LOS ANGELES -- Allstate has been ordered to cut its car insurance rates by nearly 16 percent in California.

State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner took the action because he believes Allstate's rates are too high.

Poizner said the rate cut will mean an average savings of $124 per car, effective April 14.

Poizner said the reduction is fair and reasonable, but Allstate said it pushes the company's rates below the rest of the market.

Allstate covers about one in 10 insured cars in California.