Car Insurance in Oregon

Oregon Car Insurance

In Oregon, you are legally required to carry several types of car insurance coverage: liability, personal injury protection, and uninsured motorist coverage.

You cannot register your car without carrying the required insurance, and if you’re caught driving without current insurance coverage, you’ll face harsh consequences.

Car Insurance Requirements

Oregon requires all drivers to hold ALL of the following types of insurance:

• Bodily injury liability.
• Property damage liability.
• Personal injury protection.
• Uninsured motorist.

New Residents

If you’re new to Oregon, you have 30 days from the time you become a resident to title and register your vehicle. You must have proof of Oregon car insurance to do so.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance helps cover costs incurred by injuries to another person or by property damage in an accident that you cause.

In Oregon, you’ll need to have at least the following minimums of liability insurance:

• $25,000 for bodily injury, per person.
• $50,000 for total bodily injury to others, per accident.
• $20,000 for property damage, per accident.

Personal Injury Protection

Your car insurance policy must include personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP helps pay for medical expenses incurred up to 1 year after an accident.

Your policy must include a minimum $15,000 of PIP coverage per person.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you in the event that you are involved in a crash with a driver who does not have current auto insurance or whose insurance is too low to adequately cover your costs.

The minimum requirements for uninsured motorist coverage are equal to that of the liability insurance minimums:

• $25,000 per person.
• $50,000 per crash.

Optional Insurance Coverage

You might find that if you get into an accident, the mandatory insurance coverage types aren’t enough to adequately cover your costs.

When you speak with your Oregon car insurance agent about designing your policy, make sure to ask about the following optional additions:

• Comprehensive – Helps cover non-collision-related expenses, such as those related to theft, fire damage, or vandalism.
• Collision – Pays costs incurred by damage to your vehicle in an accident with another car or an object.
• Guaranteed Auto Protection (GAP) – Helps make up the difference between the actual cash value of your vehicle and the amount you may owe.
• Rental reimbursement – Helps you pay for transportation when your car is being repaired after an accident.
• Uninsured motorist property damage – Covers costs of damage to your property from an uninsured or underinsured driver.

Assigned Risk Pools

If you have a less-than-stellar driving record, or you’ve been in multiple accidents, insurance companies might deem you a “high-risk” driver.

If you are unable to find insurance through the standard market, you can ask any insurance agent for help getting a policy through the Western Association of Automobile Insurance Plans (WAAIP).

It is important to remember that car insurance policies obtained through the WAAIP will typically be much more expensive, so it’s best to shop around as much as possible for car insurance quotes before you turn to this assigned risk pool.

For questions, call (800) 227-4659.

Proof of Insurance

As a driver in Oregon, you must be able to show proof that you have met the basic minimum car insurance requirements. You will need to show this proof during certain vehicle-related transactions, such as registering your vehicle.

Valid proof of car insurance includes:

• A current insurance card.
• A current liability insurance binder or policy.
• A signed letter from an insurance agent or company official (on company letterhead).
• A DMV certificate of self-insurance that names the vehicle owner.

DMV Insurance Verification

The Oregon DMV will verify the insurance status of drivers in the state every month by requesting that a random selection of drivers provide:

• The name of their insurance company.
• Their policy number.

The DMV takes and verifies this information with the insurance company identified by the driver.

If the DMV selects you to provide this information and you don’t respond, your license will be suspended.

If you respond with false information, you’ll be required to hold an SR-22 for 3 years (see “OR Insurance Violations” below).

OR Insurance Violations

Driving without insurance in Oregon can be costly. If you’re found to be operating a vehicle without the required minimum car insurance, you face the following penalties:

• Fines.
• Driver’s license suspension.
• Towing of your vehicle.
  • You’ll be responsible for any towing fines/storage fees.

If you are involved in an accident while uninsured, you’ll face license suspension for 1 year. Once you’ve reinstated your license, you’ll be required to file an SR-22 for 3 years (see below).

SR-22 Proof of Responsibility

If you’ve been driving without insurance and you’re found to be guilty of doing so by a judge, you can be ordered to file an SR-22 with the DMV for 3 years.

An SR-22 acts as proof of financial responsibility, meaning a guarantee that you’ll hold at least the minimum required car insurance for a full 3 years.

If you do not file an SR-22 when ordered, your license will be suspended.

Car Insurance Policy Cancellation

Oregon car insurance companies have the right to cancel a driver’s policy if they deem that driver poses too high of a risk. Policies are often cancelled for the following reasons:

• Frequent claims.
• Poor driving record.
• Bad credit history.
• Nonpayment of premium.

