Stava-Murray supports HB4160 requiring appraisal process in auto insurance claims

Rep. Anne Stava-Murray (D-81st) cast a Yes vote on HB4160—legislation requiring appraisal rights in auto insurance disputes—during the 104th General Assembly on May 31, 2026, according to the Illinois House. The bill passed unanimously, 115-0.

The official bill text provides the short description: "AUTO INS-RIGHT TO APPRAISAL."

The following section explains and interprets elements of the bill text for clarity.

This measure updates the Illinois Insurance Code to require all state automobile insurance policies with first-party physical damage coverage to give either the insured or insurer the ability to request an appraisal if there is a dispute about the value of a loss or a settlement offer. The law specifies how appraisers are chosen, the procedure for designating an umpire when needed, that appraisal findings are binding, and that cost-sharing applies, with insurers responsible for costs if the claimant’s award is much higher. Similar appraisal access is extended to third-party claimants. Insurers who do not comply can face penalties such as losing their licenses. The act also creates the Automotive Appraisal Standards Advisory Board, which will advise on regulations and practices and must meet quarterly. The Department of Insurance has authority for oversight, enforcement, and publishing board recommendations online. The law goes into effect 90 days post-enactment.

The legislative record for HB4160 notes: 'Senate Committee Amendment No. 2 House Concurs.'

Stava-Murray received her BA from Dartmouth College in 2008.

A Democrat first elected in 2019, Stava-Murray represents Illinois' 81st House District, succeeding David S. Olsen.

In Illinois, bills move through a multi-step legislative process involving introduction in either chamber, committee work, floor debates, and votes in both the House and Senate before advancing to the governor for a signature or veto. The General Assembly operates on a biennial cycle, typically reviewing thousands of bills each session, with only a smaller number ultimately passed into law.