compromises the driver's ability to operate the vehicle.  Encourage responsible pratices like focusing on the roadway, observing posted speed limits, leaving enough distance between cars, keeping emotion out of the driver seat, wearing seatbelts, and no drinking and driving.

Teen driver safety is everyone's responsibility.  Together, we can make a difference.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

08-18-21

Young pedestrians, bicycle riders, and school buses will soon return to Illinois' streets and roads as another school year gets underway. Transportation-related accidents are always heartbreaking. The Illinois Insurance Association urges drivers to be vigilant in the weeks ahead.

Be ready to share the road with students on foot or bicycle. Approach crosswalks, school zones, and designated bus stops with extra caution between 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Yield to traffic guards. Never block an intersection crosswalk. Bicycle riders may not maintain proper lookout when preparing to turn. Pay attention and give them plenty of room.

Be ready to share the road with school buses. Slow down and allow extra following distance. Watch for flashing yellow or red lights. Traffic on an undivided highway must stop when school bus lights are red, and the stop arm is extended. Remain stopped until children are no longer in the area.

Be ready to share the road with parents dropping off or picking up students. Follow school procedures if you are the designated driver. Maintain a single vehicle line, never double parking. Unload and pick up children on the school side of the street.

Avoid distractions that take eyes, hands, or thoughts off the task at hand. Children are unpredictable, and motorists must be ready to respond to an unexpected situation. Make a deliberate decision to drive with focus at the onset of every trip. Let's all do our part to make 2021 a crash-free school year!

Kevin J. Marin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

06-24-21

Fireworks are on the minds of many, with the July 4th holiday fast approaching. The Illinois Insurance Association and its member companies encourage residents to remember that fireworks are dangerous explosives that need to be handled with extreme caution.

Personal fireworks are responsible for thousands of injuries and structural fires each year. Sparklers seem harmless, but burn at temperatures as high as 1200 to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. Protect yourself and your loved ones by leaving the fireworks display to professionals.

Residents bent on lighting displays are urged to confirm compliance with federal, state, and local laws and ordinances and make safety a priority. Some tips to keep in mind:

  • Buy pre-packaged fireworks from a licensed store or stand. Homemade and professional-grade fireworks are unsafe for personal use.
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry, dark location away from any source of heat until ready to light.
  • Designate a sober adult to oversee lighting fireworks. Alcohol and drugs do not mix well with explosives. Confirm children are supervised and well away from the staging area. Move pets inside.
  • Light one firework at a time in a flat, open, outside location away from homes and buildings.
  • Maintain a safe distance from guests. Never point fireworks toward the crowd.
  • Read package directions before igniting and wear safety glasses.
  • Keep a hose and water bucket near the lightning area. Thoroughly soak spent fireworks in water before disposal.
  • Never relight a dud firework.

Enjoy the Fourth of July - but celebrate safely and responsibly!

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

04-06-21

Distractions contribute to hundreds of vehicle crashes each year, resulting in property damage, personal injury, even death. The Illinois Insurance Association and its member companies unite with local and state officials to bring attention to this pervasive issue during 'Distracted Driving Awareness Month.'

Almost everyone has a mobile device these days and feels compelled to check messages regularly. This makes cell phones a top driving distraction, but there are others. Looking at something or someone inside or outside the vehicle causes drivers to take their eyes off the road. Manual distractions like changing the radio station, adjusting temperature controls, eating, and drinking take hands off the steering wheel. Daydreaming and conversing with passengers take thoughts off the task at hand.

Distractions are impossible to eliminate, but drivers can minimize them by implementing the following strategies.

  • Always buckle children and crate pets for travel.
  • Adjust climate control, seat position, mirrors, music, and mapping before putting the car in gear.
  • Secure loose gear to avoid reaching for anything.
  • Be well-rested, alert, and ready to respond to hazards, deteriorating conditions, and nearby vehicles.
  • Follow Illinois' distracted driving laws. Handheld cellphones for talking or texting and other electronic communications are prohibited en route.

Distracted driving jeopardizes personal safety and makes roadways dangerous. Keep eyes on the road; hands on the steering wheel; and thoughts on driving. Multi-taksing behind the wheel is never a good idea. Make a conscious decision to curtail driving distractions every time you slide into the driver's seat!

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

03-02-21

Flash flooding, inland flooding, and storm-related flooding threaten all Illinoisans. Failing to recognize the danger can lead to personal injury, even death. Flooding also causes extensive damage to property each year. The Illinois Insurance Association and its member companies urge residents to review flood safety protocols and consider flood insurance.

Personal safety is most important in a flood emergency. Take time to talk to loved ones about where to go and what to do when flooding occurs. Pay attention to weather updates. Warnings mean conditions are right for a flood event. Watches mean flooding is about to take place or already happening. Never drive, walk, or swim in floodwater. Stay off bridges that may be compromised by rushing floodwater underneath.

