Explore average insurance costs in Salem and how to save on your next policy.
The average car insurance rate in Salem, Oregon, is $1,550 per year. That's more than the statewide average in Oregon ($1,463) and pricier than the national average of $1,548. Our guide to Salem car insurance includes average rates based on age, credit score, driving history, and marital status. Keep reading to learn more!
| Salem Average (annual) | Oregon Average | National Average |
| $1,550 | $1,463 | $1,548 |
The company-by-company differences in car insurance rates can be substantial, so it's important to compare quotes thoroughly and choose your insurer carefully. In Salem, Country provides the most affordable rates for the typical insurance customer. See below the best companies for cheap auto insurance in Salem — but don't forget to get personalized car insurance quotes to match your driving profile.
| Insurer | Average Annual Rate |
| Country | $968 |
| GEICO | $1,065 |
| USAA | $1,129 |
| State Farm | $1,199 |
| Progressive | $1,533 |
Consult our expert guide to finding the best cheap car insurance.
Salem drivers in their 50s enjoy relatively affordable auto insurance rates, paying just $1,383 per year, on average. Those in their 60s don't pay significantly more ($1,417).
Teenage drivers pay Salem's most expensive auto insurance rates. One of the most effective ways to get cheaper car insurance rates as a driver in Salem is to celebrate your 20th birthday. The cost differential between the auto insurance rates paid by teenage drivers and drivers in their 20s in Salem is $3,867, the largest such difference between any two age groups.
| Age group | Average Annual Rate |
| Teenagers | $5,891 |
| 20s | $2,024 |
| 30s | $1,533 |
| 40s | $1,451 |
| 50s | $1,383 |
| 60s | $1,417 |
| 70s | $1,762 |
Learn more about how age influences auto insurance rates.
In some cases, a driver's gender and marital status may influence the car insurance rates they pay. In Salem, married drivers pay $82 less than single drivers for car insurance. Married drivers enjoy less expensive rates than their single counterparts in most locations, based on data showing they file fewer insurance claims. Rates for those who are widowed are also much cheaper than rates for those who are single. In Salem, insurance rates for those who are widowed are less expensive than rates for those who are single.
Gender is another factor that can affect auto insurance rates. In Salem, female drivers pay $87 per year more than do male drivers for car insurance.
| Marital Status/Gender | Average Annual Rate |
| Female | $1,637 |
| Male | $1,550 |
| Single | $1,468 |
| Married | $1,468 |
| Divorced | $1,555 |
| Widowed | $1,549 |
Learn more about how gender and marital status have on insurance rates.
No matter where you live, steering clear of accidents and citations is the best way to keep your auto insurance rates affordable. Speeding citations, reckless driving charges, DUIs and DWIs, and at-fault accidents all tend to bring about rate increases.
Two of the most costly citations to receive are DUI and reckless driving. Salem drivers found guilty of reckless driving face insurance rate increases of $769 per year, compared to the citywide average. A DUI violation may lead to a $606 increase, while a citation for speeding leads to a $359 rate hike.
| Incident | Average Annual Rate |
| DWI/DUI | $2,156 |
| Reckless Driving | $2,319 |
| At-fault Accident (damages less than $1,000) | $2,210 |
| At-fault Accident (damages > $2,000) | $2,347 |
| Speeding Ticket (16-20 mph over speed limit) | $1,909 |
Learn more about how citations can raise your auto insurance rates.
Credit score is often closely correlated with car insurance costs. In fact, Salem drivers who build their credit score from the "Very Poor" tier (300-579) to the "Exceptional" tier (800-850) earn a 59% decrease in car insurance rates. Moving into the "Fair" credit tier from the "Very Poor" level is one of the most impactful steps a driver can take in pursuit of better car insurance rates. In Salem, improving your credit to "Fair" corresponds with a $1,264 decrease in annual car insurance rates.
| Credit Score | Average Rate (annual) |
| Very Poor | $3,125 |
| Fair | $1,861 |
| Good | $1,550 |
| Very Good | $1,409 |
| Exceptional | $1,272 |
Learn more about the relationship between poor credit and car insurance.
