Chapter 742 — Insurance Policies Generally; Property and Casualty Policies

 

2023 EDITION

 

 

PROPERTY AND CASUALTY POLICIES

 

INSURANCE

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

742.001     Scope of ORS chapters 742, 743, 743A and 743B

 

742.003     Filing and approval of policy forms; rules

 

742.004     Exemptions from requirement to file rates and policy forms; application to consumer insurance; sample disclosure notice; rules

 

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; rules

 

742.011     Insurable interest in property

 

742.013     Representations in applications

 

742.016     Policy constitutes entire contract; oral representations by insured

 

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; website posting as alternative to delivery

 

742.048     Effective date and time of coverage; applicability

 

742.051     Renewal by certificate

 

742.053     Forms for proving loss; responsibility of insurer; proof of loss covered under policy of fire insurance; requirements for insurer in instances of total loss related to major disaster; rules

 

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

 

ASSUMPTION REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS

 

742.150     Approval by director; limitations on authority of insurer; definition

 

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; payment of premium as acceptance of transfer; failure of policyholder to respond to notice

 

742.160     Effect of novation of policy under assumption reinsurance agreement

 

742.162     Transfer and novation of policy effected by director

 

FIRE INSURANCE

 

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; fraud; representations by insured

 

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; nonassessable policies

 

742.250     Mutual fire insurer’s action to recover assessment

 

742.252     Mutual fire insurers; withdrawal of members

 

742.254     Mutual fire insurance policy cancellation

 

CHILD CARE FACILITY

 

742.260     Cancellation of homeowner or fire policy; coverage for child care; definition

 

HOMEOWNER INSURANCE POLICIES

 

742.270     Repair, rebuilding or replacement of property under homeowner insurance policy; requirements for insurer; prohibited policy provisions

 

742.273     Property losses in locations subject to declarations of emergency; required provisions of homeowner insurance policy; limits on payments

 

742.276     Estimates of cost to rebuild or replace covered property

 

742.277     Notice of cancellation, nonrenewal or rate change related to wildfire risk; risks and remedies; additional requirements; rules

 

742.278     Prohibition on uses of map of wildfire risk or exposure

 

HOME PROTECTION INSURANCE

 

742.280     Home protection insurance; rules

 

MORTGAGE INSURANCE

 

742.282     Limitations on issuance of mortgage insurance

 

742.284     Insured obligations as legal investments and securities for deposit

 

742.286     Mortgage insurance; who may write

 

SURETY 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; provision required in such bonds

 

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; construction of policies

 

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

 

REIMBURSEMENT INSURANCE FOR SERVICE CONTRACTS

 

742.390     Reimbursement insurance policy; contents; definitions

 

742.392     Termination of reimbursement insurance policy

 

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE INSURANCE

 

742.400     Duty to report claim of professional negligence to licensing board; contents of report; public disclosure and posting of reports

 

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

 

MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY INSURANCE

 

(Issuance of Proof of Insurance)

 

742.447     Proof of insurance

 

(Generally)

 

742.449     Prohibition on assignment to high risk category on certain grounds

 

742.450     Contents of motor vehicle liability policy; permitted exclusions; rules

 

742.454     Liabilities that need not be covered

 

742.456     When insurer’s liability accrues; nonforfeiture provisions

 

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; combining policies to meet requirements

 

742.466     Disputes over coverage for physical damage; independent appraisal; rules

 

742.468     Certain policies not considered motor vehicle liability policies

 

(Motorcycle Discount)

 

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

 

(Age-Based Discount)

 

742.490     Premium reduction; conditions; application

 

742.492     Duration of reduction

 

742.494     Certification of completion of course

 

742.496     Limitation on qualification for discount

 

(Uninsured Motorist Coverage)

 

742.500     Definitions for ORS 742.500 to 742.506

 

742.502     Uninsured motorist coverage; underinsurance 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

 

(Personal Injury Protection Benefits)

 

742.518     Definitions for ORS 742.518 to 742.542

 

742.520     Personal injury protection benefits for motor vehicle liability policies; applicability

 

742.521     Conditions applicable to arbitration proceedings

 

742.522     Binding arbitration under ORS 742.520; costs

 

742.524     Contents of personal injury protection benefits; deductibles

 

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; notice; repayment

 

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; arbitrating issues of liability and amount of reimbursement

 

742.536     Notice of claim or legal action to insurer; insurer to elect manner of recovery of benefits furnished; lien of insurer

 

742.538     Subrogation rights of insurers to certain amounts received by injured person; recovery actions against persons causing injury

 

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; conditions for rescission of release

 

(Total Loss)

 

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

 

(Cancellation)

 

742.560     Definitions for ORS 742.560 to 742.572

 

742.562     Grounds for cancellation of policies; notice required; applicability

 

742.564     Manner of giving cancellation notice

 

742.566     Renewal of policies; replacement policy in lieu of renewal; requirements for refusal to renew

 

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

 

(Report by Insurer to Department of Transportation)

 

742.580     Report of cancellation, nonrenewal or issuance of motor vehicle liability policy

 

(Personal Vehicle Sharing)

 

742.585     Definitions for ORS 742.585 to 742.600

 

742.590     Personal vehicle sharing program requirements

 

742.595     Assumption of liability; exceptions; indemnification; prohibition on policy cancellation

 

742.600     Limitation on insurance policy reclassification for personal vehicle sharing program vehicle

 

CANCELLATION AND NONRENEWAL OF CASUALTY OR COMMERCIAL LIABILITY POLICIES

 

(Cancellation Based on Holding Public Office)

 

742.690     Limitations on cancellation; refusal to issue or renew insurance

 

(Commercial Liability Policies)

 

742.700     Definitions for ORS 742.700 to 742.710

 

742.702     Grounds for cancellation; notice

 

742.704     Hearing

 

742.706     Renewal; nonrenewal

 

742.708     Proof of receipt of notice

 

742.710     Exemptions from provisions of ORS 742.700 to 742.708

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

      742.001 Scope of ORS chapters 742, 743, 743A and 743B. Except as specifically provided in ORS 750.055 and 750.333, this chapter and ORS chapters 743, 743A and 743B apply to all insurance policies delivered or issued for delivery in this state except:

      (1) Reinsurance.

      (2) Wet marine and transportation insurance policies.

      (3) Surplus lines insurance policies. [Formerly 743.003; 2005 c.185 §14; 2017 c.206 §2]

 

      742.003 Filing and approval of policy forms; rules. (1) Except where otherwise provided by law, no basic policy form, or application form where written application is required and is to be made a part of the policy, or rider, indorsement or renewal certificate form shall be delivered or issued for delivery in this state until the form has been filed with and approved by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. This section does not apply to:

      (a) Forms of unique character which are designed for and used with respect to insurance upon a particular risk or subject;

      (b) Forms issued at the request of a particular life or health insurance policy owner or certificate holder and which relate to the manner of distribution of benefits or to the reservation of rights and benefits thereunder;

      (c) Forms of group life or health insurance policies, or both, that have been agreed upon as a result of negotiations between the policyholder and the insurer; or

      (d) Forms complying with specific requirements regarding delivery or issuance for delivery in this state established by the director by rule.

      (2) Except as provided in ORS 743.019, the director shall within 30 days after the filing of any such form approve or disapprove the form. The director shall give written notice of such action to the insurer proposing to deliver such form and when a form is disapproved the notice shall show wherein such form does not comply with the law.

      (3) The 30-day period referred to in subsection (2) of this section may be extended by the director for an additional period not to exceed 30 days if the director gives written notice within the first 30-day period to the insurer proposing to deliver the form that the director needs such additional time for the consideration of such form.

      (4) The director may at any time request an insurer to furnish the director a copy of any form exempted under subsection (1) of this section. [Formerly 736.300 and then 743.006; 2001 c.943 §7; 2015 c.88 §4]

 

      742.004 Exemptions from requirement to file rates and policy forms; application to consumer insurance; sample disclosure notice; rules. (1) Notwithstanding provisions of the Insurance Code that require insurers to file rates and policy forms with the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, and except as provided in subsections (3), (4) and (5) of this section, an insurer is exempt from the requirement to file with the director rates or policy forms for the classes of insurance specified in subsection (2) of this section.

      (2)(a) The following classes of insurance are subject to the exemption described in subsection (1) of this section:

      (A) Surety insurance;

      (B) Wet marine and transportation insurance;

      (C) Boiler and machinery insurance;

      (D) Environmental impairment and pollution insurance;

      (E) Kidnap and ransom insurance;

      (F) Political risk or expropriation insurance;

      (G) Insurance for property with these characteristics:

      (i) The owner or property manager demonstrates a willingness and determination to reduce the probability of a loss;

      (ii) The owner or property manager conducts periodic and thorough specialized inspections and engineering for the purpose of preventing or minimizing loss;

      (iii) The property has an insurable value sufficient for an insurer to charge a premium in an amount that warrants providing specialized inspection and engineering services;

      (iv) The property has a structural design and degree of protection that, in combination with specialized inspection and engineering services, has the effect of reducing the need for or importance of publicly provided fire protection;

      (v) The property’s construction uses fire resistant or incombustible heavy timber or similar materials that are well preserved and in good repair;

      (vi) The property has fire protection or loss prevention equipment in all areas in which fire prevention or loss protection is necessary;

      (vii) The owner or property manager provides security and alarm service or equivalent security services or equipment where necessary; and

      (viii) Sufficient numbers of hydrants, hoses and equipment, an adequate water supply and other components of a private or publicly provided fire protection system exist to protect the property’s exterior; and

      (H) Commercial lines insurance that the director exempts, other than coverage specified in subsection (4) of this section, for large commercial policyholders that pay an annual aggregate premium threshold amount or that meet other requirements the director specifies.

      (b) An exemption for the classes of insurance described in paragraph (a) of this subsection applies whether the insurer provides the insurance as a stand-alone policy, as an endorsement or as part of other insurance coverage.

      (3) Notwithstanding provisions of the Insurance Code that require insurers to file rates and policy forms with the director, and except as provided in subsections (4) and (5) of this section, the director by rule may exempt or amend the rate and form filing requirements for any commercial line of insurance if the director determines that:

      (a) The requirement is not desirable or is not necessary to protect the public; and

      (b) An exemption or amendment would enhance competition.

      (4) The following classes of insurance are not exempt under subsection (1) of this section:

      (a) Workers’ compensation insurance;

      (b) Medical malpractice liability insurance;

      (c) Commercial automobile liability insurance;

      (d) Coverage that an insurer issues under an assigned risk plan or through a residual market pool or residual market facility; and

      (e) Insurance for a project, as defined in ORS 737.602.

      (5) This section does not apply to any class or line of insurance that an insurer transacts with a consumer, as defined in ORS 746.600.

      (6)(a) The director may publish a sample disclosure notice that an insurer may issue without needing to file the disclosure with the director for review or approval if the insurer issues the disclosure together with an insurance policy that is a claims-made insurance policy or a liability insurance policy that includes defense costs within the limits of liability.

      (b) An insurer need not use the sample disclosure notice described in paragraph (a) of this subsection. An insurer that does not use the sample disclosure notice shall file the insurer’s proposed notice with the director for review and approval. If the director approves the insurer’s proposed notice, the insurer may issue the notice with all of the insurer’s claims-made insurance policies or policies that include defense costs within the limits of liability without submitting the notice to the director for further review or approval.

      (7) The director may adopt rules to implement this section. [2017 c.492 §2]

 

      Note: 742.004 was added to and made a part of the Insurance Code by legislative action but was not added to ORS chapter 742 or any series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      742.005 Grounds for disapproval of policy forms. The Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services shall disapprove any form requiring the director’s approval:

      (1) If the director finds it does not comply with the law;

      (2) If the director finds it contains any provision, including statement of premium, or has any label, description of its contents, title, heading, backing or other indication of its provisions, which is unintelligible, uncertain, ambiguous or abstruse, or likely to mislead a person to whom the policy is offered, delivered or issued;

      (3) If, in the director’s judgment, its use would be prejudicial to the interests of the insurer’s policyholders;

      (4) If the director finds it contains provisions which are unjust, unfair or inequitable;

      (5) If the director finds sales presentation material disapproved by the director pursuant to ORS 742.009 is being used with respect to the form; or

      (6) If, with respect to any of the following forms, the director finds the benefits provided therein are not reasonable in relation to the premium charged:

      (a) Individual health insurance policy forms, including benefit certificates issued by fraternal benefit societies and individual policies issued by health care service contractors, but excluding policies referred to in ORS 743.402 as exempt from the application of ORS 743.405 to 743.498 and 743A.160;

      (b) Small employer group health benefit plan forms for small employers as that term is defined in ORS 743B.005, including small employer group policies issued by health care service contractors; or

      (c) Credit life and credit health insurance forms subject to ORS 743.371 to 743.380. [Formerly 743.009; 1991 c.182 §1; 1999 c.987 §4; 2017 c.206 §15]

 

      742.007 Director’s withdrawal of approval. (1) The Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services may, at any time after a hearing held not less than 20 days after written notice to the insurer, withdraw the director’s approval of any form on any ground set forth in ORS 742.005. The written notice of such hearing shall state the reason for the proposed withdrawal.

      (2) When the director notifies an insurer of a hearing on a form under subsection (1) of this section, if the director in the director’s own discretion determines that the public may suffer serious injury because of continued use of the form, the director also may order the insurer to suspend delivery of the form in this state until the director has decided whether to withdraw approval of the form.

      (3) No insurer shall deliver in this state:

      (a) A form subject to an order of suspension under subsection (2) of this section, after the effective date of the order and until the director withdraws the order.

      (b) A form for which the director has withdrawn approval, after the effective date of such withdrawal. The effective date of withdrawal shall be as the director may prescribe but not less than 30 days after the giving of notice of withdrawal. [Formerly 743.012]

 

      742.008 Health savings account exemption from prohibition on deductible. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Health benefit plan” has the meaning given that term in ORS 743B.005.

      (b) “Health savings account” means an account established under section 223 of the Internal Revenue Code.

      (2) This section applies to a health benefit plan that is:

      (a) Offered by a carrier as a plan that qualifies for a health savings account distribution; and

      (b) Subject to a provision of the Insurance Code that prohibits a health benefit plan from applying a deductible to a specified health care service that is reimbursed by the health benefit plan.

      (3) The Department of Consumer and Business Services may approve a filing under ORS 742.003 for a health benefit plan described in subsection (2) of this section if:

      (a) The health benefit plan would be approved but for the failure of the plan to comply with the provision described in subsection (2)(b) of this section;

      (b) A deductible must be applied to the specified health care service for the plan to qualify for a distribution from a health savings account; and

      (c) The health benefit plan complies with all other applicable provisions of the Insurance Code. [2018 c.43 §3]

 

      Note: 742.008 was added to and made a part of the Insurance Code by legislative action but was not added to ORS chapter 742 or any series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      742.009 Regulation of sales material; rules. (1) The Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, if the director considers it necessary, may require the filing by an insurer or insurance producer of any sales presentation material for use in the sale or the presentation for sale of any policy. The director, within 60 days after the filing of the sales presentation material, shall disapprove any such sales presentation material if the director finds that, in whole or in part, it is false, deceptive or misleading. Upon disapproval, such sales presentation material shall not be made, issued, circulated, displayed or given other use by the insurer or by insurance producers.

      (2) The director, by rule, shall require any insurance producer who sells or attempts to sell insurance to provide to each prospective insured such information as the director considers necessary to adequately inform the prospective insured regarding the insurance transaction. [Formerly 743.021; 2003 c.364 §100]

 

      742.010 [Amended by 1953 c.718 §3; 1959 c.281 §1; 1965 c.611 §2; 1967 c.359 §654; renumbered 750.005]

 

      742.011 Insurable interest in property. No policy of insurance of property or of any interest in property or arising from property shall be enforceable as to the insurance except for the benefit of persons having an insurable interest in the things insured as at the time of the loss. [Formerly 743.033]

 

      742.013 Representations in applications. (1) All statements and descriptions in any application for an insurance policy by or in behalf of the insured, shall be deemed to be representations and not warranties. Misrepresentations, omissions, concealments of facts and incorrect statements shall not prevent a recovery under the policy unless the misrepresentations, omissions, concealments of fact and incorrect statements:

      (a) Are contained in a written application for the insurance policy, and a copy of the application is indorsed upon or attached to the insurance policy when issued;

      (b) Are shown by the insurer to be material, and the insurer also shows reliance thereon; and

      (c) Are either:

      (A) Fraudulent; or

      (B) Material either to the acceptance of the risk or to the hazard assumed by the insurer.

      (2) This section does not apply to surety insurance. [Formerly 743.042]

 

      742.015 [1965 c.611 §3; 1967 c.359 §655; renumbered 750.015]

 

      742.016 Policy constitutes entire contract; oral representations by insured. (1) Except as provided in ORS 742.043, every contract of insurance shall be construed according to the terms and conditions of the policy. When the contract is made pursuant to a written application therefor, if the insurer delivers a copy of such application with the policy to the insured, thereupon such application shall become a part of the insurance policy. Any application that is not so delivered to the insured shall not be a part of the insurance policy and the insurer shall be precluded from introducing such application as evidence in any action based upon or involving the policy. Any oral representations by the insured that are not included in an application shall not be a part of the insurance policy and the insurer shall be precluded from introducing such representations as evidence in any action based upon or involving the policy.

      (2) If any life or health insurance policy is reinstated or renewed, and the insured or assignee or beneficiary with a vested interest under such policy shall make written request to the insurer for a copy of the application, if any, for such reinstatement or renewal, the insurer shall, within 30 days after the receipt at its home or branch office of such request and of satisfactory evidence of such requesting beneficiary’s vested interest, deliver or mail to the person making such request a copy of such application. If such copy shall not be so delivered or mailed, the insurer shall be precluded from introducing such application as evidence in any action based upon or involving such policy or its reinstatement or renewal.

      (3) This section does not apply to surety insurance. [Formerly 736.305 and then 743.045]

 

      742.018 Provision for construction according to foreign law prohibited. No policy of insurance shall contain any condition, stipulation or agreement requiring such policy to be construed according to the laws of any other state or country. Any such condition, stipulation or agreement shall be invalid. [Formerly 736.315 and then 743.048]

 

      742.020 [Amended by 1965 c.611 §4; repealed by 1967 c.359 §704]

 

      742.021 Standard provisions in general. (1) Insurance policies shall contain such standard or uniform provisions as are required by the applicable provisions of the Insurance Code. However, the insurer may at its option substitute for one or more of such provisions corresponding provisions of different wording approved by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services which are in each instance not less favorable in any respect to the insured or the beneficiary.