Just one inch of water can cause thousands of dollars in property damage. Traditional homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood-related property loss. A stand-alone flood policy is the only way to share this financial burden with an insurance company. Homeowners, renters, and commercial businesses in participating NFIP communities can buy flood insurance protection on structures, contents, or both. There is a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins.

Victims without flood insurance may qualify for low-interest loans or grants. However, this financial assistance requires a Presidential disaster declaration. Keep in mind that loans must be repaid, and grants are typically far below the amount of damage.

Be aware of flood dangers and contact a local property insurance agent to learn more about flood insurance before it's too late!

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

01-12-21

Illinois lawmakers fast tracked a contentious bill that will have a crippling effect on residents and businesses in this state.

HB3360 would force a defendant to pay prejudgment interest in a lawsuit or arbitration claim whenever monetary damages are awarded. Prejudgment interest refers to additional money courts award for interest back to the injury date. Why be alarmed?

1. HB3360 is not necessary because Illinois courts can already award prejudgment interest.

2. Awarding prejudgment interest back to the date of injury, charges interest fees on economic damages before the plaintiff receives or acquires charges for services.

3. HB3360 assesses prejudgment interest on expenses often paid by third parties such as health insurers or workers' compensation carriers.

4. HB3360 sets the interest rate at 9%, significantly higher than the federal reserve rate. In fact, interest payment on the top 10 Illinois verdicts in 2019 is projected to explode from $51,000,000 to almost $96,000,000 if HB3360 becomes law.

5. Illinois citizens and policyholders are reeling from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Requiring prejudgment interest on court awarded damages makes economic rebound more difficult.

Insurance companies are contractually obligated to defend policyholders when covered losses occur. There are times when loss settlements require court intervention. Proposals such as HB3360 punish individuals and small businesses that have insurance over accusers looking for big verdicts.

We urge residents to consider HB3360 and the unfairness it brings to our state's legal system. Those opposing this measure should urge Governor Pritzker to veto HB3360.

Sincerely,

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association;

Andrew Perkins

Regional Vice President, National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies;

Stephen Schneider

Vice President, American Property Casualty Insurance Association

11-16-20

Deer-vehicle crashes are more frequent this time of year. The Illinois Insurance Association and its member companies encourage motorists to be alert, focused, and ready to react to deer on roadways in the coming weeks.

Tips to avoid deer-related incidents:

  • Slow down around timber, field edges, watering holes, and other areas where deer gather.
  • Drive with high beam headlights at night when possible to better catch the reflection of a deer's eyes.
  • Deer travel in groups. If you see one, more are likely nearby.
  • Honk the horn; flash headlights; tap brakes if you see a deer.

Deer are unpredictable. Follow these steps if one appears in your path.

  • Stay calm; firmly grip the steering wheel; brake steadily; hit the animal head-on; come to a controlled stop.
  • Never swerve to avoid a deer-hit. Swerving makes serious injury and vehicle damage more likely.
  • Call 911 to report the crash.
  • Check for injuries and request medical help if necessary.
  • Illinois law requires an accident report if property damage exceeds $1,500.
  • Remain in your car until help arrives.

Fixing a deer-damaged vehicle can be costly. Auto insurance covers this unexpected expense if the policy has physical damage protection. Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Take pictures, get two repair estimates, and check deductibles. The policyholder pays the comprehensive deductible if there is direct contact with the deer. Otherwise, the collision deductible applies. Liability-only insurance provides no physical damage coverage for the policyholder's vehicle.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

10-14-20

National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 18-24.

Beginning drivers occasionally make behind-the-wheel mistakes. Some can be easily corrected. Others result in crashes with property damage, injury, even death. The Illinois Insurance Association, a property-casualty trade organization, encourages parents, families, and local communities to get behind teen driver safety initiatives. Some ideas to consider:

Support state graduated driver license laws and adopt house rules to protect teen motorists. Illinois' GDL gives teens more supervised time behind the wheel, bans hand-held mobile devices while driving, limits passengers, restricts night driving, and more. These measures have reduced teen driving fatalities, but laws are only part of the answer. Candid, open, and ongoing family discussions about driving safety, expectations, and responsibilities are equally important.

Model and reinforce good driving habits. Obey traffic laws; never drink and drive; always wear a seatbelt; routinely scan the roadway for unexpected situations. Avoid distractions that take eyes, hands, or focus away from the task at hand. Cell phones are one example. Music settings, temperature controls, mapping, food, passengers, even scenery are others.

Choose the right vehicle for your teen driver. A bigger, heavier car, truck, or SUV equipped with safety features is best. Avoid those with high horsepower engines, and always check NHTSA safe ratings.

