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