      (2) If any standard or uniform provision is in whole or in part inapplicable to or inconsistent with the coverage provided by a particular form of policy the insurer, with the approval of the director, shall omit from such policy any inapplicable provision or part of a provision, and shall modify any inconsistent provision or part of a provision in such manner as to make the provision as contained in the policy consistent with the coverage provided by the policy.

      (3) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, no policy shall contain any provision inconsistent with or contradictory to any standard or uniform provision used or required to be used. [Formerly 743.051]

 

      742.023 Contents of policies in general. (1) Every policy shall specify:

      (a) The names of the parties to the contract.

      (b) The subject of the insurance.

      (c) The hazards or perils insured against.

      (d) The time when the insurance thereunder takes effect and the period during which the insurance is to continue.

      (e) The premium.

      (f) The conditions and provisions pertaining to the insurance.

      (2) If under the policy the exact amount of premium is determinable only at stated intervals or termination of the contract, a statement of the basis and rates upon which the premium is to be determined and paid shall be included.

      (3) This section does not apply to surety insurance policies, or to group life or health insurance policies. [Formerly 743.054]

 

      742.025 [1965 c.611 §5; 1967 c.359 §656; renumbered 750.025]

 

      742.026 Underwriters’ and combination policies. (1) Two or more authorized insurers may jointly issue, and shall be jointly and severally liable on, an underwriters’ policy bearing their names. Any one insurer may issue policies in the name of an underwriter’s department and such policy shall plainly show the true name of the insurer.

      (2) Two or more insurers may, with the approval of the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, issue a combination policy which shall contain provisions substantially as follows:

      (a) That the insurers executing the policy shall be severally liable for the full amount of any loss or damage, according to the terms of the policy, or for specified percentages or amounts thereof, aggregating the full amount of insurance under the policy, and

      (b) That service of process, or of any notice or proof of loss required by such policy, upon any of the insurers executing the policy, shall constitute service upon all such insurers.

      (3) This section does not apply to co-surety obligations. [Formerly 743.057]

 

      742.028 Additional policy contents. A policy may contain additional provisions not inconsistent with the Insurance Code and which are:

      (1) Required to be inserted by the laws of the insurer’s domicile;

      (2) Necessary, on account of the manner in which the insurer is constituted or operated, in order to state the rights and obligations of the parties to the contract; or

      (3) Desired by the insurer and neither prohibited by law nor in conflict with any provisions required to be included therein. [Formerly 743.060]

 

      742.030 [Repealed by 1967 c.359 §704]

 

      742.031 Bankruptcy clause required in certain liability policies. A policy of insurance against loss or damage resulting from accident to or injury suffered by an employee or other person and for which the person insured is liable, or against loss or damage to property caused by horses or by any vehicle drawn, propelled or operated by any motive power, and for which loss or damage the person insured is liable, shall contain within such policy a provision substantially as follows: “Bankruptcy or insolvency of the insured shall not relieve the insurer of any of its obligations hereunder. If any person or legal representative of the person shall obtain final judgment against the insured because of any such injuries, and execution thereon is returned unsatisfied by reason of bankruptcy, insolvency or any other cause, or if such judgment is not satisfied within 30 days after it is rendered, then such person or legal representatives of the person may proceed against the insurer to recover the amount of such judgment, either at law or in equity, but not exceeding the limit of this policy applicable thereto.” [Formerly 743.783 and then 743.772]

 

      742.033 Charter and bylaw provisions. No policy shall contain any provision purporting to make any portion of the charter, bylaws or other constituent document of the insurer (other than the subscriber’s agreement or power of attorney of a reciprocal insurer) a part of the contract unless such portion is set forth in full in the policy. Any policy provision in violation of this section shall be invalid. [Formerly 743.063]

 

      742.035 [1965 c.611 §19; 1967 c.359 §657; renumbered 750.035]

 

      742.036 Assessment policies, special contents. Every policy issued on the assessment plan, and the form of any application for such a policy to be signed by the applicant, shall have conspicuously printed near the top of the face thereof in boldfaced type of a size not smaller than used for any caption in the policy or application, as applicable, the words “The policyholder is subject to assessment by the company” or such other words as the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services may require. [Formerly 743.066]

 

      742.038 Validity and construction of noncomplying forms. (1) A policy in violation of the Insurance Code, but otherwise binding on the insurer, shall be held valid, but shall be construed as provided in the Insurance Code.

      (2) Any insurance policy issued and otherwise valid which contains any condition, omission or provision not in compliance with the Insurance Code, shall not be thereby rendered invalid but shall be construed and applied in accordance with such conditions and provisions as would have applied had such policy been in full compliance with the Insurance Code. [Formerly 743.069]

 

      742.040 [Amended by 1965 c.611 §6; repealed by 1967 c.359 §704]

 

      742.041 Permissible classes of insurance in one policy. (1) Except as provided in this section, when more than one class of insurance as defined in ORS 731.150 to 731.194 is effected by an insurer each class shall be written in a separate and distinct policy. Any such policy may be canceled, surrendered or otherwise terminated without affecting other premiums paid or policies held by the same insured.

      (2) Except as provided in this section, the same policy shall not include insurance coverages as to which the liability of the insurer for unearned premiums or the reserve for unpaid, deferred or undetermined loss claims is estimated in a different manner.

      (3) Insurance in one policy may be effected upon automobiles and vehicles, and the accessories and other property transported upon and used in connection therewith, against loss or damage by fire, collision and explosion, and against loss by legal liability for damage to persons or property, or both, resulting from the maintenance, use or operation of such automobiles or vehicles, and against loss by burglary, embezzlement or theft, or any one or more of them. Premiums and losses for such insurance are to be reported to the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services under the title “automobile insurance.” For this purpose an insurer need not use the standard fire insurance policy required by ORS 742.202.

      (4) Insurance in one policy may be effected against loss or damage of property and against personal injury and death, and liability therefor, from explosion of steam boilers, tanks and engines, pipes and machinery connected therewith, and breakage of flywheels and machinery. Premiums and losses for such insurance are to be reported to the director under the title “steam boiler insurance.”

      (5) Insurance under the classes of life and health insurance may be effected in one policy.

      (6) Insurance in one policy effected against any physical loss or damage occurring to properties may include coverage as to other perils, either on an unspecified basis as to coverage or for a single premium.

      (7) Insurance in one policy effected against loss or destruction of baggage while traveling which is written on a single premium nonrenewable basis may include travel ticket health insurance benefits.

      (8) Insurance under more than one class of insurance may be effected in one policy if the director finds that the issuance of the policy is in the best interest of the public. [Formerly 736.310 and then 743.072; 2005 c.185 §2]

 

      742.043 Binders. (1) Binders or other contracts for temporary insurance may be made orally or in writing, and shall be deemed to include all the usual terms of the policy as to which the binder was given together with such applicable indorsements as are designated in the binder, except as superseded by the clear and express terms of the binder.

      (2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section and ORS 746.195, within 90 days after issue of a binder a policy shall be issued in lieu thereof, including within its terms the identical insurance bound under the binder and the premium therefor.

      (3) If the policy has not been issued a binder may be extended or renewed beyond such 90 days with the written approval of the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, or in accordance with such rules relative thereto as the director may promulgate.

      (4) This section does not apply to life or health insurance. [Formerly 743.075]

 

      742.045 [1953 c.605 §3; 1965 c.611 §7; repealed by 1967 c.359 §704]

 

      742.046 Delivery of policy; website posting as alternative to delivery. (1) Subject to the insurer’s requirements for paying premiums, the insurer shall mail or deliver every policy to the insured or to the person entitled to the policy within a reasonable period of time after the insurer issues the policy, unless the insured has not met a condition required by the insurer.

      (2) If the insurer delivers or deposits, or must deliver or deposit, the original policy to or with any vendor, mortgagee or pledgee of any motor vehicle, and the original policy insures the vendee’s, mortgagor’s or pledgor’s interest in or with reference to the motor vehicle, the vendor, mortgagee or pledgee shall deliver a duplicate or memorandum of the policy that sets forth the name and address of the insurer, the insurance classification of the vehicle, the type of coverage, the limits of liability, premiums for the respective coverages and the duration of the policy to each vendee, mortgagor or pledgor that is named in the policy or that is within the group of persons the policy specifies must be included. If the policy does not cover legal liability for injury to persons or damage to the property of third parties, the face of the duplicate policy or memorandum must conspicuously state, in writing, in print or with a stamp, that the policy does not provide such coverage. This subsection does not apply to inland marine floater policies.

      (3) Notwithstanding the requirements set forth in subsections (1) and (2) of this section and the consent and notice requirements set forth in ORS 84.070 (2), an insurer may post on the insurer’s website a standard property and casualty insurance policy and endorsements that do not have personally identifiable information. If the insurer posts an insurance policy and endorsements on the insurer’s website in lieu of mailing or delivering the insurance policy and endorsements to the insured, the insurer shall:

      (a) Ensure that the insurance policy and endorsements are easily accessible for as long as the insurance policy is in force;

      (b) Archive expired policies and endorsements for five years after the policies expire and make archived policies available upon request;

      (c) Post the policy and endorsements in a manner that enables the insured to use software that is free of charge and widely available on the Internet to save and print the policy and endorsements;

      (d) Provide in, or simultaneously with, each declarations page that the insurer provides at the time the insurer issues or renews the policy:

      (A) A description of the exact policy and endorsements that the insurer purchased;

      (B) A statement that advises the insured of the right to request and obtain, without charge, a printed copy of the insured’s policy and endorsements and instructions for making the request; and

      (C) The Internet address at which the insurer posted the insured’s policy and endorsements; and

      (e) Notify the insured, in the manner in which the insurer customarily communicates with the insured, of any changes to the policy or endorsements. [Formerly 743.078; 2015 c.612 §1]

 

      742.048 Effective date and time of coverage; applicability. (1) Except as provided in subsections (2), (4) and (5) of this section, every policy of insurance shall contain a provision stating that coverage commences at 12:01 a.m. of the date upon which the insurance takes effect.

      (2) A policy of insurance may provide that the time at which coverage commences shall not be prior to the time at which the policy of insurance is applied for.

      (3) Any statement of time in a policy shall mean time according to the legal standard of time in effect:

      (a) If the policy insures real property, at the location of such property; or

      (b) If the policy does not insure real property, at the principal place of business within Oregon of the insured; or, if the insured has no place of business within Oregon, at the residence within Oregon of the insured.

      (4) A binder or other contract for temporary insurance may commence coverage at an hour different from 12:01 a.m. in order to provide coverage from the agreed hour of commencement of coverage to 12:01 a.m. of the date on which the written policy as to which such binder or other contract was issued takes effect.

      (5) This section does not apply to life, health, mortgage, title, surety or wet marine and transportation insurance. [Formerly 743.080]

 

      742.050 [Amended by 1955 c.372 §1; 1957 c.4 §1; 1965 c.611 §8; 1967 c.359 §658; renumbered 750.045]

 

      742.051 Renewal by certificate. Any insurance policy terminating by its terms at a specified expiration date and not otherwise renewable, may be renewed or extended at the option of the insurer, if renewed or extended upon a currently authorized policy form at the premium rate then required therefor, for a specific additional period or periods by certificate or by indorsement of the policy, without requiring the issuance of a new policy. [Formerly 743.081]

 

      742.053 Forms for proving loss; responsibility of insurer; proof of loss covered under policy of fire insurance; requirements for insurer in instances of total loss related to major disaster; rules. (1) An insurer, in response to a written request, shall provide forms for proving a loss for which a person makes a claim under an insurance policy the insurer issues. The requirement to provide forms under this subsection does not impose responsibility upon the insurer for the person’s proof of loss, attempt to prove the loss or manner of proving the loss.

      (2) If the insurance policy is fire insurance, notwithstanding any more restrictive requirement in the insurance policy, an insured must provide proof of loss within 90 days after receiving a form described in subsection (1) of this section.

      (3)(a) As used in this subsection, “major disaster” means a state of emergency the Governor declares under ORS 401.165 that involves or threatens to involve widespread loss of life, injury to persons or property, human suffering or financial loss.

      (b) Notwithstanding subsection (2) of this section and ORS 742.230, if an insured who holds a policy of personal insurance, as defined in ORS 746.600 (33)(b) and (c), experiences a total loss of the contents of a residence as a result of a major disaster and provides in documentation that the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services specifies by rule that the residence was furnished, that the loss occurred as a result of a major disaster in a location that was subject to a declaration of a state of emergency under ORS 401.165 and that the loss is directly related to the emergency that was the subject of the declaration, the insurer shall:

      (A) Offer the insured a minimum of 70 percent, or a larger percentage upon which the insurer and insured agree, of the coverage the insured purchased previously for the contents of the residence without requiring the insured to submit a written inventory of the loss;

      (B) Notify the insured that:

      (i) Accepting the offer described in subparagraph (A) of this paragraph does not change the benefits available under the insurance policy; and

      (ii) The insured may obtain more benefits by submitting a complete inventory of the loss;

      (C) Disclose information about how the insurer determines the depreciated value of the contents of the insured property, if the insurer provides a depreciated value;

      (D) Pay for any covered costs associated with removing debris not later than 60 days after receiving an invoice, receipt or other documentation that shows the date and cost of the removal, except that if a governmental agency removes the debris or is involved in removing the debris, the insurer may pay within a reasonable time; and

      (E) Pay for any covered loss of trees, shrubs or landscaping within 30 days after receiving documentation of the loss, such as documentation from a reputable landscaping contractor, that shows the number and nature of the trees, shrubs or landscaping that was damaged or destroyed, unless:

      (i) The insurer disputes the coverage; or

      (ii) The insurer and insured agree that the insurer will pay the costs later in the claims process.

      (c) If an insured submits an inventory of a loss described in paragraph (b) of this subsection with an amount that exceeds the amount the insurer offered under paragraph (b)(A) of this subsection, the insurer shall:

      (A) Request any other information the insurer requires concerning the inventory not later than 30 days after receiving the inventory; and

      (B) Pay within 30 days after receiving the inventory for any items the coverage, cost or condition of which the insurer does not dispute.

      (4) The Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services may adopt rules to carry out the purposes set forth in this section. [Formerly 743.093; 2023 c.85 §1]

 

      742.055 [1955 c.236 §1; 1965 c.611 §9; repealed by 1967 c.359 §704]

 

      742.056 Certain conduct not deemed waiver. Without limitation of any right or defense of an insurer otherwise, none of the following acts by or on behalf of an insurer shall be deemed to constitute a waiver of or estoppel to assert any provision of a policy or of any defense of the insurer thereunder:

      (1) Acknowledgment of the receipt of notice of loss or claim under the policy.

      (2) Furnishing forms for reporting a loss or claim, for giving information relative thereto, or for making proof of loss, or receiving or acknowledging receipt of any such forms or proofs completed or uncompleted.

      (3) Investigating any loss or claim under the policy or engaging in negotiations looking toward a possible settlement of any such loss or claim. [Formerly 743.096]

 

      742.058 Return of premium on destruction of property. (1) In the event of the total destruction of any insured property, if the total amount of loss or agreed loss is less than the total amount insured thereon, the insurer or insurers shall return to the insured the portion of insurance premium paid for the excess of the insurance over the loss. This amount shall be paid at the same time and in the same manner as the loss.

      (2) This section does not apply to insurance on stocks of merchandise or property of fluctuating values where the reduced rate percentage clause is made a part of the policy. [Formerly 744.090 and then 743.111]

 

      742.060 [Amended by 1965 c.611 §10; repealed by 1967 c.359 §704]

 

      742.061 Recovery of attorney fees in action on policy or contractor’s bond. (1) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (2) and (3) of this section, if settlement is not made within six months from the date proof of loss is filed with an insurer and an action is brought in any court of this state upon any policy of insurance of any kind or nature, and the plaintiff’s recovery exceeds the amount of any tender made by the defendant in such action, a reasonable amount to be fixed by the court as attorney fees shall be taxed as part of the costs of the action and any appeal thereon. If the action is brought upon the bond of a contractor or subcontractor executed and delivered as provided in ORS 279B.055, 279B.060, 279C.380 or 701.430 and the plaintiff’s recovery does not exceed the amount of any tender made by the defendant in such action, a reasonable amount to be fixed by the court as attorney fees shall be taxed and allowed to the defendant as part of the costs of the action and any appeal thereon. If in an action brought upon such a bond the surety is allowed attorney fees and costs and the contractor or subcontractor has incurred expenses for attorney fees and costs in defending the action, the attorney fees and costs allowed the surety shall be applied first to reimbursing the contractor or subcontractor for such expenses.

      (2) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to actions to recover personal injury protection benefits if, in writing, not later than six months from the date proof of loss is filed with the insurer:

      (a) The insurer has accepted coverage and the only issue is the amount of benefits due the insured; and

      (b) The insurer has consented to submit the case to binding arbitration.

      (3) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply to actions to recover uninsured or underinsured motorist benefits if, in writing, not later than six months from the date proof of loss is filed with the insurer:

      (a) The insurer has accepted coverage and the only issues are the liability of the uninsured or underinsured motorist and the damages due the insured; and

      (b) The insurer has consented to submit the case to binding arbitration. [Formerly 736.325 and then 743.114; 1999 c.790 §1; 2003 c.794 §328]

 

      742.063 Filing and approval of liability form that includes cost of defense within limits of liability. (1) A liability insurance form that provides that the cost of defending a claim is included within the stated limits of liability may not be delivered or issued for delivery in this state until the form has been filed with and approved by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. In determining whether to approve or disapprove a form filed under this section, the director shall consider, in addition to the factors specified in ORS 742.005, the circumstances and insurance needs of the proposed insureds.

      (2) A liability insurance form filed under this section may not be approved unless the form contains a statement approved by the director disclosing that the costs of defending a claim under the policy are included in the policy limits. [Formerly 743.115]

 

      742.065 Insurance against risk of loss assumed under less than fully insured employee health benefit plan. (1) Insurance against the risk of economic loss assumed under a less than fully insured employee health benefit plan, whether issued or delivered as health or casualty insurance, is subject to the following:

      (a) The policy must be issued to and insure the employer, the trustee or other sponsor of the plan, or the plan itself, but not the employees, members or participants;

      (b) The insurer shall pay the employer, the trustee or other sponsor of the plan, or the plan itself, not the employees, members, participants or health care providers;

      (c) If the policy establishes an aggregate attaching point or retention, the point or retention must not be less than 120 percent of the expected claims; and

      (d) If the policy establishes an attaching point or retention applicable to each individual covered by the plan, the point or retention must not be less than $10,000.