Fatal teen crashes are devastating. Family members, friends, and entire communities are forever affected. We can help young motorists reach destinations intact and improve roadway safety for everyone by taking time to talk to teens about safe driving practices.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

08-21-20

Motorists need to be alert for kids walking, riding bikes, and driving cars near schools as students prepare for another year of learning

The Illinois Insurance Association, a property-casualty insurance trade association, and its members urge drivers to re-examine back-to-school safety procedures. Precautions to keep in mind:

  • Never pass a stopped school bus from either direction unless you are on the other side of a divided highway.
  • Slow down in rural areas Children may need to cross in front of the school bus when getting on or off. Remain 20 feet behind a stopped school bus until flashing lights are off, and you have confirmed no children are nearby.
  • Follow school zone speed limits. Illinois law prohibits cell phone use in these areas.
  • Pay attention to crossing guards. Watch for children who may unexpectedly appear between cars or outside the crosswalk.
  • Follow school rules when dropping off or picking up students. Do not double park. Avoid unloading or picking up children across the street from the school.
  • Stay off the phone and avoid distractions in neighborhoods and areas where children gather - even outside designated school zones.
  • Talk to children about school traffic safety. Encourage them to cross streets at marked crosswalks, obey crossing guards, avoid headphones, and be watchful.

The insurance industry, along with school officials, parents, police officers, and local communities want kids to get to and from school without incident. Let's work together to eliminate transportation-related school accidents this year!

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

06-24-20

Fourth of July fireworks are a long-standing tradition for people of all ages. Watching a display put on by professionals is the best way to keep loved ones safe, but some choose personal-use fireworks. The Illinois Insurance Association and its member companies urge residents to be aware of the risk, consider the consequences and use caution.

Fireworks, by nature, are dangerous explosives. Wayward sparks or misfires can set fire to buildings, vehicles, anything combustible. Hundreds of individuals seek medical attention each year due to fireworks-related burns, eye and limb injuries, even death. Children between five and nine years old hurt by sparklers account for more than one quarter of fireworks-related emergency room visits according to the National Fire Protection Association.

Keep the following tips in mind if you will be using fireworks this holiday:

  • Follow local, state and federal fireworks laws.
  • Personal-use fireworks should be properly packaged, include directions, and come from a licensed seller.
  • Allow only adults to handle fireworks.
  • Light fireworks outside in a clear, flat open area away from buildings.
  • Wear safety glasses when igniting fireworks and shoot them one at a time.
  • Put a fire extinguisher as well as a full water bucket or garden hose near the light-off area.
  • Never reignite a dud. Thoroughly soak the nonfunctioning firework with water and then throw it away.
  • Extinguish spent fireworks with water and place them in a metal trash can when sufficiently cooled.

Enjoy the holiday, but take precautions to keep people and property safe!

Kevin J. Marin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

04-14-20

Traffic is light on Illinois roadways right now, but this will change when the pandemic passes. April is 'Distracted Driving Awareness Month,' a time when motorists are encouraged to reflect on driving habits.

Distractions contribute to thousands of vehicle accidents every year. The possibility of a behind-th-wheel mistake increases whenever a driver loses focus. Some situations are resolved trouble-free. Others end in serious, sometimes fatal, crashes.

Minimizing driving distractions is a conscious decision. The Illinois Insurance Association and its member companies encourage motorists to recognize the dangers of distracted driving, take deliberate steps to reduce risk and encourage others to do the same.

Start with the cell phone. Enable the auto response text feature to forward incoming calls to voice mail when driving. Better yet, silence or turn off your cell phone in the car.

Commit to being fully focused and rested each time you get behind the wheel.

Conversing with or attending to passengers can be distracting. Enlist their help to scan the roadway and tweak controls. Pull over rather than reaching into the backseat to tend to little ones. Crate pets for transportation.

Reduce distractions inside the vehicle by adjusting music, temperature controls, mirrors, seat positions an mapping devices before putting the car in gear. Be familiar with the in-vehicle infotainment system and driver assist technologies so your eyes stay on the road ahead.

Construction, scenery, billboards and accident sites also cause motorists to lose concentration. Keep eyes looking forward.

Let's make Illinois roadways safe. Stop driving distracted.

Janet Patrick

Consumer Outreach, Illinois Insurance Association

02-14-20

Illinois residents are sure to see the snow melt, ice thaw an severe storms roll through the state in the coming weeks. As a result, portions of Illinois may experience overflowing waterways, compromised dams and levees or excess surface water runoff. Flooding is a serious threat to properties located in these areas.

Floods are destructive, economically devastating and all too common. The Illinois Insurance Association and its member companies encourage everyone to have a financial plan to pay for damage caused by flooding. Taking an 'it won't happen to me' attitude could be costly.

Just one inch of water inside your home can mean thousands of dollars of damage. Flood insurance allows victims to share the cost of repairs with an insurance company. Traditional homeowners insurance policies exclude flood-related damage. Flood insurance is a separate, stand-alone policy backed by the federal government. These policies cover only one type of loss - flood damage. Protection is available for dwellings and personal belongings.

Contact a local property insurance agent for cost and coverage details, but do it soon. Coverage begins 30-days after the effective date of the flood insurance policy. Waiting too long to investigate flood insurance could leave you unprotected.

