Reader’s Question:

I’m new here in Oregon and am planning to buy my first car here. What are the car insurance requirements in this state?

Allen

Bend, OR

Every state in America, and Oregon is included, have financial responsibility laws in place. This is to safeguard anybody from financial difficulty if an unfortunate car accident happens. Residents in Oregon comply with this financial responsibility law by obtaining adequate car insurance coverage. The State of Oregon mandates that every motorist acquire at least the minimum liability coverage of 25/50/10. These numbers stand for twenty-five thousand dollars to pay for bodily injuries to one person, fifty thousand dollars maximum for bodily injury for all persons involved in the accident, and ten thousand for wrecked property, including but not limited to public property and the other driver’s car.

Oregon observes the tort system which means that if a driver is found to be responsible for the mishap, then his or her car insurance company will pay for the damages. However, an alarming twelve percent of Oregon’s total motorist population is uninsured. That is why it is wise to obtain the uninsured motorist insurance, though it is not a requirement in this state. This car insurance will pay for the insured’s medical costs following an accident caused by a driver without any coverage of any sort. Strongly recommended although not required to obtain is the collision and comprehensive insurance. This will assist in paying for the insured’s car repairs.

Tags: auto insurance coverage, car insurance, collision insurance coverage, comprehensive insurance coverage

Reader’s Question:

I am from Oregon and just bought my first. Will my credit score be checked by the car insurance company when I apply for one?

Margaret

Salem, OR

It has been a common practice by personal car insurance companies in the United States, and Oregon is not an exception, to check on a prospective costumer’s credit standing when determining car insurance premium rates.

When calling a car insurance company for possible insurance application, keep in mind that your credit history will be checked. Insurers believe that there is a direct correlation between an individual’s credit history performance and potential claims they will file in the future. So, it fundamentally means that having a bad credit history will be viewed with suspicion by a car insurance company. So, those delinquent credit card payments in the past will definitely have an effect on a possible favorable feedback on your car insurance application.

Does the US government allow car insurance companies to pry on your credit record? The answer is yes. Companies are allowed to employ reasonable procedures under the Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, so long as the manner is equitable and fair to the consumer.

If you think that your credit record is better than what the car insurance company can find, make sure that you have furnished the insurer with your correct name, social security number, date of birth and address. If there is a mistake in your credit report, get in touch with the credit bureau, so that an inquiry will be launched. Inform your local agent immediately, too. Do not wait for the credit bureau to inform the car insurance company on your behalf.

Tags: car insurance, Car Insurance Company, car insurance rate

Reader’s Question:

If I buy a car here in Oregon, how long should have the registration and car insurance transferred under my name?

Alex,

Eugene, OR

Normally, there is no grace period for getting your car insured. Just the same, you are not allowed to drive an uninsured vehicle and say that you are still waiting for its insurance to be approved.

If you purchase a vehicle, you should have 30 days to transfer ownership without penalty. With regards to auto insurance, most car dealers require the buyer to have an auto insurance before taking the vehicle home. If you already have an auto insurance policy, you may use this to cover your new vehicle temporarily. However, you may have to take this matter to your insurance agent before doing anything to let them know of the situation.

Typically, if you are getting rid of an old insured car and transferring the insurance policy to the new one, then the insurance company may cover your new vehicle for the time being that the transfer is being processed. The insurance policy from the old vehicle would be the same once it gets transferred to the new vehicle. Therefore, if you did not get a collision and comprehensive coverage for the old vehicle, then that is what you should also expect from the insurance policy of your new vehicle.

If you are buying a vehicle for the first time, then you will have to refrain from driving the new vehicle until you get the insurance papers. Oregon has a mandatory insurance law written under ORS 806.010, stating that every driver is required to insure their vehicle/s and to carry the proof of insurance all the time. If you are caught driving without insurance, you may be subjected to payment of fines, driver’s license suspension, or vehicle impoundment.

