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Jessica is a freelance writer, professional researcher, and mother of two rambunctious little boys. She specializes in personal finance, women and money, and financial literacy. Jessica is fascinated by the psychology of money and what drives people to make important financial decisions. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Cognitive Research Psychology.
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Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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Portland — Oregon’s largest city — has higher-than-average car insurance rates, based on our research. Bigger cities tend to have more traffic and congestion, which increases the likelihood of car accidents. This might help explain why Portland drivers pay an average of $170 per month for car insurance, according to Compare.com data.
Drivers looking for the cheapest auto insurance in Portland can find more affordable rates with insurers like Safeco. Of course, personal factors, including your age, credit history, ZIP code, and driving record, can affect the cost of your premiums.
Find out which insurance companies offer the best rates in the Beaver State and which companies offer the cheapest rates based on your insurance needs, age, and driving history.
Portland drivers pay an average of $133 per month for liability-only coverage and $207 for full coverage.
Safeco offers the cheapest coverage in Portland, at $114 per month.
Oregon drivers must have bodily injury, property damage liability, personal injury protection, and uninsured motorist coverage to drive legally.
Location ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium: Liability ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium: Full Coverage ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium: All Policies ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | $133 | $207 | $170 |
| Oregon | $101 | $170 | $136 |
| National average | $106 | $210 | $158 |
The overall average cost of car insurance in Portland is $170 per month, according to Compare.com data. For comparison’s sake, Oregon’s statewide average is $136.
Understanding average rates is helpful, but they’re only surface-level — prices can vary significantly between cities and states. Plus, your age, driving record, car, and other personal factors can influence what you pay.
The average cost of auto insurance may be $170 per month in Portland, but you can still find ways to save. Several companies offer rates below the citywide average.
The table below highlights the five cheapest insurers in Portland, according to Compare.com data.
Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| Safeco | $114 |
| Liberty Mutual | $149 |
| Direct Auto | $173 |
| GAINSCO | $176 |
| National General | $184 |
Safeco offers the cheapest average rates in Portland, at $114 per month. Of course, this rate can change based on personal factors, your coverages, and the insurer you choose. It’s always a good idea to compare multiple insurance companies before buying a policy.
Next, we’ll explore the best car insurance companies in Portland to help you find the cheapest rate.
Compare personalized quotes from the area’s top insurers.
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While Portland has many great auto insurance companies, there’s no single best company for everyone. The right company for you is the one that fits your needs and budget. We’ve chosen the following three insurance companies based on average rates, available discounts, customer ratings and reviews, and coverage offered in Portland.
Average premium: $145 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.57 out of 5
Affordable rates
Variety of discounts
Online quoting tool
Can’t purchase insurance online
Below-average customer satisfaction
Lower-than-average claims satisfaction score
If you have a speeding ticket, car accident, or DUI on your driving record, Travelers offers some of the cheapest insurance rates in Portland. The company is also a great option for teen drivers.
In addition to low rates, Travelers can help you save with a variety of discounts, including multi-policy, multi-car, safe drivers, continuous insurance, and good student discounts.
That said, Travelers has downsides, including below-average customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction.
Average premium: $86 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.59 out of 5
Affordable liability rates
Above-average claims satisfaction score
Great telematics program
No online quoting
Below-average customer satisfaction
Fewer discounts than competitors
Safeco offers some of the cheapest rates in Portland for basic liability coverage. The company offers fewer discounts than some competitors, but you can get a 10% discount for enrolling in its RightTrack program. The program will also reward you with up to 30% off your policy if you’re a safe driver.
And if you remain claims-free for six months, Safeco will automatically mail you a check for 2.5% of your insurance policy premiums.
Average premium: $137 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.90 out of 5
Online quotes available
Save up to 40% with SmartRide program
Pay-per-mile coverage options
Higher rates than some competitors
Below-average claims satisfaction
Poor customer reviews
Nationwide offers SmartRide, a usage-based insurance program that allows you to save 10% on your insurance premium just for signing up and up to 40% for safe driving. If you don’t drive often, you can also take advantage of SmartMiles, its pay-per-mile insurance program.
