Getting your license is exciting! But before you hit the road, it’s important to understand car insurance. It can be confusing, but we’ll make it easy to understand. car insurance Oregon.
Why do you need car insurance in Oregon?
In Oregon, car insurance is required by law. This means you must have a certain amount of insurance to drive legally. But it’s not just about following the rules: insurance protects you and other road users.
If you get into an accident, your car insurance will pay for:
Damage to your car – Helps cover the cost of repairs.
Damage to someone else’s vehicle – Helps pay for damage caused by a collision with another person’s car.
Medical bills – Covers medical expenses related to injuries.
Legal fees – Helps pay if you get sued after an accident.
Insurance is like a safety net that helps you avoid major financial problems.
What insurance do you need in Oregon?
Oregon requires drivers to have a minimum amount of insurance, called "minimum liability coverage":
Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident (helps pay for damages you cause to others).
Property Damage: $20,000 per accident (helps pay for damage you cause to property).
Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Helps pay for your medical bills and lost wages, regardless of who caused the accident.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Covers you if the other driver doesn't have adequate insurance.
You can always choose higher coverage for additional protection.
What affects your insurance costs?
To determine the amount of your payment, insurance companies take several factors into account:
Your age: Younger drivers tend to pay more because they have more accidents.
Your driving habits: Fines or accidents can increase your insurance costs.
The type of car you drive: Expensive or sporty cars are more expensive to insure.
Where you live: City drivers usually pay more than rural drivers.
Your grades: Some companies offer discounts for good grades.
Driving school courses: Taking a course can lower your insurance premium.
Parental insurance: It is often cheaper to stay with your insurance than to take out your own insurance.