INSURANCE

Auto Insurance Regulations Approved: The California Office of Administrative Law approved new state insurance regulations that reduce the importance of a driver’s home ZIP Code in setting auto insurance rates. The new rules, which will go into effect Aug. 5, were developed last year by the state Department of Insurance to comply with Proposition 103, the 8-year-old ballot measure that overhauled the state’s regulation of the insurance industry. Auto insurers have 120 days to file new rates that comply with regulations, but consumer activists expect the companies to appeal the changes. The new rules require auto insurance rates to be based first on a driver’s safety record, annual mileage and driving experience before considering other factors.