Tag: oregon car insurance

Aside from New Hampshire and Virginia, all U.S. states require vehicles to be covered by car insurance, so if you live in Oregon and plan to drive a car, it’s essential to understand the intricacies of Oregon car insurance. The following overview outlines everything you need to know about Oregon car insurance, including minimum insurance requirements to legally operate a vehicle, coverage options, and the legal implications of non-compliance, especially if you are involved in a car accident.

If you are involved in a car accident and suffer an injury, one of the best things you can do is consult with a personal injury lawyer, like the team at Warren Allen, LLP, to ensure you have all the help you need if you decide to pursue a personal injury claim. 

Who Needs Car Insurance?

Generally speaking, anyone operating a motor vehicle on public roadways in Oregon must have car insurance. Certain vehicles might be exempt, including antique vehicles issued permanent registration; collector’s vehicles whose primary use is not transportation but exhibitions or parades; some all-terrain vehicles unless operated on a highway access route; and motor vehicles not operated on the highway or operated only on private property. 

Minimum Insurance Requirements

For vehicles that do require insurance coverage, Oregon drivers are required to have liability coverage. This coverage helps pay for any injuries or property damage that you may cause to others in the event of an accident. The minimum amounts of insurance are as follows:

• Bodily injury and property damage liability:
  • $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death;
  • $50,000 per crash for bodily injury or death to two or more people in a single accident; and
  • $20,000 per crash for damage to others’ property.
• Personal injury protection of $15,000 per person: This coverage helps provide certain financial compensation to cover medical expenses and lost wages for the driver and any passengers in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. Generally, the medical expenses must be considered “reasonable and necessary” and occur within two years of the accident.
• Uninsured motorist protection of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash for bodily injury. This coverage helps protect drivers who might be involved in an accident with another driver who does not have insurance. It can also help cover costs incurred by a hit-and-run collision. Drivers can receive financial compensation to help cover medical expenses if injured in an accident.

Coverage Options

While liability, personal injury protection, and uninsured motorist coverage in the amounts listed above are mandatory when buying Oregon car insurance, drivers often opt for additional coverage options. Coverage amounts will vary, depending on your insurance company and how much you are willing to pay for your monthly premium. It’s essential to review your policy with your insurance agent carefully to understand your coverage.

Several types of additional coverage are common for many car owners. 

• Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your vehicle if involved in a collision, regardless of fault. 
• Comprehensive coverage is used for non-collision damage to your vehicle resulting from theft, weather, or vandalism. 
• Underinsured motorist coverage helps bridge the gap when the other driver has insurance, but it’s insufficient to cover all your expenses. 
• Your insurance company might also offer coverage for emergency roadside service or rental cars.

Although uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory, the type required is only for bodily injury. If you choose, you can also add uninsured motorist coverage for damage to your vehicle or property.

It’s important to remember that, unlike homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, car insurance policies often do not cover the costs of personal property that might be damaged in an accident or stolen from your vehicle. The best choice is to take valuables with you when you leave your car.

Proof of Oregon Car Insurance

You should always keep proof of insurance with you whenever you are driving to avoid negative legal repercussions and ensure you are covered in the case of an accident, whether you are at fault or not. Most insurance companies provide a small card you can carry in your wallet or keep in the glove box of your car. Legally, you must show proof of insurance to the other driver if you are involved in an accident and the police if they pull you over for speeding or other driving infractions. 

What Happens in Cases of Non-Compliance?

Understandably, the consequences can be serious if you fail to comply with Oregon’s mandatory car insurance requirements. Individuals caught driving without insurance might incur fines and penalties or have their driver’s license and vehicle registration suspended until they can prove they have valid car insurance.  

Legally, if you are at fault in an accident and do not have Oregon car insurance, you might be held responsible and required to pay for damages and injuries to the other driver. Paying these damages out-of-pocket can sometimes be financially devastating. The other driver could file a lawsuit or take other legal action against you to ensure they receive the financial compensation you owe them. In addition, you would bear the financial burden of paying for your medical expenses and any necessary repairs to your vehicle out of your funds.

States put mandatory insurance coverage requirements in place to safeguard their residents. Having the appropriate Oregon car insurance is good citizenship, but it is also a good idea to protect yourself financially if you are involved in a car accident. If you have been injured in a car accident in Oregon, you may be entitled to financial compensation to cover medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and vehicle and property damage repairs. Call the personal injury lawyers at Warren Allen LLP to discuss your situation and learn your options. Let us help you get the best resolution possible!