Car Insurance in Salem
Salem mixes the big city with a thriving food and arts scene with small-town Oregon and the magic of Oregon’s Mid-Willamette Valley. Downtown Salem is also home to Riverfront City Park, complete with large green areas.
Other Salem, Oregon attractions include the State Capitol building with its bronze Oregon Pioneer statue. Naturists can also escape to nearby Silver Falls State Park with its breathtaking waterfalls and visit the Trail of Ten Falls for a beautiful hike. Salem, Oregon, is an excellent place to visit with a nice balance of urban city living and nature.
Quick Facts
- The average cost of car insurance in Salem is $1,416 per year for full coverage.
- In 2019, there were 11 reported fatal vehicle accidents in Salem.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Salem?
On average, the cost of car insurance in Salem is $1,416 per year. This is lower than the U.S. national average and slightly higher than Oregon’s average car insurance cost, which is $1,377 per year for full coverage.
The average cost of car insurance in Oregon is lower than the national average. Some factors that affect auto insurance rates include your location, your vehicle’s make and model, and age. Your driving history, annual mileage, and insurance history are also taken into consideration. Keep in mind, the cleaner your driving record, the lower auto premiums you pay.
It is very important to look for a comprehensive auto insurance policy that will cover you in the case of an accident. It should offer adequate coverage against bodily injury, property damage, and other scenarios with manageable deductibles and coverage limits. Without an auto insurance policy, you will be held liable for all expenses incurred after an accident, including bodily injury and property damage for yourself as well as all affected parties.
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Salem Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code
In Salem, Oregon, auto policy premiums are higher or lower, in part, depending on the zip code in which an insured person resides. Residents of one zip code may pay significantly more than others depending on all driving activity reported by residents within that zip code. The higher the number of accidents in the zip code, the higher the insurance premiums.
Salem has nine zip codes. Here are the average rates for each zip code:
| Zip Code | Average Car Insurance Rate |
|---|---|
| 97301 | $130.16 |
| 97302 | $104.12 |
| 97303 | $115.58 |
| 97304 | $122.34 |
| 97305 | $144.07 |
| 97306 | $124.67 |
| 97308 | $72.50 |
| 97311 | $90.50 |
| 97317 | $116.78 |
Salem Car Insurance Rates by Age
Age is a key criterion in determining auto insurance premiums. Some age groups pay much higher premiums than others due to their collective driving records. Some age groups are engaged in a higher number of infractions and accidents than others, resulting in the disparity.
You must have a clean driving record to become eligible for low auto insurance premiums. It is very important to keep your driving record clean. All it takes is one infraction or accident to increase your next bill.
Here is a breakdown of average car insurance premiums paid by age in Salem, Oregon:
| Age | Average Car Insurance Rate |
|---|---|
| Teenagers | $281.83 |
| 20s | $159.29 |
| 30s | $109.62 |
| 40s | $103.90 |
| 50s | $87.95 |
| 60s | $71.78 |
| 70s | $97.54 |
Unless otherwise specified, we use the following methodology to arrive at our average cost: male, age 30, lowest possible legal coverage allowed by Oregon. Your rates will be determined by several factors, including your age, your gender and the amount of coverage you want to purchase.
Driving Conditions in Salem
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Salem?
In 2019, there were 11 fatal accidents involving 17 total vehicles. Of these, there were 13 fatalities, and 4 accidents involved drunk drivers.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Salem?
Salem is constantly undergoing road improvement projects. The City of Salem’s Public Works Department has several projects underway to enhance green space, maintain more than 770 miles of wastewater pipeline, and run an Operations Division that is dedicated to Salem’s parks and utilities.
Click here to learn more about Salem’s ongoing infrastructure projects to sidewalks, bridges, and other public utilities.
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Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Salem
Oregon is classified as an “at-fault” state, which means motorists who are determined to be at fault for an accident are expected to cover the costs of repairs and hospital bills. For affected motorists, their insurance policy will determine the type and amount of damages paid to the insured and all affected parties. Without a comprehensive auto insurance policy with minimum bodily injury, property damage, and uninsured motorist coverage, drivers can be on the hook for thousands of dollars of damages.
In Oregon, the state minimums are as follows:
- $25,000 bodily injury per person per accident
- $50,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident
- $15,000 per person for personal injury protection
- $25,000/$50,000 per accident for uninsured motorist coverage bodily injury
There are many ways drivers can save money on car insurance. Some of these tactics include opting for higher deductibles, reducing coverage limits (within an acceptable range and at or above the state’s required minimums), and excluding miscellaneous items such as car rental in the event of an accident.
Factors Allowed in Salem Car Insurance Rates
There are many factors that determine how low or how high auto insurance premiums get.
- Driving record
- Age
- Gender
- Zip code
- Marital status
- Type of vehicle
- Credit rating
Discounts for Car Insurance in Salem
With a clean driving record, many Salem residents can enjoy the following benefits.
We highly recommend calling your auto insurance provider to learn what discounts you may qualify for. Note, you may be required to be in good standing for a year or more before becoming eligible.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Salem?
Classified as a Class B violation, fines for driving without auto insurance in Salem, Oregon, can hit as high as $1,000, depending on the offense committed and its severity. For example, reckless driving will incur a higher fine than routine traffic stops. Expect an automatic driver’s license suspension and a long way towards reinstatement if you decide to drive without auto insurance.
To save on auto insurance, it is acceptable to carry minimum coverage within state rules. In Oregon, minimum coverages include $25,000 bodily injury per person per accident and $50,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident.
Expect your auto insurance premiums to increase as high as 50% for driving without auto insurance. It is not worth the risk.
Get a Quote for Car Insurance in Salem Today!
Fortunately, Freeway is here to help you find the best car insurance for you in Salem, Oregon.
Get started with a quote online, visit us at a Salem office near you, or call us at (503) 831-7029 for a quote.