Oregon drivers are required by law to carry auto insurance, but the state minimums are just a starting point. If you're involved in a serious accident, minimum coverage can leave you personally responsible for tens of thousands of dollars in damages. Here's what you need to know to make sure your auto policy is doing its job.

Oregon's minimum requirements

Oregon requires: $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability; $20,000 for property damage liability; $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident for uninsured motorist coverage; and $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident for personal injury protection (PIP). These minimums haven't kept pace with the actual cost of accidents — a single serious injury claim can easily exceed them.

Why you should carry more than the minimum

If you cause an accident and your liability limits are exhausted, your personal assets — savings, home equity, future wages — are at risk. We generally recommend at least $100,000/$300,000 in liability coverage, and more if you have significant assets to protect.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage

Oregon has a meaningful percentage of uninsured drivers on the road. If one of them hits you, your uninsured motorist coverage pays for your injuries and damages. Underinsured motorist coverage kicks in when the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough to cover your losses. Both are worth carrying at higher limits.

Comprehensive and collision

If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, your lender requires comprehensive and collision coverage. Even if you own your car outright, these coverages protect your investment from accidents, theft, hail, and other damage.

Discounts worth asking about

Multi-policy discounts (bundling home and auto), good driver discounts, good student discounts, and low-mileage discounts can meaningfully reduce your premium. As an independent agency, we shop multiple carriers to find the combination of coverage and price that works best for you.

Call us at 541-672-9414 for a free auto insurance review — we'll make sure you're covered, not just compliant.