Victims without flood insurance have limited options. A monetary grant may be available for affected locations in designated disaster areas. Indiviuals in official disaster zones may also qualify for low interest loans.

Flood insurance is a better choice because claims do not depend on a disaster declaration.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

11-15-19

Deer are common along Illinois roadways this time of year. Drivers should be alert and know how to respond when deer are nearby. Use the following strategies to reach your destination safely and avoid injury.

  • Wear a seat belt. Seat belts keep occupants from being tossed around following impact with a deer or other object.
  • Avoid distractions. Drivers may have very little time to react to a deer. Be alert at dawn, dusk and night-time hours when deer are most active. Pay extra attention when road signs indicate deer are common.
  • Honk. Deer travel in groups. Blast the horn if you see a deer near the roadway to scare others that may be nearby.
  • Use high beam headlights at night whenever possible.
  • Hit the deer rather than swerving or braking suddenly. You may lose control by abruptly changing vehicle direction. Better to hit the deer than a tree, post, or oncoming car.
  • Pull over to a safe place and call for assistance if you hit a deer. Request medical help for injuries. Do not get out to check on the animal. Stay inside your car until help comes or it is safe to move the vehicle.

People often turn to an insurance company to help with vehicle repairs following a deer-hit. Comprehensive insurance covers damage when there is direct contact with the deer. Swerving to avoid the deer and hitting another car or fixed object is a collision claim. Liability-only insurance provides no coverage for damage to your vehicle.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

10-16-19

National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 20 - 26. An estimated six teen die in motor vehicle crashes each day according to the Center for Disease Control. Hundreds more are injured.

This sobering statistic should motivate parents, families, community members and all licensed motorists to be part of the solution. Teen driver safety is everyone's responsibility and National Teen Driver Safety Week is an ideal time to unite on this issue.

Start the conversation by supporting and raising awareness to teen driver safety initiatives. Talk about driving distractions and best practices to avoid them. Stress the importance of following speed limits, leaving adequate space between cars and adjusting to changing driving conditions. Urge young people to buckle up on every trip whether driving or riding as a passenger. Discourage teens from driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including certain prescription and over-the-counter medications. Drowsiness impairs the driver's ability to operate a vehicle too. Encourage good sleep habits.

Inexperience is a factor in many teen driving accidents. Illinois' Graduated Driver Licensing law addresses this problem by requiring more supervised time behind the wheel for beginning drivers. Use this opportunity to help the young person in your family recognize and respond appropriately to hazardous driving situations.

We all benefit when teens are capable, skilled and careful drivers. The Illinois Insurance Association, a property casualty trade association, and its member companies encourage residents to discuss, encourage and model safe driving practices during National Teen Driver Safety Week and throughout the year.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

08-13-19

A new school year is about to begin. The Illinois Insurance Association, a state property casualty trade organization, and its member companies encourage motorists to drive carefully in the coming weeks.

Crashes involving children are most common between go-to-school and get-back-home hours. Use extra caution when driving between 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Be alert to school buses. Children may need to cross the road when getting on or off the bus. Never pass a stopped school bus from either direction unless you are on the opposite side of a divided highway. Slow down in rural areas where higher speeds are often allowed.

Watch for walkers and bicycle riders. Children are unpredictable and may dart into the roadway from between parked vehicles. Reduce speed when children are nearby.

Keep an eye out for beginning motorists. Inexperienced drivers are vulnerable to making mistakes behind the wheel.

Commit to avoiding distractions each time you slide into the driver's seat. Illinois law prohibits the use of cell phones in school zones, but motorists lose focus for many other reasons. Keep hands on the steering wheel, eyes on the roadway and concentrate only on the task at hand.

Other tips to avoid injuring children on their way to and from school: obey the speed limit - especially in designated school zones; follow crossing guard instructions; never block crosswalks; respect school drop off and pick up rules for students.

Protect Illinois children by making school traffic safety a priority.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association


06-17-19

The Fourth of July holiday is approaching fast. Independence Day is a time to celebrate, reflect on freedom and of course enjoy fireworks. Federal, state and local laws and ordinances restrict - and often prohibit the use of fireworks. Despite these limitations, hospitals treat thousands of firework-related injuries every year and fire departments respond to numerous fires related to hot sparks and falling debris.

Fireworks are explosive and extremely hot. Mishandling them can have life-altering consequences. The Illinois Insurance Association and its member companies urge families to leave firework displays to professionals. Residents resolved to putting on their own shows should keep the following points in mind:

  • Be familiar with federal, state and local laws related to fireworks.
  • Only adults should use fireworks. Firecrackers, reloadable shells, roman candles, bottle rockets and novelties may seem harmless, but they cause 41 percent of firework-related injuries according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Another 19 percent are related to sparklers, which can burn at temperatures as high as 1200 to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Set off fireworks outside, in a clear, flat, open area clear of combustible debris.
  • Keep a water bucket or garden hose near the light-off location.
  • Use water to extinguish deployed fireworks and then place them in a metal trash can. Do not re-light duds. Soak the nonfunctioning firework in a water bucket before throwing it away.

