Protecting motorists a top priority

The state of Illinois issues millions of dollars in grants annually to support law enforcement entities in their efforts to combat carjackings and motor vehicle thefts — grants made possible by money generated by insurance companies. Protecting motorists and vehicle owners is a top priority of the Illinois Insurance Association, which is why the insurance industry is proud to provide the money to fund these incredibly important proactive efforts.

Insurance companies throughout the state provide $1 for every vehicle they insure, which in turn is used to fund these auto theft prevention grants. Additionally, the insurance industry sits on the Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council, an 11-member council which oversees and determines the grant distribution to law enforcement entities.

These proactive efforts are generating measurable results. According to data from the city of Chicago, carjackings have dropped significantly over the last five years, down from 1,852 in 2021 to 342 this far in 2025. Statewide, the National Insurance Crime Bureau reported a 19% decrease in vehicles stolen in 2024 compared to 2023.

We are resolute in our commitment to helping our policy holders become whole again. While law enforcement officers work to solve crimes, insurance agents work with the victims to help restore their vehicles and peace of mind. The last thing a victim of such a harrowing crime as a carjacking should have to worry about is finding or paying for a replacement vehicle.

We appreciate the efforts that law enforcement officers engage in every day to make roads safer and to protect motorists. As the Executive Director of the Illinois Insurance Association, I’m proud to represent an industry that is deeply committed to playing a key role in giving law enforcement the funding it needs to be successful in these critical endeavors.

Kevin Martin, Executive Director

Illinois Insurance Association