08/01/24
9 min
Oregon Automobile Insurance Requirements
The ins and outs of Oregon automobile insurance requirements can be daunting, but understanding these necessities is crucial for all drivers, including those operating trucks, motorcycles, and participating in rideshare programs. Here, we outline the important insurance requirements in Oregon to make sure you follow the law and have enough protection.
Oregon mandates all drivers to carry liability coverage to legally operate a vehicle. Under state requirements, the minimum amount of liability coverage drivers must have follows the 25/50/20 format.
The minimum insurance requirements for bodily injury and property damage are $25,000 per person. For injury to others, the minimum is $50,000 per crash. For damage to others’ property, the minimum is $20,000 per crash.
$15,000 per person is required, providing coverage regardless of who is at fault. This includes incidents involving pedestrians and bicycles, ensuring protection for a broad range of road users.
This coverage mirrors the bodily injury liability minimums at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash.
Commercial vehicles in Oregon must have insurance with at least 25/50/20 coverage. However, they may need additional coverage based on their usage. The insurance coverage required is determined by the specific type of vehicle and its intended use. It must adequately reflect the increased risk and potential for greater financial loss associated with commercial transportation and hauling.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets forth its requirements that supplement state laws. This insurance covers medical treatment and repair costs for victims if a truck driver causes an accident.
The FMCSA mandates that freight forwarders and motor carriers who transport household goods must have cargo insurance. The insurance must have a minimum coverage of $5,000 per vehicle and $10,000 per incident. Additionally, freight brokers and forwarders must secure at least $75,000 in trust fund agreements or surety bonds.
The FMCSA also enforces commodity-specific financial responsibility requirements, which vary based on the nature of the cargo:
Oregon’s insurance requirements for motorcycles align with those for automobiles, emphasizing the need for bodily injury and property damage liability.
When riding a motorcycle, it’s important to consider getting extra insurance like comprehensive and collision coverage. This can help protect you from theft, damage, and injuries, even though it’s not required by law.
For rideshare drivers in Oregon, understanding insurance requirements is crucial. New laws require ride-sharing companies like Uber and Lyft to offer personal injury protection for both drivers and passengers. Oregon rideshare laws aim to cover medical costs and lost wages in the event of an accident, ensuring timely financial support without the long wait for case settlements.
Lyft and Uber provide their own coverage for drivers during all periods of a rideshare trip, adjusting to meet or exceed state limits. Specifically, from the moment a ride request is accepted to the completion of the ride. Both platforms offer liability coverage, contingent collision, and comprehensive coverage, provided the driver’s personal policy includes these as well.
For drivers looking to bridge any potential gaps in coverage, especially during the period the app is on, but no ride accepted, obtaining a rideshare endorsement on their personal auto policy is advisable.
| Type Of Vehicle | Bodily Injury (Per Person/Per Accident) | Property Damage | Death, Bodily Injury, and Property Damage | Personal Injury Protection | Uninsured Motorist (Per Person / Per Accident) |
| Auto | $25,000/$50,000 | $20,000 | N/A | $15,000 | $25,000/$50,000 |
| Motorcycle | $25,000/$50,000 | $20,000 | N/A | $15,000 | $25,000/$50,000 |
| Commercial Vehicle | $25,000/$50,000 | $20,000 | N/A | $15,000 | $25,000/$50,000 |
| Rideshare (Not Engaged in Ride) | $50,000/$100,000 | $25,000 | N/A | $15,000 | $25,000/$50,000 |
| Rideshare (Engaged in Ride) | N/A | N/A | $1,000,000 | $15,000 | $25,000/$50,000 |
*The FMCSA has requirements for commercial vehicles that supplement state law. For more information, refer to the ‘Oregon Commercial Truck Insurance’ section in the article.
After an accident, understanding your insurance policy and navigating the claims process can be challenging. At Senft Injury Advocates, we’re here to help you make sense of your coverage and answer any questions you may have. If you’ve been injured after an accident and are looking to seek compensation, our team is ready to advocate for your rights. Schedule a free consultation today and let us guide you through the process of securing the justice and compensation you deserve.