The Illinois Insurance Association reminds residents to be cautious around fireworks in the coming weeks. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association


04-01-19

An alarming number of Illinois State Police officers have been struck by motorists this year. Three have died. Knowing these crashes were preventable makes the statistics even more disturbing.

The Illinois Insurance Association and its member companies urge drivers to protect emergency responders by following traffic laws, avoiding distractions and never driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Illinois’ rules of the road require drivers to yield, slow down, and if possible, change lanes when emergency vehicles are stopped along the roadside. Obey Scott’s Law and give first responders room to do their jobs!

Commit to not using your cell phone while in the driver’s seat. Adjust seat position, radio, temperature control and navigational system before leaving the driveway. Confirm all passengers are properly buckled. Pets should be inside a crate.Organize food, drinks, tolls and other items you might need to access during the trip. Fully engaged motorists are ready to react when unexpected weather, traffic or roadway situations arise.

Make safe driving your top priority. Everything else can wait. Let’s all do our part to protect first responders and improve Illinois’ highway crash statistics.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

03-20-19

Many parts of Illinois are currently or will soon be dealing with flooding as local waterways swell with melting snow and heavy rainfall. Just a few inches of excess water can make roadways dangerous and cause major property damage.

Flood safety begins with preparedness. Be familiar with the differences between flood and flash flood advisories, watches and warnings. Review flood safety procedures with your family. Flooding causes millions of dollars in damage each year. Victims face serious financial hardship.

Individuals can share the cost of flood-related repairs with an insurance company if appropriate insurance protection is in place before flooding occurs. Vehicle owners are covered for flood-related loss if the auto insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage on the damaged car.

Coverage for flood-related damage to dwellings and personal belongings is available, but only by purchasing a flood insurance policy. People often think homeowners insurance covers flood damage, but this is not the case. A separate, stand-alone flood insurance policy is the only way flood victims have guaranteed access to money for repairing flood-related damage to their homes and personal belongings.

Consider flood insurance even if your home is not located in a floodplain or has never flooded before. The Illinois Insurance Association and its member companies encourage residents to investigate flood insurance sooner rather than later as coverage begins 30 days after the policy's effective date. A local homeowners insurance agent can provide more specific details on cost, coverage options and restrictions.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

12-06-18

Victims of recent tornadoes that ravaged central Illinois will soon start rebuilding damaged property. The Illinois Insurance Association urges residents to be on the alert for scam artists posing as legitimate building contractors.

Illinois' Consumer Protection Against Storm Chasers Act protects citizens from those who would prey on them following a natural disaster. The law applies to storm-related repairs linked to insurance settlements. Contractors are prohibited from rebating or waiving the policy deductible and cannot represent or negotiate on behalf of the homeowner in the claim process. In addition, contractors must let committed homeowners know the repair contract can be canceled and provide the appropriate cancellation form.

The Storm Chasers Act allows homeowners to cancel the repair contract in five business days of receiving a denial letter from the insurance company. It also obligates the contractor to return the homeowner's advance payment, less emergency repair costs.

Roofing contractors must include their name and license number on bids, contracts, building permits, commercial vehicles and advertisements. In addition, Illinois roofers cannot lease their license numbers to out-of-state roofing contractors.

Storm victims can protect themselves from unscrupulous contractors by consulting with their insurance agents and adjusters. It is best to work with a familiar builder or one recommended by the insurer. Residents that believe they have been approached by someone engaging in a deceptive practice should contact the local State's Attorney Office.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

10-16-18

Nearly half of all teen drivers will experience a car crash before graduating from high school, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) cites one of the main reasons being that parents are becoming less involved in training teen drivers after they receive their license and not regularly reinforcing teen driving safety measures.

A recent report released by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) highlights that progress has been made in the last 10 years to curb the number of teen driver-related crashes, but teen drivers are still 1.6 times more likely to be involved in a car crash than adults.

Illinois has made important strides to improve teen driver safety, such as banning the hand-held use of mobile devices while driving and implementing a Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) system that gives beginning drivers more supervised time behind the wheel before graduating to full licensure. As a result, teen driving fatality crashes have decreased by 60 percent in Illinois since 2008.

The Illinois Insurance Association (IIA) and its members recognize that while progress has been made, more needs to be done to protect teen drivers and their passengers. In the month of October and throughout the year, IIA continues to promote safe driving initiatives for teens such as the NHTSA’s “5 to Drive” campaign, which offers teen driver safety tips and highlights five practices statistically associated with safer outcomes: no drinking and driving, no distracted driving, no extra passengers, no speeding and consistent seatbelt use.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

06-29-18

Scorching temperatures, barbeques and fireworks. Heat naturally comes with the summertime, but fire-related injuries can be prevented. As the Fourth of July nears, insurers want to remind consumers that if safety precautions are taken summer heat doesn't have to lead to harm.

