Mobile Auto Insurance: Understanding Oregon's Stance

In Oregon, drivers are required to have car insurance and to be able to provide proof of this when asked by law enforcement officers. While traditional paper insurance cards are still valid, Oregon is one of many states that allow drivers to show electronic proof of car insurance on their mobile phones. This means that drivers can use a digital copy of their insurance card or policy declaration page as valid proof of insurance.

Oregon accepts digital proof of car insurance

If you're an Oregon resident, you can now provide digital proof of your car insurance. This means that if you're pulled over by the police, you can show them your car insurance on your mobile phone. This is also the case in neighbouring Washington.

Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber signed a bill into law on May 14, which took immediate effect, allowing residents to show electronic proof of car insurance. You can still keep a traditional paper card to prove you have insurance, but you must continue to keep a hard copy in your vehicle unless you don't plan on travelling out of state.

If you're asked to provide proof of car insurance to a law enforcement officer in Oregon, you can always present a physical copy of your official insurance card (issued by your insurance company). However, digital proof is also accepted in Oregon. You can pull up an official, company-issued electronic version of your insurance card, policy declaration page, or provide other official digital documentation of your policy details.

It's important to note that not all insurance companies may provide digital proof automatically, so be sure to contact your insurance company to find out. Keeping your phone charged is also essential, as not being able to access your digital proof when requested could result in a fine.

Oregon requires drivers to carry a minimum of five types of car insurance coverage

Bodily injury coverage will pay for your own medical bills if you are injured in an accident, as well as the legal fees in the event the other party sues you, up to the stated limit. The minimum requirement for this type of coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

Property damage liability coverage will pay for any damage to the other driver's car or other property damaged in the accident, such as buildings or fences. The minimum requirement for this type of coverage is $20,000 per accident.

Personal injury protection (PIP) will cover your own medical expenses, no matter who caused the accident. The minimum requirement for this type of coverage is $15,000 per person. PIP also includes benefits for income loss and essential services, as well as funeral expenses if a covered person dies as a result of the accident.

Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage will pay for your medical bills if you are hurt in an accident caused by a driver who does not have sufficient insurance. The minimum requirement for this type of coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. It is important to note that your UMBI limits should not be higher than your bodily injury coverage limits on the same policy.

While these are the minimum requirements, it is worth considering purchasing higher limits or additional types of coverage to ensure you are fully protected in the event of an accident. Optional types of coverage include uninsured motorist property damage and physical damage coverage, which includes collision and comprehensive insurance to repair your car regardless of who is at fault.

Driving without insurance in Oregon can result in fines, the loss of driving privileges, or having your vehicle towed

Driving without insurance in Oregon is illegal and can result in several penalties, including fines, the loss of driving privileges, and vehicle towing. Oregon law requires all registered drivers to carry a liability car insurance policy while on the road. Failure to do so is considered a Class B traffic violation and can result in a range of consequences.

If you are caught driving without insurance in Oregon, you will likely face a fine. The minimum financial penalty for driving uninsured is $130, but it can increase up to $1,000, depending on the court's decision and the specific situation. For example, if you are cited for reckless driving or involved in a crash while uninsured, you may be subject to a higher fine.

In addition to fines, your driver's license will be suspended, and you will be required to obtain the necessary auto insurance and provide proof of insurance to get your license back. The DMV will suspend your license for one year, and you will need to purchase insurance and file an SR-22 Certificate with the DMV as proof of insurance. This certificate must be maintained for three years, during which your insurance coverage will be monitored monthly by the Oregon Department of Transportation.

If you are caught driving without insurance, your vehicle registration will also be revoked, and your car may be impounded. To reinstate your license and registration, you will need to pay the required fees, which vary depending on your specific incident.

Driving without insurance in Oregon can lead to significant financial obligations and legal consequences. It is important to understand the requirements and penalties to avoid these undesirable outcomes.

Oregon is a fault car accident state

Oregon is a "fault" car accident state. This means that the person who caused the accident is responsible for any damages. In other words, the at-fault driver must pay for the damages of their victims.

If you are involved in a car accident in Oregon, you have two options to recover compensation: an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. It is important to report the collision to your insurance company, who will open a claim file and start processing any medical, property damage, and wage loss documents. You are required to cooperate with your insurer and answer their questions. However, you do not have to speak to the insurance adjuster for the other vehicle.

If you are injured in an accident, you can receive compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Oregon law requires drivers to carry a minimum of $15,000 in personal injury protection per person. This covers medical bills for up to two years, regardless of fault. If more treatment is needed, your health insurer should take over.

Proving negligence in a lawsuit can be complex. You and your attorney will need to provide evidence to establish the following:

• The at-fault driver owed you a duty of care, which all drivers have by law.
• The at-fault driver breached their duty of care through a negligent act or failure to act.
• The at-fault driver's breach of duty caused your accident.
• You sustained damages in the accident that you can collect in your lawsuit.

Evidence such as surveillance footage, witness testimony, police reports, and medical records can help establish your right to compensation.

Oregon has a provisional licensing program for teen drivers

The first step is to obtain a provisional instruction permit, also known as a "learner's permit". To be eligible, teens must be at least 15 years old and younger than 18. They must submit an application to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) signed by a parent or legal guardian (unless the minor is emancipated or married). The applicant must be a resident of Oregon and meet several other requirements, including passing a knowledge test and providing a Social Security number or a written statement if they do not have one.

Once they have held the learner's permit for at least six months (or until they turn 16), they can move on to the second step: obtaining a provisional driver license. This license allows teens to drive alone but with certain restrictions. To be eligible, teens must have completed at least 50 hours of supervised driving experience and passed the drive and vision screening tests, among other requirements.

The restrictions for the provisional driver license include a curfew for the first year, during which teens are not allowed to drive between midnight and 5 am unless they are driving to and from home, work, or school, or when accompanied by a licensed driver aged 25 or older. For the first six months, teens are not allowed to carry any passengers under the age of 20 except for immediate family members. This restriction is slightly eased during the second six months, during which teens are allowed to have up to three passengers under the age of 20 who are not immediate family members.

It is important to note that all persons under the age of 18 are prohibited from operating a motor vehicle while using a mobile communication device, including hands-free accessories.

Frequently asked questions