Oregon Car Insurance Laws and Requirements (2023)

Oregon law dictates the minimum requirements for insurance coverage that all drivers must carry. All drivers in Oregon must hold 25/50/20 in bodily injury per person, bodily injury per accident, and property damage per accident. Additionally, drivers can pick from a long list of additional coverages for added protection.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Oregon

The minimum car insurance requirements in Oregon^[1] are:

• $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person

• $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident

• $20,000 for property damage liability per accident

• $15,000 for personal injury protection per person injured in an accident

• $25,000 for uninsured motorist coverage bodily injury per person

• $50,000 for uninsured motorist coverage bodily injury per crash

When it comes to car accidents, Oregon is an at-fault or tort state. This means the driver responsible for the accident must pay for the damages incurred. Their insurance company is required to cover the injured victim’s damages, including medical costs and vehicle repairs. It’s important to note that even though Oregon is an at-fault state, personal injury protection (PIP) coverage is still required.

Bodily Injury Liability

Bodily injury liability is part of your liability car insurance coverage. If you cause an accident, this coverage will help cover the other party’s medical expenses. This type of coverage will not cover your own medical expenses for injuries sustained in a car accident you caused. Bodily injury liability coverage is required in Oregon.

Property Damage Liability

Property damage liability is the other half of your liability car insurance. It covers repair costs and damage expenses to the other cars involved in an accident you caused. This coverage does not cover damage to your own car in an accident you were at fault for. Property damage liability coverage is required in Oregon.

Personal Injury Protection

Personal injury protection, also known as PIP, covers medical bills, lost wages, and replacement services for you and other members of your household if you’re injured in a car accident. PIP provides coverage regardless of who is at fault for an accident. Personal injury protection is required in Oregon.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

If an uninsured (or underinsured) driver causes an accident and you suffer bodily injury, uninsured motorist coverage will cover your medical expenses. If the at-fault driver surpasses their bodily injury liability coverage limits, your underinsured motorist coverage will cover the rest of your medical expenses. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is required in Oregon.

Is state minimum car insurance enough in Oregon?

The minimum required car insurance coverage in Oregon provides drivers with a solid foundation of auto insurance coverage, but it may not be enough for everyone. Since the minimum car insurance may not cover all expenses after serious accidents, consider investing in higher liability limits. By doing so, you can avoid hefty out-of-pocket costs.

Optional Car Insurance Coverage for Oregon

Oregon drivers who want to be protected in any situation should consider bolstering the minimum car insurance coverage with the following supplemental car insurance coverages:

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage covers damages to your car after a collision with another vehicle or object. If your vehicle is a total loss, collision coverage will reimburse you for the actual cash value of your vehicle. This is a great addition to the required property damage liability coverage in Oregon, which applies only to the damages to the other driver’s vehicle.

Comprehensive Coverage

Complementing your collision coverage, comprehensive insurance covers damage to your vehicle that occurs during an event that is not a collision with another vehicle or object. This may apply in situations of vandalism, theft, weather damage, or a run-in with an animal. Adding comprehensive and collision coverage together creates a full-coverage car insurance policy.

Other Supplemental Coverage

Medical payments coverage, or MedPay, pays for medical bills, whether you’re a driver, passenger, or pedestrian. It also covers passenger injuries and applies regardless of who is at fault. Rental car reimbursement can be useful if your vehicle sustains damage in a covered accident and can’t be driven. It will pay for a car rental so you can go about your daily routine.

If you drive frequently or far, roadside assistance should be on your radar. It can be a real lifesaver in emergency situations, as it includes services like tire changes, jump starts, battery replacements, and key recovery.

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Penalties for Driving Uninsured in Oregon

It is illegal to drive in Oregon without the minimum car insurance coverage^[2].

• Fines: You may be charged anywhere from $130 to $1,000.

• Driver’s license suspension: Your driver’s license may be suspended for up to a year.

• SR-22 requirement: You’ll need to file an SR-22 for up to three years after the incident.

• Reinstatement fees: You’ll be on the hook for fees to reinstate your license.

Oregon uses a random auto insurance verification system to ensure that drivers are driving with the required coverage. The state sends notices to a random group of drivers every month who must provide proof of insurance. If you’re unable to show proof within 30 days of when you receive the notice, you’ll have to pay a fee.

Minimum Requirements for High-Risk Drivers in Oregon

If you’ve been convicted of a serious violation like a hit-and-run or DUI, you’ll need to sign up for an SR-22 certificate. This form shows that your insurance policy is compliant with the minimum liability car insurance requirements in Oregon.

Compared to standard car insurance policies, SR-22 insurance is typically more expensive. The exact rate, however, will depend on the insurance company and your unique situation. Since insurance companies will file an SR-22 on your behalf, you’ll also be required to pay a fee.

More Information for High-Risk Drivers in Oregon

DUI Insurance in Oregon

SR-22 Insurance in Oregon

Cheapest Minimum Car Insurance in Oregon

Car insurance companies weigh different factors to determine what to quote drivers on their car insurance policies. Minimum coverage generally means lower car insurance rates. It also means low coverage limits, which may cost you if you’re ever involved in an accident. Here are the cheapest car insurance quotes for minimum coverage in Oregon.

How to Find Cheap Car Insurance in Oregon

Insurify can help you find cheap car insurance in Oregon. Once you answer a few questions about yourself and your vehicle, you’ll be able to compare car insurance quotes from a number of car insurance companies in the state. You can then choose the right coverage for your unique budget and needs.