Living in Bend means you've got the best of Central Oregon at your doorstep—Mt. Bachelor for skiing, the Deschutes River for kayaking, and a thriving craft beer scene that puts most cities to shame. But here's what nobody tells you when you're falling in love with this outdoor paradise: insurance in Bend has gotten complicated, especially if you own a home.
The good news? You'll save money on car insurance here. The challenging news? Home insurance has become a serious concern for Central Oregon residents due to wildfire risk. Whether you're moving to Bend or you've lived here for years, understanding your insurance options isn't just smart—it's essential for protecting what matters most.
Auto Insurance in Bend: What You Need to Know
Here's some genuinely good news: Bend drivers pay the lowest auto insurance rates in Oregon. The average minimum coverage policy costs just $587 per year, which is 19% less than the state average of $841. Even if you opt for more comprehensive coverage, Bend drivers average around $680 annually—still well below what you'd pay in Portland or Eugene.
Oregon law requires all drivers to carry specific minimum coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, plus $20,000 for property damage (this is called 25/50/20 coverage). You'll also need $15,000 in personal injury protection and $25,000 in uninsured motorist coverage. These requirements didn't change in 2025, so if you already have minimum coverage, you're good to go.
But here's the thing: minimum coverage isn't always your best bet. If you cause an accident and the damages exceed your limits, you'll be personally responsible for the difference. Given that the average car in 2025 costs over $40,000, and medical bills can easily exceed $100,000 for serious injuries, consider bumping up your liability limits. Most insurance experts recommend at least 100/300/100 coverage, and it usually only costs $200-400 more per year.
The Home Insurance Challenge in Central Oregon
Let's address the elephant in the room: home insurance in Bend and surrounding areas has become significantly more expensive and harder to find. If your premium has doubled or tripled in the past few years, you're not alone. Some homeowners have seen their annual costs jump from under $1,000 to $9,000. The culprit? Wildfire risk.
Central Oregon's dry climate, dense forests, and increasingly warm summers have put it on the national wildfire risk map. Insurance companies are responding by raising rates, canceling policies, or refusing to write new coverage in certain areas. This is especially true for properties in areas designated as high-risk on wildfire hazard maps, though interestingly, insurers can't legally use Oregon's official state wildfire map to make these decisions—they use their own internal risk assessments instead.
The average home insurance policy in Oregon costs around $1,039 annually, but that's cold comfort when your Bend policy costs two or three times that amount. Deschutes County ranks among the top three counties in Oregon for wildfire hazard, alongside Jackson and Josephine counties. Areas like La Pine have been particularly hard hit, with many residents struggling to find affordable coverage.
If you're facing a cancellation or can't find coverage, you have options. The Oregon Fair Plan Association serves as a last-resort insurer for homeowners who can't get coverage in the standard market. It's typically more expensive than traditional insurance, but it keeps you protected and mortgage-compliant. Additionally, the Oregon State Fire Marshal offers free defensible space assessments—getting one and making the recommended improvements can sometimes help you qualify for better rates or prevent cancellations.
Smart Insurance Strategies for Bend Residents
Bundling is your friend. Most of Bend's six local insurance agencies can bundle your auto and home policies, typically saving you 15-25% on your premiums. Given how expensive home insurance has become, that discount can mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually. Plus, having one agent handle both policies simplifies your life when you need to file a claim or make changes.
Shop around, but do it strategically. With Bend's population growing from 20,000 in the 1990s to over 100,000 today, more people are competing for insurance in a challenging market. Get quotes from at least three different insurers, and don't just focus on price. Ask about their history with wildfire claims, how they handle renewals in high-risk areas, and whether they offer discounts for fire-resistant roofing, defensible space improvements, or home security systems.
Consider your deductible carefully. A higher deductible will lower your premium, which might be tempting when rates are sky-high. But make sure you can actually afford to pay that deductible if disaster strikes. A $5,000 deductible might save you $500 annually, but if you don't have $5,000 in savings, you're creating a different kind of risk.
Document your home and belongings. Take photos or videos of every room, your roof, your landscaping—everything. Store these digitally in the cloud. If you ever need to file a claim, having this documentation makes the process infinitely easier and helps ensure you get proper reimbursement. This is especially important given the median home price in Bend reached $680,000 in 2025, meaning there's a lot of value to protect.
Other Insurance You Might Need in Bend
If you're renting in Bend—and with housing costs soaring, many people are—renters insurance is a must. It's shockingly affordable, usually $15-30 per month, and covers your personal belongings plus liability protection. That liability coverage is actually the most important part: if someone gets injured in your apartment or you accidentally cause damage to the building, your renters policy protects you from potentially devastating financial consequences.
Umbrella insurance deserves serious consideration, especially if you have significant assets to protect. For $200-400 annually, you can get $1 million in additional liability coverage that sits on top of your auto and home policies. Given Bend's active outdoor lifestyle—mountain biking, skiing, river activities—the risk of accidentally injuring someone isn't trivial, and an umbrella policy provides crucial extra protection.
If you own recreational vehicles—and let's be honest, in Bend you probably do—make sure they're properly insured. Your auto policy likely won't cover your mountain bike, kayak, or ski equipment. Most home insurance policies have limits on sporting equipment, so check your coverage and consider adding a rider if you've invested heavily in outdoor gear.
Getting Started with Insurance in Bend
Your first step should be working with a local agent who understands Central Oregon's unique challenges. Bend has several established insurance agencies that have been helping residents navigate these issues for years. They can explain which insurers are still writing new policies in your specific neighborhood, how to qualify for the best rates, and what you can do to reduce your wildfire risk.
Don't wait until your current policy is up for renewal to start shopping. The insurance landscape in Bend is changing rapidly, and what was available six months ago might not be available now. If you're buying a home, factor insurance costs into your budget before making an offer—a property that seems affordable might become unmanageable once you add $5,000-9,000 in annual insurance premiums.
Yes, insurance in Bend is more complicated than it used to be, particularly for homeowners. But with the right coverage and the right agent, you can protect your property, your vehicles, and your financial future while enjoying everything that makes Bend such an incredible place to live. Take the time to understand your options, invest in wildfire mitigation, and work with professionals who know the local market. Your future self will thank you.
