Are there any limitations on what an insurance company can charge for insurance?

For each type of policy, insurance companies have a range of premium levels that may be charged based on various factors that are considered at the time an application is submitted. For example, the premium for an auto insurance policy will vary depending on the applicant's driving habits, such as number of miles driven and whether the auto is used for business, the age and model of the vehicle, and whether the applicant has recently been convicted of a traffic violation. The premium for a life insurance policy will vary depending on the applicant's age and health condition. Rating factors must be reasonably related to the risk being insured, and state law often limits the specific rating factors that may be considered for certain types of insurance.

The rates and rating factors for most types of insurance must be filed with the insurance regulatory agency for each state where the insurance is to be sold. In some states and for some types of insurance, the rates must get regulatory approval before they can be used.