The company offers a wide range of auto insurance coverage options as well as property, personal, and business insurance products.
Compare personalized quotes and discover the best insurer best for your needs.
The type of coverage you choose is one of the many factors that affect your premiums. Liability coverage at the state minimum is the cheapest policy you can purchase. It covers only the damage and injuries you cause to others in an accident, but it won’t cover yours.
The table below shows the average monthly rates for liability coverage for the five cheapest companies in Portland, according to Compare.com data.
Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| Safeco | $86 |
| Liberty Mutual | $109 |
| GAINSCO | $113 |
| National General | $126 |
| Direct Auto | $135 |
While opting for the minimum liability coverage can help to keep your premiums low, you might find it’s not enough coverage for your needs. For more protection on the road, consider full-coverage insurance.
Full-coverage auto insurance typically includes liability insurance and collision and comprehensive coverage. But it can also include insurance such as personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured motorist (UM).
While liability insurance protects the other drivers if you cause an accident, full-coverage insurance protects you and your vehicle. Full coverage is typically more expensive because it provides more protection, but the extra cost is worth it for many drivers.
The table below lists the cheapest full-coverage insurance rates in Portland, according to Compare.com data.
Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $123 |
| Nationwide | $131 |
| Safeco | $141 |
| Liberty Mutual | $189 |
| Direct Auto | $210 |
While these companies are a good starting point, the final price you pay comes down to more than just coverage level. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how average rates in Portland change based on age and driving record.
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Age is one of the key factors insurers consider when calculating car insurance premiums. Insurance rates are typically the highest for teens and young drivers and go down as you get older and more experienced. Young drivers pose a higher risk to insurers since they have less experience and higher crash rates than older adults.
Check out the table below, which shows car insurance rates for different age groups and the cheapest insurer in Portland, according to Compare.com data.
Age Group ▲▼ | Citywide Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teens | $304 | Travelers | $284 |
| 40s | $152 | Travelers | $142 |
| 60s | $115 | Travelers | $112 |
Next, we’ll take a closer look at the cheapest auto insurers for Portland teens and seniors.
Teenagers pay some of the highest insurance rates of any age group. They’re the most expensive to insure because they lack driving experience and tend to practice risky driving behaviors. The teen driver crash rate is nearly four times as high as the rate for drivers in their 20s, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The citywide average for teen drivers in Portland is $304 per month, according to our data. But teens can find the cheapest average rates with Travelers, at just $284 per month.
If you’re approaching retirement age, you can expect to find some of the cheapest auto insurance rates around. That’s because older drivers tend to drive less and are more likely to follow speed limits, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I). Due to these good driving behaviors, many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers over age 55.
Portland seniors in their 60s pay an average of $115 per month for auto coverage. But these drivers can find the cheapest rates with Travelers, at around $112 per month.
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Your driving record also has a significant effect on your auto insurance rates. In general, the cleaner your record, the lower your premium. But if you’ve been in a few accidents or have several speeding tickets, you can expect to pay more than someone with a clean driving record.
The table below shows average monthly premiums for different driving records and the cheapest insurer for each, according to Compare.com data
Driving Record ▲▼ | Citywide Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean record | $170 | Travelers | $109 |
| Speeding ticket | $262 | Travelers | $170 |
| At-fault accident | $258 | Travelers | $175 |
| DUI | $293 | Travelers | $178 |
Speeding is a big risk factor in accidents, and, as a result, getting a speeding ticket can cause your rates to go up. After only one ticket, premiums increase by an average of 27% nationwide, according to Compare.com data.
We found that the average monthly premium after a speeding ticket in Portland is $170, but Travelers offers the cheapest monthly rate, at $109.
If you cause an accident, expect your rates to increase. Insurance rates go up by an average of 34% nationwide after an accident, according to Compare.com data. Oregon is an “at fault” state — if you cause an accident, your insurance company is responsible for paying for the damages. As a result, you can expect your rates to go up if you have a recent at-fault accident on your record.