      (2) Insurance against the risk of economic loss assumed under a less than fully insured employee health benefit plan, whether issued or delivered as health or casualty insurance, is subject to this section and to ORS 743.523, 743.524 and 743.526, but is not subject to other provisions of ORS chapters 743, 743A and 743B. [1993 c.649 §2; 1995 c.506 §13; 2014 c.58 §1]

 

      742.070 [Amended by 1955 c.372 §2; 1965 c.611 §11; repealed by 1967 c.359 §704]

 

      742.080 [1953 c.605 §3; 1965 c.611 §12; repealed by 1967 c.359 §704]

 

      742.090 [1965 c.611 §13; repealed by 1967 c.359 §704]

 

      742.100 [1965 c.611 §7a; repealed by 1967 c.359 §704]

 

      742.110 [1965 c.35 §4; repealed by 1967 c.359 §704]

 

      742.120 [1965 c.573 §5; repealed by 1967 c.359 §704]

 

ASSUMPTION REINSURANCE AGREEMENTS

 

      742.150 Approval by director; limitations on authority of insurer; definition. (1) A domestic insurer shall not enter a transaction in which the domestic insurer assumes or transfers obligations or risks on policies under an assumption reinsurance agreement as defined in this section, unless the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services first approves the transaction. A domestic insurer must submit with its request for approval a proposed notice of transfer required in ORS 742.156.

      (2) A domestic insurer shall not assume obligations or risks on policies issued to or owned by policyholders residing in any other state unless it is authorized or licensed in the other state to transact insurance or unless the insurance regulatory official of that state has approved the assumption.

      (3) An authorized insurer shall not transfer obligations or risks on policies issued to or owned by residents of this state to any unauthorized insurer.

      (4) If each authorized foreign insurer entering an assumption reinsurance agreement that transfers the obligations or risks on policies issued to or owned by residents of this state is domiciled in a state that imposes requirements on an assumption reinsurance agreement that are substantially similar to requirements of this state, then when each such insurer enters the agreement, the insurer shall file or cause to be filed with the director the following:

      (a) The assumption certificate.

      (b) A copy of the notice of transfer required to be sent to policyholders.

      (c) An affidavit that the transaction is subject to substantially similar requirements in the state or states of domicile of both the transferring and assuming insurers.

      (5) If any authorized foreign insurer entering an assumption reinsurance agreement that transfers the obligations or risks on policies issued to or owned by residents of this state is domiciled in a state that does not impose requirements on an assumption reinsurance agreement that are substantially similar to requirements of this state, each insurer entering into the agreement shall obtain prior approval of the director and is otherwise subject to all other requirements of ORS 742.156 and 742.158 with respect to residents of this state.

      (6) For purposes of this section, “assumption reinsurance agreement” means a contract that both:

      (a) Transfers insurance obligations or risks of existing or in-force policies from a transferring insurer to an assuming insurer that acquires the obligations or risks from the transferring insurer; and

      (b) Is intended to effect a novation of the transferred policies with the result that the assuming insurer becomes directly liable to the policyholders of the transferring insurer and the insurance obligations and risks of the transferring insurer under the policies are extinguished. [1995 c.30 §2]

 

      742.152 Limitations on applicability of ORS 742.150. ORS 742.150 does not apply to any of the following:

      (1) A reinsurance agreement or transaction in which the ceding insurer remains directly liable for its insurance obligations or risks under the policies that are subject to the reinsurance agreement.

      (2) The substitution of one insurer for another upon the expiration of insurance coverage pursuant to statutory or contractual requirements and the issuance of a new policy by another insurer.

      (3) The transfer of policies pursuant to a merger or consolidation of two or more insurers to the extent that the merger or consolidation is regulated by statute.

      (4) An insurer that is subject to a judicial order of liquidation or rehabilitation.

      (5) Any reinsurance agreement or transaction to which a state insurance guaranty association is a party, but only if policyholders do not lose any rights or claims afforded under their original policies pursuant to ORS 734.510 to 734.710 or 734.750 to 734.890.

      (6) The transfer of liabilities from one insurer to another under a single group policy upon the request of the group policyholder.

      (7) A plan of conversion or reorganization to which ORS 732.600 to 732.630 apply. [1995 c.30 §3; 1997 c.771 §23]

 

      742.154 Factors to be considered by director in determining whether to approve assumption reinsurance agreement. The Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services shall consider the following factors, along with other factors that the director determines to be appropriate, in reviewing a request for approval of an assumption reinsurance agreement to which ORS 742.150 applies:

      (1) The financial condition of the transferring and assuming insurers and the effect the transaction will have on the financial condition of each insurer.

      (2) The competence, experience and integrity of the persons controlling the operation of the assuming insurer.

      (3) The plans or proposals of the assuming party with respect to the administration of the policies subject to the proposed transfer.

      (4) Whether the transfer is fair and reasonable to the policyholders of both insurers.

      (5) Whether the notice of transfer to be provided by the insurer under ORS 742.156 is fair, adequate and not misleading. [1995 c.30 §4]

 

      742.156 Notice of transfer under assumption reinsurance agreement. (1) The transferring insurer in an assumption reinsurance agreement to which ORS 742.150 applies shall provide or cause to be provided a notice of transfer meeting the requirements established under this section to the following persons:

      (a) Each policyholder who has the right to terminate or otherwise alter the terms of a policy.

      (b) Each certificate holder whose certificate is in force on the proposed effective date of the assumption if the certificate holder has the right to keep the certificate in force without change in benefit following termination of the group policy. The right to keep the certificate in force does not include the right to elect individual coverage under the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, section 601 et seq., of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended (29 U.S.C. 1161 et seq.).

      (c) The transferring insurer’s agents of record on the affected policies.

      (2) The Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services shall prescribe the contents of the notice of transfer, methods by which insurers must give notice of the transfer and notice of opportunity to accept or reject the assumption and methods of response by the policyholders and certificate holders. [1995 c.30 §5]

 

      742.158 Rejection of transfer by policyholder; payment of premium as acceptance of transfer; failure of policyholder to respond to notice. (1) A policyholder or certificate holder described in ORS 742.156 may reject the transfer and novation of the policy under an assumption reinsurance agreement to which ORS 742.150 applies. A policyholder or certificate holder electing to reject the assumption transaction must give notice of rejection according to the manner of response established by rule.

      (2) If the premium notice sent by an assuming insurer to a policyholder or a certificate holder described in ORS 742.156 satisfies the requirements of this subsection, payment of any premium to the assuming insurer during the 12-month period after the notice is received constitutes the policyholder’s acceptance of the transfer to the assuming insurer. Upon such a payment, a novation is effected. The premium notice must state that payment of the premium to the assuming insurer constitutes acceptance of the transfer and must provide a method for the policyholder to pay the premium while reserving the right to reject the transfer. This subsection does not apply to a policy for which premiums are collected on a weekly or monthly basis by an insurance producer who is an agent of the insurer nor to any other insurance not using premium notices.

      (3) After not less than 12 months from the mailing of the first notice of transfer required under ORS 742.156, if the transferring insurer has not received the consent to or rejection of the transfer and assumption from a policyholder or consent by the policyholder has not occurred under subsection (2) of this section, the transferring insurer shall send to the policyholder a second and final notice of transfer. The notice must conform to the requirements established under ORS 742.156 and must also state that the policyholder must accept or reject the transfer not later than the 30th day after the postmark date. Failure by the policyholder to accept or reject the transfer during that period constitutes consent by the policyholder and novation of the contract will be effected. For a policy for which premiums are collected on a weekly or monthly basis by an insurance producer who is an agent of the insurer or for any other insurance not using premium notices, the 12-month period and the 30-day period shall be measured from the date of delivery of the notice of transfer provided under ORS 742.156.

      (4) If a policyholder responds to the notice of transfer by mail, receipt of the response by the transferring insurer occurs on the date the response is postmarked. If a policyholder responds to the notice of transfer by facsimile or other electronic transmission or by registered mail, express delivery or courier service, receipt of the response by the transferring insurer occurs on the date of actual receipt by the transferring insurer.

      (5) If the notice of transfer for a policy for which premiums are collected on a weekly or monthly basis by an insurance producer who is an agent of the insurer or for any other insurance not using premium notices satisfies the requirements of this subsection, payment of any premium to the assuming insurer during the 12-month period after the notice is received constitutes the policyholder’s acceptance of the transfer to the assuming insurer. Upon such a payment, a novation is effected. The notice of transfer must state that payment of the premium to the assuming insurer constitutes acceptance of the transfer and must provide a method for the policyholder to pay the premium while reserving the right to reject the transfer. [1995 c.30 §6; 2003 c.364 §101]

 

      742.160 Effect of novation of policy under assumption reinsurance agreement. If a policyholder consents to a transfer as provided in ORS 742.158, or if a transfer is effected under ORS 742.162, the effect of the novation of the policy subject to the assumption reinsurance agreement is that the transferring insurer is relieved of all insurance obligations or risks transferred under the assumption reinsurance agreement and the assuming insurer becomes directly and solely liable to the policyholder for those insurance obligations and risks. [1995 c.30 §7]

 

      742.162 Transfer and novation of policy effected by director. (1) A transfer and novation effected as provided in this section is not an assumption reinsurance agreement to which ORS 742.150 applies.

      (2) The Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services may effect a transfer and novation of the policies issued by a domestic insurer if the director determines that the insurer is in hazardous financial condition according to standards established under ORS 731.385, if a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding has been instituted against the insurer or if an administrative supervision proceeding has been instituted against the insurer, and if the director determines that the transfer of the policies is in the best interest of the policyholders. The director may give notice of such a transfer to policyholders that the director determines to be adequate under the circumstances.

      (3) The director may accept a transfer and novation of policies issued by a foreign insurer that insure residents of this state when the transfer and novation are effected by the insurance regulatory official of the domiciliary state of the foreign insurer if the director determines that the domiciliary state has a substantially similar law and if the official has determined that the transfer of the policies is in the best interest of the policyholders and:

      (a) The official has determined that the insurer is in hazardous financial condition;

      (b) A rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding has been instituted against the insurer; or

      (c) An administrative proceeding has been instituted against the insurer for the purpose of supervising, reorganizing or conserving the insurer. [1995 c.30 §8]

 

FIRE INSURANCE

 

      742.200 Fire insurance not to exceed value of property insured. (1) No insurer, insurance producer or insured shall knowingly issue or procure any fire insurance policy upon property within this state for an amount which with any existing insurance exceeds the fair value of the risk insured or of the interest of the insured therein.

      (2) This section does not apply to insurance on stocks of merchandise or property of fluctuating values where the reduced rate percentage value clause is made a part of the policy. [Formerly 744.070 and then 743.603; 2003 c.364 §102]

 

      742.202 Standard fire insurance policy. Except as provided in ORS 742.204, no fire insurer, its officers or agents, shall use any fire insurance policy or renew any fire insurance policy on property in this state unless it contains the provisions set forth in ORS 742.206 to 742.242, which shall form a portion of the contract between the insurer and the insured. [Formerly 743.606]

 

      742.204 Exceptions to standard fire insurance policy requirements. Any insurance policy that includes, either on an unspecified basis as to coverage or for a single premium, coverage against the peril of fire and substantial coverage against other perils need not comply with the provisions of ORS 742.202 and 742.246, if such policy:

      (1) Affords coverage with respect to the peril of fire, not less than the substantial equivalent of the coverage afforded by the provisions of the standard fire insurance policy as required by ORS 742.202;

      (2) After a review under ORS 742.005 by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services, is found by the director not to violate ORS 742.005 (2); and

      (3) Is complete as to all its terms without reference to the standard fire insurance policy or any other policy. [Formerly 743.607; 2001 c.85 §1]

 

      742.206 Insuring agreement. A fire insurance policy shall contain provisions as follows: “In consideration of the provisions and stipulations herein or added hereto and of _____ dollars ($_____) premium this company, for the term of _____ from the _____ day of _____, 2___, to the ___ day of _____, 2___, at 12:01 a.m., at location of property involved, to an amount not exceeding _____ dollars ($_____), does insure _____ and legal representatives, to the extent of the actual cash value of the property at the time of loss, but not exceeding the amount which it would cost to repair or replace the property with material of like kind and quality within a reasonable time after such loss, without allowance for any increased cost of repair or reconstruction by reason of any ordinance or law regulating construction or repair, and without compensation for loss resulting from interruption of business or manufacture, nor in any event for more than the interest of the insured, against all direct loss by fire, lightning and by removal from premises endangered by the perils insured against in this policy, except as hereinafter provided, to the property described hereinafter while located or contained as described in this policy, or pro rata for five days at each proper place to which any of the property shall necessarily be removed for preservation from the perils insured against in this policy, but not elsewhere.

      “Assignment of this policy shall not be valid except with the written consent of this company.

      “This policy is made and accepted subject to the foregoing provisions and stipulations and those hereinafter stated, which hereby are made a part of this policy, together with such other provisions, stipulations and agreements as may be added hereto, as provided in this policy.

      “In witness whereof, this company has executed and attested these presents.

 

__________________

 

Secretary.

 

__________________

 

President.” [Formerly 743.609]

 

      742.208 Concealment; fraud; representations by insured. A fire insurance policy shall contain the following provisions:

      (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3) of this section, this entire policy shall be void if, whether before or after a loss, the insured has willfully concealed or misrepresented any material fact or circumstance concerning this insurance or the subject thereof, or the interest of the insured therein, or in case of any fraud or false swearing by the insured relating thereto.

      (2) All statements made by or on behalf of the insured, in the absence of fraud, shall be deemed representations and not warranties. No such statements that arise from an error in the application shall be used in defense of a claim under the policy unless:

      (a) The statements are contained in a written application; and

      (b) A copy of the application is indorsed upon or attached to the policy when issued.

      (3) In order to use any representation by or on behalf of the insured in defense of a claim under the policy, the insurer must show that the representations are material and that the insurer relied on them. [Formerly 743.612]

 

      742.210 Uninsurable and excepted property. A fire insurance policy shall contain a provision as follows: “This policy shall not cover accounts, bills, currency, deeds, evidences of debt, money or securities; nor, unless specifically named hereon in writing, bullion or manuscripts.” [Formerly 743.615]

 

      742.212 Perils not included. A fire insurance policy shall contain a provision as follows: “This company shall not be liable for loss by fire or other perils insured against in this policy caused, directly or indirectly, by: (a) Enemy attack by armed forces, including action taken by military, naval or air forces in resisting an actual or an immediately impending enemy attack; (b) invasion; (c) insurrection; (d) rebellion; (e) revolution; (f) civil war; (g) usurped power; (h) order of any civil authority except acts of destruction at the time of and for the purpose of preventing the spread of fire, provided that such fire did not originate from any of the perils excluded by this policy; (i) neglect of the insured to use all reasonable means to save and preserve the property at and after a loss, or when the property is endangered by fire in neighboring premises; (j) nor shall this company be liable for loss by theft.” [Formerly 743.618]

 

      742.214 Other insurance. A fire insurance policy shall contain a provision as follows: “Other insurance may be prohibited or the amount of insurance may be limited by indorsement attached hereto.” [Formerly 743.621]

 

      742.216 Conditions suspending insurance. A fire insurance policy shall contain a provision as follows: “Unless otherwise provided in writing added hereto this company shall not be liable for loss occurring:

      “(1) While the hazard is increased by any means within the control or knowledge of the insured; or

      “(2) While a described building, whether intended for occupancy by owner or tenant, is vacated or unoccupied beyond a period of 60 consecutive days; or

      “(3) As a result of explosion or riot, unless fire ensues, and in that event for loss by fire only.” [Formerly 743.624]

 

      742.218 Additional perils insured. A fire insurance policy shall contain a provision as follows: “Any other peril to be insured against or subject of insurance to be covered in this policy shall be by indorsement in writing hereon or added hereto.” [Formerly 743.627]

 

      742.220 Added provisions. A fire insurance policy shall contain a provision as follows: “The extent of the application of insurance under this policy and of the contribution to be made by this company in case of loss, and any other provision or agreement not inconsistent with the provisions of this policy, may be provided for in writing added hereto, but no provision may be waived except such as by the terms of this policy is subject to change.” [Formerly 743.630]

 

      742.222 Waiver provisions. A fire insurance policy shall contain a provision as follows: “No permission affecting this insurance shall exist, or waiver of any provision be valid, unless granted herein or expressed in writing added hereto. No provision, stipulation or forfeiture shall be held to be waived by any requirement or proceeding on the part of this company relating to appraisal or to any examination provided for herein.” [Formerly 743.633]

 

      742.224 Cancellation. (1) A fire insurance policy shall contain a provision as follows: “This policy shall be canceled at any time at the request of the insured, in which case this company shall, upon demand and surrender of this policy, refund the excess of paid premium above the customary short rates for the expired time.”

      (2) The policy also shall provide:

      (a) That the insurer may cancel the policy at any time by giving 10 days’ written notice of cancellation to the insured in the event of nonpayment of premium or 30 days’ written notice for any other reason. However, when fire insurance coverage is part of a package policy including commercial liability insurance, cancellation of the policy is governed by the provisions of ORS 742.702.

      (b) That cancellation by the insurer may be made with or without tender of the excess of paid premium above the pro rata premium for the expired time, and that the excess, if not tendered with the cancellation, will be refunded on demand.

      (3) When an insurer gives notice of cancellation, the notice shall state that the excess of paid premium above the pro rata premium for the expired time, if not tendered with the notice, will be refunded on demand. [Formerly 743.636; 1991 c.768 §2]

 

      742.226 Mortgagee interest and obligation of mortgagee. A fire insurance policy shall contain provisions as follows:

      (1) “If loss hereunder is made payable, in whole or in part, to a designated mortgagee not named herein as the insured, such interest in this policy may be canceled by giving to such mortgagee a 10 days’ written notice of cancellation.”

