California § 488.5 - An insurer shall not, in issuing or renewing a private automobile insurance polic

Full text of California Public Contract Code - PCC § 488.5 — An insurer shall not, in issuing or renewing a private automobile insurance polic, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 488.5. An insurer shall not, in issuing or renewing a private automobile insurance polic

(a) An insurer shall not, in issuing or renewing a private automobile insurance policy to a peace officer, member of the Department of the California Highway Patrol, or firefighter, with respect to his or her operation of a private passenger motor vehicle, increase the premium on that policy for the reason that the insured or applicant for insurance has been involved in an accident while operating an authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in subdivision (a) or (f) of Section 165 of the Vehicle Code or in paragraph (1) or (2) of subdivision (b) of Section 165 of the Vehicle Code, or any employer-leased vehicle or employer-rented vehicle, in the performance of his or her duty during the hours of his or her employment, or was involved in an accident while operating his or her private passenger motor vehicle in the performance of his or her duty at the request or direction of an employer. (b) An insurer shall not, in issuing or renewing a private automobile insurance policy to a federal officer or federal customs agent, with respect to his or her operation of a private motor vehicle, increase the premium on that policy for the reason that the insured or applicant for insurance has been involved in an accident while operating an official government vehicle in the performance of his or her duty during the hours of his or her employment. (c) As used in this section: (1) “Peace officer” means every person defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code. (2) “Policy” shall have the same meaning as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 660.

Source: official California text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About California § 488.5

What does Public Contract Code - PCC § 488.5 cover?

Section 488.5 ("An insurer shall not, in issuing or renewing a private automobile insurance polic") is part of the Public Contract Code - PCC, the codified statutory law of California. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite California § 488.5?

A common citation format is "Public Contract Code - PCC § 488.5" (California). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of California law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the California official source linked on this page or consult a licensed California attorney.

How does California § 488.5 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in California can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in California.