Carfax Endorses Bill Introduced by Attorney General Madigan and Sen. Meeks; Leaders Take Active Role in Protecting Illinois Consumers and Dealers

CHICAGO--March 11, 2005--Attorney General Lisa Madigan and Sen. James T. Meeks (D-15), introduced Senate Bill 1839, which would help protect used-car buyers in Illinois. Secretary of State Jesse White and Carfax are also endorsing SB-1839 that would make police-reported accidents information available to both dealers and consumers. A vote on SB-1839 is scheduled for early April in the Illinois Senate, having passed through the Housing and Community Affairs Committee.

An estimated 700,000 cars were involved in police-reported accidents throughout the State of Illinois in 2003. Much of this information, however, is never disclosed when cars are later sold.

"Carfax applauds Attorney General Madigan and Senator Meeks for this decisive measure to protect both dealers and consumers in Illinois," said Larry Gamache, communications director at Carfax. "No longer will used-car buyers have to wonder if the car they are considering has ever been in an accident so severe that a police report was filed."

Currently 38 other states - including New York, California and Michigan - disclose police-reported accidents to the public.

Media interested in scheduling interviews with local consumers and dealers who support the release of this information can contact Marianne Correa at Carfax, (703) 934-2664.