Find Car Insurance in Salem, Oregon

What You Should Know About Car Insurance in Salem, OR

Derived from the biblical expression for peace, Salem truly lives up to its name. The small-town, friendly vibes and suburban neighborhoods throughout most of the city help make the capital of Oregon a quiet, peaceful municipality.

A continuous flow of newcomers has led to decennial Census increases of 12.9% or higher ever since Salem was incorporated as a city in 1857. Salemites who want more sophisticated diners, larger shopping malls, and the general excitement of a big city frequently travel to Portland, where many local residents commute to work as well.

In addition to over 75 parks within Salem, the Willamette River cuts through town, providing natural, serene views and endless opportunities for water sports and activities. The city maintains three bridges over the river that connect East and West Salem. Though not the most walking-friendly municipality, you can get to all your local shops, schools, and community events within 10 to 25 minutes by car.

However, because driving is such a necessity, it is crucial to have a policy that will shield you from financial harm in case you cause an accident. Be sure to 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 Salem, Oregon?

It is difficult to say how much coverage will cost you because premiums vary based on many details about you, your vehicle, and your exact neighborhood. However, car insurance in Oregon is generally more affordable than the national average. A minimum liability policy in the state averages $616, which is only slightly less than the U.S. average of $622, but full coverage policies average only $1415 statewide, which is significantly lower than the nationwide average of $2,014.

What Does It Mean If Oregon Is an At-Fault State?

When there is an accident in an at-fault state, the driver responsible for the crash would be liable for all property and personal injury damages resulting from the incident. A no-fault system works the same way for property damages, but for all personal injury-related expenses, each driver would have to turn to their own insurer for reimbursement.

Oregon’s insurance laws come with a slight twist. Although it is an at-fault state, drivers are still required to obtain personal injury protection — a feature typically required in no-fault states — so their own insurer would cover minor or moderate injuries. For more serious injuries, the responsible party’s insurer would likely have to pay for medical and other injury-related expenses.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Salem

Your exact location affects your premiums, but you should get a decent rate in most parts of Oregon. The following table shows rates in Salem and several other cities in its vicinity.

City	Full Coverage Insurance	Liability Insurance Coverage
Salem	$111	$52
Keizer	$112	$54
Lincoln City	$105	$45
Monmouth	$104	$47
Silverton	$110	$50

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

You might be satisfied with the fact that rates are pretty reasonable in Salem, but you can reduce your premiums to an even better price if you bundle your homeowners insurance and car insurance. Bundling is an industry term for when you get more than one policy with the same insurer. In addition to conveniently being able to deal with the same company when you sign up and pay for your policies, you can also save 5% to 25% on your premiums when you bundle.

Each provider has different rates for your policies and offers varying bundling discounts. It would be quite a project to start comparing all of these variables on your own, but InsureOne experts ensure that bundling your home and auto insurance is a pleasant experience. Your agent will compare pricing and bundling discount rates and will deliver a customized package of policies with affordable pricing and the best coverage for you and your family.

What Types of Car Insurance Discounts Are Available in Salem?

There are many other discounts you can use to lower your insurance premiums. Much like bundling, these discounts reduce your rate, some marginally and some more significantly. Your agent can tell you if they can get you these and other such discounts and how much they would shave off your premiums:

• Military discount
• High-deductible discount
• Anti-theft discount
• Safety feature discount
• Premium up-front discount

Notable Car Insurance Laws in Salem

As mentioned earlier, Oregon is an at-fault state with a bit of no-fault policy thrown into the mix. These are some of the state’s other laws that will affect your insurance as a Salem resident:

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Salem?

Many states simply require you to obtain a minimum policy with protection for bodily injuries and damages you cause. Oregon also requires some personal injury protection, so if there is limited bodily harm, each party would file a claim with their own insurer. The state also mandates that its citizens obtain uninsured motorist protection to ensure financial stability in case a driver without a policy in place causes an accident. Oregon’s minimum requirements are as follows:

• $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 Salem?

Driving without coverage exposes you to great financial harm. If you cause an accident, the damages can amount to thousands or tens of thousands of dollars, and you would have to pay without the help of an insurer. The penalties for operating a vehicle without at least a basic policy can include the following:

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

What Factors Go into My Car Insurance Cost in Salem?

States regulate which factors insurers may use in determining your premiums. For example, while many states allow underwriters to consider your credit score, Oregon does not, despite studies showing a correlation between sound financial management and responsible driving. These are some of the factors that Oregon does allow insurers to use:

• Your age
• Years of driving experience
• Your occupation
• Your gender
• Your level of education

Typical Driving Conditions in Salem

Salem is very suburban. Unless you live right next to the downtown area, you will need a car to commute to work, run errands, get kids to school, and go to pretty much any type of trip you take. The roads are not typically congested, other than during morning and afternoon rush hour, at which time areas such as the downtown, the bridges, the I-5, and the state capital can get pretty busy.

From October through April — more than half the year — the city experiences gray, dreary weather with bouts of rain or drizzle. Visibility can be an issue during these times, as can drivers’ moods.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Salem Per Year?

The following 2023 crash statistics for Salem and a few nearby cities are reported by Oregon’s Department of Transportation:

City	Total Crashes
Salem	2,496
Keizer	208
Lincoln City	132
Monmouth	58
Silverton	49

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in Salem?

The Insurance Information Institute reports that 14.7% of Oregon drivers are uninsured. The state already requires you to get bodily injury coverage in case one of these motorists crashes into you and does not have any money to pay for your medical expenses. For an affordable amount, you can also obtain property damage coverage for accidents caused by uninsured motorists, which might be a good idea given the fairly high number of such drivers in the state.