Car Insurance in Bethany, OR

Experts break down auto insurance costs, coverages, companies, and more in Bethany, Oregon

Written by Meg Stefanac
Written by Meg Stefanac

Financial blogger and business owner, Meg Stefanac, has more than 15 years experience working in the financial services industry and enjoys helping individuals make solid financial decisions. Meg has extensive experience writing about insurance and finances and is a key contributor to TrustedChoice.com.

Reviewer: Jeffrey Green Reviewed by Jeffrey Green
Reviewer: Jeffrey Green
Reviewed by Jeffrey Green

Jeff Green has held a variety of sales and management roles at life insurance companies, Wall street firms, and distribution organizations over his 40-year career.  He was previously Finra 7,24,66 registered and held life insurance licenses in multiple states. He is a graduate of Stony Brook University.

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Girl with her dog and parents go to the weekend cheerfully looking out of the car window. Find Bethany, Oregon car insurance.

Even the most careful drivers sometimes have accidents. That's why vehicle owners in Bethany need car insurance. A good auto insurance policy can shield you from large financial losses whether you are involved in a multi-car collision on the parkway, a fender bender in a parking lot, or anything in between.

Finding the best and most affordable policy is easy with the assistance of a local independent agent. These experienced agents can help you obtain and compare customized car insurance quotes from competing providers. Contact an independent insurance agent near you to get started.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Bethany, OR?

As a resident of Bethany, you may be happy to learn that Oregon's average car insurance rate is a bit lower than the national average.

  • National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
  • Oregon's average annual car insurance cost: $1,211

Insurance companies will calculate your premium costs according to several factors, which may include:

  • Your vehicle's make, model, year, and value
  • Your age, occupation, marital status, and driving record
  • Your claims history and credit score
  • Whether you own or rent your home
  • The amount of liability coverage you want to purchase
  • The policy options you wish to include in your policy
  • The size of your deductible

Every insurance company calculates rates differently, so it pays to obtain and compare quotes from at least three competing providers. Independent agents make comparison shopping easy.

You may qualify for car insurance discounts if you own a vehicle with safety features, have a long, safe driving record, or bundle your car insurance with another policy like homeowners insurance or renters insurance. Learn more about these and other potential discounts by talking to an independent agent.

Is Car Insurance Required in Bethany, OR?

Vehicle owners in Bethany are required to have a car insurance policy that meets or exceeds Oregon's minimum coverage requirements. This means your policy must include:

  • Personal injury protection insurance (PIP): This offers the first line of coverage for your medical bills and lost wages if you are injured in a collision, regardless of fault. Your policy must include a minimum of:
    • $15,000 worth of PIP coverage per person
  • Liability insurance coverage: This covers other people's property damage and any medical bills that exceed their PIP coverage if you are at fault for a collision. Your policy must include a minimum of:
    • $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person
    • $50,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident
    • $20,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident
  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist insurance (UIM): This covers any medical bills that exceed what your PIP can pay for if you are injured in a collision caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Your policy must include a minimum of:
    • $25,000 in UIM bodily injury coverage per person
    • $50,000 in UIM bodily injury coverage per accident
    • UIM property damage coverage is not required.

If you have a lot to lose and want to have even more liability coverage than your car insurance company can provide, you may also want to purchase an umbrella insurance policy. Umbrella insurance enables you to significantly boost all of your personal liability coverage at a very affordable price.

What Else Does Car Insurance Cover in Bethany, OR?

In addition to the coverage required by the state, most auto insurance providers offer their policyholders several coverage options. These typically include:

  • Physical damage insurance: Though not required by law, this is usually required by lenders if you are financing your car and by dealerships if you are leasing it. Physical damage insurance consists of:
    • Collision insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
    • Comprehensive insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft.
  • Roadside assistance insurance: This pays the cost of service if your car becomes disabled and you need to call for help, such as if you run out of gas, get a flat tire, or have a blown head gasket.
  • Windshield and glass insurance: This covers the cost of replacing the safety glass in your car's windshield, windows, and sunroof if it is cracked, shattered, or damaged.
  • Gap insurance: This is designed to bridge the gap between what your car is worth and what you currently owe for it. It can pay off your car loan or buy out your lease if your vehicle is totaled in a covered event.
  • Rental car reimbursement insurance: This covers the cost of renting a car while having yours repaired for damage sustained in a covered event.

Be sure to review the details and costs of each coverage option to determine which choices are a good fit for you.

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What Is the Penalty for Driving without Insurance in Bethany, OR?

Driving without insurance is a Class B violation in Oregon. If you are caught, you can face consequences that include:

  • A presumptive fine of $260 if you plead no contest
  • A fine ranging from $130 to $1,000 if you're found guilty in a court of law
  • The suspension of your driver's license and vehicle registration
  • A $75 reinstatement fee to get your driving privileges back
  • Possible impoundment of your vehicle
  • The requirement to maintain an SR-22 with ODOT for thee years, with monthly verifications
  • Higher car insurance rates

Unfortunately, many people continue driving uninsured vehicles in this state despite the penalties. That is why uninsured motorist insurance, which is required in Oregon, is so beneficial.

  • Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13.0%
  • Percentage of Oregon drivers who are uninsured: 12.7%

Uninsured motorist insurance ensures that you can receive timely compensation following an accident caused by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver without the need to go through lengthy legal channels.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Bethany, OR?

The best car insurance companies in Oregon are the ones that consistently provide their policyholders with responsive customer service, reliable coverage, rapid claims processing, and affordable rates.

Independent agents have established relationships with many of the area's most highly rated insurance companies. When one of these agents presents you with policies and prices to review, you can be sure they are coming from insurance providers you can count on if you need to file a claim.

How Can an Independent Agent in Bethany, OR Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance?

When you are looking for an affordable car insurance policy that meets your coverage needs, a local independent agent can help. These agents work for you, not for a specific insurance company, so they are free to shop multiple providers to find the coverage you want at the most competitive price.

It doesn't cost anything to talk with one of these experienced professionals. Contact an independent insurance agent with an office near you when you are ready to start comparing customized car insurance quotes.

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https://www.oregon.gov/odot/dmv/pages/driverid/insurance.aspx

https://oregon.public.law/statutes/ors_806.010