California drivers could see a change in how auto insurance companies set premiums. Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has announced a proposed rule that would prevent insurers from using marital status when calculating rates.
For decades, single, divorced, and widowed drivers have often paid more than married drivers. Lara says insurance prices should reflect driving risk rather than a person’s marital status or personal circumstances. Under the proposed rule, insurers would no longer use marriage, divorce, or widowhood as a rating factor.
The proposal could change how insurers assess drivers across California. However, the rule is still proposed and would need to move through the state’s regulatory process before taking effect.
If approved, the change could give single drivers a different path to lower premiums based mainly on their driving-related factors.
California’s proposal puts the focus on driving behavior instead of marital status. The final impact will depend on the rule’s approval and implementation.
