Oregon Auto Insurance Requirements
Oregon has very tough auto insurance laws for both private and commercial vehicle owners. Minimum auto insurance coverage requirements in Oregon are mandated by state law and the Oregon Department Motor Vehicles. The following minimum coverage is required on every registered vehicle, except as noted below:
(Source: Oregon DMV)
Driving without liability insurance in Oregon could result in fines, suspension of your driving privileges, and your vehicle could be towed. If your vehicle is towed, you are subject to the towing and storage fees. This is in addition to any fines you may have to pay. If a judge convicts you of driving uninsured, you will need to file proof of future responsibility (SR-22) with DMV for three years, or your driving privileges will be suspended. This is in addition to any fines you must pay the court.
The Oregon Automobile Insurance Plan is available to drivers who are unable to obtain required coverage through the voluntary market. More information is available on the AIPSO website.
Factors Influencing Car Insurance Premiums in Oregon
Getting a quote for cheap car insurance in Oregon requires some research and rate comparisons between different insurance companies, even though Oregon ranks below national averages for car insurance costs. Some factors that impact insurance rates in Oregon include:
– Oregon is a “no-fault” state, and requires PIP insurance
– Vehicle repair costs are generally less expensive in Oregon than elsewhere
– Overall accident fatality rates are on par with national averages
– A much lower percentage of uninsured drivers compared to national averages
– Auto insurance fraud
– Vehicle theft rates well above national averages
The average auto insurance premium for residents in Oregon is $1,306 in 2011; the national average is $1,790.
Tips for Obtaining Cheap Car Insurance in Oregon
– If you’re over 55, take a state-approved defensive driving course for a policy discount
– Several insurance companies offer “pay as you drive” car insurance for low mileage drivers in Oregon
– Maintain a good driving record
– Bind multiple policies (homeowners, life, auto) with the same provider
– Maintain a good credit score
– Create a personal “emergency fund” of up to $1500 and increase deductibles accordingly
– Discuss affinity discounts with your insurance provider
– Drop comprehensive and collision insurance on older vehicles
Oregon Statistics
– Auto Theft: Oregon has a relatively high vehicle theft rate, but it has been decreasing (as is the case in most states) consistently over the past 10 years. This can be attributed primarily to anti-theft devices being standard on recent model cars, as well as public awareness of the issue:
(Source: Auto Thiefs)
– Automobile Accidents: The total vehicle miles traveled in Oregon has decreased somewhat in recent years, and vehicle accident fatality rates have also declined. Oregon is slightly below the national average in numbers of deaths in car crashes.
(Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
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