      (2) “If the insured fails to render proof of loss such mortgagee, upon notice, shall render proof of loss in the form herein specified within 60 days thereafter and shall be subject to the provisions hereof relating to appraisal and time of payment and of bringing suit. If this company shall claim that no liability existed as to the mortgagor or owner, it shall, to the extent of payment of loss to the mortgagee, be subrogated to all the mortgagee’s rights of recovery, but without impairing mortgagee’s right to sue; or it may pay off the mortgage debt and require an assignment thereof and of the mortgage. Other provisions relating to the interests and obligations of such mortgagee may be added hereto by agreement in writing.” [Formerly 743.639]

 

      742.228 Pro rata liability of insurer. A fire insurance policy shall contain a provision as follows: “This company shall not be liable for a greater proportion of any loss than the amount hereby insured shall bear to the whole insurance covering the property against the peril involved, whether collectible or not.” [Formerly 743.642]

 

      742.230 Requirements in case loss occurs. A fire insurance policy shall contain a provision as follows: “The insured shall give immediate written notice to this company of any loss, protect the property from further damage, forthwith separate the damaged and undamaged personal property, put it in the best possible order, furnish a complete inventory of the destroyed, damaged and undamaged property, showing in detail quantities, costs, actual cash value and amount of loss claimed; and within 90 days after receipt of proof of loss forms from the company, unless such time is extended in writing by this company, the insured shall render to this company a proof of loss, signed and sworn to by the insured, stating the knowledge and belief of the insured as to the following: The time and origin of the loss, the interest of the insured and of all others in the property, the actual cash value of each item thereof and the amount of loss thereto, all encumbrances thereon, all other contracts of insurance, whether valid or not, covering any of said property, any changes in the title, use, occupation, location, possession or exposures of said property since the issuing of this policy, by whom and for what purpose any building herein described and the several parts thereof were occupied at the time of loss and whether or not it then stood on leased ground, and shall furnish a copy of all the descriptions and schedules in all policies and, if required, verified plans and specifications of any building, fixtures or machinery destroyed or damaged. The insured, as often as may be reasonably required, shall exhibit to any person designated by this company all that remains of any property herein described, and submit to examinations under oath by any person named by this company, and subscribe the same; and, as often as may be reasonably required, shall produce for examination all books of account, bills, invoices, and other vouchers, or certified copies thereof if originals be lost, at such reasonable time and place as may be designated by this company or its representative, and shall permit extracts and copies thereof to be made.” [Formerly 743.645]

 

      742.232 Appraisal. A fire insurance policy shall contain a provision as follows: “In case the insured and this company shall fail to agree as to the actual cash value or the amount of loss, then, on the written demand of either, each shall select a competent and disinterested appraiser and notify the other of the appraiser selected within 20 days of such demand. The appraisers shall first select a competent and disinterested umpire; and failing for 15 days to agree upon such umpire, then, on request of the insured or this company, such umpire shall be selected by a judge of a court of record in the state in which the property covered is located. The appraisers shall then appraise the loss, stating separately actual cash value and loss to each item; and, failing to agree, shall submit their differences, only, to the umpire. An award in writing, so itemized, of any two when filed with this company shall determine the amount of actual cash value and loss. Each appraiser shall be paid by the party selecting the appraiser and the expenses of appraisal and umpire shall be paid by the parties equally.” [Formerly 743.648]

 

      742.234 Insurer’s options. A fire insurance policy shall contain a provision as follows: “It shall be optional with this company to take all, or any part, of the property at the agreed or appraised value, and also to repair, rebuild or replace the property destroyed or damaged with other of like kind and quality within a reasonable time, on giving notice of its intention so to do within 30 days after the receipt of the proof of loss herein required.” [Formerly 743.651]

 

      742.236 Abandonment. A fire insurance policy shall contain a provision as follows: “There can be no abandonment to this company of any property.” [Formerly 743.654]

 

      742.238 When loss payable. A fire insurance policy shall contain a provision as follows: “The amount of loss for which this company may be liable shall be payable 60 days after proof of loss, as herein provided, is received by this company and ascertainment of the loss is made either by agreement between the insured and this company expressed in writing or by the filing with this company of an award as herein provided.” [Formerly 743.657]

 

      742.240 Suit on policy. A fire insurance policy shall contain a provision as follows:

      “No suit or action on this policy for the recovery of any claim shall be sustainable in any court of law or equity unless all the requirements of this policy shall have been complied with, and unless commenced within 24 months next after inception of the loss.” [Formerly 743.660; 1991 c.437 §1]

 

      742.242 Subrogation. A fire insurance policy shall contain a provision as follows: “This company may require from the insured an assignment of all right of recovery against any party for loss to the extent that payment therefor is made by this company.” [Formerly 743.663]

 

      742.244 Coverage for loss from nuclear reaction or radiation. Insurers issuing the standard fire insurance policy pursuant to ORS 742.202 are authorized to affix thereto or include therein a written statement that the policy does not cover loss or damage caused by nuclear reaction or nuclear radiation or radioactive contamination, all whether directly or indirectly resulting from an insured peril under said policy. However, nothing contained in this section shall be construed to prohibit the attachment to any such policy of an indorsement or indorsements specifically assuming coverage for loss or damage caused by nuclear reaction or nuclear radiation or radioactive contamination. [Formerly 744.125 and then 743.666]

 

      742.246 Other fire insurance policy provisions permitted. (1) A fire insurer may add to the provisions required by ORS 742.202 other conditions, provisions and agreements not in conflict with law or contrary to public policy.

      (2) Any provision restricting or abridging the rights of the insured under the policy must be preceded by a sufficiently explanatory title printed or written in type not smaller than eight-point capital letters.

      (3) This section applies only to standard fire insurance policies as described in ORS 742.202 and does not apply to any other insurance policies. [Formerly 744.130 and then 743.669; 2001 c.85 §2]

 

      742.248 Mutual fire insurers policyholders’ liability; nonassessable policies. (1) Each person accepting a policy in a mutual fire insurer thereby becomes a member of the insurer and liable for a proportionate share of losses and operating expenses.

      (2) Any person or persons holding property in trust may insure the same in a mutual fire insurer, and as such trustee assume the liabilities and be entitled to the rights of a member, but shall not be personally liable upon such insurance policy.

      (3) A mutual fire insurer may fix the contingent and mutual liability of its members for payment of losses and expenses by a uniform rule set forth in its bylaws and policies. Such mutual liability shall not be less than twice the amount of the usual advance assessment written in the policy.

      (4) A mutual fire insurer that received a certificate of authority prior to September 2, 1963, and has accumulated in the regular course of business assets of not less than $200,000, of which not less than $100,000 is surplus determined as provided in the Insurance Code, may while in that condition and subject to the approval of the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services adopt bylaws limiting the liability of its policyholders to the premium specified in its policies. The power to issue policies with such limitation of liability continues only during the time the insurer is in such financial condition.

      (5) A mutual fire insurer that received a certificate of authority after September 2, 1963, and has $500,000 in surplus determined as provided in the Insurance Code, may while in that condition and subject to the approval of the director adopt bylaws limiting the liability of its policyholders to the premium specified in its policies. The power to issue policies with such limitation of liability continues only during the time the insurer is in such financial condition.

      (6) Every mutual fire insurer which has not limited the liability of its policyholders in accordance with subsections (4) and (5) of this section must print upon its policies such bylaws as will define the liability of a policyholder in addition to the statement required by ORS 742.036. [Formerly 744.430 and then 743.672]

 

      742.250 Mutual fire insurer’s action to recover assessment. An action may be brought against any member of a mutual fire insurer who neglects or refuses to pay any assessment levied by the insurer to recover the whole amount of contingent liability with costs of the action. Execution shall issue on a judgment recovered in such an action for assessments and costs only as they accrue. [Formerly 744.440 and then 743.675]

 

      742.252 Mutual fire insurers; withdrawal of members. Any member of a mutual fire insurer may withdraw at any time by surrendering the member’s policy to the insurer, giving written notice to the secretary of intention to withdraw and paying the member’s share of all losses which have accrued and all assessments then due, accrued or pending. [Formerly 744.450 and then 743.678]

 

      742.254 Mutual fire insurance policy cancellation. (1) A mutual fire insurer may cancel or terminate any fire insurance policy by giving the insured five days’ written notice and returning to the insured any unearned assessment computed pro rata.

      (2) A mutual fire insurer shall use and issue only the standard form of policy required by ORS 742.202, except that:

      (a) It is not required upon cancellation of the insurance policy or certificate of membership to return any part of any policy, certificate, membership or inspection fee that may have been charged.

      (b) Where a definite part of the amount charged has been collected for and designated as an expense assessment, it may by bylaw determine the amount of refund that shall be made from such expense assessment.

      (c) If it is on an assessment basis, levying assessments at such times and in such amounts as are necessary to defray its losses and expenses, it may provide by bylaw that no part of the assessments shall be returned.

      (d) If it is organized for the insurance of a single class of risks and the assessment charged in a flat sum, it may provide in the insurance policy that no return assessment shall be paid upon cancellation. [Formerly 744.460 and then 743.681]

 

CHILD CARE FACILITY

 

      742.260 Cancellation of homeowner or fire policy; coverage for child care; definition. (1) An insurer offering homeowner or renter liability or fire insurance may not cancel or refuse to issue or renew a policy on a private home solely on the basis that the policyholder operates a child care facility if the policyholder is registered or certified pursuant to ORS 329A.250 to 329A.450.

      (2) A homeowner or renter liability or fire insurance policy may not provide coverage for losses arising out of or in connection with child care provided by a registered or certified child care facility. Coverage for losses arising out of or in connection with child care by a registered or certified child care facility may be provided only by a separate policy or indorsement for which premiums are assessed and paid.

      (3) As used in this section, “child care facility” has the meaning given in ORS 329A.250. [1995 c.685 §2; 1999 c.743 §23; 2022 c.27 §19]

 

HOMEOWNER INSURANCE POLICIES

 

      742.270 Repair, rebuilding or replacement of property under homeowner insurance policy; requirements for insurer; prohibited policy provisions. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Homeowner insurance” has the meaning given that term in ORS 746.600.

      (b) “Property” means structures and dwellings, and the contents of structures and dwellings, that are covered by a policy of homeowner insurance.

      (2) If a policy of homeowner insurance requires an insured to repair, rebuild or replace damaged or lost property in order to collect the full replacement cost for the property, the insurer shall, subject to the policy limits:

      (a) Allow an insured to repair, rebuild or replace damaged or lost property:

      (A) In not fewer than 12 months after the date of the insurer’s initial payment toward the cash value of the property that was damaged or lost; or

      (B) In not fewer than 24 months after the date of the insurer’s initial payment toward the cash value of the primary dwelling of the insured that was damaged or lost, if the damage or loss:

      (i) Occurred in a location that was subject to a declaration of a state of emergency under ORS 401.165 and the damage or loss is directly related to the emergency that was the subject of the declaration; or

      (ii) Was directly related to a fire that was the subject of an order under ORS 476.510 to 476.610.

      (b) Provide additional living expenses to an insured, subject to the policy limits for additional living expenses, for a period of 24 months after the date of the damage or loss to the insured’s primary dwelling if the damage or loss occurred in a location that was subject to a declaration of a state of emergency under ORS 401.165 and the damage or loss is directly related to the emergency that was the subject of the declaration.

      (c) Add time to each of the periods described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this subsection in increments of six months for a total period of not more than 24 months under paragraph (a)(A) of this subsection and a total period of not more than 36 months under paragraphs (a)(B) and (b) of this subsection if an insured, acting in good faith and with reasonable diligence, encounters unavoidable delays in obtaining a construction permit, lacks necessary construction materials, lacks available contractors to perform necessary work or encounters other circumstances beyond the insured’s control.

      (3) Subsection (2) of this section does not prohibit an insurer from allowing an insured additional time to collect the full replacement cost for lost or damaged property or for additional living expenses.

      (4) A policy of homeowner insurance may not limit or deny a payment of the replacement cost or building code upgrade cost, including a payment of any extended replacement cost available under the policy coverage, for an insured’s structure that was a total loss on the basis that the insured decided to rebuild in a new location or to purchase an existing structure in a new location if the policy otherwise covers the replacement cost or building code upgrade cost, except that the measure of indemnity may not exceed the replacement cost, building code upgrade cost or extended replacement cost for repairing, rebuilding or replacing the structure at the original location of the loss. [2021 c.262 §2; 2023 c.67 §3]

 

      742.273 Property losses in locations subject to declarations of emergency; required provisions of homeowner insurance policy; limits on payments. If a loss covered under a policy of homeowner insurance, as defined in ORS 746.600, occurs in a location that was subject to a declaration of emergency under ORS 401.165 and the loss is directly related to the emergency that was the subject of the declaration, the policy of homeowner insurance must require the insurer to combine coverage limits that apply to claims for a loss of the insured’s primary dwelling and claims for a loss of other covered structures if the coverage limit that applies to the insured’s primary dwelling is insufficient to pay for rebuilding or replacing the primary dwelling. The amount an insurer pays under the total combined coverage limits may not exceed the amount that would be necessary to repair the actual damage to, or replace, as appropriate, the insured’s primary dwelling. The insurer shall pay in accordance with the terms of the policy of homeowner insurance the amount of any claim for a loss other than damage to the insured’s primary dwelling. [2021 c.262 §3]

 

      742.276 Estimates of cost to rebuild or replace covered property. An insurer shall provide to an insured every other year at the time the insurer offers to renew a policy of homeowner insurance, as defined in ORS 746.600, an opportunity to obtain a new estimate of the cost necessary to rebuild or replace the covered property if the insured provides information necessary for the estimate. [2021 c.262 §4]

 

      742.277 Notice of cancellation, nonrenewal or rate change related to wildfire risk; risks and remedies; additional requirements; rules. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Homeowner insurance” has the meaning given that term in ORS 746.600.

      (b) “Wildfire risk mitigation action” means an action that reduces wildfire risk to property, including:

      (A) A property-level action, such as establishing defensible space, hardening a building or receiving certification from the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety for a Wildfire Prepared Home or a similar entity.

      (B) A community-level action, such as receiving recognition as a Firewise USA Site in Good Standing or recognition from a similar entity or participating in community risk reduction programs established by the State Fire Marshal.

      (2) An insurer that cancels or decides not to renew a homeowner insurance policy for a property, or that increases a premium for a homeowner insurance policy for a property, for a reason that is not nonpayment of a premium and that is materially related to wildfire risk, shall send a notice of the cancellation, decision not to renew or premium increase to the insured that describes:

      (a) Any property-specific characteristics related to wildfire risk that resulted in the cancellation, decision not to renew or premium increase.

      (b) Wildfire risk mitigation actions the insured could undertake to improve the insurability of the property, if there are any.

      (c) If the insurer used wildfire risk scores or classifications to assess the property, the following information:

      (A) In plain language, a description of how wildfire risk scores and classifications are determined, including a description of any general variables the insurer considers.

      (B) The range of wildfire risk scores or classifications that could potentially be assigned to a property.

      (C) The relative position of the wildfire risk score or classification assigned to the property.

      (D) Impacts, if there are any, that wildfire risk mitigation actions could have on a wildfire risk score or classification assigned to the property.

      (d) General information about factors the insurer considers in order to classify, measure or otherwise determine the wildfire risk to a property.

      (e) Any other information specified by rule by the Department of Consumer and Business Services.

      (3) In addition to the requirements of subsection (2) of this section, a notice for a premium increase that is materially related to wildfire risk must describe:

      (a) What wildfire risk mitigation actions the insured could undertake, if any, that would result in a discount, incentive or other premium adjustment.

      (b) The amount of the potential discount, incentive or other premium adjustment. [2023 c.67 §1]

 

      Note: 742.277 and 742.278 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 742 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      742.278 Prohibition on uses of map of wildfire risk or exposure. An insurance company may not use a map published by an agency of this state that identifies areas of wildfire risk or exposure as a basis for:

      (1) Canceling or declining to renew a homeowner insurance policy; or

      (2) Increasing a premium for a homeowner insurance policy. [2023 c.67 §4]

 

      Note: See note under 742.277.

 

HOME PROTECTION INSURANCE

 

      742.280 Home protection insurance; rules. (1) A home protection policy shall specify:

      (a) The home, home components and personal property relating to the home or its components that are covered by the policy.

      (b) The exclusions to and limitations on the coverage.

      (c) The period during which the policy will be in effect and the renewal terms, if any.

      (d) The particulars regarding the performance of services, if any, by or on behalf of the insurer, including but not necessarily limited to the following:

      (A) The kinds of services to be performed by or on behalf of the insurer, and the terms and conditions of the performance.

      (B) The service fee or deductible amount, if any, to be charged for the services.

      (C) All limitations regarding the performance of services, including any restrictions on the time period during which, or geographical area within which, services may be requested or will be performed.

      (D) A statement that services will be performed upon the insured’s telephoned request to the insurer, without any requirement that a claim form or service application be filed before service is performed.

      (E) A representation that services will be initiated by or under the direction of the insurer within 48 hours after request is made for services.

      (e) All other provisions which are required by the Insurance Code or by rules issued by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services.

      (2) A home protection policy shall be noncancelable during the term for which it is originally written, except for nonpayment of the premium charge for the policy or for fraud or misrepresentation of facts material to the issuance of the policy. However, a policy providing coverage while the subject home is being offered for sale is cancelable in accordance with the policy provisions if no sale is made. A home protection policy is not renewable unless its terms provide otherwise.

      (3) The director may adopt rules regarding home protection policies in order to protect the interests of persons affected by the policy contract. The director may not adopt rules specifying the home components or related personal property which must be covered by a home protection policy, except to the extent necessary to:

      (a) Obtain fairness in the exclusions from coverage; or

      (b) Avoid illusory coverage caused by the nature or extent of the exclusions from coverage. [Formerly 743.690]

 

MORTGAGE INSURANCE

 

      742.282 Limitations on issuance of mortgage insurance. (1) No mortgage insurer shall provide insurance with respect to an obligation which exceeds, solely or in combination with liens existing at the time the insured loan is made:

      (a) Ninety-five percent of the fair market value of the securing property at the time the loan is made, or such higher percentage as may be authorized by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services and permitted by the insurer’s domicile, if the obligation insured is secured by a mortgage, deed of trust or other instrument constituting a first lien or first charge.

      (b) Ninety percent of the fair market value of the securing property at the time the loan is made, or such higher percentage as may be authorized by the director and permitted by the insurer’s domicile, if the obligation insured is secured by a mortgage, deed of trust or other instrument constituting a junior lien or junior charge. In determining the 90 percent limitation, the full amount of a line of credit to be secured by a junior lien shall be considered the amount of the loan.

      (2) A mortgage insurer at its option may limit its coverage net of reinsurance to a maximum of 25 percent of the amount of the obligation insured if the obligation insured is secured by a mortgage, deed of trust or other instrument constituting a first lien or first charge. In such event, the mortgage insurer may, in lieu of acquiring title to the property securing the obligation and paying the entire obligation, elect to pay its coverage percent of the obligation. In computing the aggregate amount of insured obligations under ORS 731.516, only the percent of the coverage net of reinsurance on the insured obligation shall be included in the aggregate amount.

      (3) A mortgage insurer may insure an obligation secured by a mortgage, deed of trust or other instrument constituting a junior lien or junior charge, subject to the following provisions:

      (a) The mortgage insurer shall limit its coverage net of reinsurance to a maximum of 25 percent of the amount of the obligation insured and all liens existing at the time the insured loan is made. In computing the aggregate amount of insured obligations under ORS 731.516, only the percent of the coverage net of reinsurance shall be included in the aggregate amount.

      (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, the mortgage insurer may elect to insure a portfolio of loans secured by instruments constituting a junior lien on real estate, provided that the total amount at risk in any one portfolio shall not at any time exceed 20 percent of the original principal mortgage loans insured.

