# California auto insurance marital status regulation proposal > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/california-auto-insurance-marital-status-regulation-proposal > Updated: 2026-09-21T18:48:54.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has proposed new regulations to prohibit auto insurance companies from using a driver’s marital status to determine premium rates. This proposal seeks to end a practice permitted since 1996, where single, divorced, or widowed drivers often face significantly higher costs than married drivers. Data cited by the Consumer Federation of America suggests that for a 50-year-old driver with a good record, some companies charge single drivers 32% more than married drivers. Lara stated that rates should be based on actual driving risks rather than personal circumstances. Under the proposed changes, insurance rates would be determined by only three primary factors: safety record, annual mileage, and years of driving experience. If adopted, insurance companies must submit revised rating plans to the California Department of Insurance for compliance. The regulation is set to undergo a formal public notice and review process. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-21: California proposes ban on using marital status for auto insurance rates California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara proposes banning the use of marital status in auto insurance rate determinations, potentially lowering costs for single, divorced, and widowed drivers. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-proposes-ban-on-using-marital-status-for-auto-insurance-rates-1 ### 2026-09-19: California proposes ban on using marital status for auto insurance rates California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara proposes banning the use of marital status in auto insurance pricing to prevent single drivers from paying higher premiums than married ones. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-proposes-ban-on-using-marital-status-for-auto-insurance-rates --- Cite as: California auto insurance marital status regulation proposal. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/california-auto-insurance-marital-status-regulation-proposal