In Oregon, there are certain requirements for auto insurance that you need to meet. These minimums vary by state so be careful to get the correct insurance to avoid being fined, or find yourself vulnerable after an accident.
Oregon insurance minimums:
1) Bodily injury and property damage coverage of at least $25,000 per person ($50,000 per crash) and $20,000 for property damage.
2) Personal injury protection of $15,000.
3) Uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person ($50,000 per crash).
Consequences for not buying the minimum coverage:
- Fines;
- Suspension of driving privileges;
- Having your vehicle towed.
If you are found to be driving without insurance, you will have to file a Proof of Future Responsibility, and the DMV will check up on you periodically for several years to make sure you are insured. If you get involved in a crash without insurance, you could lose your driving privileges for a year.
How do they know if I'm uninsured?
Every month, the Oregon DMV sends out a questionnaire to random residents about insurance information. People who do not return this info or falsify the information can have their license taken away.
Driving without insurance is not worth the risk. Yes, insurance is expensive but not as expensive as 1) having to pay the bills of any possible crashes out of your pocket, and 2) not worth the stress of having your driving privileges suspended (which can affect your job, your recreation activities, and regular errands like grocery shopping).
