California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has proposed regulations that would prohibit insurers from using marital status to set private passenger auto rates. Marital status has been an optional rating factor in the state since 1996.

If adopted, insurers that use the factor would have to revise their rating plans through the state’s Proposition 103 review process. The proposal does not itself set new premiums. California requires auto insurers to base rates primarily on driving safety record, annual mileage and years of driving experience.

“The price of your auto insurance should be based on how you drive, not whether you’re married,” Lara said. The proposal follows a July appeals court ruling affirming the commissioner’s authority over optional rating factors.

As a side note, the proposal contrasts with a June Arizona filing by Just Insure. Seeking to add a 10% factor reduction for married and widowed applicants on several coverages, the company said married prospects converted quotes to policies at 4.03%, compared with 5.01% for unmarried prospects. Just Insure argued that its rates were less competitive for married shoppers without a marital status factor.