Portland, OR Car Insurance
How much does car insurance cost in Portland?
Portland residents may be surprised by the cost of car insurance, with an average six-month premium of $929 or $155 per month. This rate is higher than both the state average in Oregon and the national average ($746 and $742 respectively). Our data shows that 41% of our customers in Portland feel they are paying too much for their car insurance coverage. However, there are insurance companies that offer rates cheaper than this average, and we are here to help you find the best policy for your needs.
If you're looking for affordable car insurance in Portland, USAA may have a policy that meets your needs. Our data shows that the company currently offers rates 32% below standard rates — just $636 for a six-month policy. Whether you're satisfied with your current insurance provider or looking to switch, The Zebra can help you find the best policy for your needs in Portland. We'll consider factors such as your age, credit score, and neighborhood to ensure that you're getting the best possible rates.
| Car Insurance in Portland vs. Oregon | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Portland Average | $929 |
| Oregon Average | $746 |
The cheapest car insurance companies in Portland
USAA is the cheapest at $106 per month or $636 for a six-month policy. However, USAA is only available to military members and their families.
If you don't qualify for USAA, State Farm came in as a close second and costs $115 per month.
GEICO is the third cheapest in Portland and costs an average of $120 per month or $718 for a six-month policy.
The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Portland:
- The average cost of a car insurance policy in Portland is $929 per six-month policy or $155 per month.
- The cheapest company in Portland is USAA ($636 every six months).
- Portland ranks as the seventh most expensive city for car insurance in Oregon.
- 41% of Zebra customers in Portland stated they used our product because they were paying too much for car insurance with their current provider.
Are you paying too much for auto insurance?
Portland car insurance rates by company
Portland drivers can benefit from our data, which shows that the cheapest car insurance company for full coverage is USAA, offering a six-month policy for just $636 or $106 per month. The second most affordable option is State Farm, with a six-month policy costing $688 or $115 per month.
To learn more about top-rated car insurance companies in Portland, check out The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Portland, OR
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $636 |
| State Farm | $688 |
| GEICO | $718 |
| Nationwide | $835 |
| Oregon Mutual | $862 |
| Progressive | $1,000 |
| Allstate | $1,246 |
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
Shop around for the best rates
The only way to know which company is the cheapest coverage for you is to compare. Our comparison will do the leg work for you. Enter your ZIP code to see rates from Progressive, Allstate, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide (+ other top companies) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Portland.
Average car insurance in Portland by rating factor
Car insurance companies use a variety of rating factors to determine the cost of your policy. These rating factors, such as age, gender, location and credit score, help insurers assess the level of risk you pose as a driver. While most insurance providers use similar rating factors, the impact they have on your premium can vary widely.
If you're looking for affordable and comprehensive car insurance, it's important to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best rates for your unique rating factors.
Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?
A:Â In Portland, end-of-year earnings are a significant factor in determining the cost of car insurance. Insurance providers in the city use revenue from premiums versus the cost of paying out claims to assess the level of risk drivers pose. Even if you have a clean driving record and haven't filed any claims, you may still end up paying more with certain providers due to the increased cost of doing business in Portland.
Auto insurance premiums by age in Portland
Age is a major factor considered by insurance companies when determining car insurance rates. Younger drivers typically have less experience on the road, which can lead to higher accident rates. Insurance companies use this data to determine how likely drivers are to get into an accident, and as a result, teen drivers in Portland often face the highest insurance rates.
The difference in rates for teen drivers and drivers in their 20s is $1,773 in Portland, which is the largest difference between any two age groups.
Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Portland, OR
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $1,712 |
| GEICO | $2,128 |
| State Farm | $2,511 |
| Nationwide | $3,164 |
| Allstate | $3,819 |
| Oregon Mutual | $4,050 |
| Progressive | $5,434 |
Zebra Tip:Â The cheapest company for Portland drivers across all age groups is USAA
According to our analysis, 26% of drivers in Portland fall between the ages of 20-29. On average, this group pays $1,210 every six months for car insurance. However, they may be able to save up to 33% by choosing USAA but it's worth noting that USAA is only available to members of the military and their families.
Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Portland
Understanding car insurance coverage can help drivers save money on premiums. With so many options available, it's important to know what you're paying for and what you're getting in return. In Portland, 37% of drivers choose to stick with minimum coverage, which may not be enough to cover the full value of their vehicle. While it's true that this option is more budget-friendly, it's important to consider the risks involved with carrying less coverage.
If you're considering adding collision or comprehensive coverage to your car insurance policy, it's important to know that this can come at a higher cost. Known as full coverage, these add-ons require a deductible and will raise your premium. However, if you want to strike a balance between cost and coverage, consider choosing a higher deductible option for full coverage.
It is possible to add roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage to your insurance policy. These options can offer protection against uninsured drivers and provide an extra layer of security in the case of an incident. While they may raise your rates, experts at The Zebra still recommend carrying them alongside full coverage.
Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?
A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.
In Portland, 60% of drivers have owned vehicles. If you're one of them, you may have the option to drop your comprehensive or collision coverage to save money on your insurance premiums. However, it's important to weigh the potential cost savings against the risk of having to pay for repairs out of pocket. If your vehicle is worth less than $4,000, it may not be worth carrying collision coverage, as the cost of repairs may not exceed the value of the car. Ultimately, the decision to drop these coverages comes down to your personal priorities and financial situation.
Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Portland, OR
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $339 |
| GEICO | $359 |
| State Farm | $375 |
| Oregon Mutual | $444 |
| Progressive | $469 |
| Nationwide | $500 |
| Allstate | $546 |
37% of our customers in Portland opt for minimum coverage, but this may not be the best option for everyone. While we understand this is a budget-friendly solution, it does leave you at risk for damages that exceed your liability limits. Oregon's 25/50/20 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $25,000 per person in bodily injury, $50,000 per accident in bodily injury and $20,000 for property damage. While this may be sufficient for most standard car accidents, it might not be for bodily injury claims or multi-vehicle accidents.
Learn more about insurance laws in Oregon.
Portland car insurance rates by credit score
Just like any other state, credit score is one of the factors that determine your premium in Portland. This is because research has shown that drivers with poor credit history tend to make more claims, take more risks on the road, and have lapses in auto insurance coverage. All of these factors make them riskier to insure, resulting in higher insurance rates.
When seeking to cut costs on car insurance, one strategy is to boost your credit score, which can lead to lower rates. Drivers in Portland with a poor credit history pay 94% more on average than those with excellent credit. 33% of drivers in Portland have a good (680-719) credit score. Currently, GEICO offers the lowest rates for drivers in this credit score range in Portland.
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| GEICO | $887 |
| Oregon Mutual | $1,173 |
| Nationwide | $1,186 |
| USAA | $1,197 |
| Progressive | $1,674 |
| State Farm | $1,695 |
| Allstate | $1,864 |
Zebra Tip: If you recently improved your credit score, shop around for car insurance!
We found that drivers in Portland who have "Fair" credit pay $948 less for car insurance in a year than drivers with "Poor" credit. Improving your credit score can help you save on auto insurance, so if you've recently paid off a loan or have taken other actions to boost your score, it's worth checking to see if your credit score has increased. You may be able to find a better rate on your car insurance.
Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident
In Portland, the most common auto insurance claims are also at-fault and collision-type accidents. Having an at-fault accident can lead to an increase in auto insurance rates. If you're in this situation, it's a good idea to shop around for quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best rate.
Staying safe on the road and avoiding accidents and tickets is key to keeping your auto insurance rates affordable, no matter where you live. Traffic violations can have varying impacts on your rates, but they typically stay on your record for three to five years. Serious offenses like DUI or reckless driving can lead to substantial rate hikes that can linger on your record for even longer. Meanwhile, minor infractions like driving without headlights or failing to wear a seatbelt may have a smaller effect on your rates. Ultimately, it's best to strive for a clean driving record to keep your rates low.
Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Portland, OR
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $905 |
| USAA | $956 |
| Oregon Mutual | $1,092 |
| Nationwide | $1,116 |
| GEICO | $1,140 |
| Progressive | $1,693 |
| Allstate | $1,876 |
Portland car insurance rates by violation
Below you can see how much different violations and claims will increase your rate in Portland.
Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Portland, OR
Why is car insurance in Portland so expensive?
Although Portland is known for its eco-friendly and safe driving culture, auto insurance rates can still be expensive in the city.
This is due to a number of factors, including the cost of living in a popular city and rising costs for vehicle repairs and medical expenses. Insurance companies also have to cover their operating costs, which means increasing rates. Auto insurance can be expensive for other reasons, such as the type of vehicle you drive and your personal driving history. Next, we'll delve into the various factors that can make insurance costly for even the safest of drivers.
Location
Your place of residence affects your auto insurance rates, and it's more than just the city and state. Insurance companies price you down to your ZIP code — and some areas are more prone to crime and theft than others. Some locations have a higher concentration of uninsured motorists, as well. Drivers who live in higher-crime neighborhoods will usually pay more than drivers who reside in safer ones.
Rates by ZIP code
Expensive Portland ZIP codes:Â 97266, 97236, 97233, 97216, 97220
Cheap Portland ZIP codes:Â 97224, 97229, 97219, 97223, 97225
Number of drivers
As the population of Portland continues to grow, so does the amount of traffic on the roads. With more vehicles on the streets, the likelihood of car accidents increases. Insurance companies bear the brunt of these risks and pass on the cost of claims to other drivers, resulting in higher premiums. Even if you're a safe driver, you could still be impacted by these increased costs.
Our research indicates that 30% of drivers in Portland are not currently insured, leaving those who are involved in an accident with an uninsured driver potentially having to pay out of pocket for any damages incurred.
Zebra Tip: Consider uninsured motorist coverage
For drivers who live in areas with a high percentage of uninsured drivers, it might be wise to consider adding uninsured motorist coverage (UMPD) to your policy. UMPD will help cover damages if you're in an accident with an uninsured driver or one who doesn't have enough insurance to cover the costs. Adding UMPD coverage may not be as expensive as you think, and can often be cheaper than collision coverage. Additionally, if you ever need to file a UMPD claim, the rate increase is usually not as significant as it would be with a collision claim.
Bundling insurance policies in Portland
Although Portland has its share of high insurance rates, there are still ways to save money. One of the easiest ways to save is by bundling your home and auto insurance. If you combine your homeowners or renters insurance with your auto insurance, you might qualify for a 10% or more discount. Make sure to ask about bundling discounts when you're shopping around for rates, to start saving on your insurance costs.
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Portland, OR
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $557 |
| USAA | $608 |
| Nationwide | $642 |
| Oregon Mutual | $655 |
| GEICO | $683 |
| Progressive | $864 |
| Allstate | $1,085 |
While many factors affecting your car insurance premiums may be beyond your control, there are ways to mitigate those costs. By taking steps such as driving safely and maintaining a good credit score, you can reduce your risk and potentially lower your rates. Additionally, shopping around and comparing auto insurance quotes from different insurance providers can help you find the best affordable rate for your coverage needs.
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Frequently asked questions
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Recently answered questions about car insurance in Portland from real Zebra customers
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.