Big changes are ahead in how you pay for auto insurance in California. San Francisco startup Metromile launched pay-per-mile car insurance and has updated its connected car platform, which provides operational data that could have a huge impact on traffic patterns in San Diego and other metro areas in the state. The company said its new approach to paying for insurance could save drivers who annually put less than 10,000 miles on their cars more than $500 a year. And it offers even a bigger discount to motorists based on driving behavior, such as how hard they hit the brakes. … San Diego-based biotech Pfenex Inc. was one of 15 private companies scheduled to launch public stock trading the week of July 21, according to Renaissance Capital. The biotech is developing a follow-on version of Roche’s successful treatment for age-related macular degeneration of the human eye. The product is expected to find a profitable market as the baby boomer generation heads into old age. As of this writing, Pfenex is hoping to float 8.1 million shares on the New York Stock Exchange at $8 a share to raise nearly $65 million. … Popular online travel site TripAdvisor named 50-year-old SeaWorld San Diego as one of the top 25 attractions in the U.S., coming in at No. 17 on the list. Discovery Cove in Orlando, Florida, ranked as No. 1 and was ranked the top attraction in the world. Disneyland, by the way, a perennial favorite, came in at No. 5. … Online retailer Tire Rack is scheduled to bring its Street Survival Teen Driving School to the parking lot outside Qualcomm Stadium Sept. 13. A spokesperson said that participating students will sit in class for a short while before heading to the lot to learn how to manage everyday driving hazards, obstacles and challenges in a controlled environment. Sign up at streetsurvival.org. … Finally, USO San Diego’s downtown center got a boost in the form of the IKEA Life Improvement Co-worker Challenge. With help from Sweden-based home goods retailer Ikea Systems B.V. and its local employees, the USO was able to remodel its well-loved café. The facility serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and beverages to military personnel and their families when they are away from their home bases. “Before the remodel, the café was neither functional nor inviting and had outdated furnishings that lacked the feeling of a space to feel comfortable,” a spokeswoman said. Crew members of the USS Chancellorsville, as well as licensed contractor kitchen installers Jose, Ivan and Leonardo Viruete of JV Cabinets helped with the makeover, along with members of IKEA’s local staff. Till next week.
Contributing Editor Tom York writes the SDBJ Insider. You can reach him via email at tyork@sdbj.com or tom.york@gmail.com. Tweet to him at @toms2cents.