Portland drivers with a recent accident pay an average of $258 per month, but Travelers has the cheapest average rate of $175 per month for this group.
Every day, approximately 37 people die in the U.S. due to drunk driving crashes, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Because of the risk associated with driving under the influence (DUI), a DUI conviction can cause rates to go up by 50% nationally, according to Compare.com data.
The average premium for Portland drivers with a DUI is $293 per month, according to our data. But these drivers can find a lower rate with Travelers, at $178 per month.
In Oregon, it’s illegal to drive without minimum liability coverage — plus, the state has higher car insurance requirements than other states. To ensure you have the proper coverage, you’ll need to have a policy with at least the following coverages and limits:
$25,000 in bodily injury liability per person
$50,000 in bodily injury per accident
$20,000 in property damage liability per accident
$15,000 in PIP coverage per person
$25,000 in UM coverage per person
$50,000 in UM coverage per accident
Remember, Oregon is an at-fault state — the driver who causes the accident has to pay for the damages. Because of this, the state’s minimum insurance requirements might not provide enough coverage if you’re in a serious accident, so consider increasing your limits for greater protection.
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Though Portland car insurance rates are relatively expensive, area drivers have access to several ways to cut costs. Consider the following tips:
Ask about discounts. Insurers offer a variety of discounts that can help increase your savings. Common discounts include defensive driving, low mileage, safety equipment, anti-theft devices, and military discounts.
Bundle insurance. Many companies will give you a multi-policy discount when you purchase two or more insurance products, such as home and auto coverage.
Consider your deductible. Your deductible is the amount of money you have to pay before your insurance takes over. A higher deductible can lower your monthly premiums but increases your out-of-pocket costs. Make sure you can afford the extra expense before increasing your deductible.
Compare insurance companies. Rates between insurance companies vary dramatically, so compare quotes from at least three different insurance companies before deciding which insurer is right for you.
Get personalized quotes from Portland’s top insurers.
If you’re ready to learn more about car insurance in Portland, Oregon, check out answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.
Safeco offers the cheapest car insurance in Portland, with an average monthly premium of $114, according to our analysis. But that doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the same rate. Be sure to shop around to find the best rates in the city.
Portland drivers pay an average monthly rate of $170, according to our data. That breaks down to $133 per month for liability coverage and $207 for full coverage.
Oregon drivers must have at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability and $20,000 in property damage liability. Drivers also need at least $15,000 per person in PIP, as well as $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash in uninsured motorist coverage.
If a cop catches you driving without insurance in Oregon, they can give you a citation for failing to show proof of insurance. This can result in a fine of $130, or up to $1,000. You’ll also face license suspension and may need to get an SR-22 certificate from your insurance company to prove that you have insurance. You’ll have to keep the certificate on file with the Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services Division for three years.
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. In Oregon, like any other state, you need collision and comprehensive only if your lender or leasing company requires it. Oregon requires drivers to have the state’s minimum liability coverage, personal injury protection, and uninsured motorist coverage to drive legally.
Sources:
Britannica, “Portland,” as of September 23, 2024.
Insurance Information Institute, “What determines the price of an auto insurance policy,” accessed September 23, 2024.
J.D. Power, “2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study,” as of September 23, 2024.
J.D. Power, “2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,” as of September 23, 2024.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), “Teenagers,” as of September 23, 2024.
Insurance Information Institute, “Senior driving safety and insurance tips,” as of September 23, 2024.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Drunk Driving,” as of September 23, 2024.
Oregon.gov, “Oregon Driver & Motor Vehicle Services,” as of September 23, 2024.
Insurance Information Institute, “Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs,” as of September 23, 2024.
Oregon State Bar, “Uninsured and underinsured drivers,” as of September 23, 2024.
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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Jessica is a freelance writer, professional researcher, and mother of two rambunctious little boys. She specializes in personal finance, women and money, and financial literacy. Jessica is fascinated by the psychology of money and what drives people to make important financial decisions. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Cognitive Research Psychology.
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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