Auto insurance is required for all drivers in Oregon. Whether you live in Portland, Eugene, Salem, Bend, or a rural area of the state, carrying the right coverage is both a legal requirement and a smart way to protect yourself financially.
This page provides a general overview of how auto insurance works in Oregon, what the state requires, and what types of coverage may be available to you. It is not legal or financial advice.
Oregon Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements
Oregon law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage. The current minimum requirements are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death per accident
- $20,000 for property damage per accident
- $15,000 per person for Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
- $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for Uninsured Motorist coverage
Oregon is unique in that it requires both Personal Injury Protection and Uninsured Motorist coverage as part of its minimum requirements. These are in addition to the standard liability limits.
Unlike many states, Oregon mandates Personal Injury Protection and Uninsured Motorist coverage on every policy. This means Oregon drivers have a built-in layer of protection even at the minimum coverage level.
Personal Injury Protection in Oregon
Oregon is considered a hybrid state. It requires PIP coverage but is not a true no-fault state. PIP is intended to help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who caused it. Oregon law requires a minimum of $15,000 in PIP coverage per person.
After PIP limits are used, you may still pursue a claim against an at-fault driver for additional damages.
Types of Coverage Available in Oregon
In addition to the required coverages, Oregon drivers may want to consider these optional types of protection:
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage is intended to help pay for damage to your own vehicle when it is involved in a crash, regardless of who is at fault. If you are financing or leasing your vehicle, your lender may require this coverage.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage is intended to help cover vehicle damage caused by events other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism, falling objects, flooding, or fire. Oregon’s wet climate can bring flooding and other weather-related risks worth considering.
Oregon experiences heavy rain, ice in mountain passes, and occasional flooding. Comprehensive coverage is intended to help with weather-related vehicle damage, while collision coverage is intended to address crash-related damage on slippery roads.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
While Oregon requires uninsured motorist coverage, underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is also available and is intended to help when the at-fault driver has insurance but their limits are not enough to cover your losses. This is worth considering given that many drivers carry only minimum coverage.
Oregon Is an At-Fault State (With PIP)
Oregon uses a fault-based system for auto accidents, meaning the driver who caused the accident is generally responsible for the resulting costs. However, the mandatory PIP coverage means your own insurance is intended to help with immediate medical expenses regardless of fault, which can speed up your access to care after an accident.
Oregon uses a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found to be partially at fault for an accident, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you may not be able to recover damages from the other party.
Factors That May Affect Your Oregon Auto Insurance Rate
Insurance companies may consider a number of factors when setting your premium, including:
- Your driving history and any prior claims
- Your age and driving experience
- The make, model, and year of your vehicle
- Where you live and where the vehicle is primarily kept
- Your annual mileage
- The coverage types and limits you choose
- Your credit history (Oregon allows credit-based insurance scoring)
Drivers in Portland and other urban areas may see different rates than those in rural eastern Oregon. Traffic density, accident rates, and theft statistics in your area can all influence what you pay.
Proof of Insurance in Oregon
Oregon drivers must carry proof of insurance and present it when asked by law enforcement, when registering a vehicle, or after an accident. Electronic proof of insurance is accepted in Oregon, so a digital copy on your phone is generally acceptable.
Driving without insurance in Oregon can result in fines, a suspended license, and other consequences.
Get a Quote for Oregon Auto Insurance
If you are shopping for auto insurance in Oregon, we can help you explore coverage options from multiple carriers. Our team can help you compare policies and find coverage that may fit your situation.