What Affects Your Auto Insurance Premium in Oregon? Here’s What You Should Know

When it comes to car insurance in Oregon, your rate isn’t just about your car—it’s about you. At Elliott, Powell, Baden & Baker Insurance, we believe that understanding what influences your auto premium can empower you to make better decisions and potentially lower your costs.

Here’s a breakdown of the key factors that impact your auto insurance rate in Oregon:

1. Your Driving Record

In Oregon, your past driving behavior heavily influences your insurance premium. A clean record—free of tickets, DUI convictions, and at-fault accidents—can lead to significant savings. Oregon drivers with recent violations or multiple claims often face higher premiums. Please note that tow, glass, and roadside assistance claims may also affect your rate. 

Local Note: Oregon’s DMV keeps track of driving records for five to five-seven years, and insurers use this history to determine risk.

2. Your Age and Gender

Young drivers in Oregon, especially those under 25, pay the highest premiums due to limited driving experience. Premiums tend to decrease with age and experience, but may rise again for seniors due to elevated accident risk. Additionally, young males in Oregon typically pay more than young females based on accident statistics.

3. Your Vehicle

What you drive in Oregon matters. High-end or high-performance cars cost more to insure due to expensive repairs or parts. Vehicles with advanced safety features or high safety ratings may qualify for discounts under Oregon insurance guidelines. However, you may also pay more for a newer car due to the cost of repairs and computer systems in newer vehicles.

4. Where You Live in Oregon

Urban areas like Portland, Eugene, and Salem have higher insurance rates than rural regions. That’s because densely populated areas experience more claims due to traffic congestion, higher crime rates, and increased risk of collisions and theft.

Example: A driver in downtown Portland may pay more than someone in La Grande or Tillamook for the exact vehicle and coverage.

5. Coverage Levels You Choose

Oregon law requires minimum liability coverage of:

• $25,000 per person for bodily injury
  
• $50,000 per accident
  
• $20,000 for property damage
  

However, most Oregon drivers opt for higher coverage limits and add collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage to better protect themselves, especially given the growing number of uninsured drivers in the state. More coverage means more peace of mind—but also a higher premium.  At EPB&B we do not write anything less than $100/$300, to protect our valued insureds as Oregon limits have not been increased since the 1970’s. 

6. Credit-Based Insurance Score

Oregon law allows insurers to use credit-based insurance scores when setting premiums. While controversial, insurers cite studies showing that drivers with lower credit scores tend to file more claims. If your credit is strong, you could qualify for lower rates.

Note: If your credit has recently improved, it may be worth requesting a review from an EPB&B team member.

7. How Much Do You Drive

Whether you commute daily to downtown Portland or work remotely from Bend, your annual mileage affects your premium. Oregon insurers may offer discounts to low-mileage drivers or those who frequently carpool or use public transit.

8. Insurance History

Oregon insurers reward consistency. Maintaining continuous coverage—without gaps or lapses—shows financial responsibility and lowers risk. Drivers with inconsistent coverage may face higher rates, even if they haven’t filed recent claims.

9. Who Else Is on Your Policy

Adding teen drivers or individuals with poor records to your Oregon policy can increase your premium. However, adding an experienced driver with a good record helps reduce costs. It’s important to review who is listed as a driver and discuss it with your agent.