Ore. Drivers Spend Less than Average for Insurance

Oregonians spend less than the national average for personal automobile insurance, according to a recent report comparing premiums nationwide.

The estimated average expenditure for personal auto insurance in Oregon was $642.52 in 2001, compared with the national average of $717.70.

The report is prepared annually by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), which is comprised of state insurance regulators.

Oregon ranked 28th lowest out of 50 states and the District of Columbia for average auto insurance expenditures in 2001, the same ranking it held the prior two years. Since 1992, Oregon has ranked between 25th and 30th lowest, with state residents paying below the national average for auto insurance during that period.

According to the NAIC report, New Jersey drivers paid the most for auto insurance in 2001 with an estimated average expenditure of $1,027.71, more than twice the cost in North Dakota, which had the lowest premiums.

Oregon auto insurance costs in 2001 were less than California ($688.89) and Washington ($749.74), but higher than Idaho ($523.38).