California proposes ban on using marital status for auto insurance rates

California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara is proposing new regulations that would prohibit auto insurance companies from using a driver’s marital status to determine insurance rates. Currently, marital status is an optional rating factor under Proposition 103, and reports indicate that unmarried drivers—including those who are single, divorced, or widowed—can be charged up to $100 more than married drivers for the same coverage.

If the proposed changes are adopted, insurance rates would be determined by only three primary factors: a driver’s safety record, annual mileage, and years of driving experience. Following the adoption of these regulations, insurance companies would be required to submit revised rating plans to the California Department of Insurance for compliance. The formal public notice and review process is expected to follow next.