Navigating Oregon’s Minimum Car Insurance Limits

Oregons state minimum car insurance liability limits are 25/50/20. The average annual cost for state minimum coverage is $788, which breaks down to about $66 per month.

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Oregon law says that drivers must have at least $25,000 in bodily injury coverage for each person, $50,000 in bodily injury coverage for each accident, and $20,000 in property damage coverage for each accident. There is also coverage for drivers who don’t have insurance. The limits for this are the same as the bodily injury liability, which is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, plus $15,000 for personal injury protection (PIP).

The state operates under an at-fault system, meaning the person responsible for the accident pays for the damage. The average monthly cost for this minimum coverage in Oregon is approximately $65. If you want to possibly save money on your premiums, you should look into your options for the cheapest Oregon car insurance.

Why Should You Trust MoneyGeek? They looked at information from the Oregon Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services to give you the most accurate cost information for a variety of Oregon drivers.

These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Oregon as of August 2024.

As an Oregon driver, carrying auto insurance is not optional – it’s the law. You need to understand the state’s minimum coverage requirements to make sure you have adequate protection. I’ll explain Oregon’s minimums and provide tips to make sure you have the right insurance coverage.

Oregon may have lower minimums compared to some other states, but that doesn’t mean you should just stick with the minimums. Understanding what types of insurance and what coverage limits are legally required is an important first step. But it’s also smart to consider your finances and assets to determine if you need additional protection.

Oregon’s Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements

Liability insurance is required in Oregon and helps cover damages if you are responsible for an accident that injures another driver or damages their vehicle or property.

Here are the minimum liability insurance requirements in Oregon

$25,000 bodily injury per person: Covers medical expenses and lost wages for each person injured in an accident you cause, up to $25,000 per injured individual.
$50000 bodily injury per accident The total payout per accident for all injuries is capped at $50000 total. So if multiple people are injured, the per accident limit applies.
$20,000 property damage per accident: Property damage pays for damage you cause to another vehicle or property, like a building, fence or light pole. The minimum is $20,000 per accident.

These dollar figures are on the low side compared to most other states. But meeting these minimums satisfies Oregon’s mandatory insurance requirements. Falling below the minimums can lead to fines and license suspension.

Consider Getting More Than the Minimum Coverage

The state-required minimums provide basic protection, but accidents often exceed those limits Just one trip to the ER can easily cost more than $25,000 And if you total a luxury car, $20,000 may not cover the vehicle’s value.

That’s why it’s smart to consider higher liability limits. An extra $10,000 or $20,000 of coverage can make a big difference in protecting your finances following an accident.

Here are some scenarios where higher limits would be beneficial:

You have significant assets like savings or home equity you want to protect.
You drive an expensive vehicle that would cost more than $20,000 to replace.
You want protection from lawsuits following a large accident. Umbrella insurance provides extra coverage once your regular auto policy is exhausted.

Your insurance agent can provide quotes to help you understand the price difference for increased coverage. Often a small premium increase can get you 2X or 3X higher limits.

Oregon Also Requires Personal Injury Protection

In addition to liability insurance, Oregon requires drivers to carry personal injury protection (PIP) coverage:

Personal Injury Protection: $15,000 per person for medical, lost wages, and other expenses for both you and your passengers no matter who is at fault in an accident. This can help pay initial bills as the insurance settlement process plays out.

So at a minimum, your Oregon policy must include $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury liability, $20,000 property damage liability, and $15,000 of PIP.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Two other important coverages to consider are:

Uninsured motorist: Covers injuries to you and passengers caused by a driver with no insurance. The Oregon minimum is $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident.
Underinsured motorist: Provides additional coverage if the at-fault driver’s liability limits can’t fully cover your damages.

Again, it may be wise to purchase more than the minimums for these valuable coverages. An accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver can generate major costs.

How Much Car Insurance is Right for You?

While Oregon has modest minimum auto insurance requirements compared to other states, it’s smart to think through your own situation rather than sticking solely with the minimums.

Factors like your income, assets, and type of vehicle should guide your insurance limits. Your agent can provide guidance, or you can contact an independent insurance advisor.