The Illinois Insurance Association joins the National Safety Council in encouraging families to enjoy fireworks at a public display conducted by professionals. But for consumers who choose celebrate at their home, we offer a few tips for safe firework displays:

  • Only adults should use fireworks.
  • Follow federal and state firework laws.
  • Use fireworks in clear, flat, open areas.
  • Extinguish and dispose of fireworks safely.
  • Know how to handle firework duds.

More fires are reported on July 4 than any other day of the year. According to the National Safety Council, fireworks cause on average 1,300 structure fires, 300 vehicle fires and nearly 17,000 other fires resulting in thousands of injuries every single year.

So, enjoy the heat, but take precautions to prevent fire-related injuries and property damage.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

04-03-18

Distracted driving - that's a teen issue, right? The Illinois Insurance Association wants you to rethink that assumption.

No matter your age, modern life offers a full menu of potential distractions every time you get behind the wheel. The one that succeeds in taking your eyes off the road might be a friend's text, but it could just as easily be a talkative co-worker, an email from the boss or the fast food in your lap.

April is Distracted Driving Month, and law enforcement, insurance companies and safety advocates have a clear message for Illinois' drivers - just drive.

Cell phone use increases drivers' risk of getting in an accident. That's why states like Illinois banned texting while driving. But while drivers' phone use has leveled off, traffic fatalities have increased since 2015.

Insurance companies don't know all the reasons this is happening. We do know many crashes are avoidable and that you reduce your risk by deciding not to drive distracted.

We also know that distractions can impair a driver's reaction time as much as having a blood alcohol content above the legal limit - and that conventional wisdom about which distractions are dangerous is not always accurate.

For example, a Texas A&M study found that voice-to-text is not significantly safer than manual texting, and AAA's Foundation for Traffic Safety determined drivers using hands-free devices are no less distracted than those holding phones.

There's only one foolproof way to combat the risks of distracted driving - just drive.

Elise Spriggs

Illinois Insurance Association Chairperson &

Regional Vice President, State Auto Insurance Companies

11-12-17

November is an active month for deer. Drivers may have very little time to react when deer linger, step onto, or leap across the roadway. The Illinois Insurance Association reminds motorists to be cautious during deer season. Keep the following tips in mind.

  • Always wear a seatbelt, and insist that passengers do the same.
  • Be vigilant, especially between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. when deer are most active.
  • Drive with high beam headlights at night whenever possible.
  • Deer crossing signs are placed in areas where deer are common. Use caution in these areas.
  • Slow down, and honk the horn if a deer appears along the roadside. More are probably nearby.

If the deer cannot be avoided, hit the animal straight on rather than serving to avoid it. Apply brakes firmly, grasp the steering wheel tightly, and stay in your lane. Do not touch an injured deer. Call 911 to request medical assistance if anyone is hurt. Dodging the deer may cause you to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a bridge, post, tree, or oncoming car. Serious injuries and major vehicle damage are likely.

Keep in mind that a liability-only auto insurance policy does not pay for damage to your vehicle. Repairs from a deer crash are covered only if your auto insurance policy provides comprehensive coverage for the vehicle involved in the accident. The loss is a collision claim if you swerve to avoid the deer and hit a vehicle or other object.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

10-03-17

National Teen Driver Safety Week is October 15-21.

In 2015, nearly 2,000 teen drivers were involved in fatal traffic crashes nationwide. Almost 100,000 teen passengers or drivers were injured in motor vehicle collisions, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Excessive speed, impaired driving, and distracted driving were common factors in these crashes.

Illinois has done its part to reduce these numbers by banning hand-held mobile devices behind the wheel, and instituting a Graduated Driver Licensing system that gives teenagers more supervised driving time before full licensure. But motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of teen deaths, and tougher laws alone cannot prevent the tragic loss of young lives from motor vehicle accidents.

The Illinois Insurance Association (IIA) ad its members support safe driving initiatives such as the NHTSA's "5 to Drive" campaign. 5 to Drive offers tips for talking with teens about driving habits, and highlights five safe driving practices: 1) No drinking and driving; 2) No distracted driving; 3) No extra passengers; 4) No speeding; 5) Consistent seatbelt use.

Parents can also foster roadway safety by learning about Illinois' Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) law and reinforcing its system of restrictions and consequences, including increasing freedom for teens who follow the rules and drive without violations.

It's going to take a collaborative effort to save the lives of teen drivers and their passengers. IIA will continue to support safe teen driving initiatives not only in the month of October, but all year long.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

09-14-17

September is the deadliest month for pedestrians under the age of 18. Forty percent of crashes involving youngsters occur between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. when children make their way home from school and after-school activities.

The Illinois Insurance Association is reminding drivers to practice safe driving habits around schools, school buses and students on foot.

