California bill would allow insurers to track driving habits to set rates

A California bill led by Assemblymember Tina McKinnor would allow auto insurers to track driving habits to help set individual rates, but only if motorists opt in. Named the Consumer Driving Data Protection Act, it would let insurers use data such as speed, braking, and other driving behaviors to build a safety record used in determining premiums. The current fallback would remain the California Department of Motor Vehicles’ point system for drivers who do not want insurers collecting telematics data. The proposal faces criticism from privacy and consumer advocates, who warn it forces Californians to choose between privacy and affordable coverage. McKinnor said the goal is to incentivize safer driving, including reducing distraction detected via smartphone apps and other devices. Opponents also question whether telematics meaningfully reduces crashes, while supporters argue it can more accurately estimate collision risk and encourage better driving.