What You Should Know About Car Insurance in Eugene, OR

Set with a mountainous backdrop that includes the Cascades, Mount Pisgah, the Coburg Hills, and Spencer Butte, Eugene has an abundance of green space internally as well. Over 130 parks decorate the municipality, with lakes, waterfalls, sports fields, and playgrounds making outdoor experiences a regular activity for local families. Many in-town recreational areas are located along a six-mile stretch of the Willamette River that runs through town, creating lots of beautiful, treed sites with breathtaking views. Mountain and park trails in and near the city make activities available to adventurers of all levels.

The economy in Eugene provides a healthy number of jobs and continues to grow. The metro area has been called “Silicon Shire” due to its many startup tech companies. The University of Oregon and Lane Community College are major employers in the city. Combined, they have approximately 40,000 students who shop and liven up the town. Eugene is known as Tracktown U.S.A. because of the University of Oregon’s long tradition of participating in track and field at the school’s magnificent Hayward Field.

Whether you are heading to a major event like a Division I Oregon Ducks game or just taking a short drive to the nearest park, first talk to an expert agent who can help you find the best auto insurance at the best price in Oregon.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Eugene, Oregon?

You will typically pay less for car insurance in Oregon than in other states. The national average for a minimum liability policy is $622, while the state average is $616. When it comes to full coverage, there is a much bigger difference — the U.S. average is $2,014, while the average in Oregon is only $1,415.

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What Does Full Coverage vs. Minimum Liability Mean?

Regardless of where you live, you will always see a major price difference between these two policy types. The reason for this is that a minimum liability policy only covers you when you are at fault for an accident and you damage someone else’s property or someone gets hurt. It does not cover you or your property. A full coverage policy would help you repair or replace your vehicle as well, and also covers many other instances, such as damages that occur when the vehicle is parked and nobody comes forth to claim responsibility.

You might look at the affordability factor and be tempted to just sign up for a minimum liability plan. Before doing so, consider the fact that there would be many instances where you would have to pay considerable money out of pocket, which could add up to much more than what you would have paid in premiums with full coverage. If need be, you could always discuss an in-between policy with your agent, where you will not be covered for every instance, but would still get a decent level of coverage.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Eugene

Oregon has low rates to begin with, and premiums in Eugene and many of its surrounding cities are significantly below the state average, as shown in the table below:

City Full Coverage Insurance Liability Insurance Coverage
Eugene $96 $44
Coburg $95 $44
Creswell $96 $42
Springfield $98 $45
Veneta $100 $44

How Bundling Your Car and Homeowners Insurance Can Save You Money in Eugene

Eugene residents typically get affordable prices on their coverage, but you can trim your premiums down even more by bundling your home and auto insurance. If you get both of these types of policies from the same carrier, insurers call that bundling and will give you a discount of up to 25% on both your homeowners insurance and car insurance. Your expert agent will work diligently to compare prices for both types of coverage with various top-tier carriers, check which companies will offer you the highest bundling discount, and then deliver a package of policies that meet your unique preferences at the best prices available.

What Types of Car Insurance Discounts Are Available in Eugene?

Even if you have a low rate, you can lower your insurance premiums even more by taking advantage of discounts insurers offer in addition to bundling. Your agent will present you with discounts you can qualify for, but here are examples of some that most insurers offer:

  • Student discount
  • Low-mileage discount
  • Usage-based discount
  • Retention discount
  • Good driver discount
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Notable Car Insurance Laws in Eugene

Insurers who write policies in Eugene must follow the state’s insurance laws. The following are rules and regulations that apply to Eugene and all of Oregon’s municipalities:

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Eugene?

Oregon requires its drivers to obtain more than the bare minimum of coverage that many other states require, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for injuries. As a resident of Eugene, you must have at least these coverages in order to operate a vehicle:

  • $25,000 liability coverage for bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 liability coverage for bodily injury per accident
  • $20,000 liability coverage for property damage
  • $15,000 personal injury protection per person
  • $25,000 uninsured motorist coverage for bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 uninsured motorist coverage for bodily injury per accident

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Eugene?

Not having a policy can hurt others on the road financially. Although the state requires drivers to get uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for injuries, there is no such requirement for property damage. Therefore, if you drive while uninsured and do not have the funds to pay for damages resulting from an accident you cause, the other driver would have to pay for their repairs on their own. In addition to this being unfair, if you are caught driving without coverage, you will be subject to these penalties:

  • Fines of up to $1,000
  • Possible license suspension
  • Possible registration suspension
  • Possible vehicle impounded

What Factors Go into My Car Insurance Cost in Eugene?

Before providing a quote, insurers dig through many details about your vehicle, driving patterns, where you live, and many other particulars that may affect the cost and odds of you filing a claim. Oregon does not allow providers to use your credit score to help determine how much they charge you for a policy, but they do allow these and many other factors:

  • Claims history
  • Driving record
  • Driving experience
  • Type of vehicle
  • Mileage

Typical Driving Conditions in Eugene

As with other areas in the Pacific Northwest, during spring and fall, Eugene experiences six or so months of steady rain and gray skies. Heavy hailstorms are always a possibility in the winter.

Summer can get very hot with weeks of blinding sun. When these weather conditions are present, it is worthwhile to drive with extra caution as they can create visibility issues and frustrate drivers. Areas near the colleges can have traffic at times, especially when the Ducks are playing, but otherwise, you will not have much of a problem getting around town.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Eugene Per Year?

Oregon’s Department of Transportation reported the following 2023 crash statistics for Eugene and some of the cities in the vicinity:

City Total Crashes
Eugene 1,476
Coburg 14
Creswell 25
Springfield 665
Veneta 29

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in Eugene?

It makes perfect sense that the state of Oregon requires every driver to carry uninsured/underinsured motorist protection for bodily injuries. According to the Insurance Information Institute, fewer than one in seven drivers in the state, or 14.7%, have any insurance at all. If one of these motorists who do not have a policy crashes into your vehicle, the state’s mandatory coverage will not help you pay for the damages to your car, but it will pay for medical expenses. Check with your agent how much it would cost to add uninsured/underinsured motorist protection for property damages.

Eugene, Oregon, USA downtown cityscape and mountains in the afternoon.

Get Covered by the Best Car Insurance in Eugene, Oregon, Today

There are so many green spaces in Eugene that, regardless of where in town you live, the closest park is most likely within walking distance. But much of the city is only accessible by car, which is why you need a good auto policy to protect your ride.

InsureOne is your one-stop shop for all types of insurance policies. Our experts are waiting to spoil you with a white-glove experience that will result in you and your family getting the protection you need. We value your time, so our agents do all the work necessary to obtain the coverage you need at the most affordable prices available, so you do not have to. Stop by one of our physical locations, call us at (800) 836-2240, or visit our website to start taking advantage of our concierge insurance services.