Getting the right insurance coverage takes some effort upfront. But taking the time to understand Oregon’s minimums and to determine what works for your situation pays off after an accident. The right amount of insurance can prevent major financial stress.

I know sorting through auto insurance can feel overwhelming. Please reach out if you have any other questions about Oregon requirements or want to discuss the ideal liability limits and other coverages for your situation. I’m happy to help Oregon drivers make sure they have adequate protection!

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Oregon

If you are caught driving without insurance in Oregon, the cost of your ticket will depend on whether this is your first offense or your second. For first offenses, fines are the punishment. For repeat offenses, fines may get bigger and the punishments may get worse.

Additional penalties for driving without at least minimum coverage in Oregon include:

Fines: A financial penalty is given, and it can get worse with more violations.
License suspension: You may not be able to drive anymore, and you’ll have to pay a fee to get it back.
Vehicle impoundment: Your car could be taken away, which will cost you extra money.
Suspending your vehicle registration means that the government can take away your car’s legal right to be on the road.
SR-22 requirement: You may have to show proof of future financial responsibility.

If you drive without insurance in Oregon and get into an accident, you could also go to jail for up to six months. Abide by the law and maintain at least the state minimum coverage to avoid these penalties.

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Oregon

Oregon drivers who only need minimum coverage for their car insurance can get the best deals from Country Financial and Travelers.

Country Financial: $447 per year and $37 per month
Travelers: $539 per year and $45 per month

Its important to evaluate your specific needs to determine the most fitting coverage. Explore your options and find the best car insurance in Oregon to secure your vehicle appropriately.

Country Financial	Annual Premium$447	Monthly Premium$37
Travelers	Annual Premium$539	Monthly Premium$45
Capital Insurance Group	Annual Premium$579	Monthly Premium$48
State Farm	Annual Premium$584	Monthly Premium$49
Kemper	Annual Premium$600	Monthly Premium$50
Progressive	Annual Premium$617	Monthly Premium$51
GEICO	Annual Premium$629	Monthly Premium$52
American Family	Annual Premium$663	Monthly Premium$55
Nationwide	Annual Premium$679	Monthly Premium$57
Farmers	Annual Premium$750	Monthly Premium$63
Allstate	Annual Premium$1,267	Monthly Premium$106
Dairyland	Annual Premium$2,105	Monthly Premium$175

The Cheapest car insurance in Oregon

FAQ

What are Oregon’s minimum insurance requirements?

Oregon Minimum Car Insurance Requirements Your liability insurance minimums for Oregon are: $25,000 bodily injury liability per person. $50,000 bodily injury to two or more people. $20,000 property damage liability per accident.

What is the minimum amount of insurance most states require drivers to have?

Most states require minimum car insurance with liability coverage for at least $25,000 in injuries per person and $50,000 per accident.

What is full coverage in Oregon?

Full coverage insurance in Oregon is usually defined as a policy that provides more than the state’s minimum liability coverage, which is $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, up to $50,000 per accident, and $20,000 in property damage coverage.

Is underinsured motorist coverage required in Oregon?

Every insurance policy issued in Oregon requires that the insurance company provide Uninsured Motorist (or “UM”) coverage.

What is the minimum PIP coverage allowed in Oregon?

The minimum amount of PIP coverage allowed in Oregon is $15,000. In Oregon, the minimum liability coverage required is listed as 25/50/20 and is explained in more detail below. What are Oregon’s state-mandated car insurance limits? Limits refers to the total amount that an insurance company will pay in the event of a claim.

Does Oregon require a minimum coverage limit?

Oregon state law requires drivers to maintain minimum-coverage limits for bodily injury liability, property damage liability, uninsured motorist, and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Secure. Free. Easy-to-use. Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam.

What is Oregon’s minimum liability limit?

Oregon’s minimum liability limit is split into three numbers, typically listed as 25/50/20. These numbers refer to bodily injury per person , bodily injury per accident, and property damage. See our breakdown of what each covers below:

Does Oregon minimum car insurance cover a car accident?

Oregon minimum car insurance includes liability coverage, which helps cover damages caused to others in an accident for which you are at fault – up to the policy’s limits. However, it does not cover damages to your own vehicle or injuries you sustain in an accident.