State RegulationsCA specific✓ Verified · outline & fact-checked · Sep 2026Difficulty 1/5
Under California law, an insurer issuing life insurance is generally prohibited from:
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
California law, CIC §10146 and §10147(b), prohibits insurers from using genetic characteristics, such as a predisposition revealed by genetic testing, to discriminate in underwriting, whether by refusing coverage, adjusting premiums, or imposing different terms. The law targets genetic information as a prohibited rating factor. Insurers may still consider age, health history, and habits such as tobacco use, and may require medical exams. The protection reflects public policy against genetic discrimination in insurance.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) Age is a standard and lawful underwriting factor for life insurance; asking age is permitted.
- C) Medical exams are commonly required or used in underwriting and are not prohibited.
- D) Tobacco use is a lawful rating factor and commonly raises premiums for smokers.
Memory hook
California says genes are off-limits for underwriting, but age, exams, and tobacco are still fair game.