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. The average annual premium in Oregon was $1,463 — a tad lower than the national average of $1,548.
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 usage-based insurance or 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.