What You Should Know About Car Insurance in Gresham, OR

Gresham, Oregon, formerly known as Camp Ground or Powell’s Valley, was given permission by the state in 1905 to incorporate as a city. Before European settlers arrived, the Clackamas tribe of the Chinookan people lived in the area in plank houses next to the creek and rivers in which they fished. Gresham is located near Portland, Mount Hood, and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Today, the city is an agricultural hub covering 23.5 square miles with a population of nearly 112,000 people.

If you love playing in nature, you will appreciate Gresham’s many outdoor spaces. Main City Park, located in the heart of downtown Gresham, provides visitors with 20 acres of mixed-use space that includes playgrounds, baseball fields, picnicking spots, grass fields, and the Gresham Historical Society Museum. While you are there, enjoy a stroll through the Gresham Japanese Garden at Tsuru Island, a living memorial honoring second-generation Japanese Americans, where a wooden footbridge carries you across a dry streambed into a wonderland of maples, pines, and other vegetation to a raked Zen garden. You may prefer traversing through 12 miles of trails at Oxbow Regional Park or swimming, kayaking, and fishing on the Sandy River.

Whatever activities you like to do, before you drive to your destination, speak with an expert agent who can help you get the most high-quality and affordable car insurance in Oregon at competitive rates. InsureOne is a full-service insurance provider, helping Gresham drivers protect what matters most with tailored coverage options.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Gresham, Oregon?

Oregon drivers can expect to pay about $616 for minimum liability and $1,415 for a full coverage auto insurance policy. This is a little less than the national average of $622 for liability and about 25% less than the national average of $2,014 for full coverage. Your premium may vary depending on numerous factors, including the deductible you choose.

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Why Is Insurance So Cheap in Oregon?

Portland’s approximately 615,000 people make it the most populous city in Oregon. Eugene is the next biggest at close to 176,000 residents. These numbers mean that many of the state’s just over 4 million people live in less densely populated areas, with cars spread throughout the state and a decreased chance of accidents.

The National Insurance Crime Bureau also reported that Oregon’s car theft rates saw a large drop in recent years, meaning fewer claims are being filed, which contributes to lower overall rates.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Gresham

Another reason your cost may vary from your neighbor’s is, in part, due to your specific personal information, including your residence location. A Rockwood North resident, for instance, may pay a different premium than someone in the Mount Hood neighborhood.

The chart below shows the average Gresham car coverage rates as compared to other Oregon cities:

City Full Coverage Insurance Liability Insurance Coverage
Gresham $137 $67
Portland $133 $64
Astoria $107 $44
Bend $95 $40
Tillamook $111 $45

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

An easy way to save money on your coverage is to bundle your policies. Bundling means buying multiple types of coverage from one insurer. So if you need homeowners insurance along with your car coverage, be sure to ask your agent about bundling. You could save up to 25% while simplifying your experience — one bill, one renewal, and one dedicated agent.

But home and auto insurance bundling is not the only way to save. You can bundle any other type of insurance with your auto coverage. As a full-service agency, InsureOne helps you combine high-quality home and auto coverage under one policy.

What Types of Car Insurance Discounts Are Available in Gresham?

One way to negotiate a better car insurance premium is to ask your agent about available discounts. Here is an example of what discounts may be available to you:

  • Military
  • Senior
  • Good driver
  • Low mileage
  • Pay in full
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Notable Car Insurance Laws in Gresham

Driving legally in Gresham means complying with the state’s financial responsibility requirements in the form of a policy that designates the motor vehicles it covers, the name of the insured person or persons, and the minimum coverage limits.

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Gresham?

To drive legally in Oregon, you need the following coverages:

  • Bodily injury liability per person: $25,000
  • Bodily injury liability per accident: $50,000
  • Property damage liability per accident: $20,000
  • Personal injury protection per accident: $15,000
  • Uninsured motorist coverage per person: $25,000
  • Uninsured motorist coverage per accident: $50,000

Keep in mind these are the minimum amounts required by the state. These amounts may seem like a lot, but if you are in a serious accident with a high-end car, the damage may go well over these totals.

If you want to avoid digging into your savings account, ask your agent about upping these coverage amounts — you might also consider bumping up your insurance to full coverage to provide yourself with an added layer of protection.

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Gresham?

The reason liability insurance is required is to prove you can pay for any damage you cause in an accident that is your fault. But Oregon’s required protection also ensures you are protected if an uninsured driver crashes into you. If you are unable to provide proof of this coverage when a police officer asks you to do so, you may be subject to the following penalties:

  • Fines (up to $1,000)
  • License suspension
  • Registration suspension
  • Vehicle impounded
  • Possible SR-22 requirement

Avoid these penalties by keeping digital proof of your InsureOne coverage in your glove box and on your phone.

What Factors Go Into My Car Insurance Cost in Gresham?

Some states allow insurers to factor in your credit score when determining your premium, but Oregon is not one of them. Here is some of the information Oregon insurers review when figuring out your premium:

  • Mileage
  • Ticket history
  • Previous insurance claims
  • Make and model of car
  • Your age

As a full-service insurance agency, InsureOne reviews your profile and recommends ways to maintain high-quality coverage while keeping your policy affordable.

Typical Driving Conditions in Gresham

While streets in Gresham are well-maintained by the city with no sign of cracking or potholes, the city’s rural setting means there is a risk of wildlife encounters, so staying alert is crucial. Gresham’s Transportation Division maintains close to 900 miles of roads, including their sidewalks, traffic lights, and signage. The city also monitors traffic patterns for solutions to improve flow.

Due in part to its proximity to the Columbia River and the area’s annual rainfall, flooding is a concern in Gresham. In June 2022, flooding in the Johnson Creek area resulted in the rescue of trapped people. These heavy rains, along with the greater likelihood of forest fires, increase the risk of auto accidents and other weather-related vehicle damage. Consider adding comprehensive and collision coverage to protect against wildlife, weather, and other local risks.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Gresham Per Year?

There were 534 fatal accidents in Oregon in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The chart below shows the number of fatal accidents in Gresham in 2023 as compared to some other Oregon cities:

City Annual Average Number of Fatal Car Crashes
Gresham 15
Portland 64
Astoria 2
Bend 7
Tillamook 0

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists are in Gresham?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2023, nearly 15% of Oregon’s drivers were uninsured, ranking the state 18th among the 50 states. Oregon’s state-required uninsured motorist coverage can protect you from the harm these uninsured drivers may bring.

Distance shot of Mount Hood in Gresham, Oregon.

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

With its beautiful landscapes and public natural settings offering your choice of outdoor activities — hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and more — it is clear why so many call Gresham home. Before your next drive, make sure you have the protection you deserve.

If you are looking for concierge service and cost savings, contact the expert agents at InsureOne. We are a one-stop shop for insurance protection, looking through multiple policies to find you high-quality, customized coverage options. To experience our white-glove service, you can start with an online quote, speak with us over the phone at (800) 836-2240, or visit us at your local office.