Licensed Realtor with 10+ years in personal finance content
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Daria is a licensed Realtor and resort property manager specializing in personal finance, real estate, and insurance topics. In her spare time, she practices photography.
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Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years in content creation and marketing
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
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Updated November 20, 2024
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Table of contents
Drivers in Salem can expect to pay an average of $184 per month for full-coverage car insurance and $118 for liability-only coverage. The city’s rates are higher than Oregon’s average of $133 and slightly higher than the national average of $154 per month.
The capital of Oregon, Salem is the state’s second-largest city, with a population of around 177,000.[1] It also has a comparatively high crime rate, which could contribute to its higher-than-average car insurance rates.[2] However, rates vary based on your driving record, age, ZIP code, and other factors, so it’s important to compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurers before buying.
Mile Auto, National General, and Safeco are the cheapest car insurance companies for Salem drivers.
Oregon is an at-fault state, so the driver who caused the accident is liable for damages.
Insurers in Oregon can use a credit-based insurance score when determining your car insurance rate.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Salem
The cheapest car insurance for one driver may not necessarily be the cheapest option for you — insurance companies weigh driving factors differently. That’s why it’s important to get quotes from a few companies to make sure they’re not just the cheapest overall but the cheapest for your specific needs.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best car insurance companies in Salem, Oregon.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Best for ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|---|
Safeco | 9.3 | $144 | $95 | Affordability |
Mile Auto | 7.5 | $74 | $60 | Infrequent drivers |
Liberty Mutual | 7.7 | $192 | $126 | Flexible coverage options |
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 28,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Best insurer for affordability: Safeco
User Reviews | 4.5 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.3 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $107/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $162/mo |
Drivers appreciate the polite and helpful customer service and fair pricing but dislike the significant rate increases and difficulty reaching agents.
Drivers appreciate the polite and helpful customer service and fair pricing but dislike the significant rate increases and difficulty reaching agents.
Sarah
November 10, 2024
Too Expensive
Bonnie
November 2, 2024
The Price of Car Insurance
Harris
October 31, 2024
Just Fine
Safeco offers some of the cheapest car insurance rates in Eugene and scored above average in customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. It offers numerous coverage options, including collision, comprehensive, and medical payments. Safeco also provides multiple discounts, including good driving and vehicle safety discounts.
Affordable premiums
Various discounts for young adults
Discounts and coverage options not available in every state
Gap insurance not available
Best insurer for infrequent drivers: Mile Auto
User Reviews | 4.2 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 7.5 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $68/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $83/mo |
Cookie
October 15, 2024
Excellent
Tasha
October 10, 2024
Not pleased
Thomas
October 8, 2024
Mixed Review
With a pay-per-mile structure, Mile Auto can help people who drive fewer than 10,000 miles a year save on insurance. Auto Mile’s website states it can help low-mileage drivers save 30% to 40% off their current rates.
Cheap rates for low-mileage drivers
No telematics-based tracking device required
Available in only 11 states
Limited coverage options
Best insurer for flexible coverage options: Liberty Mutual
User Reviews | 3.7 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 7.7 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $143/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $218/mo |
Drivers appreciate the initial low prices, quick claims handling, and easy account access but dislike the significant price increases over time.
Drivers appreciate the initial low prices, quick claims handling, and easy account access but dislike the significant price increases over time.
Michael
November 19, 2024
Go Elsewhere
Deborah
November 12, 2024
Examine Every Inch of Your Policy
Lee
November 12, 2024
Ugh!
Liberty Mutual offers auto, homeowners, condo, renters, flood, life, and other insurance products. Auto policyholders can save with numerous discounts, including bundling, good student, military, student-away-at-school, claims-free, violation-free, and multi-car discounts. Liberty Mutual has an A rating for financial strength and credit from AM Best. The company often scores low for customer satisfaction and has more than three times the expected number of complaints from private auto policyholders, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Consumer Complaint Index.
