Judge Declines to Block New Auto Rate Rules

A Sacramento County Superior Court judge denied a request to freeze new state regulations on how automobile insurance rates are figured.

Insurers argued that the regulations by Insurance Commissioner John Garamendi were arbitrary and would raise rates for rural and suburban residents of California.

The judge gave insurers until Thursday to comply and set new rates that are largely based on motorists' safety records and experience, not where they live. Insurance companies said they would appeal.

-- Marc Lifsher