      (c) In lieu of acquiring title to the property securing an obligation to which this subsection applies and paying the entire obligation, the mortgage insurer may elect to pay its coverage percent of the obligation.

      (4) A mortgagor shall not be required to pay, directly or indirectly, the cost of mortgage insurance on a loan secured by a junior lien when the indebtedness evidencing that loan, combined with all existing mortgage loan amounts at the time the loan is made, is less than 60 percent of the fair market value of the real estate at the time the junior loan is made. No mortgagee or financial institution shall be required to obtain mortgage insurance or junior lien mortgage insurance by reason of this section.

      (5) No mortgage insurer shall issue a policy of lease insurance with respect to real property not improved by a building or buildings designed to be occupied for industrial or commercial purposes. [Formerly 746.030 and then 743.705; 1991 c.67 §197; 1995 c.582 §2]

 

      742.284 Insured obligations as legal investments and securities for deposit. (1) Obligations insured by mortgage insurance policies issued in conformity with the Insurance Code shall be legal investments for all trust funds held by any executor, administrator, conservator, trustee or other person or corporation holding trust funds, and also for the funds of banks, banking institutions and trust companies, and shall be accepted by this state and its officers and officials as securities constituting any part of any fund or deposit required by law to be made with this state, or any officer or official thereof, by any trust company doing business in this state. All premiums required to be paid according to the terms of any such mortgage insurance policy may be charged to or paid out of the income from the obligations covered thereby. In the case of such fund or deposit required by law, such obligations must constitute a first lien on real property that is worth at least double the amount of such lien.

      (2) The provisions of subsection (1) of this section with respect to legal investments for funds shall also apply to obligations not so insured if:

      (a) The obligation constitutes a first lien upon a marketable title to real property;

      (b) There exists a lease insurance policy covering the property securing the obligation, issued in conformity with the Insurance Code;

      (c) The aggregate lease payments so insured exceeds the amount of the obligation; and

      (d) The insurer is legally bound to remit all lease insurance proceeds directly to the owner of the obligation. [Formerly 746.080 and then 743.708]

 

      742.286 Mortgage insurance; who may write. All policies and contracts of insurance covering liens or security interests in real property shall be written by authorized mortgage insurers. No other class of insurer may write any form of mortgage insurance. [Formerly 743.711]

 

      742.300 [Formerly 743.720; repealed by 1993 c.265 §14]

 

      742.302 [Formerly 743.723; repealed by 1993 c.265 §14]

 

SURETY INSURANCE

 

      742.350 Bonds, undertakings and other obligations required by law may be executed by surety insurers. (1) Whenever any bond, undertaking, recognizance, or other obligation is by law or the charter, ordinance, rules or regulations of any municipality, board, body, organization, court, judge or public officer required or permitted to be made, given, tendered or filed with surety or sureties, and whenever the performance of any act, duty or obligation, or the refraining from any act is required or permitted to be guaranteed, such bond, undertaking, obligation, recognizance or guaranty may be executed by an authorized surety insurer.

      (2) The execution by such an insurer of any such obligation is in all respects a full and complete compliance with every requirement that it be executed by one surety, or by one or more sureties, or that such sureties be residents or householders, or freeholders, or either or both, or possess any other qualification.

      (3) A surety insurer may be required to justify as surety. It shall be sufficient justification for such surety insurer when examined as to its qualifications to exhibit the certificate of authority issued to it by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services or a certified copy thereof. [Formerly 747.080 and then 743.732]

 

      742.352 Reimbursement of private persons required to give bond, letter of credit or other obligation. Any receiver, assignee, guardian, conservator, trustee, executor, administrator or other fiduciary, required by law or the order of any court or judge to give a bond, letter of credit or other obligation as such, may include as a part of the lawful expense of executing the trust, such reasonable sum paid an insurer for becoming surety on the bond or an issuer of a letter of credit as may be allowed by the court in which, or judge before whom, the person is required to account. Such sum shall not exceed one percent per annum of the amount of the bond or letter of credit. [Formerly 747.100 and then 743.735; 1991 c.331 §129]

 

      742.354 Reimbursement of public officials required to give bond or letter of credit. Any state, county or municipal officer or officer of any school district, public board or public commission within this state, or any deputy employed in the office of any such official, who is required by law, ordinance, regulation or public policy to give a bond or letter of credit for the faithful performance of duties, shall be allowed a reasonable sum paid a surety insurer for becoming surety on the bond, or paid to a letter of credit issuer for issuing a letter of credit. Such sum shall not exceed one-half of one percent per annum of the amount of the bond or letter of credit. Such premium or fee shall be paid out of the proper state, county, municipal, district, board or commission funds. [Formerly 747.110 and then 743.738; 1991 c.331 §130]

 

      742.356 Surety insurer may take measures to reduce risk of loss. (1) Any surety insurer may contract for and receive and hold on deposit and in trust property of any kind as collateral security on any policy of guaranty or suretyship executed by it. The insurer may manage, realize on and dispose of the property so received and held on deposit as may be agreed to between it and the person making the deposit.

      (2) Any receiver, assignee, guardian, conservator, trustee, executor, administrator or other fiduciary or party from whom a policy of guaranty or suretyship is by law required or permitted may agree and arrange with the surety insurer for the deposit for safekeeping of any or all moneys, assets and other property for which the person is or may be responsible in a bank, savings bank, safe deposit or trust company authorized by law to do business as such, in such manner as to prevent the withdrawal or alienation of such money, assets or other property, or any part thereof, without the written consent of the surety insurer or an order of a court of competent jurisdiction or a judge thereof made on such notice to the surety insurer as the court or judge may direct.

      (3) Generally, it shall be lawful for a surety insurer to enter into any contract of indemnity or security with any person if such contract is not otherwise prohibited by law or against public policy. [Formerly 747.130 and then 743.741]

 

      742.358 Release of surety on official bonds by action of obligee. (1) Any official whose duty it is to approve any bond or undertaking given in favor of the state or any county, city, school district, drainage or irrigation district, board or commission within the state may cancel the bond or undertaking by serving written notice of its election so to do upon the principal and surety or sureties on such bond or undertaking 10 days before it desires the cancellation of the obligation to take effect.

      (2) The official at the time of serving such notice shall also file with the officer or official occupying the position of secretary or clerk of the state, county, city, school district, drainage or irrigation district, board or commission, as the case may be, at the regular place of business of such secretary or clerk, a certified copy of such notice. At the expiration of 10 days from the filing of such notice, the surety or sureties upon such bond or undertaking shall be discharged from further liability thereon. [Formerly 747.140 and then 743.744]

 

      742.360 Release of surety on bond of public official by action of surety. (1) The surety or sureties on the bond of any public official in this state shall be released from any future liability thereon upon giving notice of election to be released as provided in this section.

      (2) A surety desiring to be released from liability on the bond of any state officer may file with the Governor or Secretary of State 30 days before the surety desires the release to take effect, a notice in writing, duly subscribed by the surety or someone in behalf of the surety, setting forth the name and office of the person for whom the surety is surety, the amount for which the surety is liable as such, and the desire of the surety to be released from further liability on account thereof. A duplicate of such notice shall also be served personally on the officer unless the officer has left this state, in which case it may be served by publication for 20 days in some newspaper printed at the seat of government, or if none is printed there, then in such newspaper as shall be designated by the Governor or Secretary of State.

      (3) A surety desiring to be released from liability on the bond of any county officer may file and serve a similar notice. The notice, except when it concerns the county clerk personally, shall be filed with the county clerk. When the county clerk is personally concerned the notice shall be filed with the county treasurer.

      (4) A surety desiring to be released from liability on the bond of any city officer may file and serve a similar notice with the city clerk or mayor.

      (5) A surety desiring to be released from any other official bond or undertaking shall file and serve a similar notice with the officer, person or authority whose duty it is to approve such bonds.

      (6) A notice which under this section may be served by publication may be published in a newspaper in the same county or, if no newspaper is published therein, then in an adjoining or other county, without any order from any court or other authority. In all cases for which publication is provided, a printed or written notice posted in at least three conspicuous places in the county for the time specified shall be deemed legal notice thereof. [Formerly 747.150 and then 743.747]

 

      742.362 Release of surety on depository bond; provision required in such bonds. (1) A surety wishing to terminate the liability undertaken upon any bank depository bond or undertaking given to guarantee the safekeeping and return of any public moneys deposited in the bank may do so by giving notice of election so to do to the principal and to the official whose duty it is to approve such bond or undertaking. A surety is released from any future liability upon any such depository bond or undertaking at the expiration of 30 days after the giving of such notice.

      (2) Where the form of depository bond or undertaking given to protect any public moneys is prescribed by statute or regulation the right to cancel such bond or undertaking shall be expressed in such bonds or undertakings by adding a paragraph to the prescribed form in substantially the following form: “The above-named surety shall have the right to terminate any future liability hereunder by serving written notice of election so to do upon the principal and (here insert the official title of the state or county treasurer, or other officials whose duty it is to approve such bond), and thereupon the said surety shall be discharged from any future liability hereunder for any default of the said principal occurring after the expiration of 30 days from and after the service of such notice.” The purpose of such cancellation privilege is to afford the surety a means of obtaining definite release from its liability.

      (3) Any official or officials whose duty it is to approve any bank depository bond given to protect the deposits of any official moneys, on the official’s own motion or upon written request from any bank in whose behalf such a bond is issued, may terminate the future liability on the bond by giving notice to the surety of elections so to do. Thereupon the surety shall be discharged from any future liability upon any such depository bond for any default of the principal occurring after the expiration of 30 days from and after the service of such notice. [Formerly 743.750]

 

      742.364 Fixing amount of new bond after release from original. Whenever a notice is filed, or filed and served, as provided in ORS 742.358, 742.360 and 742.362, or received after mailed as provided in ORS 742.366, the proper authority shall prescribe the penalty or amount in which a new or additional bond or undertaking shall be filed. If no such order is made the new or additional bond or undertaking shall be executed for the same amount as the original. [Formerly 747.170 and then 743.753]

 

      742.366 Cancellation of bond by surety. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Bond” means any undertaking, recognizance or other obligation required by statute, ordinance or regulation to be executed by a surety and given to a public body by any person as a condition to the granting of a permit, license or franchise by a public body.

      (b) “Public body” means the state and any department, agency, board or commission of the state, any city, county, school district or other political subdivision or municipal or public corporation, any instrumentality thereof and any court.

      (2) The surety may cancel a bond by sending notice of cancellation by registered or certified mail to the public body with which the bond is filed and to the principal at the principal’s address of record with the surety. Such cancellation takes effect on the date specified in the notice but not earlier than the 30th day after the date of mailing. The surety shall have no liability under the bond for an act or default occurring after the effective date of such cancellation.

      (3) Notwithstanding subsection (2) of this section, a statute, ordinance, regulation or the provisions of a bond may provide procedures for release of surety on a bond. [Formerly 743.755]

 

      742.368 Surety insurer may not deny power to execute bond; construction of policies. A surety insurer executing any bond or undertaking under the provisions of the Insurance Code is estopped in any proceeding, to deny its corporate power to execute such bond or undertaking or to assume such liability, and all such bonds or undertakings shall in any action be construed by the rules applicable to insurance policies and indemnity contracts. [Formerly 747.180 and then 743.756]

 

      742.370 Bond construed as including omitted statutory provisions. Whenever any person is required by the provisions of any statute to give a bond to this state or any of its political subdivisions and the statute requires to be included therein any specific provisions, the bond shall have the same legal effect as though such provisions were included therein, although such provisions were omitted. [Formerly 747.190 and then 743.759]

 

      742.372 Guaranteed arrest bond certificate. As used in ORS 742.374 and 742.376, “guaranteed arrest bond certificate” means any printed certificate which:

      (1) Is issued by an automobile club or automobile association to any of its members;

      (2) Is signed by the member to whom it is issued; and

      (3) Contains a printed statement that the automobile club or automobile association and a named surety insurer guarantee the appearance of the member whose signature appears on the certificate and that, if the member does not make the appearance in court to guarantee which the certificate is posted, they will pay in an amount not to exceed $1,000 any fine or forfeiture imposed against the individual. [Formerly 747.082 and then 743.762]

 

      742.374 Surety may issue guaranteed arrest bond certificate not to exceed $1,000. Upon compliance with ORS 742.376, any authorized domestic or foreign surety insurer may become surety in an amount not to exceed $1,000 with respect to any unexpired guaranteed arrest bond certificate that is issued by an automobile club or association. [Formerly 747.084 and then 743.765]

 

      742.376 Requirements to issue guaranteed arrest bond certificate. To become surety under ORS 742.374 with respect to an unexpired guaranteed arrest bond certificate that is accepted during any year under ORS 810.320, the surety insurer shall file with the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services on a form prescribed by the director an undertaking so to become surety for that year. The undertaking shall state:

      (1) The name and address of each automobile club or automobile association with respect to any guaranteed arrest bond certificate of which the surety insurer undertakes to be surety; and

      (2) The unqualified obligation of the surety insurer to pay the fine or forfeiture in an amount not to exceed $1,000 with respect to any individual who:

      (a) Posts an unexpired guaranteed arrest bond certificate with respect to which under this section the surety insurer has undertaken to be surety; and

      (b) Fails to make the appearance in court to guarantee which the guaranteed arrest bond certificate was posted. [Formerly 747.086 and then 743.768]

 

REIMBURSEMENT INSURANCE FOR SERVICE CONTRACTS

 

      742.390 Reimbursement insurance policy; contents; definitions. (1) A reimbursement insurance policy insuring service contracts issued, sold or offered for sale in this state shall conspicuously state that, upon failure of the obligor to perform under the contract, the insurer that issued the policy shall pay on behalf of the obligor any sums the obligor is legally obligated to pay or shall provide the service that the obligor is legally obligated to perform according to the obligor’s contractual obligations under the service contracts issued by the obligor.

      (2) For purposes of this section and ORS 742.392:

      (a) “Obligor” has the meaning given in ORS 646A.152.

      (b) A “reimbursement insurance policy” is a policy of insurance providing reimbursement coverage for all obligations and liabilities under the terms of the service contract issued by the obligor including claims against the obligor for return of the unearned purchase price of the service contract.

      (c) “Service contract” has the meaning given in ORS 646A.154. [1995 c.801 §7]

 

      Note: 742.390 and 742.392 were added to and made a part of the Insurance Code by legislative action but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 742 or any series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      742.392 Termination of reimbursement insurance policy. An insurer that issues a reimbursement insurance policy shall not terminate the policy until a notice of termination has been mailed or delivered to the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. The notice of termination shall be mailed or delivered to the director at least 30 days prior to the date of termination. The termination of a reimbursement insurance policy shall not reduce the issuer’s responsibility for service contracts sold by or on behalf of obligors prior to the date of the termination. [1995 c.801 §8]

 

      Note: See note under 742.390.

 

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE INSURANCE

 

      742.400 Duty to report claim of professional negligence to licensing board; contents of report; public disclosure and posting of reports. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Claim” means a written demand for payment from or on behalf of a covered practitioner for an injury alleged to have been caused by professional negligence that is made in a complaint filed with a court of appropriate jurisdiction.

      (b) “Covered practitioner” means a chiropractic physician, physician or physician assistant licensed under ORS chapter 677, nurse practitioner, optometrist, dentist, dental hygienist or naturopath.

      (c) “Disposition of a claim” means:

      (A) A judgment or award against the covered practitioner by a court, a jury or an arbitrator;

      (B) A withdrawal or dismissal of the claim; or

      (C) A settlement of the claim.

      (d) “Reporter” means:

      (A) A primary insurer;

      (B) A public body required to defend, save harmless and indemnify an officer, employee or agent of the public body under ORS 30.260 to 30.300;

      (C) An entity that self-insures or indemnifies for claims alleging professional negligence on the part of a covered practitioner; or

      (D) A health maintenance organization as defined in ORS 750.005.

      (2) Within 30 days after receiving notice of a claim, a reporter shall report the claim to the appropriate board, as follows:

      (a) The Oregon Medical Board if the covered practitioner is a physician or physician assistant licensed under ORS chapter 677;

      (b) The Oregon State Board of Nursing if the covered practitioner is a nurse practitioner;

      (c) The Oregon Board of Optometry if the covered practitioner is an optometrist;

      (d) The Oregon Board of Dentistry if the covered practitioner is a dentist or dental hygienist;

      (e) The Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine if the covered practitioner is a naturopath; or

      (f) The State Board of Chiropractic Examiners if the covered practitioner is a chiropractic physician.

      (3) The report required under subsection (2) of this section shall include:

      (a) The name of the covered practitioner;

      (b) The name of the person that filed the claim;

      (c) The date on which the claim was filed; and

      (d) The reason or reasons for the claim, except that the report may not disclose any data that is privileged under ORS 41.675.

      (4) Within 30 days after the date of an action taken in disposition of a claim, a reporter shall notify the appropriate board identified in subsection (2) of this section of the disposition.

      (5)(a) A board that receives a report of a claim under this section shall publicly post the report on the board’s website if the claim results in a judicial finding or admission of liability or a money judgment, award or settlement that involves a payment to the claimant. The board may not publicly post information about claims that did not result in a judicial finding or admission of liability or a money judgment, award or settlement that involves a payment to the claimant but shall make the information available to the public upon request.

      (b) If a board discloses information about a claim that is the subject of a report received under this section, the board shall indicate in the disclosure whether the claim resulted in a judicial finding or an admission of liability or a money judgment, an award or a settlement that involves a payment to the claimant. A board may not publicly disclose or publish any allegations or factual assertions included in the claim unless the complaint resulted in a judicial finding or an admission of liability or a money judgment, an award or a settlement that involves a payment to the claimant.

      (c) For purposes of this subsection, “judicial finding” means a finding of liability by a court, a jury or an arbitrator.

      (6) A board that receives a report under this section shall provide copies of the report to each health care facility licensed under ORS 441.015 to 441.119, 441.525 to 441.595, 441.815, 441.820, 441.990, 441.993, 442.342, 442.344 and 442.400 to 442.463 that employs or grants staff privileges to the covered practitioner.

      (7) A person that reports in good faith concerning any matter required to be reported under this section is immune from civil liability by reason of making the report. [Formerly 743.780 and then 743.770; 1991 c.401 §7; 1997 c.131 §3; 2007 c.803 §1; 2009 c.43 §36; 2009 c.131 §1; 2009 c.581 §1; 2013 c.129 §38]

 

      742.405 Conditions for issuance of medical malpractice insurance. (1) No insurer may require membership in a professional association as a condition of issuance of medical malpractice insurance to a physician. However, nothing in this subsection prohibits an insurer from requiring as a condition of coverage of a nonmember that the nonmember agrees to be subject to reasonable risk management, loss control or other similar programs and conditions to which members are subject, whether imposed by the insurer or the association.