Tags: car insurance, driving without insurance

Reader’s Question:

I just bought a used car here in Salem, Oregon. I know I need auto insurance coverage, but I don’t know much about auto insurance. I heard about standard and non standard auto insurance, which one should I get? Do I get to choose?

Priscilla

Salem, OR

No, Priscilla, you don’t get to choose. The auto insurance company in Oregon will be the one to decide that. But first, let’s differentiate the two. Standard insurance is what most every motorist has, people with regular cars and regular lifestyles. Non standard auto insurance is what motorists with bad driving history have. These are the type of motorists that are considered high risk customers by the auto insurance company. These motorists are believed to be prone to accidents or vehicle damage.

Let’s talk about high risk drivers. If you don’t see yourself in this group, that’s good. High risk drivers are usually the ones with several traffic violations. If you have a DUI in your record, there is a chance you’ll become a part of this group. If your job requires you to drive a car in a dangerous way, like stuntmen and race car drivers, you will be in this group. If you have been driving around for several months or years without auto insurance coverage, auto insurance companies will not like that as that shows irresponsibility and might merit an automatic membership in the non-standard insurance group.

When you apply for auto insurance, the auto insurance company will ask questions about you and your driving history, and they will also do a background check to see what type of a customer you are and will be.

Tags: auto insurance coverage, DUI, used car

Reader’s Question:

Hello, I’m from Portland, Oregon. I just bought my first car but doesn’t have enough money yet for a comprehensive coverage. Will I be arrested if in case I bump another car since definitely I won’t have money to pay cash either?

Lester

Portland, Oregon

Good question, Lester. Well, it will all depend on the severity of the accident and the circumstances at hand. Are there body injuries involved? Does the other party have insurance? What kind of vehicle insurance coverage does he have? Does the other driver have a valid license? Do you have a valid license? Were you drunk during the accident? Did you pass the sobriety test? Did the other driver passed the sobriety test? We’re you distracted while you where driving? Did the other driver have something to drink? Was there a third car involved? And maybe a lot more other things may be involved.

Well, Lester, in case the other driver does not a license to drive, you should be off the hook. But, in any case it was found out that it was your fault and you have no insurance to cover damages, then your last resort would be to find a good lawyer. Probably, the other party will seek legal action against you as you are a hazard on the road. Having mentioned that you just bought your first car, I take it you are a teenager. Well, Lester, I hope you take vehicle insurance more seriously. We can never tell when accidents happen. Your automotive insurance will be your only shield in times of accidents so I hope you get one. There are lots of types of insurance out there. You can choose what will fit your budget. Happy driving in Portland, Oregon, Lester.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance cost

Reader’s Question:

I’m thinking of selling my old car and buying a new one. Yay! Can my old auto insurance policy extend to the new vehicle I’m going to purchase? I’m not going anywhere anyway, I’ll still be living here in Salem, OR. I hate paperwork.

Lisa

Salem, OR

Wow, a new car! That must be exciting. And I understand too well that it sucks to think about stuff like insurance when all you can think about is car colors! I’ll try my best to help you out. To start off, you don’t actually need to purchase new automotive insurance before buying a new car, and you don’t necessarily have to inform your insurance company beforehand. That would be a little too much like asking permission, and you should be able to buy that gorgeous baby whenever you want. Your old insurance policy will cover your new car, at least temporarily, and only an as-is basis. If, for instance, you only have liability coverage on your old vehicle, you’ll still have only liability coverage on the new. The problem there is if you’re borrowing money to finance the purchase, your bank will most likely require you to take out comprehensive coverage. In that case, you have to call your agent there in Salem, OR to add coverage.

Different insurance companies have different grace periods, too, for you to notify them of the purchase. If your time has elapsed, certain coverages may be removed. The upshot is though you don’t have to inform them first, you will eventually have to do so. I find it best to get the paperwork out of the way as soon as possible, so you can enjoy that ride the sooner.

Tags: auto insurance, car insurance cost

Reader’s Question:

I live in Hillsboro, Oregon. I am just curious as to how many days does an insurance carrier settle a car insurance claim?