Wide range of available discounts
Accident forgiveness available
Available in all 50 states and D.C.
Many negative reviews and customer complaints
Premiums are relatively high compared to industry average
Low customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Salem
Car insurance companies consider a variety of factors when determining your premiums, like your age, driving record, vehicle type, ZIP code, and even your credit score. Each company weighs these factors differently, so you’ll get varying rates across the board.
Here are some tips to help you find cheap car insurance rates in Salem:
Shop around. You may be surprised how much rates can vary between insurers. It’s a good idea to shop around and get quotes from multiple insurers so you know you’re getting the best deal for your needs.
Increase your deductible. A deductible is an amount you must pay before your insurer starts paying a covered claim. Raising your deductible may lower your insurance bill but increase your out-of-pocket costs in the event of an accident.
Improve your credit score. Insurers in Oregon can consider your credit score when setting rates and may perceive people with lower credit scores as riskier and adjust rates accordingly. Improving your credit score may lower your insurance costs.
Ask about discounts. Insurance companies usually offer several discounts that can help you save money on an auto policy, such as good student and defensive driver discounts.
Bundle your home and auto insurance. Many insurers offer discounts if you bundle your auto insurance with homeowners, renters, or even life insurance.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Salem: Mile Auto
Liability-only car insurance helps cover the expenses of the other driver if you cause an accident, such as medical expenses and the cost to repair or replace their vehicle. However, it won’t cover your own vehicle damages and medical bills.
The cheapest insurer for liability-only car insurance in Salem is Mile Auto, with an average cost of $68 per month.
Here are some of the average rates for liability-only car insurance from top insurers in Salem:
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Mile Auto | $68 |
National General | $106 |
Safeco | $107 |
Root | $111 |
Direct Auto | $135 |
Dairyland | $136 |
Liberty Mutual | $143 |
Bristol West | $148 |
The General | $170 |
GAINSCO | $179 |
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Salem: Mile Auto
While liability insurance covers injuries and damage to other people, full-coverage auto insurance protects you and your property. Full coverage is worth considering if you want to avoid paying medical bills and repair costs out of pocket.
The cheapest insurer for full-coverage car insurance in Salem is Mile Auto, with an average cost of $83 per month.
Below are the average rates for full-coverage car insurance policies in Salem.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Mile Auto | $83 |
Safeco | $162 |
Root | $168 |
National General | $191 |
Liberty Mutual | $218 |
Direct Auto | $249 |
Bristol West | $286 |
The General | $321 |
Dairyland | $327 |
GAINSCO | $369 |
Cheapest recent rates near Salem, Oregon
Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $43/mo for liability only and $43/mo for full coverage in Salem and other Oregon cities.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Salem, Oregon within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 20, 2024
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Salem, Oregon within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 20, 2024
Car insurance requirements in Oregon
Like in most states, Oregon drivers must carry liability insurance. Keep in mind these are only minimums, and you should consider more coverage to minimize the possibility of out-of-pocket expenses after an accident.
Below are the minimum insurance coverage requirements in Oregon.[3]
Coverage ▲▼ | Minimum Requirements ▲▼ |
---|---|
Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
Property damage liability | $20,000 per accident |
Personal injury protection | $15,000 per person |
Uninsured motorist coverage | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
In addition to the state’s minimum coverage, consider the following optional coverage options for broader protection on the road:
Collision coverage
Collision insurance helps cover your repair bills if you’re involved in an accident with another vehicle or object, such as a pole or fence.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage helps pay for non-accident-related damage, such as weather, theft, and vandalism.
Gap coverage
Cars start depreciating in value as soon as you drive them off the lot. Gap insurance helps cover the gap between the depreciated value of your vehicle and the amount left on your loan or lease if your car is stolen or totaled.
