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Proposal would allow drivers to trade personal data for potentially lower insurance rates
By Levi Sumagaysay | CalMatters at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio)
· July 8, 2026
· 9 min read
(GarySe7en / LAist Featured Photos on Flickr)A bill to allow insurance companies to monitor California drivers’ behavior in exchange for potential discounts on their premiums would change the state’s longstanding insurance law, drawing opposition from the Insurance Department as well as consumer...
Key takeaway Kellie Montalvo, a parent whose son died after a distracted driver hit him, testified before the Senate Standing Committee on Insurance on June 24.
Why this matters in The Los Angeles
The proposal to allow drivers to trade personal data for potentially lower insurance rates has significant implications for Los Angeles residents, who already contend with some of the nation's most congested roads. If Assembly Bill 311 passes, it could lead to a surge in the use of telematics technology among local drivers, potentially altering the way insurance companies assess risk and set premiums. This, in turn, could have a disproportionate impact on low-income and minority communities, who may be more likely to opt out of data tracking due to privacy concerns or lack of access to the necessary technology. As the bill moves forward, Los Angeles residents should pay close attention to how the city's insurance landscape may shift and whether the promised benefits of improved safety and lower rates will materialize, particularly in neighborhoods with high rates of traffic accidents and fatalities.
About this story
Original reporting by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . The Los Angeles surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 8, 2026 ·
Source: LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) ·
Reading time: 9 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? (GarySe7en / LAist Featured Photos on Flickr)A bill to allow insurance companies to monitor California drivers’ behavior in exchange for potential discounts on their premiums would change the state’s longstanding insurance law, drawing opposition from the Insurance Department as well as consumer...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 8, 2026 by LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio) and curated for The Los Angeles readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Levi Sumagaysay | CalMatters at LAist (KPCC / Southern California Public Radio). To learn more about how The Los Angeles selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Los Angeles, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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