      (2) No insurer who issues medical malpractice insurance to a physician may assess any surcharge or offer any discount to the physician based on whether or not the physician is a member of a professional association.

      (3) For purposes of this section, joint underwriting associations and risk retention groups shall be considered insurers. [Formerly 743.771]

 

      Note: 742.405 was added to and made a part of the Insurance Code by legislative action but was not added to ORS chapter 742 or any series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      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. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Adverse event” means a negative consequence of patient care that is unanticipated, is usually preventable and results in or presents a significant risk of patient injury.

      (b) “Claim” means a written demand for restitution for an injury alleged to have been caused by the medical negligence of a health practitioner or licensed health care facility.

      (c) “Health practitioner” means a person described in ORS 31.740 (1).

      (d) “Patient’s family” includes:

      (A) A parent, sibling or child by marriage, blood, adoption or domestic partnership.

      (B) A foster parent or foster child.

      (2) An insurer may not decline or refuse to defend or indemnify a health practitioner or a health care facility with respect to a claim, for any reason that is based on:

      (a) The disclosure to the patient or the patient’s family by the health practitioner or facility of an adverse event or information relating to the cause of an adverse event;

      (b) A notice of adverse health care incident filed under ORS 31.262; or

      (c) Participation in a discussion or mediation under ORS 31.264 or 31.268.

      (3) A policy or contract of insurance or indemnity may not include a provision or term excluding or limiting coverage based on:

      (a) The disclosure to a patient or the patient’s family by a health practitioner or facility of an adverse event or information relating to the cause of an adverse event;

      (b) A notice of adverse health care incident filed under ORS 31.262; or

      (c) Participation in a discussion or mediation under ORS 31.264 or 31.268.

      (4) An insurer may establish requirements and policy provisions for coverage of payments of compensation made under ORS 31.264 or as a result of a mediation under ORS 31.268. Requirements and policy provisions established under this subsection may not be intended to or have the effect of preventing meaningful participation in discussions and mediations under ORS 31.264 and 31.268.

      (5) An insurer may not provide or be required to provide information related to an adverse health care incident as defined in ORS 31.260 for credentialing purposes. [Formerly 743.056; 2021 c.271 §4]

 

      Note: 742.407 was added to and made a part of the Insurance Code by legislative action but was not added to ORS chapter 742 or any series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      742.420 [2007 c.272 §2; 2014 c.45 §75; 2017 c.356 §94; renumbered 735.631 in 2023]

 

      742.422 [2007 c.272 §3; renumbered 735.632 in 2023]

 

      742.424 [2007 c.272 §4; renumbered 735.633 in 2023]

 

      742.426 [2007 c.272 §5; renumbered 735.634 in 2023]

 

      742.428 [2007 c.272 §6; renumbered 735.636 in 2023]

 

      742.430 [2007 c.272 §7; renumbered 735.637 in 2023]

 

      742.432 [2007 c.272 §8; renumbered 735.638 in 2023]

 

      742.434 [2007 c.272 §9; renumbered 735.639 in 2023]

 

      742.436 [2007 c.272 §10; renumbered 735.641 in 2023]

 

      742.438 [2007 c.272 §11; renumbered 735.642 in 2023]

 

      742.440 [2007 c.272 §12; renumbered 735.643 in 2023]

 

MOTOR VEHICLE LIABILITY INSURANCE

 

(Issuance of Proof of Insurance)

 

      742.447 Proof of insurance. (1) Every insurer that issues motor vehicle insurance that is designed to meet either the financial or future responsibility requirements of ORS chapter 806 shall issue with the policy proof of insurance that shows the effective date and the expiration date of the insurance.

      (2) An insurer may provide proof of insurance under this section by issuing a card or, if the insured agrees, through electronic means.

      (3) Nothing in this section requires an insurer to provide proof of insurance at any time other than when the policy is issued or renewed. [1993 c.746 §1; 2013 c.108 §1]

 

      Note: 742.447 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 742 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

(Generally)

 

      742.449 Prohibition on assignment to high risk category on certain grounds. An insurer issuing motor vehicle liability insurance policies in this state may not assign an insured or applicant for insurance to a higher risk category than the person would otherwise be assigned to solely because the person has:

      (1) Let a prior motor vehicle liability policy lapse, unless the person was in violation of ORS 806.010 at any time after the prior policy lapsed; or

      (2) Had driving privileges suspended pursuant to ORS 809.280 (6) or (8) if the suspension is based on a nondriving offense. [1989 c.419 §2; 1991 c.860 §6; 2011 c.355 §22]

 

      742.450 Contents of motor vehicle liability policy; permitted exclusions; rules. (1) Every motor vehicle liability insurance policy issued for delivery in this state shall state the name and address of the named insured, the coverage afforded by the policy, the premium charged therefor, the policy period and the limits of liability.

      (2) Every motor vehicle liability insurance policy issued for delivery in this state shall contain an agreement or indorsement stating that, as respects bodily injury and death or property damage, or both, the insurance provides either:

      (a) The coverage described in ORS 806.070 and 806.080; or

      (b) The coverage described in ORS 806.270.

      (3) The agreement or indorsement required by subsection (2) of this section shall also state that the insurance provided is subject to all the provisions of the Oregon Vehicle Code relating to financial responsibility requirements as defined in ORS 801.280 or future responsibility filings as defined in ORS 801.290, as appropriate.

      (4) Every motor vehicle liability insurance policy issued for delivery in this state shall provide liability coverage to at least the limits specified in ORS 806.070.

      (5) Every motor vehicle liability insurance policy issued for delivery in this state shall provide liability coverage, up to the limits of coverage under the policy for a vehicle owned by the named insured, for the operation by the named insured of a motor vehicle provided to the named insured, without regard to whether the named insured is charged for the use of the motor vehicle, if:

      (a) The motor vehicle is provided to the named insured by a person engaged in the business of repairing or servicing motor vehicles; and

      (b) The motor vehicle is provided to the named insured as a temporary replacement vehicle while the named insured’s vehicle is being repaired or serviced.

      (6) A motor vehicle liability insurance policy issued for delivery in this state may exclude by name from coverage required by subsection (2)(a) of this section any person other than the named insured, for any of the reasons stated in subsection (7) of this section. When an insurer excludes a person as provided by this subsection, the insurer shall obtain a statement or indorsement, signed by each of the named insureds, that the policy will not provide any coverage required by subsection (2)(a) of this section when the motor vehicle is driven by any named excluded person.

      (7) A person may be excluded from coverage under a motor vehicle liability insurance policy as provided in subsection (6) of this section:

      (a) Because of the driving record of the person. The Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services by rule may establish restrictions on the use of the driving record in addition to other restrictions established by law.

      (b) Because of any reason or set of criteria established by the director by rule.

      (8) Every motor vehicle liability insurance policy issued for delivery in this state shall contain a provision that provides liability coverage for each family member of the insured residing in the same household as the insured in an amount equal to the amount of liability coverage purchased by the insured. [Formerly 486.541 and then 743.776; 1991 c.768 §3; 1999 c.438 §2; 2007 c.782 §1]

 

      742.454 Liabilities that need not be covered. The motor vehicle liability insurance policy required by ORS 806.010, 806.060, 806.080, 806.240 or 806.270 need not insure any liability under any workers’ compensation law; nor any liability on account of bodily injury to or death of an employee of the insured while engaged in the employment, other than domestic, of the insured, or while engaged in the operation, maintenance or repair of a vehicle; nor any liability for damage to property owned by, rented to, in charge of, or transported by the insured. [Formerly 486.546 and then 743.778]

 

      742.456 When insurer’s liability accrues; nonforfeiture provisions. The liability of an insurer with respect to the motor vehicle liability insurance policy required by ORS 806.060, 806.240 or 806.270 shall become absolute whenever injury or damage covered by the policy occurs. The policy may not be canceled or annulled as to such liability by any agreement between the insurer and the insured after the occurrence of the injury or damage. No statement made by the insured or on behalf of the insured and in violation of the policy shall defeat or void the policy. This section does not apply to motor vehicle liability insurance policies other than those required in connection with ORS 806.060, 806.240 or 806.270. [Formerly 486.551 and then 743.779]

 

      742.458 General provisions governing liability policies. Every motor vehicle liability insurance policy shall be subject to the following provisions, which need not be contained therein:

      (1) The policy, the written application therefor, if any, and any rider or indorsement that does not conflict with the laws relating to motor vehicle liability insurance policies shall constitute the entire contract between the parties.

      (2) The satisfaction by the insured of a judgment for injury or damage shall not be a condition precedent to the right or duty of the insurer to make payment on account of such injury or damage.

      (3) Any binder issued pending the issuance of a motor vehicle liability insurance policy shall be deemed to fulfill the requirements for such a policy. [Formerly 486.556 and then 743.781]

 

      742.460 Insurer’s right to provide for reimbursement and proration. Any motor vehicle liability insurance policy may provide that the insured shall reimburse the insurer for any payment the insurer would not have been obligated to make under the terms of the policy except for the provisions of ORS 742.450 to 742.464, 806.080 and 806.270 and it may further provide for the prorating of the insurance thereunder with other valid and collectible insurance. [Formerly 486.561 and then 743.782; 1995 c.79 §363]

 

      742.462 Insurer’s right to settle claims. The insurer shall have the right to settle any claim covered by the policy, and if such settlement is made in good faith, the amount thereof shall be deductible from the limits of liability specified in respect to a motor vehicle liability insurance policy. [Formerly 486.564 and then 743.784]

 

      742.464 Excess coverage permitted; combining policies to meet requirements. Any policy which grants the coverage required for a motor vehicle liability insurance policy under ORS 742.450, 806.080 and 806.270 may also grant any lawful coverage in excess of or in addition to the required coverage, and such excess or additional coverage shall not be subject to the provisions of ORS 742.031, 742.400 and 742.450 to 742.464. With respect to a policy which grants such excess or additional coverage only that part of the coverage which is required by ORS 806.080 and 806.270 is subject to the requirements of those sections. [Formerly 486.566 and then 743.785]

 

      742.466 Disputes over coverage for physical damage; independent appraisal; rules. (1) In the event of a dispute between the insurer and insured under a motor vehicle liability policy concerning coverage for physical damage, if the policy contains a provision authorizing the insured to obtain an independent appraisal by a competent and disinterested person of the physical damage, that provision shall apply. An independent appraisal conducted under this section shall be performed by a person who has been issued a vehicle appraiser certificate under ORS 819.480 or a person who has been issued a vehicle appraiser certificate or license by another state or government body.

      (2) When a motor vehicle liability policy contains a provision for resolving a dispute through appraisal of a motor vehicle insured under the policy, the insurer shall reimburse the insured for the reasonable appraisal costs if the final appraisal decision under the policy provision is greater than the amount of the insurer’s last offer prior to the incurrence of the appraisal costs.

      (3) If a motor vehicle liability policy does not contain a provision described in subsection (1) of this section, then notwithstanding any other provision of the policy, any resolution of the dispute shall be subject to rules adopted by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. [Formerly 743.840; 2009 c.65 §4; 2011 c.134 §1]

 

      742.468 Certain policies not considered motor vehicle liability policies. For purposes of statutes mandating kinds or amounts of coverage that motor vehicle liability policies must contain, the following shall not be considered motor vehicle liability policies:

      (1) Comprehensive general liability policies.

      (2) Excess liability policies.

      (3) Umbrella liability policies. [1993 c.709 §10]

 

(Motorcycle Discount)

 

      742.480 Appropriate premium charge reduction for certain motorcycle insurance policies. (1) A rate, rating plan or rating system filed with the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services for a motor vehicle insurance policy offering liability, personal injury protection or collision coverage shall provide an appropriate reduction in premium charges for such coverage if:

      (a) The principal operator of a covered motorcycle has successfully completed a motorcycle rider education course established under ORS 802.320. The course must be completed no more than three years prior to the beginning of the policy period for which the discounted rate applies.

      (b) The motorcycle is not classified, for underwriting purposes, as used for a business.

      (2) If the person qualifying for a premium reduction under subsection (1) of this section is the principal operator of two or more motorcycles, the premium discount applies to only one motorcycle. No more than one premium discount may be applied to one motorcycle.

      (3) If a motor vehicle insurance policy insures motorcycles and other vehicles, the appropriate reduction in premium charges applies only to the motorcycle portion of the policy. [2009 c.771 §2]

 

      Note: 742.480 to 742.486 were added to and made a part of the Insurance Code by legislative action but were not added to ORS chapter 742 or any series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      742.483 Effective period for premium reduction. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the premium reduction required under ORS 742.480 shall be effective for an insured for a three-year period after successful completion of the approved course. [2009 c.771 §3]

 

      Note: See note under 742.480.

 

      742.486 Issuance and presentation of certificates for motorcycle rider education course. An organization offering a motorcycle rider education course established under ORS 802.320 shall issue a certificate to each person who successfully completes the course. The person shall present the certificate to an insurer to qualify for the premium reduction required under ORS 742.480. [2009 c.771 §4]

 

      Note: See note under 742.480.

 

(Age-Based Discount)

 

      742.490 Premium reduction; conditions; application. (1) Any rate, rating plan or rating system filed with the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services for a motor vehicle insurance policy offering liability, personal injury protection or collision coverage, shall provide an appropriate reduction in premium charges for such coverage if:

      (a) The principal operator of the covered vehicle is an insured 55 years of age or older.

      (b) The principal operator of the covered vehicle has successfully completed, within the appropriate time as specified in this subsection, a motor vehicle accident prevention course approved by the Department of Transportation. To meet the requirements of this subsection, a course must be completed no more than three years prior to the beginning of the policy period for which the discounted rate applies if the person is less than 70 years of age at the time of taking the course or no more than two years prior to the beginning of the policy period for which the discounted rate applies if the person is 70 years of age or more at the time of taking the course.

      (c) There are no persons under 25 years of age who regularly operate the vehicle.

      (d) The vehicle is not classified for underwriting purposes as used for a business.

      (2) If the person qualifying for a premium reduction under subsection (1) of this section is the principal operator of two or more vehicles, the premium discount shall apply to only one vehicle. No more than one premium discount may be applied to one vehicle. [1989 c.379 §§2,4]

 

      742.492 Duration of reduction. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the premium reduction required by ORS 742.490 (1) shall be effective for an insured for a three-year period after successful completion of the approved course if the person is less than 70 years of age at the time of taking the course or for a two-year period after successful completion of an approved course if the person is 70 years of age or more at the time of taking the course. An insurer may require, as a condition of maintaining the discount, that the insured:

      (1) Not be involved in an accident for which the insured is at fault; and

      (2) Not be convicted of or plead guilty or nolo contendere to a moving traffic violation. [1989 c.379 §3]

 

      742.494 Certification of completion of course. Any organization offering a motor vehicle accident prevention course approved by the Department of Transportation shall issue a certificate to each person who successfully completes the course. The person shall present the certificate to an insurer to qualify for the premium discount required under ORS 742.490 (1). [1989 c.379 §5]

 

      742.496 Limitation on qualification for discount. No person shall receive a discount under ORS 742.490 to 742.494 if the person takes the approved course as a punishment, specified by a court or other government entity, for a moving traffic violation. [1989 c.379 §6]

 

(Uninsured Motorist Coverage)

 

      742.500 Definitions for ORS 742.500 to 742.506. As used in ORS 742.500 to 742.506:

      (1) “Bodily injury” has the meaning given that term in ORS 742.504.

      (2) “Insured” has the meaning given that term in ORS 742.504.

      (3)(a) “Motor vehicle” means every self-propelled device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a public highway.

      (b) “Motor vehicle” does not include:

      (A) A device used exclusively on stationary rails or tracks;

      (B) Motor trucks, as defined in ORS 801.355, that have a registration weight, as defined in ORS 803.430, of more than 8,000 pounds, if the insured has employees that operate the trucks and a workers’ compensation law, a disability benefits law or a similar law covers the employees; or

      (C) Farm-type tractors or self-propelled equipment designed for use principally off public highways.

      (4) “Sums that the insured or the heirs or legal representative of the insured is legally entitled to recover as damages” has the meaning given that term in ORS 742.504.

      (5) “Uninsured motorist coverage” means coverage within the terms and conditions specified in ORS 742.504 that insures the insured or the heirs or legal representative of the insured for all sums that the insured or the heirs or legal representative is legally entitled to recover as damages for bodily injury or death that is caused by accident and that arises from owning, maintaining or using an uninsured vehicle in amounts or limits not less than the amounts or limits prescribed for bodily injury or death under ORS 806.070.

      (6) “Uninsured vehicle” has the meaning given that term in ORS 742.504. [Formerly 743.786; 2015 c.5 §1]

 

      742.502 Uninsured motorist coverage; underinsurance coverage. (1) Every motor vehicle liability policy that insures against a loss that a natural person suffers and that results from liability imposed by law for bodily injury or death that arises out of owning, maintaining or using a motor vehicle shall provide in the policy or by indorsement on the policy uninsured motorist coverage if the policy is either:

      (a) Issued for delivery in this state; or

      (b) Issued or delivered by an insurer that does business in this state with respect to any motor vehicle then principally used or principally garaged in this state.

      (2)(a) A motor vehicle bodily injury liability policy must have the same limits for uninsured motorist coverage as for bodily injury liability coverage unless a named insured in writing elects lower limits. The insured may not elect limits lower than the amounts prescribed to meet the requirements of ORS 806.070 for bodily injury or death. Uninsured motorist coverage must include underinsurance coverage for bodily injury or death caused by accident and arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of a motor vehicle with motor vehicle liability insurance that provides recovery 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. Underinsurance coverage must be equal 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 up to the limits of the uninsured motorist coverage.

      (b) If a named insured elects lower limits, the named insured shall sign a statement to elect lower limits within 60 days after the time the named insured makes the election. The statement must acknowledge that a named insured was offered uninsured motorist coverage with the limits equal to those for bodily injury liability. The statement must have a brief summary that is not part of the insurance contract and that describes what uninsured motorist coverage provides and what the underinsured coverage provides. The summary must also state the price for coverage with limits equal to the named insured’s bodily injury liability limits and the price for coverage with the lower limits the named insured requested. The statement remains in force until a named insured rescinds the statement in writing or until the motor vehicle bodily injury liability limits are changed. The Department of Consumer and Business Services shall approve the form of statement that complies with this paragraph.

      (c) A statement electing lower limits need not be signed if vehicles are either added to or subtracted from a policy or if the policy is amended, renewed, modified or replaced by the same insurer or an insurer within a group of companies that is under common ownership or control, unless the liability limits of the policy are changed.

