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Car Insurance When Your Teen Starts Driving in Oregon

Your teen has a learner’s permit. You have a new reason to grip the door handle. Before that first practice drive, find out what Oregon law requires, what to ask your COUNTRY Financial representative, and how good grades could help lower your bill.

The image above shows a teen and her mom getting ready for a practice drive

Your teen has a learner’s permit. You have a new reason to grip the door handle. Before the first practice drive, call your COUNTRY Financial representative. Ask if your teen is covered while they learn, which cars they can drive, and when you need to add them to your policy.

Start with the family policy

COUNTRY suggests adding your teen to your policy if they live with you. Call again when they get their license, before their first solo drive. Ask when the change takes effect and what it will cost. If your teen splits time between two homes, ask both insurance companies how to list them.

If your teen will have their own car, get a quote before you buy. Tell your rep whose name will be on the title.

Know what Oregon law requires

Liability. This can help pay for harm your teen causes to others. Oregon requires at least $25,000 for one person’s injuries, $50,000 for all injuries in one crash, and $20,000 for damage to other people’s property in one crash.

Personal injury protection. Also called PIP, it helps pay medical bills after a crash, no matter who caused it. Oregon requires at least $15,000 per person.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. This can help if another driver hurts you and has little or no insurance. Oregon’s minimum limits for injuries are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per crash.

Say your teen causes a crash that does $30,000 in damage to someone else’s car. With a $20,000 property damage limit, you could owe the extra $10,000. Ask your COUNTRY rep to quote higher liability limits so you can see the difference in cost.

Our Recomendation

At the Connor Insurance agency we recommend having liability limits of at least $50,000 for one person's injuries, $100,000 for all injuries in one crash, and $50,000 for damage to other people’s property in one crash.

Choose coverage for your own car

COUNTRY offers collision coverage, which can help pay to fix your car after a crash. It also offers comprehensive coverage, which can help pay for theft, hail, or a fallen branch. If you have a loan or lease, check what it requires.

A deductible is the amount you pay toward a covered loss before insurance pays its share. Ask your rep to show you the cost for a few deductible amounts. Pick one you could pay if your teen backed into a post tomorrow.

Ask about COUNTRY discounts

Good Student Discount. A full-time student with a B average or better may qualify. Ask what proof to send.

Simply Drive®. COUNTRY offers this online safety course to eligible licensed drivers ages 16 and 17. After your teen passes, bring the signed agreement to your COUNTRY rep. Ask about the discount and the deadline to turn in the form.

Discounts and savings vary by state. Ask your rep which discounts apply to your Oregon quote.

Driver IQ®. COUNTRY offers significant discounts for signing up for the Driver IQ program. Please ask your rep for more information.

Before the first solo drive

Ask your rep to confirm which cars your teen can drive, the date coverage starts, and where to find the insurance card. Review Oregon DMV’s rules on passengers and late-night driving together before you hand over the keys.

Sources

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Blog Posts published by Sean Connor - COUNTRY Financial Representative.

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