Auto insurance is substantially less expensive in Oregon than in many other states. In 2011, the average annual premium in the state is $1,142 which compares quite favorably to the national average of $1,440.
Annual Changes
Premiums in Oregon decreased 23% for 2011,and this followed a 14% decrease between 2009 and 2010. Prices for car insurance in Oregon are set by each insurance company as it sees fit and are not fixed in any way. Rates often change even during any given year, and drivers are advised to check our site for the latest Oregon auto insurance prices in order to obtain and maintain the best possible price.
Seasonal Changes
Oregon auto insurance premiums remained stable until the summer of 2010, when they began to fall substantially, reaching a new low that basically remained in effect all winter into 2011. In Oregon, car insurance rate fluctuations can occur at any time of year, and monitoring rates allows consumers to get the best possible prices.
Insurance Requirements
Minimum insurance requirements in Oregon were raised on January 1, 2010 to include personal liability coverage of $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident and a $20,000 property damage liability limit. In addition, there is now mandatory personal injury protection coverage of at least $15,000. Nevertheless, Oregon works under a tort system, where one party must be judged responsible for any accident. That party is then held liable for the entire cost of the accident. Higher limits are therefore recommended to protect assets in the event of a lawsuit. Coverage to protect against damage caused by an uninsured or under-insured driver is now also required in Oregon, and the minimum coverage is also $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
Advice for Getting the Best Deals
Oregon car insurers include major national and regional insurers. Since each company uses its own methods of determining their premiums for each driver, no one company or type of company can be said to offer the lowest rates. Experts recommend obtaining multiple quotes from reliable insurance companies which are rated A or higher by A. M. Best. It is also advised to check the J. D. Power ratings for consumer service related information.
Oregon drivers are urged to return to our site frequently in order to get the best possible prices by keeping track of changing rates and requesting multiple quotes.