      (3) The insurer that issues the policy may offer one or more options of uninsured motorist coverage that are larger than the amounts prescribed to meet the requirements of ORS 806.070 and in excess of the limits provided under the policy for motor vehicle bodily injury liability insurance. Offers of uninsured motorist coverage must include underinsurance coverage for bodily injury or death that is caused by accident and that arises out of owning, maintaining or using a motor vehicle with motor vehicle liability insurance that provides recovery 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. Underinsurance coverage must be equal 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 from owning, maintaining or using an uninsured vehicle up to the limits of the uninsured motorist coverage.

      (4) Underinsurance coverage is subject to ORS 742.504 and 742.542.

      (5) Uninsured motorist coverage and underinsurance coverage must provide coverage for bodily injury or death if the amount of liability insurance recovered 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.

      (6) Uninsured motorist coverage and underinsurance coverage must provide coverage for bodily injury or death if the amount recovered from a self-insurer 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.

      (7) As used in this section and except as otherwise provided in this subsection, “amount recovered from other motor vehicle liability insurance policies” means the proceeds of liability insurance or the proceeds received from a public body under ORS 30.260 to 30.300 that are recovered by or on behalf of the injured party. Proceeds recovered on behalf of the injured party include proceeds the injured party’s insurer receives as reimbursement for personal injury protection benefits the insurer provides to the injured person, proceeds the medical providers of the injured person receive and proceeds received as attorney fees on the claim of the injured person. If applicable liability insurance policy limits are exhausted upon payment, settlement or judgment by division among two or more injured persons, “amount recovered from other motor vehicle liability insurance policies” means the proceeds that are recovered by or on behalf of the injured person but does not include any proceeds of the liability policy that other injured persons receive. [Formerly 743.789; 1993 c.709 §11; 1997 c.808 §1; 2003 c.220 §1; 2005 c.235 §1; 2007 c.287 §2; 2007 c.782 §2; 2009 c.67 §14; 2015 c.5 §2]

 

      742.504 Required provisions of uninsured motorist coverage. Every policy required to provide the coverage specified in ORS 742.502 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)(a) Notwithstanding ORS 30.260 to 30.300, 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 to 30.300; 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 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 (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)(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)(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)(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)(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. 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)(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 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]

 

      742.505 Arbitration procedures under ORS 742.504. Unless the parties agree otherwise, arbitration proceedings under ORS 742.504 shall be conducted as follows:

      (1) Parties to an arbitration proceeding shall submit the dispute to arbitration by a panel of three arbitrators. The panel shall consist of one arbitrator chosen by each party and one arbitrator chosen by the two arbitrators previously chosen to sit on the panel.

      (2) An arbitration proceeding shall be conducted under local court rules in the county where the arbitration is held. [2007 c.328 §2]

 

      Note: 742.505 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 742 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      742.506 Allocation of responsibility among insurers. Notwithstanding the contrary provisions of any policy, the provisions of ORS 742.504 (9) shall control allocation of responsibility between insurers, except that if all policies potentially involved expressly allocate responsibility between insurers, or self-insurers, without repugnancy, then the terms of the policies shall control. [Formerly 743.795; 2015 c.5 §6]

 

      742.508 Definitions for ORS 742.508 and 742.510. As used in this section and ORS 742.510:

      (1) “Covered motor vehicle” means a private passenger motor vehicle or a self-propelled mobile home that is owned by the named insured for which a premium has been paid for coverage under this section and ORS 742.510.

      (2) “Insured vehicle” means a motor vehicle described in the declarations for which a specific premium charge indicates that underinsured motorists coverage is afforded but the term “insured vehicle” shall not include a vehicle while used as a public or livery conveyance.

      (3) “Private passenger motor vehicle” means a four-wheel passenger or station wagon type motor vehicle not more than 12 years old and not used as a public or livery conveyance, and includes any other four-wheel motor vehicle of the utility, pickup body, sedan delivery or panel truck type not used for wholesale or retail delivery.

      (4)(a) “Uninsured vehicle” means:

      (A) A vehicle with respect to the ownership, maintenance or use of which there is no collectible property damage insurance, in at least the amounts or limits prescribed under ORS 806.070 (2)(c) applicable at the time of the accident with respect to any person or organization legally responsible for the use of such vehicle, or with respect to which there is such collectible insurance applicable at the time of the accident but the insurance company writing the same denies coverage thereunder or, within two years of the date of the accident, such company writing the same 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 valid and collectible property damage insurance applicable at the time of the accident.

      (B) A hit-and-run vehicle as defined in subsection (5) of this section.

      (C) A phantom vehicle as defined in subsection (5) of this section.

      (b) As used in this section and ORS 742.510, “uninsured vehicle” does not include:

      (A) An insured vehicle;

      (B) A vehicle which 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 which is owned by the United States of America, Canada, a state, a political subdivision of any such government or an agency of any of the foregoing;

      (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.

      (5) As used in this section:

      (a) “Hit-and-run vehicle” means a vehicle that causes damage to the covered vehicle of an insured arising out of physical contact between the vehicles, provided:

      (A) There cannot be ascertained the identity of either the operator or the owner of such hit-and-run vehicle;

      (B) The insured or someone on behalf of the insured reports 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 files 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 such accident for damages against a person or persons whose identity is 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 which was insured at the time of the accident.

      (b) “Phantom vehicle” means a vehicle that causes damage to the covered vehicle of an insured, although there is no physical contact between the vehicles, provided:

      (A) There cannot be ascertained the identity of either the operator or the owner of such phantom vehicle;

      (B) The facts of such accident can be corroborated by competent evidence other than the testimony of the insured or any passenger in the insured motor vehicle; and

      (C) The insured or someone on behalf of the insured shall have 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 shall have 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 such accident for damages against a person or persons whose identity is unascertainable, and setting forth the facts in support thereof. [Formerly 743.796; 2003 c.175 §3]

 

      Note: 742.508 and 742.510 [formerly 743.796 and 743.797] were added to and made a part of ORS chapter 743 by legislative action but were not added to ORS chapter 742 or any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      742.510 Property damage coverage for damage to vehicle caused by uninsured vehicle. (1) Every insurer issuing motor vehicle liability insurance policies on private passenger motor vehicles or on self-propelled mobile homes for delivery in this state shall have for sale coverage for property damage to a vehicle of the insured caused by an uninsured vehicle. Coverage offered under this section shall be at least the amount prescribed to meet the requirements of ORS 806.070 for insurance for injury to or destruction of the property of others in any one accident.

      (2) A policy with the coverage described in this section does not cover the first $300 of property damage to the covered motor vehicle as the result of an accident with a hit-and-run vehicle or phantom vehicle. In all other cases the first $200 damage is not covered.

      (3) Coverage for property damage described in this section:

      (a) Applies only to the amount of damages the insured may be legally entitled to recover.

      (b) Does not include coverage for loss of use of the covered vehicle. [Formerly 743.797; 1991 c.768 §5]

 

      Note: See note under 742.508.

 

(Personal Injury Protection Benefits)

 

      742.518 Definitions for ORS 742.518 to 742.542. As used in ORS 742.518 to 742.542:

      (1) “Evaluation services” means physical examinations or reviews of medical records of beneficiaries conducted at the request of an insurer by either an employee of the insurer or a third-party medical record or bill review service to determine whether the provision or continuation of medical services is necessary or reasonable.

      (2) “Managed care services” means any system of health care delivery that attempts to control or coordinate use of health care services in order to contain health care expenditures or improve quality of health care services.

      (3) “Motor vehicle” means a self-propelled land motor vehicle or trailer, other than:

      (a) A farm-type tractor or other self-propelled equipment designed for use principally off public roads, while not upon public roads;

      (b) A vehicle operated on rails or crawler-treads; or

      (c) A vehicle located for use as a residence or premises.

      (4) “Motorcycle” and “moped” have the meanings given those terms in ORS 801.345 and 801.365.

      (5) “Occupying” means in, or upon, or entering into or alighting from.

      (6) “Pedestrian” means a person while not occupying a self-propelled vehicle other than a wheelchair or a similar low-powered motorized or mechanically propelled vehicle that is designed specifically for use by a person with a physical disability and that is determined to be medically necessary for the occupant of the wheelchair or other low-powered vehicle.

      (7) “Personal injury protection benefits” means the benefits described in ORS 742.518 to 742.542.

      (8) “Private passenger motor vehicle” means a four-wheel passenger or station wagon type motor vehicle not used as a public or livery conveyance, and includes any other four-wheel motor vehicle of the utility, pickup body, sedan delivery or panel truck type not used for wholesale or retail delivery other than farming, a self-propelled mobile home and a farm truck.

      (9) “Proof of loss” means documentation that allows an insurer to determine whether a person is entitled to personal injury protection benefits and the amount of any benefit that is due.

      (10) “Provider” has the meaning given that term in ORS 743B.001.

      (11) “Taxi company” means a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other association that provides transportation services for compensation that passengers may request by means of telephone, software applications, websites or other Internet-based electronic technology or by visible, audible or otherwise physically perceptible signaling directly to a hired driver who provides the transportation services with a motor vehicle that the hired driver:

      (a) Owns and operates in affiliation with the corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other association;

      (b) Leases or rents from the corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other association; or

      (c) Has other authorization from the corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other association to use for the purposes described in this subsection.

      (12) “Transportation network company” means a corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other association that provides a software or digital application, the express purpose of which is to connect to the Internet and enable a prospective passenger to seek and obtain transportation services from a driver who operates a personal motor vehicle for the purpose of providing transportation services for compensation in affiliation with the corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other association. [2005 c.465 §2; 2007 c.70 §318; 2007 c.692 §1; 2021 c.222 §1]

 

      742.520 Personal injury protection benefits for motor vehicle liability policies; applicability. (1)(a) Every motor vehicle liability policy issued for delivery in this state that covers any private passenger motor vehicle shall provide personal injury protection benefits to the person insured thereunder, members of that person’s family residing in the same household, children not related to the insured by blood, marriage or adoption who are residing in the same household as the insured and being reared as the insured’s own, passengers occupying the insured motor vehicle and pedestrians struck by the insured motor vehicle.

      (b) A transportation network company shall provide a motor vehicle liability policy with personal injury protection benefits to each driver who operates a personal motor vehicle in affiliation with the transportation network company.

      (c) A taxi company shall provide a motor vehicle liability policy with personal injury protection benefits to each driver who operates a taxi in affiliation with the taxi company.

      (d) The personal injury protection benefits described in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this subsection must, at all times during which the driver operates the personal motor vehicle or the taxi to provide transportation services to passengers in affiliation with the transportation network company or the taxi company, cover the driver of the personal motor vehicle or taxi, any passengers that occupy the personal motor vehicle or taxi and pedestrians that are struck by the personal motor vehicle or taxi.

      (e) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) of this subsection, an insurer may exclude from a motor vehicle liability policy for a private passenger motor vehicle any coverage, including personal injury protection benefits, for a loss or injury that occurs while a driver is operating a private passenger motor vehicle to provide transportation services for compensation in affiliation with a transportation network company.

      (2) Personal injury protection benefits apply to a person’s injury or death resulting:

      (a) In the case of the person insured under the policy and members of that person’s family residing in the same household, from the use, occupancy or maintenance of any motor vehicle, except the following vehicles:

      (A) A motor vehicle, including a motorcycle or moped, that is owned or furnished or available for regular use by any of such persons and that is not described in the policy;

      (B) A motorcycle or moped which is not owned by any of such persons, but this exclusion applies only when the injury or death results from such person’s operating or riding upon the motorcycle or moped; and

      (C) A motor vehicle not included in subparagraph (A) or (B) of this paragraph and, except as provided in paragraph (c) of this subsection, not a private passenger motor vehicle. However, this exclusion applies only when the injury or death results from such person’s operating or occupying the motor vehicle.

      (b) In the case of a passenger occupying or a pedestrian struck by the insured motor vehicle, from the use, occupancy or maintenance of the vehicle.

      (c) In the case of a person insured under the policy who operates a personal motor vehicle or a taxi with which the person provides transportation services to passengers for compensation in affiliation with a transportation network company or a taxi company, from the use, occupancy or maintenance of the personal motor vehicle or taxi.

      (3) Personal injury protection benefits consist of payments for expenses, loss of income and loss of essential services as provided in ORS 742.524.

      (4) An insurer shall pay all personal injury protection benefits promptly after proof of loss has been submitted to the insurer.

      (5) The potential existence of a cause of action in tort does not relieve an insurer from the duty to pay personal injury protection benefits.

      (6) Disputes between insurers and beneficiaries about the amount of personal injury protection benefits, or about the denial of personal injury protection benefits, shall be decided by arbitration if mutually agreed to at the time of the dispute. Arbitration under this subsection shall take place as described in ORS 742.521.

      (7) An insurer:

      (a) May not enter into or renew any contract that provides, or has the effect of providing, managed care services to beneficiaries.

      (b) May enter into or renew any contract that provides evaluation services for beneficiaries. [Formerly 743.800; 1991 c.768 §6; 1993 c.282 §1; 1993 c.596 §39; 1995 c.658 §114; 1997 c.344 §§1,2; 1997 c.808 §§3,4; 1999 c.434 §1; 2003 c.813 §1; 2005 c.465 §3; 2007 c.328 §8; 2021 c.222 §2]

 

      742.521 Conditions applicable to arbitration proceedings. (1) Arbitration proceedings under ORS 742.520 shall be conducted under local court rules in the county where the arbitration is held.

      (2) Findings and awards made in an arbitration proceeding under this section:

      (a) Are binding on the parties to the arbitration proceeding;

      (b) Are not binding on any other party; and

      (c) May not be used for the purpose of collateral estoppel. [2007 c.328 §3]

 

      Note: 742.521 was added to and made a part of ORS chapter 742 by legislative action but was not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      742.522 Binding arbitration under ORS 742.520; costs. (1) Costs to the insured of the arbitration proceeding under ORS 742.520 (6) shall not exceed $100 and all other costs of arbitration shall be borne by the insurer.

      (2) As used in this section, “costs” does not include attorney fees or expenses incurred in the production of evidence or witnesses or the making of transcripts of the arbitration proceedings. [Formerly 743.802; 2007 c.328 §9]

 

      742.524 Contents of personal injury protection benefits; deductibles. (1) Personal injury protection benefits required by ORS 742.520 consist of the following payments for the injury or death of each person:

      (a) All reasonable and necessary expenses of medical, hospital, dental, surgical, ambulance and prosthetic services incurred within two years after the date of the person’s injury, but not more than $15,000 in the aggregate for all such expenses of the person. Expenses of medical, hospital, dental, surgical, ambulance and prosthetic services are presumed to be reasonable and necessary unless the provider receives notice of denial of the charges not more than 60 calendar days after the insurer receives from the provider notice of the claim for the services. At any time during the first 50 calendar days after the insurer receives notice of claim, the provider shall, within 10 business days, answer in writing questions from the insurer regarding the claim. For purposes of determining when the 60-day period provided by this paragraph has elapsed, counting of days shall be suspended if the provider does not supply written answers to the insurer within 10 days and may not resume until the answers are supplied.

      (b) If the injured person is usually engaged in a remunerative occupation and if disability continues for at least 14 days, 70 percent of the loss of income from work during the period of the injured person’s disability until the date the person is able to return to the person’s usual occupation. This benefit is subject to a maximum payment of $3,000 per month and a maximum payment period in the aggregate of 52 weeks. As used in this paragraph, “income” includes but is not limited to salary, wages, tips, commissions, professional fees and profits from an individually owned business or farm.

      (c) If the injured person is not usually engaged in a remunerative occupation and if disability continues for at least 14 days, the expenses reasonably incurred by the injured person for essential services that were performed by a person who is not related to the injured person or residing in the injured person’s household in lieu of the services the injured person would have performed without income during the period of the person’s disability until the date the person is reasonably able to perform such essential services. This benefit is subject to a maximum payment of $30 per day and a maximum payment period in the aggregate of 52 weeks.

      (d) All reasonable and necessary funeral expenses incurred within one year after the date of the person’s injury, but not more than $5,000.

      (e) If the injured person is a parent of a minor child and is required to be hospitalized for a minimum of 24 hours, $25 per day for child care, with payments to begin after the initial 24 hours of hospitalization and to be made for as long as the person is unable to return to work if the person is engaged in a remunerative occupation or for as long as the person is unable to perform essential services that the person would have performed without income if the person is not usually engaged in a remunerative occupation, but not to exceed $750.

      (2) With respect to the insured person and members of that person’s family residing in the same household, an insurer may offer forms of coverage for the benefits required by subsection (1)(a), (b) and (c) of this section with deductibles of up to $250. [Formerly 743.805; 1991 c.768 §7; 2003 c.813 §2; 2005 c.341 §1; 2009 c.66 §1; 2015 c.5 §4]

 

      742.525 Provider charges. (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a provider shall charge a person who receives personal injury protection benefits or that person’s insurer the lesser of:

      (a) An amount that does not exceed the amount the provider charges the general public; or

      (b) An amount that does not exceed the fee schedules for medical services published pursuant to ORS 656.248 for expenses of medical, hospital, dental, surgical and prosthetic services.

      (2) For expenses of hospital services that are subject to the adjusted cost-to-charge ratio specified for a hospital in the hospital fee schedule published pursuant to ORS 656.248, a provider of hospital services shall charge a person who receives personal injury protection benefits or that person’s insurer the greater of:

      (a) The amount of the hospital charges multiplied by the adjusted cost-to-charge ratio specified for the hospital; or

      (b) Ninety percent of the hospital charges. [2003 c.813 §4; 2005 c.341 §4; 2011 c.707 §1]

 

      742.526 Primary nature of benefits. (1) The personal injury protection benefits with respect to:

      (a) The insured and members of the family of the insured residing in the same household injured while occupying the insured motor vehicle shall be primary.

      (b) Passengers injured while occupying the insured motor vehicle shall be primary.

      (c) The insured and members of family residing in the same household injured as pedestrians shall be primary.

      (d) The insured and members of family residing in the same household injured while occupying a motor vehicle not insured under the policy shall be excess.

      (e) Pedestrians injured by the insured motor vehicle, other than the insured and members of family residing in the same household, shall be excess over any other collateral benefits to which the injured person is entitled, including but not limited to insurance benefits, governmental benefits or gratuitous benefits.

