News

Jul 03, 2023

New crackdown driving law could see you reimbursed $1,000 after outrage over harsh fees, fines, & penalties

MILLIONS of American drivers are getting relief checks after having their cars jacked or stolen because of a new law. Lawmakers in Illinois approved a bill this year that sees residents reimbursed

MILLIONS of American drivers are getting relief checks after having their cars jacked or stolen because of a new law.

Lawmakers in Illinois approved a bill this year that sees residents reimbursed with a maximum of $1,000 for towing and storage fees if their stolen vehicle is impounded as a result of the theft.

The new legislation sees that "a person shall not be liable for violations, fees, fines, or penalties during the period in which the motor vehicle was reported to the appropriate law enforcement agency as stolen or hijacked."

The law states that it "provides that an application for compensation shall set out the amount of benefits, payments, or awards, if any, payable under vehicle or towing insurance."

Before this law went into effect, if someone had stolen your car and violated some other laws, you were responsible for any related fees, fines, or penalties.

But, in order to get the reimbursement for the fees, the act states: "The owner or the agents of the owner or lessee must submit proof that a report concerning the motor vehicle was filed with a law enforcement agency in a timely manner."

Illinois continues to see an increase in carjackings across the state.

In Cook County, Illinois, the county containing Chicago, the state's most populous city, local authorities say they've seen a 767 percent increase in Kia and Hyundai car thefts since 2021, according to Good Morning America.

Multiple news sources say a social media trend contributed to the spike in car thefts in cities across the country.

"The now-viral videos, seen on TikTok and other social media platforms, demonstrate how a person can start a car without a key by using only a screwdriver and a USB phone charger to hot-wire automobiles," Good Morning America said.

While residents in the state can get reimbursed for the troubles caused by a carjacking incident for up to $1,000, there are tricks car owners can try on their own to deter car thieves.

An experienced mechanic revealed a handy way to deter car thieves that takes less than thirty seconds.

In a video, Scotty Kilmer (@scottykilmerofficial), emphasized that all the thieves know locations where kill switches are commonly stored, and if they find your kill switch, that's bad news.

The auto technician of 55 years said you can outsmart the criminals with the knowledge that they most likely aren’t carrying a fuel injection relay.

If you go under the hood and access the relay, you can get to the fuse box.

From there, look for the fuel injection relay’s location and remove the component.

Scotty said: “The car won’t start without this fuel injection relay, and they can’t steal your car.

“Just don’t lose the relay, and remember where it plugs back in when you want to start the car.”