Oregon Car Insurance Requirements: Minimums, Fault Rules & Penalties
Oregon stands out among at-fault states by requiring both personal injury protection and uninsured motorist coverage alongside standard liability limits. The combined mandatory package gives Oregon drivers faster access to medical reimbursement and protection against uninsured motorists — coverages that many neighboring states leave optional. The state also requires insurers to report policy status electronically, making enforcement continuous rather than dependent on a traffic stop.
Minimum liability requirements
| Coverage type | Minimum required |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury per person | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury per accident | $50,000 |
| Property damage per accident | $20,000 |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | $15,000 per person |
| Uninsured motorist — per person | $25,000 |
| Uninsured motorist — per accident | $50,000 |
Oregon's mandatory package covers more ground than the bare liability minimums common in many states. A policy that omits PIP or UM coverage does not satisfy Oregon law. Higher limits are available from most carriers and are worth considering — medical costs from a serious collision can exceed the minimums quickly, and underinsured motorist coverage (UIM) can be added to address gaps when the at-fault driver carries only minimum limits. See our coverage types guide for a full comparison of available options.
Proof of insurance must be available at any traffic stop or accident scene. Oregon accepts electronic proof on a mobile device.
Fault system
Oregon is an at-fault state. After a collision, the driver responsible for causing the crash bears financial liability for the other party's bodily injury and property damage through their liability coverage. Injured parties file claims with the at-fault driver's insurer or pursue a lawsuit when damages are not fully covered.
Oregon uses modified comparative fault — you may recover damages as long as your share of fault is 51% or less. If your fault percentage exceeds 51%, you cannot recover from the other party. When fault is shared at or below that threshold, any damages awarded are reduced in proportion to your contribution.
Oregon's mandatory PIP coverage is notable because it operates in a fault state. PIP pays your own medical bills up to the $15,000 per-person limit regardless of who caused the crash, providing faster reimbursement than a liability claim against the at-fault driver — which can take weeks or months to resolve. Uninsured motorist coverage applies when you are injured by a driver carrying no insurance or whose limits are insufficient to cover your losses.
SR-22 requirements
An SR-22 in Oregon is a certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer with the Oregon Department of Motor Vehicles (OR DMV). It attaches to an existing auto policy and confirms that you carry at least the state's minimum coverages — including the mandatory PIP and UM requirements.
Oregon requires SR-22 filing after:
- A DUI conviction
- A reckless driving conviction
- Being caught driving without insurance
The filing period is three years from the date the requirement is imposed. Oregon mandates electronic reporting from insurers, so a policy lapse generates a notification to the OR DMV without delay — there is no grace period between cancellation and state notification. Maintaining uninterrupted coverage throughout the SR-22 period is essential; any gap typically results in immediate license suspension.
Penalties for driving without insurance
| Offense | Fine | License consequence |
|---|---|---|
| First offense | $130–$1,000 | Suspended until current proof of insurance is provided |
| Second offense within 5 years | Up to $1,000 | Suspended for one year |
Oregon's electronic reporting requirement removes the buffer that exists in states relying solely on traffic stops to catch uninsured drivers. A vehicle that loses coverage can be flagged within days of the cancellation. After a first offense, license reinstatement requires demonstrating active coverage — the fine alone does not restore driving privileges. A second offense within five years imposes a mandatory one-year suspension. If your coverage has lapsed, request a quote through AIS to bring your policy back into compliance promptly.