Rental car reimbursement coverage
Rental car reimbursement helps pay for alternative transportation, such as rental cars or train and bus tickets, while your car is in the shop.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
Incidents occur on the road all the time. Incidents almost always increase your insurance premium, whether it’s an at-fault accident, speeding ticket, DUI, or other moving violation. Insurance companies consider your driving record when determining your rates, and while multiple violations can affect your rates, you can still find affordable insurance.
Below, we’ll cover what you can expect to pay for insurance after different types of incidents.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: Mile Auto
Insurers see speeding as unsafe driving behavior, which is why drivers with speeding tickets on their records often pay more for insurance. The effect on your premium will vary by insurer and the severity of the ticket.
In addition to an insurance hike, you’ll likely also pay fines. Oregon speeding ticket costs depend on where you’re driving and how many miles above the speed limit you’re going. Speeding in school zones or work zones may result in higher fees.
On average, Salem drivers with speeding tickets pay $173 per month for liability coverage and $269 for full-coverage auto insurance.
Here are some of the average monthly rates for drivers with a speeding ticket in Salem.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With Speeding Ticket ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
Mile Auto | $68 | $91 |
National General | $106 | $142 |
Safeco | $107 | $144 |
Root | $111 | $158 |
Direct Auto | $135 | $180 |
Dairyland | $136 | $181 |
Liberty Mutual | $143 | $204 |
Bristol West | $148 | $198 |
The General | $170 | $230 |
GAINSCO | $179 | $256 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: Mile Auto
Having an at-fault accident on your record will often result in your insurer increasing your insurance rates since insurers consider drivers who have caused an accident to be at higher risk than drivers with clean records. However, the effects on your rate should diminish with time by practicing safe driving habits.
Salem drivers with at-fault accidents on their motor vehicle records pay an overall average of $223 per month for car insurance.
Here are the average car insurance rates for Salem drivers with an at-fault accident on their record.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With Accident ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
Mile Auto | $68 | $96 |
National General | $106 | $145 |
Safeco | $107 | $146 |
Root | $111 | $163 |
Direct Auto | $135 | $189 |
Dairyland | $136 | $185 |
Liberty Mutual | $143 | $209 |
Bristol West | $148 | $203 |
The General | $170 | $238 |
GAINSCO | $179 | $236 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: Mile Auto
Like anywhere else, driving under the influence in Oregon is a serious offense and can result in fees, license suspension, and even jail time. Aside from that, you’ll likely also see a bump in your insurance costs after a DUI, as insurers perceive you as a riskier investment and adjust rates accordingly.
In Salem, the average rates for drivers with DUIs are $198 for liability-only insurance and $308 for full coverage.
Here are the average car insurance rates for Salem drivers with a DUI on their record.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With DUI ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
Mile Auto | $68 | $113 |
National General | $106 | $176 |
Safeco | $107 | $165 |
Root | $111 | $165 |
Direct Auto | $135 | $224 |
Dairyland | $136 | $226 |
Liberty Mutual | $143 | $238 |
Bristol West | $148 | $246 |
The General | $170 | $282 |
GAINSCO | $179 | $297 |
Cheapest car insurance for seniors: Mile Auto
Age is one of the factors insurers consider when setting rates. The youngest and oldest drivers tend to pay the most for insurance. Rates decrease around age 35 but increase at around age 70. This could be due to an increased risk of injury from an accident, which can lead to higher claims.
On average, senior drivers in Salem pay $137 for a full-coverage policy each month and $88 per month for liability-only coverage.
Here are the average monthly rates for seniors in Salem.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
Mile Auto | $49 | $59 |
National General | $77 | $138 |
Safeco | $87 | $132 |
Root | $89 | $134 |
Direct Auto | $100 | $184 |
Dairyland | $103 | $248 |
Bristol West | $113 | $218 |
Liberty Mutual | $114 | $174 |
The General | $131 | $247 |
GAINSCO | $143 | $294 |
Cheapest car insurance for teens: Mile Auto
Due to their lack of driving experience and high accident rates, teen drivers can expect to pay higher than average premiums. However, teens have ways to lower costs, such as good student discounts, driving a safe vehicle, and staying on a parent’s insurance policy.
