Janet Yang Rohr supports HB4160, requiring appraisal option in auto insurance claim disputes

Rep. Janet Yang Rohr (D-41st) cast a Yes vote for HB4160—legislation mandating an appraisal mechanism for auto insurance claim disputes—during the 104th General Assembly session. The bill was approved by the Illinois House in a unanimous 115-0 vote on May 31, 2026, according to the Illinois House.

As stated in the bill's official summary, the measure is titled: "AUTO INS-RIGHT TO APPRAISAL."

The summary provided below explains the contents of the bill and may include analysis for clarity around its provisions.

This bill amends the Illinois Insurance Code to require all auto insurance policies with first-party physical damage coverage to contain language allowing either policyholders or insurers to initiate an appraisal process when there is a dispute over the value of damages or settlement offers. Details in the bill cover appointing appraisers, selecting an umpire if the appraisers disagree, and specify that appraisal decisions are binding. The bill also describes cost-sharing, assigning insurer responsibility for fees if the final appraisal is substantially better for the claimant. It extends access to the process to certain third-party claimants and introduces penalties for insurers that do not comply, including possible license revocation. An Automotive Appraisal Standards Advisory Board is to be created, meeting quarterly to advise on regulations and best practices. The Department of Insurance is responsible for enforcement and must publish recommendations from the advisory board on its website. The act will take effect 90 days following enactment.

For HB4160, the recorded legislative action was 'Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 House Concurs.'

Yang Rohr earned a BA from Northwestern University in 2002 and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business in 2010.

A member of the Democratic Party, Yang Rohr was first elected to the Illinois House in 2021 to represent District 41 following Grant Wehrli’s term.

Illinois legislation advances through a multi-step legislative process that involves bill introduction in either the House or Senate, committee evaluation, floor debate, passage in both chambers, and action by the governor. The Illinois General Assembly operates on a biennial basis, with thousands of bills introduced per session, but only a small share becoming law.