No admitted insurer, licensed to issue motor vehicle liability policies as defined in Section 16450 of the Vehicle Code, shall fail or refuse to accept an application from a handicapped person for such insurance, or to issue such insurance to a handicapped applicant therefor solely because of handicap, or to issue or cancel such insurance under conditions less favorable to handicapped persons than nonhandicapped persons; nor shall a handicap itself constitute a condition or risk for which a higher rate, premium, or charge may be required of a handicapped person for such insurance.

As used in this section, “handicapped person” and “handicapped applicant” refer only to persons who have suffered an impairment of physical ability because of amputation or loss of function which impairment has been compensated for, when necessary, by vehicle equipment adaptation or modification; or who have suffered an impairment of hearing which impairment has been compensated for, when necessary, either by sensory equipment adaptation or modification; or who have suffered an impairment of speech; provided, that the insurer may require a handicapped applicant for such insurance or the renewal of such insurance to furnish proof that he or she has qualified for a new or renewed drivers license through the California Department of Motor Vehicles since the occurrence of the handicapping condition.

If such insurer can justify a higher rate, premium, or charge for handicapped persons with actuarial evidence, a higher rate, premium, or charge may be required.

(Added by Stats. 1979, Ch. 524.)