Teen drivers in Salem pay an overall average of $295 per month for car insurance.
Here are some of the average monthly auto insurance rates for teen drivers in Salem.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
Mile Auto | $141 | $171 |
Root | $180 | $272 |
Safeco | $220 | $333 |
National General | $222 | $401 |
Dairyland | $237 | $569 |
Direct Auto | $264 | $487 |
Liberty Mutual | $264 | $402 |
Bristol West | $268 | $519 |
The General | $291 | $550 |
GAINSCO | $332 | $684 |
Salem car insurance quotes by credit tier
Oregon allows car insurance companies to consider credit scores when setting rates.[4] Generally, drivers with good credit scores can expect to pay less for car insurance, while people with bad credit scores may pay higher premiums.
Here are the average monthly quotes for each of the following credit tiers:
Rates by Credit Tier
Is car insurance more expensive in Salem?
Yes. Auto insurance is generally more expensive for Salem drivers than in many other parts of the U.S.
On average, Salem drivers pay $151 for car insurance. This is higher than the state average of $133 and the national average of $154.
More cities in Oregon
Car insurance rates vary by city and even ZIP code. Insurers consider factors like population density, crime rate, and weather when determining your premiums.
Here’s how other Oregon cities compare to Salem in terms of car insurance prices.
City ▲▼ | Average Quote: Liability Only ▲▼ | Average Quote: Full Coverage ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
Beaverton | $132 | $197 |
Corvallis | $91 | $141 |
Eugene | $93 | $145 |
Grants Pass | $85 | $139 |
McMinnville | $113 | $138 |
Medford | $90 | $133 |
Portland | $133 | $198 |
Redmond | $82 | $165 |
Springfield | $90 | $135 |
Salem car insurance FAQs
Finding the right car insurance can be difficult. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about car insurance in Salem.
How much is car insurance in Salem?
On average, car insurance in Salem costs $184 per month for full coverage and $118 for liability-only insurance. Your unique premium will depend on factors like your location, driving record, age, gender, and credit score.
Which company has the cheapest car insurance in Salem?
Mile Auto offers the cheapest car insurance rates in Salem, starting at $68 for liability-only coverage. Salem drivers can also find cheap rates from National General and Safeco, which have liability rates as low as $106 and $107, respectively.
What are the best car insurance companies in Salem?
Many reliable insurers offer coverage in Salem, but State Farm, Mile Auto, and USAA are the best car insurance companies. State Farm and USAA have Insurify Quality Scores above 4.0 (out of 5.0) and strong ratings from AM Best and J.D. Power. Mile Auto is the best option for infrequent drivers in Salem, offering pay-per-mile insurance.
How much is car insurance per month in Oregon?
Car insurance in Oregon costs an average of $102 per month for car insurance. Drivers can expect to pay $73 for liability coverage and $131 for full coverage.
Is car insurance higher in Oregon?
Car insurance in Oregon is slightly higher than the national average, but it’s not the most expensive state for car insurance. Part of the reason Oregon’s insurance rates are expensive is because of its extensive minimum car insurance requirements.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Related articles
More cities in Oregon
Sources
- Oregon Secretary of State. "Salem: Oregon's Capital."
- Neighborhood Scout. "Salem, OR."
- Oregon Department of Transportation. "Minimum Insurance Requirements."
- OregonLaws. "ORS 746.661 Use of credit history or insurance score."
Daria Uhlig is a freelance writer and editor with over a decade of experience creating personal finance content. Her work appears on USA Today, Nasdaq, MSN, Yahoo Finance, Fox Business, GOBankingRates and AOL. As a licensed Realtor and resort property manager, she specializes in real estate topics, including landlord, homeowners and renters insurance. In her spare time, Daria can be found photographing people and places on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years in content creation and marketing
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
Featured in