If your Oregon insurance policy gets cancelled because you haven’t paid your premium, your insurance company is only required to give you 10 days advance notice.

However, if your policy is cancelled for any other reason, the insurance provider must give you notice at least 30 days before the cancellation date. The notice of cancellation must explain the reason for your policy’s cancellation.

Concerns About Your Policy

If you have any questions about your car insurance policy or issues that you need help handling, you can file a complaint form through the Oregon Insurance Division:

• Online:
  • English online form.
  • Spanish online form.
• By mail or fax. Download and complete one of the following forms and mail or fax it to the address on the form:
  • Consumer Complaint (English) (Form 440-3600).
  • Consumer Complaint (Spanish) (Form 440-3600-s).

It is important to note that the Oregon Insurance Divisioncannot act as an attorney. They can, however, help determine whether your insurance company is following the law when doing business with you.

Determination of Your Car Insurance Rates

Many factors go into the calculation of your auto insurance rates. These include, but are not limited to:

• Your:
  • Age.
  • Sex.
  • Marital status.
  • Address.
• Your driving record.
• How many drivers will be on your policy.
• Your credit score.
• Your work history.
• 
  

Note that each insurance company weighs certain factors differently, so you’ll likely get a different rate estimate from each one. For this reason, it’s best to thoroughly shop around and compare car insurance quotes before settling on a provider.

Also remember, the very best way to get low-cost insurance in Oregon is to maintain a good driving record by following traffic laws and driving safely.

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Most Stolen Cars Oregon

Owning a car that is heavily targeted for theft could mean higher car insurance rates.

The following is a list of Oregon's most stolen cars in 2013, according to www.nicb.org:

1. Honda Accord.
2. Honda Civic.
3. Toyota Camry.
4. Ford Pickup (Full Size).
5. Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size).
6. Subaru Legacy.
7. Acura Integra.
8. Toyota Corolla.
9. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee.
10. Dodge Pickup (Full Size).

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Car Insurance in Indiana

Indiana Car Insurance

In Indiana, you must carry a certain amount of liability insurance in order to legally operate a vehicle. If you are found to be driving without having met this requirement, your driver’s license can be immediately suspended.

Continue reading to learn more about Indiana insurance laws, coverage options, and discounts.

Car Insurance Requirements

Liability Coverage

Indiana requires all drivers to hold at least the following amounts of liability insurance coverage:

• Bodily injury (per person): $25,000.
• Bodily injury (per accident – multiple people injured): $50,000.
• Property damage (per accident): $10,000.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

All liability insurance policies in Indiana must also include uninsured/underinsured motorist liability coverage.

The minimum limits for uninsured motorist coverage are equal to the minimum limits for liability coverage (see above).

The minimum limit for underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage is $50,000 (per accident).

Uninsured/underinsured motorist car insurance helps cover any costs incurred by an accident with another driver who has no liability coverage, or has coverage that is not robust enough to cover your costs.

NOTE: When you purchase your liability insurance, you can opt out of uninsured motorist coverage; however, you must do so in writing.

Optional Coverage

When you are purchasing an Indiana car insurance policy, remember that the minimum coverage might not adequately cover your bills in the event of an accident. You might consider purchasing additional coverage types for further protection.

Most car insurance companies will offer the following optional types of coverage:

• Comprehensive – Helps to pay for damages to your vehicle caused by incidents other than car accidents, such as vandalism, theft, or fire damage.
• Collision – Covers costs to your vehicle when you’ve been in a collision with another car or object.
• Rental reimbursement – Helps pay costs associated with alternative transportation when your car is being repaired after an accident.
• Loan/lease gap coverage – Helps to balance the cost between the actual cash value of your vehicle and what you currently owe.
• Medical payments coverage – Covers accident-related medical or funeral costs of any covered drivers or passengers, without taking fault into consideration.
• Emergency roadside service.
• Customized parts and equipment.

Proof of Indiana Car Insurance

Your insurance company must file a Certificate of Compliance if any of the following situations occurs:

• The BMV receives an accident report for an accident in which you were involved.
• You’ve been issued a traffic ticket within 1 year of previously receiving 2 tickets or more.
• You’ve committed a serious traffic violation.
• You’ve committed any traffic violation when your license was previously suspended for not providing proof of insurance.

This Certificate of Compliance serves as a guarantee that you have met your financial responsibility (a.k.a. car insurance requirements).

When any of the situations listed above occur, the Indiana BMV will send a request for proof of car insurance to your address. You will then need to contact your insurance agent to submit the certificate to prove you were insured (or the vehicle was insured) at the time of the incident.

