Why Is Car Insurance So Expensive in Oregon?
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In Oregon, the average yearly car insurance rate for a 40-year-old driver with a full coverage policy and a clean record is $1,181 per year. This is cheaper than the national average of $1,424 per year.
Your actual rate can vary depending on several factors, including your age, driving record and credit score. Insurance costs in Oregon are also affected by high population density, motor vehicle theft rates and the state’s car insurance requirements.
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Key Takeaways
Compared to the average driver in the U.S., those in Oregon spend $243 less on car insurance, at an average annual rate of $1,181.
In 2020, Oregon had the sixth-highest auto theft rate, contributing to its high insurance costs.
Oregon’s auto insurance laws require drivers to carry a policy with liability insurance, personal injury protection, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
Why Oregon Car Insurance Rates Can Be High
While Oregon’s car insurance rates are cheaper than the national average, they may be expensive for some because of high population density and vehicle theft rates in their neighborhoods, or because of personal factors. MoneyGeek examines these factors to help you understand why you’re paying high premiums in the state.
High Population in an Urban Area
Eighty-one percent of Oregon’s population lives in urban areas. If you’re living in a densely populated neighborhood in the state, it may be a reason for your expensive car insurance. Areas with frequent accidents, car thefts and vandalism have higher insurance costs because policyholders are more likely to file claims.
High Vehicle Theft Rate
Auto insurers calculate the risks of theft and increased claim filings when setting your rates. As a result, living in an area with more car thefts can increase the cost of your car insurance. There were 360 instances of motor vehicle theft per 100,000 residents in Oregon in the most recent year data was available.
Is Oregon a No-Fault State?
Oregon is a fault state, which means the driver at fault in a collision is liable for repairs, medical costs and other damages. The state’s insurance policies have a built-in no-fault provision. Oregon’s auto insurance laws mandate that insurance companies provide personal injury protection (PIP), which covers medical expenses related to injuries caused in a crash.
Oregon allows injured victims in car accidents to sue the at-fault party without any financial or injury thresholds in place.
Mandatory UM/UIM
Oregon requires drivers to carry uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This protects you if you are in a collision caused by an uninsured driver, a driver whose coverage cannot cover your costs or a driver whose insurance company denies their claim.
Mandatory PIP
Unlike most states that only require liability insurance, Oregon mandates its drivers purchase PIP insurance. This coverage helps drivers pay for the medical bills for themselves and their passengers following a car accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Why Car Insurance in Oregon Might Be Expensive for You
How much you pay for car insurance in Oregon is affected by state and personal factors. Your location, age, driving record, credit score, insurance provider and car model are individual factors that affect your quote. Personal factors significantly increase your rates in Oregon because the state’s car insurance costs tend to be cheaper than the national average.
Where You Live
Where you live within the state can affect the cost of your premiums. Oregon has cheaper rates than the national average, but you may pay more based on your Zip code. Drivers in Portland pay an average of $1,181 per year for car insurance, while those in Eugene pay $847 per year for the same policy.
Average Car Insurance Rates in Oregon: State & Cities
Location | Annual Premium |
|---|---|
Oregon’s State Average | $1,181 |
Eugene | $847 |
Gresham | $1,230 |
Hillsboro | $1,055 |
Portland | $1,181 |
Salem | $1,041 |
Insurance Company
Shopping around for insurers can make a difference in the cost of your premiums. The cheapest car insurance in Oregon can help save you money, while the best car insurance in Oregon can provide quality service along with affordability. You can use MoneyGeek’s Oregon car insurance calculator for a close estimate of your costs.
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Age
The cost of car insurance is affected by various factors, including your age. Teen drivers are considered riskier to insure, so they are usually charged higher rates. Senior drivers likewise pay higher premiums compared to their 40-year-old counterparts.
Average Car Insurance Rates by Age in Oregon
State | Average Driver (40-Year-Old) | 16-Year-Old | 25-Year-Old |
|---|---|---|---|
Oregon | $1,181 | $2,663 | $1,142 |
Driving Record
Insurance companies tend to charge lower rates to drivers with clean records. Those with traffic violations face higher premiums. Your rate may also increase depending on the severity of your infraction. If you have an accident on your record, your rate can increase to $1,787 per year in Oregon.
Average Car Insurance Rates by Driving Record in Oregon
State | No Violation | Speeding Ticket | Accident | DUI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Oregon | $1,181 | $1,541 | $1,785 | $1,787 |
Credit Score
Car insurance carriers in Oregon use credit scores to determine your auto insurance premiums. If you have poor credit, you may pay an average of $1,699 per year. If you have excellent credit, you may only pay an average of $853 per year.
Average Car Insurance Rates by Credit Score in Oregon
State | Excellent Credit Score | Fair Credit Score | Poor Credit Score |
|---|---|---|---|
Oregon | $853 | $1,217 | $1,699 |
Car’s Make and Build
The car you drive plays a role in your insurance costs. When determining rates, insurance providers consider factors like possible repair costs, the likelihood of theft and engine size. An older car is usually cheaper to insure than a newer model. You can use MoneyGeek’s auto insurance calculator to see how much you might pay depending on the car you drive.
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How to Save on Car Insurance in Oregon
There are ways to reduce your car insurance rates in Oregon. These include shopping around for quotes from different providers and taking advantage of available discounts. MoneyGeek outlined some steps you can take to reduce your car insurance costs.
Shop around for the best rates.
Insurance companies use different factors to determine your rates. Gathering and comparing car insurance quotes from multiple providers can help you get the best rates for your needs.
Try bundling your policies.
Combining your home and auto insurance policies with the same provider can lead to significant savings.
Seek out available discounts.
Car insurance providers commonly offer discount opportunities to policyholders. These include safe driving, good student and multi-car policy discounts. Insurers may also offer discounts if you install an anti-theft device in your vehicle or drive a low number of miles each year. Not all discounts are available in every state or company, so ask an agent what discounts you’re eligible for.
Increase your deductible.
Your deductible, the money you pay out-of-pocket when you make a claim, plays a significant role in your car insurance rates. Having a higher deductible means a lower premium but also means higher costs when you file a claim.
Opt for pay-per-mile insurance.
If you don’t drive regularly, you can save money by getting pay-per-mile insurance. This option is primarily usage-based, which means your rates will be based on how many miles you drive.
Drop unnecessary coverage.
Dropping comprehensive coverage may be practical for those with premiums worth more than 10% of their vehicle’s cash value. But before doing that, it’s wise to determine how much coverage you need to avoid being underinsured.
Frequently Asked Questions
To help you understand why car insurance in Oregon can be expensive, MoneyGeek answered the following commonly asked questions.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