IIA suggests drivers observe the following back-to-school traffic safety rules:

  • Never pass a stopped school bus unless you are on the other side of a divided highway.
  • Leave at least 10 feet between your car and a school bus stopped ahead of you. Watch for children in the roadway before continuing your trip.
  • Follow school zone speed limits.
  • Be alert for crossing guards and children who may be distracted or crossing where there is no crosswalk.
  • Never block a crosswalk while stopped at a red light or waiting to turn.
  • Respect school rules when dropping off or picking up students. Don't double-park. Drop off children on the same side of the street as the school building.
  • Watch for children riding bicycles to and from school. Beware when approaching an intersection, preparing to back up and opening your car door.
  • Stay off the phone and avoid other distractions behind the wheel, especially in a school zone.
  • Teach your school-age children or grandchildren to cross only at crosswalks, obey crossing guards and remain alert - with headphones off and electronic devices put away - while walking or bicycling in high-traffic areas.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

07-14-17

It takes just a few inches of water to cause costly structural damage and ruin belongings. People often buy insurance to shift the cost of repairing and replacing unexpected property damage with an insurer. Those unfamiliar with their policy’s coverages may not realize that homeowners insurance does not cover flood-related property damage. Homeowners insurance policies exclude certain types of losses, and flood is among them.

Victims that have flood insurance should turn in a claim for damages as soon possible.

Vehicles may be damaged by flood waters as well. This type of loss is covered by auto insurance if the affected vehicle has comprehensive (also called other than collision) coverage.

Situations like this highlight the importance of verifying property insurance needs and coverages before damage occurs. Review the protection provided by your policy with your local agent. Be familiar with restrictions, limitations, deductibles, and coverage gaps. Buy additional coverage, such as flood insurance before a loss occurs.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

06-26-17

As the Fourth of July nears, the Illinois Insurance Association encourages everyone to prevent injuries, property damage and even death.

About 10,500 people were injured by fireworks, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s most recent Annual Fireworks Report. Those injuries include 3,800 burns, 1,300 eye injuries, 800 trunk injuries and 11 deaths. Children comprise about ten percent of the total injuries in emergency rooms, and nearly 30% of overall fireworks-related injuries result from sparkler use.

The National Fire Protection Association estimates 15,600 reported fires to homes, vehicles and undeveloped land. In the CPSC’s 2014 Annual Fireworks Report, four of those 11 reported deaths occurred to people who were not doing fireworks themselves, but died in house fires caused by fireworks.

With all of this in mind, is lighting off your own fireworks worth the risk of dismemberment, permanent impairment or death to you, your family and loved ones, and your neighbors?

We want you to enjoy our national celebration of independence this Fourth of July, and we recognize that seeing fireworks is part of the traditional celebration. But we hope you’ll let the professionals – who are trained, tested and licensed – set off the fireworks.

If you still choose to do your own display, please buy legal fireworks and keep these safety tips in mind:

1) Never allow children to use fireworks, including sparklers;

2) Follow federal and state fireworks laws;

3) Use fireworks in clear, open areas;

4) Light fireworks on flat surfaces;

5) Have fire extinguishers and hoses ready;

6) Store and dispose of fireworks safely;

7) Know how to handle firework duds;

8) Light fireworks carefully;

9) Once lit, keep your distance;

10) Do not experiment with fireworks.

The Illinois Insurance Association also reminds residents they can access the Illinois Insurance Hotline if they have general questions about insurance. The Hotline can be reached at 1-800-444-3338 Monday through Friday or by email at insurancehotline@illinoisinsurance.org.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

05-16-17

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) have spent decades studying the effects of increased highway speeds, and the results are clear: Increased speed means increased fatalities.

Yet, Senate Bill 2036 is sponsored by more than 20 state legislators, Republican and Democrat alike.SB2036 proposes raising the speed limit on suburban and rural interstates from 70 miles per hour to 75 mph.Speed limits on urban interstates would go from 55mph to 60mph.

A dangerous culture of speeding already exists. More than half of drivers surveyed admit to driving 15 mph over the speed limit at least once in the past month. When you think about that behavior, it’s no surprise that 37% of Illinois crash fatalities are a result of speeding.According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Illinois is well ahead of the national rate of 28%.Raising Illinois’ speed limits will only encourage this dangerous behavior.

We live in a world with physical realities and limits.Driver response time decreases as speed increases, and yet distractions continue; crash protections built into cars lose effectiveness at higher speeds; and as speed limits increase, the likelihood that drivers exceed the limit also increases.

Some people say that raising the speed limit to match the speed people are driving is safer. That story defies physical reality, and it defies what is known by transportation officials, police, and the insurance industry.

Given what is known about driving behavior and Illinois’ aging infrastructure, raising the posted speed limit to 75mph seems unethical – and a death sentence for more than 350 Illinoisans every year.For more information, see the National Safety Council’s blog: Speed kills: always has, always will.

Encourage your state legislator to vote “no” on SB2036.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

04-21-17

Face it – every time you get behind the wheel, you’re about to encounter potential dangers over which you have no control.

