Living is easy in Portland, Oregon with beautiful scenery, eco-friendly lifestyles, and extensive art scenes. Driving isn’t always as easy though, during the busy rush hours with all the construction sites around the city. Because every town has its driving challenges, car insurance is legally mandatory in the US. Having car insurance protects Portland drivers from accident precussions, like expensive legal, repair, or medical fees.
You always want to be prepared for any unexpected events. And that’s where Trailstone Insurance Group comes in. We’re an insurance agency that connects you with the top insurance companies in Oregon, offering home, auto, and commercial insurance solutions. Contact us and get car insurance quotes in Portland now!
Get a QuoteWhat Are the Car Insurance Coverage Options in Portland?
Car insurance is mandatory in Oregon. There’s a minimum required coverage that every driver must carry.
Minimum Coverage Required in Portland
Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability: $20,000 per accident
Personal Injury Protection: $15,000 per person
Uninsured Motorist Coverage Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
The Mandatory Oregon Auto Insurance Coverage Options
Before delving deep into the mandatory insurance coverage, it’s worth noting that Oregon is a fault state. That means if you’re found at fault in an accident, your insurance pays for the legal, and medical expenses, property damage, and any losses. These are the mandatory insurance coverages in Portland:
- Bodily Injury liability insurance: If you’re found at fault in an accident, your insurance company pays for the medical expenses to treat injuries that befell the other driver or passengers. Bodily Injury liability covers medical expenses, legal fees, emotional distress, loss of income, and funeral costs.
- Property Damage: Similarly, if you’re found at fault in an accident and you cause damage to someone else’s car or property, they can file for compensation. In this case, your insurance company pays for the damage.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Regardless of who is at fault, PIP pays for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs related to injuries to you or your passengers.
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: This coverage pays for bodily injury to you or your passengers if the other driver who is at fault is underinsured or uninsured.
Talk to one of our car insurance agents in Portland and learn everything you need to know now!
What Is Optional Car Insurance Coverage in Portland?
These extra coverages add more protection to your car insurance policy at a price. These provide you with full coverage car insurance so you can sleep at ease.
Collision Coverage
Collision is defined as colliding that happens between two objects. This additional coverage option covers your car or property if it got damaged in a collision accident, regardless of who’s at fault.
Comprehensive Coverage
This additional coverage covers damage from incidents not covered by collision coverage, like fire, theft, glass breakage, explosion, and animal collision.
What Happens If You Drive Without Car Insurance in Portland?
In Portland, you may get stopped by police at a checkpoint or after a collision. In some cases, like speeding, you might get asked to pull over. If the police ask for proof of insurance and you fail to provide it, you will be convicted of a Class B traffic violation. The violation has consequences, like fines, penalties, and extra fees. Here’s what happens when you’re caught driving without insurance in Portland.
Penalties for Uninsured Driving:
- Fines: You’re obligated to pay either a presumptive fine of $265 or take the case to court and pay a fine between $135 and $1000.
- Driving privileges: Your license and registration will get suspended. Your car may get impounded.
- Reinstatement requirement: You’re required to carry an SR-22 certificate for 3 years. Upon reinstatement, you’re required to pay a fee of $75.
- Monthly verification: Your insurance company will have to provide proof of insurance compliance for 3 years.
What is the Average Cost of Car Insurance in Portland, Oregon?
The average cost of car insurance is $2,072 per year in Portland. Because Portland is the busiest and biggest city in Oregon, it’s also the most expensive when it comes to car insurance. By comparison, the state’s average cost is $1,894 per year. Remember that each car insurance policy costs differently, depending on many factors. Here are some of the factors that determine the cost of car insurance in Portland.
Factors that Influence Auto Insurance Rates in Portland
- Location: Living in cities with low crime rates and claims rate lowers your insurance rate.
- Age: The older the driver is, the less insurance premium they pay. Newer, younger drivers pay the highest insurance premiums.
- Gender: Statistically, men are more likely to get involved in accidents. That’s why women pay less in car insurance premiums.
- Driving history: Traffic violations, like a speeding ticket or DUIs, increase car insurance rates.
- Credit history: In many states, car insurance companies may look into your credit score to help them calculate an insurance premium.
- Vehicle make and model: New expensive cars are more expensive to repair so they increase the insurance rate.
How to Reduce the Cost of Car Insurance in Portland
Here’s how to get the cheapest car insurance in Portland and save money.
- Compare car insurance rates: Don’t settle for the first quote you get. We help you find different deals from the cheapest car insurance companies in Portland.
- Pay premium annually: If you can afford it, pay your premium up front to get a discounted rate.
- Improve credit score: A poor credit score may get you a higher rate. Maintain a good to excellent score
- Take a defensive driving course: Many insurance companies offer discounted rates for drivers who undergo defensive driving or safety courses.
- Bundle multiple insurance policies under one insurance company.
- Increase deductible: Increasing deductible decreases the insurance premium. If you can afford the out-of-pocket costs, consider raising your deductible.
Why Choose Trailstone Insurance Group for Auto Insurance in Portland
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We are an independent insurance agency, meaning we work for you, not the insurance company. Our team goes above and beyond to secure the best deals and help you make an informed decision about your Oregon auto insurance.
Excellent Service
We work for our clients, providing them with the best deals that fit their needs and budgets. Get the best customer treatment from a company that puts its clients before the car insurance companies.
A Ramsey-Trusted Pro
We only work with the best of the best. We formed partnerships with over 40 financially strong insurance carriers, so you’re guaranteed to be in safe hands, regardless of how much you pay. We’re committed to providing excellent quality of service. We treat you how we would want to be treated.
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Car Insurance in Portland FAQs
Car insurance is more expensive in Portland than other cities in Oregon because Portland is the biggest and busiest city. Moreover, there is an increasing number of uninsured drivers in the city that increase the risk for insurers. Additionally, Portland has a dense population and a high number of auto theft rates.
Yes, car insurance is mandated by law in Portland. Drivers caught without insurance suffer consequences, like fines, license suspension and other penalties.
Full coverage involves having the minimum required coverage plus comprehensive and collision coverage. Having full coverage protects you against most risks and is recommended by car insurance companies.