The certificate needs to be electronically submitted within 40 days of the date you receive the request from the BMV.

If the form is not submitted on time, you face suspension of your IN driver’s license.

Insurance Violations

In Indiana, operating a vehicle without the mandatory car insurance coverage can cost you. If you are found driving without the required minimums, you’ll lose your driving privileges for 90 days.

If your license is suspended more than once in 3 years for failing to show proof of insurance, you’ll lose your license for 1 year.

SR-22

When your license has been suspended after a conviction for operating a vehicle without the proper insurance, you will have to file a form SR-22, which provides proof of future financial responsibility once you reinstate your license. Your car insurance company will file this form for you.

You will be required to maintain your SR-22 for 3 years from the effective end date of each suspension.

Uninsured Driver Database

Indiana drivers convicted of operating their vehicles without car insurance are entered into the Previously Uninsured Motorist Registry (PUMR) for a period of 5 years.

When your name is in the PUMR, you can be randomly selected to provide proof of financial responsibility at any time.

Indiana Auto Insurance Plan

Insurance companies consider some drivers who have poor driving records or who have submitted multiple claims to be “high risk,” and may deny insurance to those drivers.

If you find that you’re unable to secure a car insurance policy through the open market because of your high-risk status, you do still have options.

You can always apply for car insurance through the Indiana Automobile Insurance Plan. To do so, speak to any insurance agent; every licensed Indiana insurance company is required to participate in this plan.

Questions and Concerns

The Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI) Consumer Services Department assists consumers with issues about their car insurance.

You can contact the department if you have concerns about your insurance company or if you wish to submit a complaint; however, note that the department cannot:

• Act as your legal representative.
• Get involved in a pending lawsuit.
• Make medical decisions.
• Provide guidance on issues dealing with insurance contracts that don’t fall under the jurisdiction of state insurance laws or the governance of other State or Federal agencies.

The department can, however, ensure that insurance companies are acting in accordance with the law and can forward complaints from you to your insurance provider (see below).

Filing a Complaint

You should always contact your car insurance company with an issue before going through the IDOI. However, if your attempts to resolve your issue with your insurance company have been unsuccessful, you can file a complaint with the IDOI:

• Online.
• By mail:
  • Complete the Printable Fillable Form and send to:
    • IDOI
    • Attn: Consumer Services Department
    • 311 W. Washington St, Suite 300
    • Indianapolis, IN 46204
• By fax:
  • Complete the form above and fax to (317) 234-2103.

Once you submit your complaint, it will be processed within 72 hours. You’ll get a confirmation letter from the Consumer Services Division letting you know your complaint was received.

Your insurance company has 20 business days to respond in writing to the IDOI, who will send you the response with their own response or recommendation.

Determining Your IN Car Insurance Premium

Car insurance agents in Indiana calculate your auto insurance rates by taking many factors into consideration. These factors may include:

• Your:
  • Sex.
  • Age.
  • Marital status.
  • Claims history.
  • Credit score.
  • Driving record.
• Deductibles.
  • The higher your deductibles, the lower your premium.
• Where you live.
• How often you use your car and for which purposes.
• Your car’s:
  • Make.
  • Model.
  • Year.
• Driver training courses.

Car Insurance Discounts

When shopping around for the lowest car insurance quote, remember to ask about any available discounts. Most IN insurance companies provide the discounts for:

• Paying your premium in full.
• Being a good student.
• Owning a home.
• Insuring multiple cars.
• Being accident-free.
• Having certain safety devices (e.g., airbags).

While discounts will save you money on your car insurance policy, the most effective way to get cheap car insurance in Indiana is to drive safely and follow traffic laws.

Most Stolen Cars in Indiana

Driving a type of car that is often stolen may mean having to pay higher car insurance rates.

The following is a list of the most stolen cars in Indiana for 2013, according to www.nicb.org:

1. Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size).
2. Ford Pickup (Fill Size).
3. Chevrolet Impala.
4. Dodge Pickup (Full Size).
5. Chevrolet Pickup (Small Size).
6. Ford Taurus.
7. Chevrolet Malibu.
8. GMC Pickup (Full Size).
9. Pontiac Grand Prix.
10. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee

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Car Insurance in Wisconsin

Car Insurance in Wisconsin

Wisconsin law requires that you have the means to cover costs associated with car accidents that you may cause. Drivers most commonly meet this requirement by carrying car insurance.

Wisconsin Car Insurance Requirements

In order to fulfill Wisconsin’s car insurance laws, you must have the following coverage types:

• Liability.
• Uninsured motorist.
• Underinsured motorist.