Traffic. Weather. Other drivers. They can all affect whether you get there safely – and all you can do is react to them as best you can.

But there are other risks that you, the driver, can take control of and eliminate. You have choices, and one of the most important is the choice you make to focus on the road and ignore the distractions competing for your attention.

The Illinois Insurance Association is partnering with law enforcement and community leaders in April to observe Distracted Driving Month. We’ve joined this effort because we know the devastating consequences of driving while distracted; 3,744 lives lost and 391,000 injuries in 2015 alone were attributed to crashes caused by distracted driving.

You may have heard that when you read or type an average text on the highway, you’re driving the length of a football field without looking at the road or the cars around you.

But texting isn’t the only dangerous distraction. Eating, adjusting the radio, setting your GPS or talking to passengers can just as easily impair your focus. A Texas A&M study found that voice-to-text is not significantly safer than manual texting, and AAA’s foundation for Traffic Safety discovered that reaction times slow and brain function is compromised even when drivers use hands-free technologies to accomplish tasks such as responding to emails. The bottom line is that when you’re driving, you have only one job that matters – getting to your destination safely. Everything else can wait.

IIA believes decreasing the death toll will require greater public awareness and consistent law enforcement. We also know the best line of defense is the good choices drivers like you can make every day.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

March 3, 2017

Dear Editor,

The strong storm that passed through southern Illinois and nearby communities earlier this week is a grim reminder of nature’s destructive power.

Illinois’ Consumer Protection Against Storm Chasers Act protects citizens from those who would prey on them following a natural disaster.The law applies to storm-related repairs linked to insurance settlements.Contractors are prohibited from rebating or waiving the policy deductible, and cannot represent or negotiate on behalf of the homeowner in the claim process.In addition, contractors must make homeowners aware of their right to cancel the repair contract and provide the appropriate form.

The Storm Chasers Act allows homeowners to cancel the repair contract within five business days of receiving a denial letter from the insurance company.It also obligates the contractor to return the homeowner’s advance payment, less emergency repair costs.

Roofing contractors must also include their name and license number on bids, contract, building permits, commercial vehicles, and advertisements.In addition, Illinois roofers cannot lease their license numbers to out of state roofing contractors.

Storm victims can protect themselves from scrupulous contractors by consulting with their insurance agents and adjusters.It is best to work with a familiar builder or one recommended by the insurer.Residents that believe they have been approached by someone engaging in a deceptive practice should contact the local State’s Attorney’s Office.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

October 17, 2016

Dear Editor:

Distracted and impaired driving are the leading causes of teen-driving fatalities, but they are 100 percent preventable.

In 2014, 2,679 teen drivers were involved in fatal traffic crashes, resulting in 3,004 deaths nationally. An estimated 123,000 teen passenger vehicle drivers were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes, according to the National Traffic Safety Administration (NTSA).

While Illinois has done its part to help reduce these numbers by legislating a ban on the use of mobile devices while driving, laws are not going to be enough to stop these tragic events.

Teen driving safety education needs to become a top priority for parents and schools across the nation. The Illinois Insurance Association (IIA) and its members are committed to helping promote teen-safe driving initiatives such as the NTSA’s “5 to Drive” campaign, which helps parents teach their teen drivers about the rules of the road.

Parents play an important role in helping ensure their teens take smart steps to stay safe on the road by explaining all driving restrictions outlined in Illinois’ graduated driver licensing (GDL) law and the deadly consequences of unsafe driving practices.

The NHTSA “5 to Drive” campaign gives parents tips on how to talk about safe driving behaviors with their teens and address the five most dangerous and deadly driving behaviors for teen drivers: alcohol, lack of seat belt use, distracted driving, speeding, and extra passengers.

It is going to take a collaborative effort by government agencies, parents, schools and the insurance industry to help end these tragedies in Illinois and across the country. It is important that we continue to promote and support teen-safe driving initiatives not only in the month of October, but all year.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association

June 29, 2016

Dear Editor,

Last year, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal released a report that firework accidents led to 149 injuries and thousands of dollars in property damage. As the Fourth of July nears, the Illinois Insurance Association encourages residents to take precautions to prevent firework-related injuries and property damage.

Home fireworks can be dangerous. Keep the following safety tips in mind: 1) Only adults should use fireworks; 2) Follow federal and state firework laws; 3) Use fireworks in clear, open areas; 4) Light fireworks on flat surfaces; 5) Have fire extinguishers ready; 6) Store and dispose of fireworks safely; 7) Know how to handle firework duds; 8) Light fireworks carefully; 9) Once lit, keep you distance; 10) Do not experiment with fireworks.

The Illinois Insurance Association also reminds residents they can access the Illinois Insurance Hotline if they have general questions about insurance. The Hotline can be reached at 1-800-444-3338 Monday through Friday or by email at insurancehotline@illinoisinsurance.org.

Kevin J. Martin

Executive Director, Illinois Insurance Association