Paying Too Much for Auto Insurance in Portland Oregon? Here’s How to Save!

Shopping online for Portland auto insurance may seem to be difficult if you have never used online rate quotes. Don’t let that stop you because using the internet to shop for auto insurance is actually quite easy.

Free Quotes for Auto Insurance in Portland

There are a lot of ways to shop for auto insurance, but some are more efficient than others. You can spend your afternoon driving to local insurance agents in Portland, or you could save time and use the internet to get pricing more quickly.

Many popular insurance companies belong to a marketplace that enables customers to send in one quote, and each company returns a rated price. This eliminates the need for quotation requests for every auto insurance company. To compare pricing click here to open in new window.

The one disadvantage to using this type of form is you are unable to specify the providers to get pricing from. If you would rather choose from a list of companies to compare, we put together a list of the cheapest auto insurance companies in Oregon. Click here to view list.

Whichever method you choose, make sure you use the exact same coverages with every price quote. If you have different limits and deductibles on each one then you won’t be able to find the best deal in Portland.

Are you getting all your discounts?

Car insurance companies don’t necessarily list all their discounts very clearly, so we break down both the well known and the harder-to-find auto insurance savings. If you’re not getting every credit available, you’re paying more than you need to.

• Safe Driver Discount – Drivers who don’t get into accidents can get discounts for up to 45% lower rates than drivers with accidents.
• Fewer Miles Equal More Savings – Fewer annual miles can earn better rates on cars that stay parked.
• Save over 55 – If you’re over the age of 55, you may qualify for reduced rates.
• Anti-lock Brakes – Vehicles equipped with ABS or steering control are safer to drive and will save you 10% or more.
• Good Student – Getting good grades can save 20 to 25%. The discount lasts well after school through age 25.
• No Charge for an Accident – Some insurance companies permit an accident before raising your premiums if your claims history is clear for a certain period of time.
• Early Signing – Some companies give discounts for signing up prior to your current policy expiring. This can save 10% or more.
• Student in College – Kids in college living away from home attending college without a vehicle on campus can receive lower rates.
• Payment Method – By paying your policy upfront instead of monthly or quarterly installments you could save 5% or more.

It’s important to understand that some credits don’t apply to the entire cost. Most only cut the price of certain insurance coverages like comprehensive or collision. Even though it may seem like all those discounts means the company will pay you, auto insurance companies aren’t that generous.

To see a list of companies with discount auto insurance rates in Oregon, click here.

What if I want to buy from a local Portland agent?

A small number of people just want to talk to a local agent and that is a personal choice. Good agents are trained to spot inefficiencies and give you peace of mind. The best thing about comparing rates online is the fact that you can find the lowest rates and still have an agent to talk to.

To find an agent, once you fill out this quick form, the coverage information is sent to participating agents in Portland who will return price quotes for your insurance coverage. You don’t have to leave your house due to the fact that quote results will go directly to your email. How’s that for easy!

Picking a company needs to be determined by more than just a low price. Here are some questions to ask:

• How are they compensated?
• Is the agency involved in supporting local community causes?
• Will vehicle repairs be made with aftermarket parts or OEM replacement parts?
• Do they have any clout with companies to ensure a fair claim settlement?
• Are you getting all the discounts the company offers?
• What are the financial ratings for the companies they represent?
• How long has their agency been open in Portland?

Two types of Portland auto insurance agents

When finding a local agent, you must know there are a couple different types of agents from which to choose. Portland agents can either be captive or independent. Both types can properly insure your vehicles, but it’s worth learning the differences since it can impact buying decisions.

Captive Insurance Agents

Captive insurance agents can only place business with one company and examples are Farmers Insurance or State Farm. Captives cannot provide prices from multiple companies so keep that in mind. Captive agencies are trained well on the products they sell and that can be a competitive advantage. Consumers frequently choose to use a captive agent mainly due to high brand loyalty and the convenience of having a single billing for all their coverages.

Listed below are captive insurance agencies in Portland that can give you comparison quotes.

• Farmers Insurance Group – 5100 SW Macadam Ave # 450 – Portland, OR 97239 – (503) 248-0202
• State Farm Insurance – 10355 NE Halsey St # B2 – Portland, OR 97220 – (503) 252-2224
• American Family Insurance – 3560 SW Troy St – Portland, OR 97219 – (503) 452-3945
• Allstate Insurance – 9011 Beaverton Hillsdale # 1b – Portland, OR 97225 – (503) 384-0529

Independent Agents

These agents are not employed by any specific company but rather can write business with multiple insurance companies and possibly get better coverage at lower prices. If your agent finds better pricing, the agent simply finds a different carrier and you won’t have to switch agencies.

When searching for an agent, you should always include several independent insurance agents to get the best comparison. They also have the ability to place coverage with smaller regional carriers who may have lower rates.

Listed below are independent insurance agencies in Portland that are able to give comparison quotes.

• Colpron Insurance – – Portland, OR 97214 – (503) 231-8562
• Tim King Agency – 2621 NE Broadway St – Portland, OR 97232 – (503) 282-1528
• Boyanovsky Agency – 620 SE 181st Ave – Portland, OR 97233 – (503) 667-4949
• Lloyd Purdy and Co Insurance – 2015 Lloyd Ctr – Portland, OR 97232 – (503) 287-1193
• Ryan Hite Agency – 4380 SW Macadam Ave # 285 – Portland, OR 97239 – (971) 244-1524

To view a complete directory of Portland insurance agents, please click here.

After getting positive feedback to any questions you have and a low price estimate, most likely you have located an insurance agency that will provide auto insurance coverage.

Even more information is located at the Oregon Insurance Division website. Visitors are able to find disaster information, discover disciplinary actions, view a list of available companies, and find a variety of consumer forms.

Other related articles:

• Get Car Insurance Comparison Quotes From Portland Insurance Agents

Quote often and quote early

Drivers leave their current company for any number of reasons including high prices, denial of a claim, being labeled a high risk driver or policy cancellation. Regardless of your reason, finding a new auto insurance company is easier than you think.

Cheaper auto insurance can be purchased both online and with local Portland insurance agents, so compare prices from both to have the best rate selection. There are still a few companies who do not offer the ability to get a quote online and these smaller companies work with independent agents.

As you shop your coverage around, it’s very important that you do not skimp on critical coverages to save a buck or two. There are a lot of situations where an insured cut comprehensive coverage or liability limits only to regret they didn’t purchase enough coverage. Your strategy should be to get the best coverage possible at an affordable rate, not the least amount of coverage.