Question
I receive SSI and SNAP benefits as well as income from work and just got my driver's permit. Does my state offer low-income insurance?
I received my driver's permit recently but I am on a fixed income and I'm worried I won't be able to afford car insurance when I get a car. Does my state offer low-income car insurance? I receive SSI and SNAP benefits as well.
Answer
Unfortunately, Oregon is not one of the few states that offer special insurance programs for low-income individuals and families. According to our 2021 State of Insurance report, The average annual premium in Oregon in 2020 was $1,332 — a tad lower than the national average of $1,456.
Your best bet for finding affordable insurance is to shop around as much as possible. If you won't be driving very often and expect to be a low-mileage driver, you can also look into telematics programs. When deciding on how much coverage you need, consider dropping physical coverage (comprehensive and collision) if your vehicle is worth less than $4,000 to keep your insurance costs low.
See our comprehensive guide on low-income car insurance.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.