Karen

Hillsboro, OR

If you place a car insurance claim you have a right to be notified of the process to be used to settle your car insurance claim and the update of your claim. This is according to the Oregon Insurance Division. Insurance carriers must respond to the car insurance claim that has been filed within 30 days. Insurance carriers must finish an investigation of a claim within forty five days, unless they need additional time.

Generally, insurance providers try to pay car insurance claims in a reasonable amount of time.

In some situation, the progress of the car insurance claim may become slow due to special cases or if a claim adjuster has an increased case load or extreme weather events.

If you would like to know more about car insurance claim in Hillsboro, Oregon you may contact the Oregon Insurance Division directly. To check if your insurance provider has any time limits with regards to car insurance claims beyond the Oregon state laws, read over your car insurance policy and check with both your insurance agent and the claims adjuster working on your claim.

Tags: auto insurance claims, car insurance

Reader’s Question:

I have a driver license and I do not own a vehicle in Gresham, Oregon. Am I required to obtain car insurance if I do not own a vehicle?

Harry

Gresham, OR

If you do not own a vehicle, or have one in your household in which you should be added on the car insurance policy as a driver for, then you do not have to obtain car insurance.

According to the Oregon DMV you are required to show proof of insurance prior to taking a drive test and during the course of certain vehicle-related transactions.

You do have to make sure that when you drive anyone’s vehicle that their car insurance will cover you if you get involved in an accident. If you get involved in an accident and either the person’s automobile you are operating does not have car insurance or their insurance does not cover you to operate the automobile then you can be cited for driving uninsured.

If you do not have a vehicle in Gresham, Oregon but want an car insurance policy to cover you for operating other people’s vehicles you may check about obtaining a non-owner’s policy.

Tags: auto insurance, non owners insurance

Reader’s Question:

My daughter was paying for the car loan in Eugene, Oregon, the vehicle payment is due at the end of each month. Yesterday she was in an accident and totaled the vehicle on the first week of the month. My daughter said that she still needs to make that monthly payment on the vehicle even though the car is totaled. is this correct?

Trance

Eugene, OR

Yes it is possible that another automobile payment will be due to the finance company if the insurance carrier has not yet paid out on the car insurance claim. It seems like the insurance provider will be paying off the remainder of the loan amount however if they do not do so before the next payment is due then the individual whose name is on the car loan could get a black mark on their credit score if the car insurance payment was not made on time.

Once the lien holder in Eugene, Oregon gets the insurance payment that covers the remaining amount of the car loan monthly payments will no longer have to be paid. If what is owed on the automobile is less than the value the insurance carrier is paying for the totaled car there should be money coming to the owner of the vehicle at the end of the settlement.

Tags: auto insurance claims, car insurance

Reader’s Question:

We would really appreciate your help. We have three cars and a student driver. Our car insurance rates are through the roof. How do we find affordable car insurance in Eugene Oregon?

Josh

Eugene Ore

Hello Eugene,

Let’s see what we can figure out to help you find affordable car insurance. It seems that you have a couple issues working here. Affordable car insurance is available to families with student drivers and it helps if all the drivers have taken accredited driver safety programs. Most carriers will provide discounts that will make for affordable car insurance rates.

To get the most affordable car insurance rates in Eugene Oregon, you should also combine all three vehicles in one policy. Insurance companies feel multiple coverages reduce their risk in the long run. Another incentive for affordable car insurance is to combine your auto request with a request for your homeowner’s coverage.

Help the insurance company give you their most affordable car insurance rates by installing anti-theft devices in all three vehicles.

Most importantly, you will do well to complete the inquiry request form for affordable car insurance on this page. The finest carriers in the Eugene OR area will respond to this inquiry and you can study their proposals in the privacy of your home. Online applications for affordable car insurance are the most cost effective way to shop. Good luck, Josh.

Tags: auto insurance, cheap auto insurance