Pressure groups try to get insurance commissioner to further restrict auto premium criteria

Various community groups in California have petitioned state insurance commissioner Ricardo Lara to prohibit the use of occupation and education as factors in setting auto insurance premiums. According to these community organizations – which represent consumers, low-income workers and communities of color – many auto insurers operating in California charge lower-income and less-educated drivers up to 15% more. By charging those customers higher premiums, insurers can give discounts to doctors, lawyers, other well-paying professions, and drivers with college degrees, the groups claim.