Liability Insurance

Your liability car insurance will help you pay for bodily injuries or property damage resulting from an accident that you caused.

Wisconsin law requires the following minimum liability coverages per accident:

• $25,000 for injury or death, per person.
• $50,000 total for injury or death to multiple people in a single accident.
• $10,000 for property damage.

Uninsured & Underinsured Motorist

Your uninsured motorist coverage will help cover costs of injuries to you and your passengers in the event of a car accident caused by a driver who does not have car insurance (uninsured), OR a driver whose car insurance is insufficient (underinsured).

In Wisconsin, your car insurance policy must meet the following minimum coverage requirements per accident for uninsured and underinsured coverage:

• $100,000 for injuries per person.
• $300,000 for total injuries per accident.

Optional Coverages

To further protect you financially after an accident, you can add several different types of car insurance coverage to your policy.

When shopping for car insurance consider the following common optional coverage types:

• Collision – This helps you pay for damages to your car after most traffic accidents.
• Comprehensive – This helps pay for damages to your car related to events thatdo not involve a traffic accident. Examples include fires, thefts, and collisions with animals.
• Medical payments – This will help cover your medical costs if you are injured in a car accident.
• Towing and labor.
• Rental reimbursement.

NOTE: Collision and comprehensive coverages are commonly required as part of a car loan or lease agreement.

Proof of Insurance

Although car insurance is mandatory in Wisconsin, you do not need to provide proof of insurance when you apply for your Wisconsin driver’s license or register your car.

You must, however, be able to show proof of insurance IF:

• You are involved in a car accident.
• You are pulled over by a law enforcement officer for a traffic stop.

The most common form of proof of insurance is your insurance ID card, issued to you by your car insurance carrier.

SR-22

There are some instances in which you must file proof of financial responsibility with the DMV.

An SR-22 certificate (often referred to as “SR22 insurance”) certifies that you will hold the required minimum liability coverage for a specific amount of time.

Common situations in which SR-22 certificates are required include:

• Revocation or suspension of your driver’s license.
• Revocation of your vehicle registration privileges.
• Conviction of a DUI offense.
• Obtaining an occupational or commercial driver’s license.

Car Insurance Violations

If you are caught driving without car insurance, you face a fine of up to $500.

If you were unable to provide proof of insurance during a traffic stop, but you were insured at the time, you face a fine of up to $10.

Wisconsin Automobile Insurance Plan

Though Wisconsin mandates that you carry car insurance, auto insurers have the right to refuse coverage to you if they consider you a high-risk driver.

If you have not been able to find car insurance on the open market, you may apply for coverage through the Wisconsin Automobile Insurance Plan (WAIP).

You can apply to WAIP via any licensed car insurance company in the state.

Once accepted into the plan, you will be assigned an insurer. This company may not be the company through which you applied.

NOTE: Car insurance through the WAIP is generally more expensive than standard car insurance and should be considered a last resort.

Consumer Assistance

As a service to the public, the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) provides assistance with insurance-related matters.

If you are unable to settle a dispute with your car insurance carrier, you may file a complaint with the OCI.

The OCI allows you to file complaints through any of the following avenues:

• Online at the OCI website.
• By mailing or faxing a completed Complaint Form (Form OCI 51-005) to:
  • Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
  • P.O. Box 7873
  • Madison, WI 53707
  • Fax: (608) 264-8115

Car Insurance Rates

Several factors help insurance companies determine your car insurance rates in Wisconsin.

As you compare car insurance quotes, keep in mind that the following will be factored into your premium:

• Your car’s:
  • Make.
  • Model.
  • Year.
• Your driving record.
• The primary location where you keep your car.
• Your credit history.
• Your insurance history.

Car Insurance Discounts

A great way to save on car insurance is by taking advantage of discounts.

Common discounts offered by Wisconsin car insurance companies include:

• Good driver discount.
• Good student discount.
• Multi-car discount.
• Homeowner’s discount.

When you shop around for the lowest car insurance rates, remember to ask about any discounts for which you might be eligible. But remember, the easiest way to get a cheap quote is to have a good driving record that shows a safe and violation-free driving history.

Most Stolen Cars in Wisconsin

If your car is a common target for theft, you are likely to face higher car insurance rates.

The following is a list of the most stolen cars in Wisconsin for 2013, according to www.nicb.org:

1. Dodge Caravan.
2. Honda Accord.
3. Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size).
4. Honda Civic.
5. Dodge Intrepid.
6. Chevrolet Impala.
7. Chrysler Town & Country.
8. Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee.
9. Dodge Stratus.
10. Toyota Camry.

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