Oregon Auto Insurance Guide
Get affordable Oregon auto insurance quote rates for free.
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Get affordable Oregon auto insurance quote rates for free.
Call Now: (866) 845-3808
From Coos Bay to Klamath Falls, Tillamook to Eugene, Oregon has hundreds of miles of roadways. They’ll take you from downtown Portland to downtown Salem, along the Columbia River Gorge and up into the Cascades. They’re used by over 2.8 million licensed drivers, who each average 8,600 miles each year. Along the way, they’re involved in thousands of traffic accidents, including many that result in serious injury or death. Wherever you live and drive in the Beaver State, carrying adequate car insurance is both a legal requirement and commonsense protection. This is your guide to Oregon’s basic vehicle insurance requirements and laws.
Oregon state law requires you to carry a minimum amount of car insurance. Failure to do so can result in severe penalties that may include monetary fines. Oregon has a tort system, which means that if you are found to be at fault in a car accident, you can be sued for actual damages (expenses associated with property damage and medical costs), economic damages (lost wages and earning capacity) and emotional and physical pain and suffering. However, Oregon also allows you to purchase personal injury protection.
The bare minimum car insurance requirement for Oregon drivers is:
Oregon does not require you to carry additional coverage such as Collision and Comprehensive. However, if you own property or other valuable assets, supplementing the minimum requirements can help you protect yourself from monetary loss.
If you own a car in Oregon, you are required by law to maintain adequate insurance and provide proof if you are asked for it by a law enforcement officer. Failure to do so can carry severe penalties. Conviction for a first offense has a fine of up to $427 and your license will be suspended for 1 year, unless you purchase special SR-22 coverage and keep it on file for 3 years. If you are involved in an accident without insurance you can be personally sued for damages by any injured person. If the suit is successful, you must pay within 60 days or your license will be suspended until the judgment is paid.
Vehicle insurance premiums are regulated by the Oregon Insurance Division. Insurance companies are allowed to charge premiums and award discounts based on a number of factors that can include:
Oregon also allows insurers to consider your credit history to determine your premium.
You may be able to lower the cost of your premiums in the following ways:
Laws regarding driving and car insurance can change frequently. It is your responsibility to stay current about the legal requirements in Oregon. The following laws have recently been enacted in Oregon and may affect your insurance coverage decisions.
Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles