ORS 742.504
Required provisions of uninsured motorist coverage


Every policy required to provide the coverage specified in ORS 742.502 (Uninsured motorist coverage) shall provide uninsured motorist coverage that in each instance is no less favorable in any respect to the insured or the beneficiary than if the following provisions were set forth in the policy. However, nothing contained in this section requires the insurer to reproduce in the policy the particular language of any of the following provisions:

(1)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a)

Notwithstanding ORS 30.260 (Definitions for ORS 30.260 to 30.300) to 30.300 (ORS 30.260 to 30.300 exclusive), the insurer will pay all sums that the insured or the heirs or legal representative of the insured is legally entitled to recover as damages from the owner or operator of an uninsured vehicle because of bodily injury sustained by the insured caused by accident and arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of the uninsured vehicle. Determination as to whether the insured, the insured’s heirs or the insured’s legal representative is legally entitled to recover such damages, and if so, the amount thereof, shall be made by agreement between the insured and the insurer, or, in the event of disagreement, may be determined by arbitration as provided in subsection (10) of this section.

(b)

No judgment against any person or organization alleged to be legally responsible for bodily injury, except for proceedings instituted against the insurer as provided in this policy, shall be conclusive, as between the insured and the insurer, on the issues of liability of the person or organization or of the amount of damages to which the insured is legally entitled.

(2)

As used in this policy:

(a)

“Bodily injury” means bodily injury, sickness or disease, including death resulting therefrom.

(b)

“Hit-and-run vehicle” means a vehicle that causes bodily injury to an insured arising out of physical contact of the vehicle with the insured or with a vehicle the insured is occupying at the time of the accident, provided:

(A)

The identity of either the operator or the owner of the hit-and-run vehicle cannot be ascertained;

(B)

The insured or someone on behalf of the insured reported the accident within 72 hours to a police, peace or judicial officer, to the Department of Transportation or to the equivalent department in the state where the accident occurred, and filed with the insurer within 30 days thereafter a statement under oath that the insured or the legal representative of the insured has a cause or causes of action arising out of the accident for damages against a person or persons whose identities are unascertainable, and setting forth the facts in support thereof; and

(C)

At the insurer’s request, the insured or the legal representative of the insured makes available for inspection the vehicle the insured was occupying at the time of the accident.

(c)

“Insured,” when unqualified and when applied to uninsured motorist coverage, means:

(A)

The named insured as stated in the policy and any person designated as named insured in the schedule and, while residents of the same household, the spouse of any named insured and relatives of either, provided that neither the relative nor the spouse is the owner of a vehicle not described in the policy and that, if the named insured as stated in the policy is other than an individual or spouses in a marriage who are residents of the same household, the named insured shall be only a person so designated in the schedule;

(B)

Any child residing in the household of the named insured if the insured has performed the duties of a parent to the child by rearing the child as the insured’s own although the child is not related to the insured by blood, marriage or adoption; and

(C)

Any other person while occupying an insured vehicle, provided the actual use thereof is with the permission of the named insured.

(d)

“Insured vehicle,” except as provided in paragraph (e) of this provision, means:

(A)

The vehicle described in the policy or a newly acquired or substitute vehicle, as each of those terms is defined in the public liability coverage of the policy, insured under the public liability provisions of the policy; or

(B)

A nonowned vehicle operated by the named insured or spouse if a resident of the same household, provided that the actual use thereof is with the permission of the owner of the vehicle and the vehicle is not owned by nor furnished for the regular or frequent use of the insured or any member of the same household.

(e)

“Insured vehicle” does not include a trailer of any type unless the trailer is a described vehicle in the policy.

(f)

“Occupying” means in or upon or entering into or alighting from.

(g)

“Phantom vehicle” means a vehicle that causes bodily injury to an insured arising out of a motor vehicle accident that is caused by a vehicle that has no physical contact with the insured or the vehicle the insured is occupying at the time of the accident, provided:

(A)

The identity of either the operator or the owner of the phantom vehicle cannot be ascertained;

(B)

The facts of the accident can be corroborated by competent evidence other than the testimony of the insured or any person having an uninsured motorist claim resulting from the accident; and

(C)

The insured or someone on behalf of the insured reported the accident within 72 hours to a police, peace or judicial officer, to the Department of Transportation or to the equivalent department in the state where the accident occurred, and filed with the insurer within 30 days thereafter a statement under oath that the insured or the legal representative of the insured has a cause or causes of action arising out of the accident for damages against a person or persons whose identities are unascertainable, and setting forth the facts in support thereof.

(h)

“State” includes the District of Columbia, a territory or possession of the United States and a province of Canada.

(i)

“Stolen vehicle” means an insured vehicle that causes bodily injury to the insured arising out of a motor vehicle accident if:

(A)

The vehicle is operated without the consent of the insured;

(B)

The operator of the vehicle does not have collectible motor vehicle bodily injury liability insurance;

(C)

The insured or someone on behalf of the insured reported the accident within 72 hours to a police, peace or judicial officer or to the equivalent department in the state where the accident occurred; and

(D)

The insured or someone on behalf of the insured cooperates with the appropriate law enforcement agency in the prosecution of the theft of the vehicle.

(j)

“Sums that the insured or the heirs or legal representative of the insured is legally entitled to recover as damages” means the amount of damages that:

(A)

A claimant could have recovered in a civil action from the owner or operator at the time of the injury after determination of fault or comparative fault and resolution of any applicable defenses;

(B)

Are calculated without regard to the tort claims limitations of ORS 30.260 (Definitions for ORS 30.260 to 30.300) to 30.300 (ORS 30.260 to 30.300 exclusive); and

(C)

Are no larger than benefits payable under the terms of the policy as provided in subsection (7) of this section.

(k)

“Uninsured vehicle,” except as provided in paragraph (L) of this provision, means:

(A)

A vehicle with respect to the ownership, maintenance or use of which there is no collectible motor vehicle bodily injury liability insurance, in at least the amounts or limits prescribed for bodily injury or death under ORS 806.070 (Minimum payment schedule) applicable at the time of the accident with respect to any person or organization legally responsible for the use of the vehicle, or with respect to which there is collectible bodily injury liability insurance applicable at the time of the accident but the insurance company writing the insurance denies coverage or the company writing the insurance becomes voluntarily or involuntarily declared bankrupt or for which a receiver is appointed or becomes insolvent. It shall be a disputable presumption that a vehicle is uninsured in the event the insured and the insurer, after reasonable efforts, fail to discover within 90 days from the date of the accident, the existence of a valid and collectible motor vehicle bodily injury liability insurance applicable at the time of the accident.

(B)

A hit-and-run vehicle.

(C)

A phantom vehicle.

(D)

A stolen vehicle.

(E)

A vehicle that is owned or operated by a self-insurer:
(i)
That is not in compliance with ORS 806.130 (Self-insurance) (1)(c); or
(ii)
That provides recovery to an insured in an amount that is less than the sums that the insured or the heirs or legal representative of the insured is legally entitled to recover as damages for bodily injury or death that is caused by accident and that arises out of owning, maintaining or using an uninsured vehicle.

(L)

“Uninsured vehicle” does not include:

(A)

An insured vehicle, unless the vehicle is a stolen vehicle;

(B)

Except as provided in paragraph (k)(E) of this subsection, a vehicle that is owned or operated by a self-insurer within the meaning of any motor vehicle financial responsibility law, motor carrier law or any similar law;

(C)

A vehicle that is owned by the United States of America, Canada, a state, a political subdivision of any such government or an agency of any such government;

(D)

A land motor vehicle or trailer, if operated on rails or crawler-treads or while located for use as a residence or premises and not as a vehicle;

(E)

A farm-type tractor or equipment designed for use principally off public roads, except while actually upon public roads; or

(F)

A vehicle owned by or furnished for the regular or frequent use of the insured or any member of the household of the insured.

(m)

“Vehicle” means every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a public highway, but does not include devices moved by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.

(3)

This coverage applies only to accidents that occur on and after the effective date of the policy, during the policy period and within the United States of America, its territories or possessions, or Canada.

(4)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a)

This coverage does not apply to bodily injury of an insured with respect to which the insured or the legal representative of the insured shall, without the written consent of the insurer, make any settlement with or prosecute to judgment any action against any person or organization who may be legally liable therefor.

(b)

This coverage does not apply to bodily injury to an insured while occupying a vehicle, other than an insured vehicle, owned by, or furnished for the regular use of, the named insured or any relative resident in the same household, or through being struck by the vehicle.

(c)

This coverage does not apply so as to inure directly or indirectly to the benefit of any workers’ compensation carrier, any person or organization qualifying as a self-insurer under any workers’ compensation or disability benefits law or any similar law or the State Accident Insurance Fund Corporation.

(d)

This coverage does not apply with respect to underinsured motorist benefits unless:

(A)

The limits of liability under any bodily injury liability insurance applicable at the time of the accident regarding the injured person have been exhausted by payment of judgments or settlements to the injured person or other injured persons;

(B)

The described limits have been offered in settlement, the insurer has refused consent under paragraph (a) of this subsection and the insured protects the insurer’s right of subrogation to the claim against the tortfeasor;

(C)

The insured gives credit to the insurer for the unrealized portion of the described liability limits as if the full limits had been received if less than the described limits have been offered in settlement, and the insurer has consented under paragraph (a) of this subsection; or

(D)

The insured gives credit to the insurer for the unrealized portion of the described liability limits as if the full limits had been received if less than the described limits have been offered in settlement and, if the insurer has refused consent under paragraph (a) of this subsection, the insured protects the insurer’s right of subrogation to the claim against the tortfeasor.

(e)

When seeking consent under paragraph (a) or (d) of this subsection, the insured shall allow the insurer a reasonable time in which to collect and evaluate information related to consent to the proposed offer of settlement. The insured shall provide promptly to the insurer any information that is reasonably requested by the insurer and that is within the custody and control of the insured. Consent will be presumed to be given if the insurer does not respond within a reasonable time. For purposes of this paragraph, a “reasonable time” is no more than 30 days from the insurer’s receipt of a written request for consent, unless the insured and the insurer agree otherwise.

(5)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a)

As soon as practicable, the insured or other person making claim shall give to the insurer written proof of claim, under oath if required, including full particulars of the nature and extent of the injuries, treatment and other details entering into the determination of the amount payable hereunder. The insured and every other person making claim hereunder shall submit to examinations under oath by any person named by the insurer and subscribe the same, as often as may reasonably be required. Proof of claim shall be made upon forms furnished by the insurer unless the insurer fails to furnish the forms within 15 days after receiving notice of claim.

(b)

Upon reasonable request of and at the expense of the insurer, the injured person shall submit to physical examinations by physicians, naturopathic physicians, physician assistants or nurse practitioners selected by the insurer and shall, upon each request from the insurer, execute authorization to enable the insurer to obtain medical reports and copies of records.

(6)

If, before the insurer makes payment of loss hereunder, the insured or the legal representative of the insured institutes any legal action for bodily injury against any person or organization legally responsible for the use of a vehicle involved in the accident, a copy of the summons and complaint or other process served in connection with the legal action shall be forwarded immediately to the insurer by the insured or the legal representative of the insured.

(7)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a)

The limit of liability stated in the declarations as applicable to “each person” is the limit of the insurer’s liability for all damages because of bodily injury sustained by one person as the result of any one accident and, subject to the above provision respecting each person, the limit of liability stated in the declarations as applicable to “each accident” is the total limit of the company’s liability for all damages because of bodily injury sustained by two or more persons as the result of any one accident.

(b)

Any amount payable under the terms of this coverage because of bodily injury sustained in an accident by a person who is an insured under this coverage shall be reduced by the amount paid and the present value of all amounts payable on account of the bodily injury under any workers’ compensation law, disability benefits law or any similar law.

(c)

Any amount payable under the terms of this coverage because of bodily injury sustained in an accident by a person who is an insured under this coverage shall be reduced by the credit given to the insurer pursuant to subsection (4)(d)(C) or (D) of this section.

(d)

The amount payable under the terms of this coverage may not be reduced by the amount of liability proceeds offered, described in subsection (4)(d)(B) or (D) of this section, that has not been paid to the injured person. If liability proceeds have been offered and not paid, the amount payable under the terms of the coverage shall include the amount of liability limits offered but not accepted due to the insurer’s refusal to consent. The insured shall cooperate so as to permit the insurer to proceed by subrogation or assignment to prosecute the claim against the uninsured motorist.

(8)

No action shall lie against the insurer unless, as a condition precedent thereto, the insured or the legal representative of the insured has fully complied with all the terms of this policy.

(9)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a)

With respect to bodily injury to an insured:

(A)

While occupying a vehicle owned by a named insured under this coverage, the insurance under this coverage is primary.

(B)

While occupying a vehicle not owned by a named insured under this coverage, the insurance under this coverage shall apply only as excess insurance over any primary insurance available to the occupant that is similar to this coverage, and this excess insurance coverage shall then apply only to the sums that the insured or the heirs or legal representative of the insured is legally entitled to recover as damages for bodily injury or death that is caused by accident and that arises out of owning, maintaining or using an uninsured vehicle.

(b)

With respect to bodily injury to an insured while occupying any motor vehicle used as a public or livery conveyance, the insurance under this coverage shall apply only as excess insurance over any other insurance available to the insured that is similar to this coverage, and this excess insurance coverage shall then apply only to the amount by which the applicable limit of liability of this coverage exceeds the sum of the applicable limits of liability of all other insurance.

(10)

If any person making claim hereunder and the insurer do not agree that the person is legally entitled to recover damages from the owner or operator of an uninsured vehicle because of bodily injury to the insured, or do not agree as to the amount of payment that may be owing under this coverage, then, in the event the insured and the insurer elect by mutual agreement at the time of the dispute to settle the matter by arbitration, the arbitration shall take place as described in ORS 742.505 (Arbitration procedures under ORS 742.504). Any judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction thereof, provided, however, that the costs to the insured of the arbitration proceeding do not exceed $100 and that all other costs of arbitration are borne by the insurer. “Costs” as used in this provision does not include attorney fees or expenses incurred in the production of evidence or witnesses or the making of transcripts of the arbitration proceedings. The person and the insurer each agree to consider themselves bound and to be bound by any award made by the arbitrators pursuant to this coverage in the event of such election. At the election of the insured, the arbitration shall be held:

(a)

In the county and state of residence of the insured;

(b)

In the county and state where the insured’s cause of action against the uninsured motorist arose; or

(c)

At any other place mutually agreed upon by the insured and the insurer.

(11)

In the event of payment to any person under this coverage:

(a)

The insurer shall be entitled to the extent of the payment to the proceeds of any settlement or judgment that may result from the exercise of any rights of recovery of the person against any uninsured motorist legally responsible for the bodily injury because of which payment is made;

(b)

The person shall hold in trust for the benefit of the insurer all rights of recovery that the person shall have against such other uninsured person or organization because of the damages that are the subject of claim made under this coverage, but only to the extent that the claim is made or paid herein;

(c)

If the insured is injured by the joint or concurrent act or acts of two or more persons, one or more of whom is uninsured, the insured shall have the election to receive from the insurer any payment to which the insured would be entitled under this coverage by reason of the act or acts of the uninsured motorist, or the insured may, with the written consent of the insurer, proceed with legal action against any or all persons claimed to be liable to the insured for the injuries. If the insured elects to receive payment from the insurer under this coverage, then the insured shall hold in trust for the benefit of the insurer all rights of recovery the insured shall have against any other person, firm or organization because of the damages that are the subject of claim made under this coverage, but only to the extent of the actual payment made by the insurer;

(d)

The person shall do whatever is proper to secure and shall do nothing after loss to prejudice such rights;

(e)

If requested in writing by the insurer, the person shall take, through any representative not in conflict in interest with the person, designated by the insurer, such action as may be necessary or appropriate to recover payment as damages from such other uninsured person or organization, such action to be taken in the name of the person, but only to the extent of the payment made hereunder. In the event of a recovery, the insurer shall be reimbursed out of the recovery for expenses, costs and attorney fees incurred by the insurer in connection therewith; and

(f)

The person shall execute and deliver to the insurer any instruments and papers as may be appropriate to secure the rights and obligations of the person and the insurer established by this provision.

(12)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a)

The parties to this coverage agree that no cause of action shall accrue to the insured under this coverage unless within two years from the date of the accident:

(A)

Agreement as to the amount due under the policy has been concluded;

(B)

The insured or the insurer has formally instituted arbitration proceedings;

(C)

The insured has filed an action against the insurer; or

(D)

Suit for bodily injury has been filed against the uninsured motorist and, within two years from the date of settlement or final judgment against the uninsured motorist, the insured has formally instituted arbitration proceedings or filed an action against the insurer.

(b)

For purposes of this subsection:

(A)

“Date of settlement” means the date on which a written settlement agreement or release is signed by an insured or, in the absence of these documents, the date on which the insured or the attorney for the insured receives payment of any sum required by the settlement agreement. An advance payment as defined in ORS 31.550 (“Advance payment” defined) shall not be deemed a payment of a settlement for purposes of the time limitation in this subsection.

(B)

“Final judgment” means a judgment that has become final by lapse of time for appeal or by entry in an appellate court of an appellate judgment. [Formerly 743.792; 1993 c.18 §156; 1993 c.596 §38; 1997 c.808 §2; 2003 c.175 §2; 2005 c.22 §490; 2005 c.236 §1; 2005 c.246 §2; 2005 c.247 §2; 2007 c.131 §1; 2007 c.287 §3; 2007 c.328 §§5,6; 2007 c.457 §1; 2007 c.782 §3; 2009 c.67 §§15,16; 2011 c.192 §2; 2014 c.45 §76; 2015 c.5 §3; 2015 c.629 §59; 2017 c.356 §95]

Source: Section 742.504 — Required provisions of uninsured motorist coverage, https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors742.­html.

See also annotations under ORS 743.792 in permanent edition.

Notes of Decisions

In general

A tortfeasor whose insurance policy is disclaimed subsequent to an accident for failure to notify his insurer of the accident is an uninsured motorist under this section. General Acc. Fire and Life Assur. Corp., Ltd. v. Shasky, 266 Or 312, 512 P2d 987 (1973)

A tortfeasor is not uninsured because his liability insurance is insufficient in amount to compensate for all injuries. Lund v. Mission Ins. Co., 270 Or 461, 528 P2d 78 (1974)

An endorsement excluding coverage while the insured automobile was operated by a person under 25 years of age did not preclude the passenger injured by the negligence of the uninsured motorist from recovering under the uninsured motorist provisions of the policy even though the driver of the insured vehicle was under the age of 25. Hartford Acc. and Indem. Co. v. Dairyland Ins. Co., 274 Or 145, 545 P2d 113 (1976)

In the absence of a specific agreement, this section does not apply to establish a two-year statute of limitations; if the policy is silent, the normal six-year statute of limitations for contract actions applies. North River Ins. v. Kowaleski, 275 Or 531, 551 P2d 1286 (1976); Kalhar v. Transamerica Ins. Co., 129 Or App 38, 877 P2d 656 (1994), Sup Ct review denied

Where insured brought action against insurance company alleging that insurer, in bad faith, prejudiced his claim for uninsured motorist coverage, this section and insurance contract provided that arbitration was condition precedent to litigation. Mendelson v. State Farm Mutual Auto Ins. Co., 285 Or 269, 590 P2d 726 (1979)

This section authorizes insurer to exclude from uninsured motorist coverage an insured who occupies a vehicle as to which insured has procured liability insurance satisfying financial responsibility law. State Farm Mut. Ins. Co. v. Whitlock, 59 Or App 303, 650 P2d 1042 (1982), Sup Ct review denied

Vehicle fitting any categories of this section is “the insured motor vehicle” for purposes of PIP. Utah Home Fire Ins. Co. v. Colonial Ins. Co., 300 Or 564, 715 P2d 1112 (1986)

Requirement that named insured be person designated in schedule does not mean that principal shareholder of insured corporation is covered by policy that only names corporation. Meyer v. American Economy Ins. Co., 103 Or App 160, 796 P2d 1223 (1990), Sup Ct review denied

Plaintiff’s injuries were not covered when plaintiff was run over by uninsured thief stealing plaintiff’s insured vehicle. Cole v. Farmer Ins. Co., 108 Or App 277, 814 P2d 188 (1991)

Benefits were not payable under uninsured motorist policy until policy limits of other tortfeasors had been exhausted. Stembridge v. West American Ins. Co., 109 Or App 552, 823 P2d 418 (1991); Estate of Salma S. Serang v. Amer. States Ins. Co., 127 Or App 405, 873 P2d 367 (1994)

“Insured vehicle” does not include nonowned vehicle driven by named insured, if one of the passengers owns vehicle. Farmers Ins. Co. v. Paepier, 110 Or App 77, 822 P2d 140 (1991), Sup Ct review denied

Nothing in language “furnished for regular use” requires that vehicle must be totally under insured’s control and available for both personal and business use. North Pacific Ins. Co. v. Anderson, 110 Or App 269, 821 P2d 444 (1991)

Arbitration proceedings described in this section do not violate right to jury trial because claimant or insurer is not required to arbitrate claim and can demand jury trial. Carrier v. Hicks, 316 Or 341, 851 P2d 581 (1993)

Insured satisfies entitlement to recovery by establishing that other motorist was uninsured and is legally liable for damages to insured and amount of damages. Kalhar v. Transamerica Ins. Co., 129 Or App 38, 877 P2d 656 (1994), Sup Ct review denied

“Occupying” is limited to processes that directly cause, continue or terminate physical relationship between person and car. Marcilionis v. Farmers Ins. Co., 318 Or 640, 871 P2d 470 (1994)

Provision making damage determination through mandatory arbitration binding on party not requesting arbitration violated constitutional right to jury. Lind v. Allstate Insurance Co., 134 Or App 395, 895 P2d 327 (1995), modified 136 Or App 532, 902 P2d 603 (1995), Sup Ct review denied

Validity of policy provision is based on comparison between coverage under policy and coverage under hypothetical policy consisting totally of statutory model provisions. Vega v. Farmers Ins. Co., 323 Or 291, 918 P2d 95 (1996)

Only permissible variation from model statutory provisions is to exclude or soften provisions favorable to insurer or to add extraneous terms that are neutral or favorable to insured. Vega v. Farmers Ins. Co., 323 Or 291, 918 P2d 95 (1996)

Total underinsured motorist coverage benefits are calculated by deducting amount recovered from other automobile liability policies from base amount of uninsured motorist coverage. Pitchford v. State Farm Mutual Auto. Ins. Co., 147 Or App 9, 934 P2d 616 (1997), Sup Ct review denied

Filing action that is subject to court-mandated arbitration is not election to settle matter by arbitration. Douglass v. Allstate Ins. Co., 152 Or App 216, 953 P2d 770 (1998), Sup Ct review denied

Because recovery of damages against government is limited by [former] ORS 30.270, injured party is not “legally entitled to recover” excess damages through uninsured motorist insurance claim. Surface v. American Spirit Insurance Cos., 154 Or App 696, 962 P2d 717 (1998), aff’d 335 Or 356, 67 P3d 938 (2003)

Offset of paid-out workers’ compensation benefits against amount due from underinsured motorist insurance applies regardless of whether workers’ compensation beneficiaries and insurance beneficiaries are identical. Estate of Linda Greenslitt v. Farmers Insurance Co., 156 Or App 75, 964 P2d 1129 (1998)

Where action is victim’s claim against insurer under policy issued to victim, whether injury was intentional is viewed from perspective of victim, not person inflicting harm. Fox v. Country Mutual Insurance Co., 327 Or 500, 964 P2d 997 (1998)

Injury is “caused by accident” if injury itself was not intentionally inflicted, even though caused by intentional act. Fox v. Country Mutual Insurance Co., 327 Or 500, 964 P2d 997 (1998)

Defendant’s successful assertion of contributory negligence defense does not make plaintiff insured “person or organization alleged to be legally responsible for bodily injury.” Safeco Insurance Co. v. Laskey, 162 Or App 1, 985 P2d 878 (1999)

For single-limit policy, amount recoverable by insured as underinsured or uninsured motorist benefit is subject to offset only by those amounts paid by other sources on account of injury to that individual insured. Grijalva v. Safeco Ins. Co., 329 Or 36, 985 P2d 784 (1999)

Insured’s acceptance of settlement offer from tortfeasor’s liability insurer precludes recovering uninsured motorist benefits based on liability insurer’s earlier denial of coverage. Fox v. Country Mutual Insurance Co., 169 Or App 54, 7 P3d 677 (2000), Sup Ct review denied

Requirement that suit against uninsured motorist be “filed” within specified time does not incorporate requirement for service of process. Lindsey v. Farmers Insurance Co., 170 Or App 458, 12 P3d 571 (2000)

“This coverage” refers to underinsured motorist coverage provided by individual policy, not aggregate coverage under multiple policies issued by same insurer. VanWormer v. Farmers Insurance Co., 171 Or App 450, 15 P3d 612 (2000)

Relevant factors for determining whether person using uninsured vehicle is member of household of insured are: 1) whether parties live under one roof; 2) length of time parties have lived together; 3) whether residence is intended to be permanent or temporary; and 4) whether parties are financially independent. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. v. McCormick, 171 Or App 657, 17 P3d 1083 (2000), Sup Ct review denied

“Amount paid” under workers’ compensation law means net amount that insured received after any recoupment by workers’ compensation insurer. Harlow v. Allstate Insurance Co., 177 Or App 122, 33 P3d 363 (2001)

For purposes of deducting payments from other sources, amount payable under terms of “this coverage” is amount insured would be legally entitled to recover from owner or operator of uninsured or underinsured vehicle on account of bodily injury, not policy limit on insurer liability. Bergmann v. Hutton, 337 Or 596, 101 P3d 353 (2004)

Person is “severally liable together with” underinsured motorist if person is independently liable to insured for same injuries caused by underinsured motorist. Kerry v. Quicehuatl, 213 Or App 589, 162 P3d 1033 (2007), Sup Ct review denied

Where policy fails to clearly notify insured of requirement imposed on insured by statute, policy language is less favorable to insured than statutory language. Wilson v. Tri-County Metropolitan Transportation District of Oregon, 343 Or 1, 161 P3d 933 (2007)

Under 2001 version of statute, “operator” of uninsured vehicle means person who exercises actual physical control over vehicle. Rogozhnikov v. Essex Insurance Co., 222 Or App 565, 195 P3d 400 (2008)

Period during which insured is disabled does not toll time limitation for accrual of cause of action. Wright v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Ins. Co., 223 Or App 357, 196 P3d 1000 (2008)

Where matter concerns employer and worker, and where neither party has requested order from Workers’ Compensation Board, trial court has subject matter jurisdiction over issue of reimbursement of underinsured motorist benefits. Longstreet v. Liberty Northwest Insurance Corporation, 238 Or App 396, 245 P3d 656 (2010)

Insurance contract that contains mutual agreement to arbitrate dispute is not required to institute formal arbitration proceedings. Bonds v. Farmers Insurance Co., 349 Or 152, 240 P3d 1086 (2010)

To formally institute arbitration proceedings, insured or insurer must expressly communicate to other party that initiating party is beginning process of arbitrating dispute. Bonds v. Farmers Insurance Co., 349 Or 152, 240 P3d 1086 (2010)

Party does not formally institute arbitration proceedings when party has consented to arbitrate upon occurrence of certain event and, upon occurrence of that event, does not expressly advise or acknowledge to other party that event has occurred. Bonds v. Farmers Insurance Co., 349 Or 152, 240 P3d 1086 (2010). But see Paton v. American Family Mutual Insurance Co., 256 Or App 607, 302 P3d 1204 (2013), Sup Ct review denied

Express consent to arbitration suffices to formally institute arbitration proceedings. Paton v. American Family Mutual Insurance Co., 256 Or App 607, 302 P3d 1204 (2013), Sup Ct review denied

Where plaintiff, while driving, was victim of drive-by shooting and as insured under auto policy, victim sought uninsured motorist benefits under this section against defendant, granting of summary judgment on basis that plaintiff’s injury did not “arise of the use of [an] uninsured vehicle” under this section, was improper. De Zafra v. Farmers Ins. Co., 270 Or App 77, 346 P3d 652 (2015)

Where insured was passenger in vehicle involved in two accidents, and underlying liability of negligent drivers and amount each driver could be required to pay were no longer at issue, determination of underinsured motorist policy limits depended on whether insured’s injuries were caused by one or both accidents. Wright v. Turner, 368 Or 207, 489 P3d 102 (2021)

