Oregon Uninsured Motorist Law

Uninsured Motorist Oregon Overview

Oregon uninsured motorist laws, specifically Oregon Revised Statute 742.502 (ORS), require each driver to have at least $25,000 in uninsured motorist Oregon coverage.  When somebody is in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, their own auto insurance will “fill-in” for the at-fault driver’s insurance.  An insurance adjuster from your company will be assigned to your case and a “demand” will be made to that adjuster to settle the case.  If the case cannot be resolved, you can file for binding arbitration and have an arbitration panel decide the outcome of the case.

Typically the amount of your UM coverage is the same as your own liability limits.  Because you were not at fault in causing the accident, making a UM claim should not affect your insurance rates.

When UM coverage disputes are not settled with your insurance company, the case will usually be subject to binding arbitration, rather than a jury trial.  Ryan Hilts is an Oregon personal injury lawyer.  For more information, contact Ryan today.  You can also email to ryan@ryanhiltslaw.com.

What is Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

Uninsured motorist insurance protects you in case you get hit by someone who does not have insurance and cannot pay for the damages caused.  Your own policy will be available to compensate you for any losses.

Is uninsured motorist coverage necessary in Oregon?

Oregon uninsured motorist coverage is required in Oregon.

ORS 742.502¹ (Uninsured motorist coverage) states that every “motor vehicle bodily injury liability policy shall have the same limits for uninsured motorist coverage as for bodily injury liability coverage unless a named insured in writing elects lower limits.  The insured may not elect limits lower than the amounts prescribed to meet the requirements of ORS 806.070 (Minimum payment schedule)“.

The ORS 806.070 Minimum payment schedule is: “$25,000 because of bodily injury to or death of one person in any one accident;“