PEORIA (25News Now) – Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias held a virtual town hall meeting in Peoria on Wednesday night as he looks to reform auto insurance rates in the state.

Part of the “Driving Change” campaign, residents from the area were able to share stories of their struggle with high insurance rates. They ranged from age, zip code, credit score, and education level, despite many having a clear driving record.

When companies were pressed on rates, their explanation was, “It’s just the price of doing business in Illinois.” As a result, many residents are choosing to forego having insurance, which led to more than 631,000 drivers being cited last year, according to Giannoulias.

As a result, drivers see additional costs from court, reinstatement fees, and even suspension of their driver’s license. Giannoulias said that folks sharing their stories are helping build a better case for change.

“I am begging, I am imploring everyone to call your legislator, to tell us your story, to help us get this message out. Tell your friends about our website so we can gather these stories and bring them to Springfield to fight on your behalf,” Giannoulias said.

He stressed that his goal is for social and economic justice, with insurance rates to be determined solely on your driving record.

The next town hall is for Rockford on Oct. 1.

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