Where insured is covered under multiple policies containing uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage issued by insurer, policy term limiting insurer’s liability to amount specified in policy providing highest limit of liability that results in coverage less favorable to insured than coverage under statutory comprehensive model policy term is unenforceable. Batten v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Ins. Co., 368 Or 538, 495 P3d 1222 (2021)

Phantom vehicle

Corroboration, as used in phantom vehicle provision, means evidence that supplements, strengthens and confirms testimony of injured claimant; it does not mean that claimant’s prima faciecase rests solely on corroborating evidence. Farmers Ins. Exch. v. Colton, 264 Or 210, 504 P2d 1041 (1972)

Where insured acted with reasonable diligence and under circumstances of case, he was excused from strict compliance with notice requirements of this section. Farmers Ins. Exch. v. Colton, 264 Or 210, 504 P2d 1041 (1972)

The requirement of corroborative “facts of an accident” means observation, with corroborated testimony thereof, of facts from which inferences may be drawn that accident was caused by phantom vehicle. Farmers Ins. Exch. v. Colton, 264 Or 210, 504 P2d 1041 (1972)

Even though individual’s policy does not contain phantom vehicle coverage, this section requires that policy be construed as though it contained phantom vehicle coverage required by statute. Farmers Ins. Exch. v. Colton, 264 Or 210, 504 P2d 1041 (1972)

Testimony of witness who released right to claim against insurer prior to testifying was not legally insufficient as corroborative evidence. To v. State Farm Mutual Ins., 319 Or 93, 873 P2d 1072 (1994)

Law Review Citations

54 OLR 328 (1975); 31 WLR 737 (1995); 34 WLR 327 (1998); 44 WLR 253 (2007)

742.001
Scope of ORS chapters 742, 743, 743A and 743B
742.003
Filing and approval of policy forms
742.004
Exemptions from requirement to file rates and policy forms
742.005
Grounds for disapproval of policy forms
742.007
Director’s withdrawal of approval
742.008
Health savings account exemption from prohibition on deductible
742.009
Regulation of sales material
742.011
Insurable interest in property
742.013
Representations in applications
742.016
Policy constitutes entire contract
742.018
Provision for construction according to foreign law prohibited
742.021
Standard provisions in general
742.023
Contents of policies in general
742.026
Underwriters’ and combination policies
742.028
Additional policy contents
742.031
Bankruptcy clause required in certain liability policies
742.033
Charter and bylaw provisions
742.036
Assessment policies, special contents
742.038
Validity and construction of noncomplying forms
742.041
Permissible classes of insurance in one policy
742.043
Binders
742.046
Delivery of policy
742.048
Effective date and time of coverage
742.051
Renewal by certificate
742.053
Forms for proof of loss
742.056
Certain conduct not deemed waiver
742.058
Return of premium on destruction of property
742.061
Recovery of attorney fees in action on policy or contractor’s bond
742.063
Filing and approval of liability form that includes cost of defense within limits of liability
742.065
Insurance against risk of loss assumed under less than fully insured employee health benefit plan
742.150
Approval by director
742.152
Limitations on applicability of ORS 742.150
742.154
Factors to be considered by director in determining whether to approve assumption reinsurance agreement
742.156
Notice of transfer under assumption reinsurance agreement
742.158
Rejection of transfer by policyholder
742.160
Effect of novation of policy under assumption reinsurance agreement
742.162
Transfer and novation of policy effected by director
742.200
Fire insurance not to exceed value of property insured
742.202
Standard fire insurance policy
742.204
Exceptions to standard fire insurance policy requirements
742.206
Insuring agreement
742.208
Concealment
742.210
Uninsurable and excepted property
742.212
Perils not included
742.214
Other insurance
742.216
Conditions suspending insurance
742.218
Additional perils insured
742.220
Added provisions
742.222
Waiver provisions
742.224
Cancellation
742.226
Mortgagee interest and obligation of mortgagee
742.228
Pro rata liability of insurer
742.230
Requirements in case loss occurs
742.232
Appraisal
742.234
Insurer’s options
742.236
Abandonment
742.238
When loss payable
742.240
Suit on policy
742.242
Subrogation
742.244
Coverage for loss from nuclear reaction or radiation
742.246
Other fire insurance policy provisions permitted
742.248
Mutual fire insurers policyholders’ liability
742.250
Mutual fire insurer’s action to recover assessment
742.252
Mutual fire insurers
742.254
Mutual fire insurance policy cancellation
742.260
Cancellation of homeowner or fire policy
742.270
Repair, rebuilding or replacement of property under homeowner insurance policy
742.273
Property losses in locations subject to declarations of emergency
742.276
Estimates of cost to rebuild or replace covered property
742.280
Home protection insurance
742.282
Limitations on issuance of mortgage insurance
742.284
Insured obligations as legal investments and securities for deposit
742.286
Mortgage insurance
742.350
Bonds, undertakings and other obligations required by law may be executed by surety insurers
742.352
Reimbursement of private persons required to give bond, letter of credit or other obligation
742.354
Reimbursement of public officials required to give bond or letter of credit
742.356
Surety insurer may take measures to reduce risk of loss
742.358
Release of surety on official bonds by action of obligee
742.360
Release of surety on bond of public official by action of surety
742.362
Release of surety on depository bond
742.364
Fixing amount of new bond after release from original
742.366
Cancellation of bond by surety
742.368
Surety insurer may not deny power to execute bond
742.370
Bond construed as including omitted statutory provisions
742.372
Guaranteed arrest bond certificate
742.374
Surety may issue guaranteed arrest bond certificate not to exceed $1,000
742.376
Requirements to issue guaranteed arrest bond certificate
742.390
Reimbursement insurance policy
742.392
Termination of reimbursement insurance policy
742.400
Duty to report claim of professional negligence to licensing board
742.405
Conditions for issuance of medical malpractice insurance
742.407
Prohibition against refusing defense or indemnification of health practitioner or health care facility based on disclosure of adverse event or participation in discussion or mediation
742.420
Definitions for ORS 742.420 to 742.440
742.422
License requirement for conducting business as discount medical plan organization
742.424
Requirement for contract with provider
742.426
License application
742.428
Duties of licensee
742.430
License term
742.432
Duties of discount medical plan organization
742.434
Prohibited activities
742.436
Investigative powers of director
742.438
License suspension, revocation or failure to renew
742.440
Injunction
742.447
Proof of insurance
742.449
Prohibition on assignment to high risk category on certain grounds
742.450
Contents of motor vehicle liability policy
742.454
Liabilities that need not be covered
742.456
When insurer’s liability accrues
742.458
General provisions governing liability policies
742.460
Insurer’s right to provide for reimbursement and proration
742.462
Insurer’s right to settle claims
742.464
Excess coverage permitted
742.466
Disputes over coverage for physical damage
742.468
Certain policies not considered motor vehicle liability policies
742.480
Appropriate premium charge reduction for certain motorcycle insurance policies
742.483
Effective period for premium reduction
742.486
Issuance and presentation of certificates for motorcycle rider education course
742.490
Premium reduction
742.492
Duration of reduction
742.494
Certification of completion of course
742.496
Limitation on qualification for discount
742.500
Definitions for ORS 742.500 to 742.506
742.502
Uninsured motorist coverage
742.504
Required provisions of uninsured motorist coverage
742.505
Arbitration procedures under ORS 742.504
742.506
Allocation of responsibility among insurers
742.508
Definitions for ORS 742.508 and 742.510
742.510
Property damage coverage for damage to vehicle caused by uninsured vehicle
742.518
Definitions for ORS 742.518 to 742.542
742.520
Personal injury protection benefits for motor vehicle liability policies
742.521
Conditions applicable to arbitration proceedings
742.522
Binding arbitration under ORS 742.520
742.524
Contents of personal injury protection benefits
742.525
Provider charges
742.526
Primary nature of benefits
742.528
Notice of denial of payment of benefits
742.529
Payment based on incorrect determination of responsibility
742.530
Exclusions from coverage
742.532
Benefits may be more favorable than those required by ORS 742.520, 742.524 and 742.530
742.534
Reimbursement of other insurers paying benefits
742.536
Notice of claim or legal action to insurer
742.538
Subrogation rights of insurers to certain amounts received by injured person
742.540
Rules
742.542
Effect of personal injury protection benefits paid
742.544
Reimbursement for benefits paid
742.546
Required disclosure in release for bodily injuries related to personal injury protection benefits
742.548
Required language in disclosure
742.554
Disclosures required by insurer to motor vehicle owner when insurer declares vehicle total loss
742.558
Dispute resolution process for total loss vehicles
742.560
Definitions for ORS 742.560 to 742.572
742.562
Grounds for cancellation of policies
742.564
Manner of giving cancellation notice
742.566
Renewal of policies
742.568
Proof of cancellation, replacement or nonrenewal notice
742.570
Notifying insured under canceled or unrenewed policy of eligibility for participation in insurance pool
742.572
Immunity from liability of persons furnishing information regarding cancellation or nonrenewal of policies
742.580
Report of cancellation, nonrenewal or issuance of motor vehicle liability policy
742.585
Definitions for ORS 742.585 to 742.600
742.590
Personal vehicle sharing program requirements
742.595
Assumption of liability
742.600
Limitation on insurance policy reclassification for personal vehicle sharing program vehicle
742.690
Limitations on cancellation
742.700
Definitions for ORS 742.700 to 742.710
742.702
Grounds for cancellation
742.704
Hearing
742.706
Renewal
742.708
Proof of receipt of notice
742.710
Exemptions from provisions of ORS 742.700 to 742.708
Green check means up to date. Up to date