We live in strange times. Oregon has experienced devastating fires in recent years, which have burned a significant portion of its forests. These fires spread into towns and cities, destroying entire subdivisions. Thousands of homes and automobiles were damaged or destroyed. A shortage of contractors and materials has delayed the rebuilding of the homes. Insurance companies are often understaffed, which can hinder their ability to handle claims effectively. The cost of materials skyrocketed, making it difficult to predict the final settlement. The State of Oregon has extended the time insurers must pay due to this crisis.

Nothing is more frustrating than being told something costs one thing, and when it comes time to pay, the price goes up. Worse yet, you pay for something on payments, and the monthly amount turns out to be higher than quoted. You feel stuck. The money you used to pay the down payment is gone, and now you can’t go elsewhere. Often, you are on contract, like a cable bill, and now trapped for three years.

Jesse, from Forest Grove, Oregon, got stopped and cited for speeding three times on the same road he travels daily from home to work within three months. The difference in the insurance price from what he used to pay increased by $150 a month. He was suspended for a month and needed an SR22 certificate while applying for a Hardship Permit. The permit allowed him to continue driving the country roads to work. He would have been suspended for a year if he had gotten one more ticket. Jesse is lucky he lives in the 97116 zip code. If he lived in Hillsboro 97123 or Portland 97203, he would pay $200 to $250 more a month.

Madelene from Eugene, Oregon 97401, completed a quote request form. She hadn’t had insurance or a car for two and a half years. The vehicle identification number she submitted revealed a car with a reconstructed title. The price was astronomical at around $300 a month for liability only. Yes, she had a ticket or two on her record about to fall off, but what a shock. I encouraged her to keep looking at other cars. She fed me five more VIN numbers. By the end of the day, we found one with a clean title and a good maintenance history, and it came in at $180 a month. The year, make, and model do make a difference in the cost of insurance. Add a rough crash and repair history; you have the ingredients for high insurance prices.