      (2) The personal injury protection benefits may be reduced or eliminated, if it is so provided in the policy, when the injured person is entitled to receive, under the laws of this state or any other state or the United States, workers’ compensation benefits or any other similar medical or disability benefits. [Formerly 743.810]

 

      742.528 Notice of denial of payment of benefits. An insurer who denies payment of personal injury protection benefits to or on behalf of an insured shall:

      (1) Provide written notice of the denial, within 60 calendar days of receiving a claim from the provider, to the insured, stating the reason for the denial and informing the insured of the method for contesting the denial; and

      (2) Provide a copy of the notice of the denial, within 60 calendar days of receiving a claim from the provider, to a provider of services under ORS 742.524 (1)(a). [Formerly 743.812; 1993 c.265 §1]

 

      742.529 Payment based on incorrect determination of responsibility; notice; repayment. If personal injury protection benefits are paid based on information that appeared to establish proof of loss and the insurer paying the benefits later determines the insurer was not responsible for the payment, the insurer shall give notice and explanation to the provider that the payment was incorrectly issued. Immediately after receiving the notice and explanation the provider shall promptly repay the insurer. [2007 c.692 §3]

 

      742.530 Exclusions from coverage. (1) The insurer may exclude from the coverage for personal injury protection benefits any injured person who:

      (a) Intentionally causes self-injury;

      (b) Is participating in any prearranged or organized racing or speed contest or practice or preparation for any such contest; or

      (c) Willfully conceals or misrepresents any material fact in connection with a claim for personal injury protection benefits.

      (2) The insurer may exclude from the coverage for the benefits required by ORS 742.524 (1)(b) and (c) any person injured as a pedestrian in an accident outside this state, other than the insured person or a member of that person’s family residing in the same household. [Formerly 743.815; 2005 c.341 §2]

 

      742.532 Benefits may be more favorable than those required by ORS 742.520, 742.524 and 742.530. Nothing in ORS 742.518 to 742.542 is intended to prevent an insurer from providing more favorable benefits than the personal injury protection benefits described in ORS 742.520, 742.524 and 742.530. [Formerly 743.820]

 

      742.534 Reimbursement of other insurers paying benefits; arbitrating issues of liability and amount of reimbursement. (1) Except as provided in ORS 742.544, every authorized motor vehicle liability insurer whose insured is or would be held legally liable for damages for injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident by a person for whom personal injury protection benefits have been furnished by another such insurer, or for whom benefits have been furnished by an authorized health insurer, shall reimburse such other insurer for the benefits it has so furnished if it has requested such reimbursement, has not given notice as provided in ORS 742.536 that it elects recovery by lien in accordance with that section and is entitled to reimbursement under this section by the terms of its policy. Reimbursement under this subsection, together with the amount paid to injured persons by the liability insurer, shall not exceed the limits of the policy issued by the insurer.

      (2) In calculating such reimbursement, the amount of benefits so furnished shall be diminished in proportion to the amount of negligence attributable to the person for whom benefits have been so furnished, and the reimbursement shall not exceed the amount of damages legally recoverable by the person.

      (3) Disputes between insurers as to such issues of liability and the amount of reimbursement required by this section shall be decided by arbitration.

      (4) Findings and awards made in such an arbitration proceeding are not admissible in any action at law or suit in equity.

      (5) If an insurer does not request reimbursement under this section for recovery of personal injury protection payments, then the insurer may only recover personal injury protection payments under the provisions of ORS 742.536 or 742.538. [Formerly 743.825; 1993 c.709 §7; 2007 c.392 §1]

 

      742.536 Notice of claim or legal action to insurer; insurer to elect manner of recovery of benefits furnished; lien of insurer. (1) If an authorized motor vehicle liability insurer has furnished personal injury protection benefits, or an authorized health insurer has furnished benefits, to a person who was injured in a motor vehicle accident and the injured person makes a claim, or brings legal action, for damages for injuries against any other person, the injured person shall give notice of the claim or legal action to the insurer by personal service or by registered or certified mail. Service of a copy of the summons and complaint or copy of other process served in connection with the legal action is sufficient notice to the insurer, in which case a return showing service of the notice must be filed with the clerk of the court but is not a part of the record except to give notice.

      (2) An insurer may elect to seek reimbursement as provided in this section for benefits the insurer has furnished to the injured person out of any recovery the injured person obtains from a claim or legal action if the insurer has not been a party under ORS 742.534 to an interinsurer reimbursement proceeding with respect to benefits the insurer furnished to the injured person and the insurer is entitled by the terms of the insurer’s policy to the benefit of this section. The insurer shall give written notice of an election under this subsection by personal service or by registered or certified mail within 30 days after receiving the notice or knowledge of the claim or legal action to the person who made the claim or brought the legal action and to the person against whom the injured person made a claim or brought legal action. In the case of a legal action, a return showing service of the notice of election must be filed with the clerk of the court but is not a part of the record except to give notice to the claimant and the defendant of the lien of the insurer.

      (3) If the insurer serves a written notice of the insurer’s election under subsection (2) of this section and, if applicable, files a return showing service:

      (a) Subject to ORS 742.544, an insurer has a lien, for not more than the amount of benefits the insurer furnished, against an injured person’s recovery in an action for damages, less a proportionate amount of not more than 100 percent of the expenses, costs and attorney fees the injured person incurred in connection with the recovery. The proportionate amount must be calculated as the ratio between the amount of the lien before a reduction under this paragraph and the amount of the recovery.

      (b) The injured person shall include the benefits the insurer furnished as damages in a claim or legal action.

      (c) In the case of a legal action, the action must be taken in the name of the injured person.

      (4) As used in this section, “makes a claim” means delivers a written demand for a specific amount of damages that meets requirements reasonably established by the director’s rule. [Formerly 743.828; 2019 c.460 §1]

 

      742.538 Subrogation rights of insurers to certain amounts received by injured person; recovery actions against persons causing injury. If a motor vehicle liability insurer has furnished personal injury protection benefits, or a health insurer has furnished benefits, to a person who was injured in a motor vehicle accident and the interinsurer reimbursement benefit of ORS 742.534 is not available under the terms of that section, the insurer has not elected recovery by lien as provided in ORS 742.536, and the insurer is entitled by the terms of the insurer’s policy to the benefit of this section:

      (1) Subject to ORS 742.544, the insurer is entitled to the proceeds of any settlement or judgment that results from the exercise of any rights of recovery the injured person has against any person legally responsible for the accident, to the extent of the benefits the insurer furnished less the insurer’s share of expenses, costs and attorney fees the injured person incurred in connection with the recovery.

      (2) The injured person shall hold in trust for the benefit of the insurer the amount to which the insurer is entitled under this section, which may not exceed the amount of benefits the insurer furnished.

      (3) The injured person shall do whatever is proper to secure, and may not prejudice, the rights an insurer has under this section.

      (4) If requested in writing by the insurer, the injured person shall take, in the injured person’s name and through any representative the insurer designates who is not in conflict in interest with the injured person, such action as is necessary or appropriate to recover the amounts to which the insurer is entitled under this section, including amounts for the injured person’s share of expenses, costs and attorney fees that the insurer incurred in connection with the recovery.

      (5) In calculating respective shares of expenses, costs and attorney fees under this section, the basis of allocation must be the respective proportions borne to the total recovery by:

      (a) Benefits the insurer furnished; and

      (b) The total recovery less the benefits the insurer furnished.

      (6) The injured person shall execute and deliver to the insurer instruments and papers as are appropriate to secure the rights and obligations of the insurer and the injured person as established by this section.

      (7) Any provisions in a motor vehicle liability insurance policy or health insurance policy giving rights to the insurer relating to subrogation or the subject matter of this section must be construed and applied in accordance with the provisions of this section. [Formerly 743.830; 2019 c.460 §2]

 

      742.540 Rules. The Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services shall have authority to issue such rules as are reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of ORS 742.518 to 742.542. [Formerly 743.833]

 

      742.542 Effect of personal injury protection benefits paid. Payment by a motor vehicle liability insurer of personal injury protection benefits for its own insured shall be applied in reduction of the amount of damages that the insured may be entitled to recover from the insurer under uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage for the same accident but may not be applied in reduction of the uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage policy limits. [Formerly 743.835; 1997 c.808 §10]

 

      742.544 Reimbursement for benefits paid. (1)(a) As used in this subsection, “total amount of the recovery” means the amount that a person injured in a motor vehicle accident recovers from:

      (A) Underinsured motorist benefits described in ORS 742.502 (2);

      (B) Liability insurance coverage the injured person receives from other parties involved in the motor vehicle accident;

      (C) Personal injury protection benefits or health insurance benefits; and

      (D) Any other payment by or on behalf of the party that caused the motor vehicle accident.

      (b) An insurer may not receive a reimbursement or subrogation for personal injury protection benefits or health benefits the insurer provided to a person injured in a motor vehicle accident from any recovery the injured person obtains in an action for damages except to the extent that:

      (A) The injured person first receives full compensation for the injured person’s injuries; and

      (B) The reimbursement or subrogation is paid only from the total amount of the recovery in excess of the amount that fully compensates for the injured person’s injuries.

      (2) For purposes of this section, the following rebuttable presumptions apply:

      (a) The amount of any judgment that an injured person obtains is the amount necessary to fully compensate for the injured person’s injuries.

      (b) An injured person has received full compensation for the injured person’s injuries if the amount of the recovery is less than the coverage available to the injured person from the sum of benefits paid under another person’s motor vehicle liability policy, under an underinsured motorist policy described in ORS 742.502 (2), as personal injury protection payments and from any other source of payment from or on behalf of the party whose fault caused the injuries.

      (c) An injured person has not received full compensation for the injured person’s injuries if the injured person recovers an amount that is equal to the coverage available to the injured person from the sum of benefits paid under another person’s motor vehicle liability policy, under an underinsured motorist policy described in ORS 742.502 (2), as personal injury protection payments and from any other source of payment from or on behalf of the party whose fault caused the injuries.

      (3) An insurer may not deny or refuse to provide benefits that are otherwise available to an injured person because of the potential the injured person has to make a claim or bring an action against another person or enter into a settlement with another person.

      (4) A person with whom an injured person enters into a settlement or from whom the injured person obtains a judgment in connection with a claim or action may not name an insurer that seeks a reimbursement or subrogation under ORS 742.536 or 742.538 as a payee on a check, draft or other form of payment in satisfaction of the claim or judgment.

      (5) An insurer may not delay, withhold or reduce benefits to an injured person because of an act or omission for which a third party is or may be liable or as a means of enforcing or attempting to enforce a claim for reimbursement or subrogation.

      (6) An insurer that receives a reimbursement for benefits the insurer provided to an injured person shall apply the amount of the reimbursement as a credit against any lifetime maximum benefit set forth for the injured person in the policy, benefit plan or contract under which the insurer paid the benefits.

      (7) A provision in a policy, benefit plan or contract that permits reimbursement or subrogation other than as provided in this section is void and unenforceable.

      (8) This section does not:

      (a) Prohibit insurers from coordinating benefits;

      (b) Limit an insurer’s right to seek reimbursement or subrogation to recover, without reduction, amounts the insurer paid for property damage;

      (c) Limit an insurer that provided coverage against underinsured motorists from pursuing a claim against a party at fault; or

      (d) Require a person to repay more than the amount of personal injury protection benefits that the person actually received. [1993 c.709 §9; 2015 c.5 §5; 2019 c.460 §4]

 

      742.546 Required disclosure in release for bodily injuries related to personal injury protection benefits. (1) When a motor vehicle liability insurer obtains a release for bodily injuries within 60 calendar days following an accident from a person who is eligible to receive personal injury protection benefits under ORS 742.518 to 742.542, the release must state that, subject to the motor vehicle liability insurer’s applicable limits of liability, the rights of an insurer furnishing personal injury protection to recover payments made for medical benefits from the motor vehicle liability insurer are not impaired.

      (2) Nothing in this section impairs the rights of a motor vehicle liability insurer to contest a recovery claim from an insurer furnishing personal injury protection, based upon liability or the reasonableness or necessity of medical benefits paid by the insurer furnishing personal injury protection. [2009 c.545 §2]

 

      Note: 742.546 and 742.548 were added to and made a part of the Insurance Code by legislative action but were not added to ORS chapter 742 or any series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      742.548 Required language in disclosure; conditions for rescission of release. If a representative of a motor vehicle liability insurer obtains a release for a claim of bodily injuries in person from a person who is eligible to receive personal injury protection benefits under ORS 742.518 to 742.542:

      (1) The representative of the insurer must provide the eligible person with a clear and conspicuous notice substantially similar to the following, which shall be incorporated into the insurer’s release or provided in a separate document:

______________________________________________________________________________

      THE DOCUMENT YOU ARE BEING ASKED TO SIGN IS A BINDING CONTRACT THAT CONCLUDES YOUR CLAIM(S) AGAINST THE PARTIES IT IDENTIFIES. AFTER YOU SIGN IT YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO MAKE ANY FURTHER CLAIM(S) AGAINST THESE PARTIES.

______________________________________________________________________________

      (2) The eligible person may rescind the release if the person provides the insurer written notice of rescission no later than five business days after the execution of the release and then promptly performs all other requisite acts for rescission of a contract. For the purposes of this subsection, notice of rescission is provided to an insurer on the date and time shown on a properly addressed proof of mailing or electronic transmission. [2009 c.545 §3]

 

      Note: See note under 742.546.

 

(Total Loss)

 

      742.554 Disclosures required by insurer to motor vehicle owner when insurer declares vehicle total loss. When an insurer declares a motor vehicle a total loss and offers to make a cash settlement to an insured or third-party owner of the motor vehicle, the insurer shall provide the insured or third-party owner:

      (1) Any valuation or appraisal reports relied upon by the insurer to determine value; and

      (2) A written statement in a form provided by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services that includes:

      (a) Information about total loss, vehicle valuation and the duties of the insurer; and

      (b) The manner in which and under what circumstances the insured may contact the Division of Financial Regulation of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. [2009 c.65 §2; 2017 c.17 §55]

 

      Note: 742.554 and 742.558 were added to and made a part of the Insurance Code by legislative action but were not added to ORS chapter 742 or any series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      742.558 Dispute resolution process for total loss vehicles. (1) An insurer shall pay the insured or third-party owner of a motor vehicle the amount of the motor vehicle’s value that is not in dispute if the insurer declares the motor vehicle a total loss and the insurer and the insured or third-party owner are unable to agree on the value of the motor vehicle. Acceptance of payment of the undisputed amount neither waives the rights of the insured or third-party owner under the policy nor prevents the insured or third-party owner from pursuing a claim for additional amounts. Payment of the undisputed amount by the insurer does not waive any rights of the insurer under the policy.

      (2) An insurer is not obligated to pay the undisputed amount under subsection (1) of this section until the insured or third-party owner of the motor vehicle:

      (a) Agrees to execute documents sufficient to transfer ownership of the motor vehicle to the insurer; and

      (b) Authorizes the insurer, at the insurer’s expense, to move the motor vehicle to a disclosed location selected by the insurer, where the motor vehicle will remain available for inspection and evaluation for not fewer than 14 calendar days.

      (3) After the expiration of the 14-day period under subsection (2) of this section, the insurer may proceed with the salvage sale of the motor vehicle. [2009 c.65 §3]

 

      Note: See note under 742.554.

 

(Cancellation)

 

      742.560 Definitions for ORS 742.560 to 742.572. As used in ORS 742.560 to 742.572:

      (1) “Cancellation” means termination of coverage by an insurer, other than termination at the request of the insured, during a policy period.

      (2) “Expiration” means termination of coverage by reason of the policy having reached the end of the term for which it was issued or the end of the period for which a premium has been paid.

      (3) “Nonpayment of premium” means failure of the named insured to discharge when due any of the insured’s obligations in connection with the payment of premiums on the policy, or any installment of such premium, whether the premium is payable directly to the insurer or an insurance producer who is its agent or indirectly under any premium finance plan or extension of credit.

      (4) “Nonrenewal” means a notice by an insurer to the named insured that the insurer is unwilling to renew a policy.

      (5) “Policy” means any insurance policy that provides automobile liability coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, automobile medical payments coverage or automobile physical damage coverage on individually owned private passenger vehicles, including pickup and panel trucks and station wagons, that are not used as a public or livery conveyance for passengers, nor rented to others. However, ORS 742.560 to 742.572 do not apply to any policy:

      (a) Issued under an automobile assigned risk plan;

      (b) Insuring more than four automobiles;

      (c) Covering garage, automobile sales agency, repair shop, service station or public parking place operation hazards; or

      (d) Issued principally to cover personal or premises liability of an insured even though such insurance may also provide some incidental coverage for liability arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of a motor vehicle on the premises of such insured or on the ways immediately adjoining such premises.

      (6) “Renewal” or “to renew” means to continue coverage for an additional policy period upon expiration of the current policy period of a policy. Any policy with a policy period or term of less than six months shall for the purpose of ORS 742.560 to 742.572 be considered as if written for a policy period or term of six months. Any policy written for a term longer than one year or any policy with no fixed expiration date shall for the purpose of ORS 742.560 to 742.572 be considered as if written for successive policy periods or terms of one year but not extending beyond the actual term for which the policy was written. [Formerly 743.900; 2003 c.364 §103; 2007 c.71 §239]

 

      742.562 Grounds for cancellation of policies; notice required; applicability. (1) A notice of cancellation of a policy shall be effective only if it is based on one or more of the following reasons:

      (a) Nonpayment of premium.

      (b) Fraud or material misrepresentation affecting the policy or in the presentation of a claim thereunder, or violation of any of the terms or conditions of the policy.

      (c) The named insured or any operator either resident in the same household or who customarily operates an automobile insured under the policy has had driving privileges suspended or revoked pursuant to law during the policy period, or, if the policy is a renewal, during its policy period or the 180 days immediately preceding its effective date. An insurer may not cancel a policy for the reason that the driving privileges of the named insured or operator were suspended pursuant to ORS 809.280 (6) or (8) if the suspension was based on a nondriving offense.

      (2) This section shall not apply to any policy or coverage which has been in effect less than 60 days at the time notice of cancellation is mailed or delivered by the insurer unless it is a renewal policy.

      (3) This section shall not apply to nonrenewal. [Formerly 743.905; 1991 c.860 §7a; 2011 c.355 §23]

 

      742.564 Manner of giving cancellation notice. (1) No notice of cancellation of a policy to which ORS 742.562 applies shall be effective unless mailed or delivered by the insurer to the named insured at least 30 days prior to the effective date of cancellation and accompanied by a statement of the reason or reasons for cancellation, provided, however, that where cancellation is for nonpayment of premium at least 10 days’ notice of cancellation accompanied by the reason therefor shall be given.

      (2) This section shall not apply to nonrenewal. [Formerly 743.910]

 

      742.566 Renewal of policies; replacement policy in lieu of renewal; requirements for refusal to renew. (1) An insurer shall offer renewal of a policy to an insured, contingent upon payment of premium as stated in the offer, unless the insurer mails or delivers to the named insured, at the address shown in the policy, at least 30 days’ advance notice of nonrenewal. The notice must contain or be accompanied by a statement of the reason or reasons for nonrenewal.

      (2)(a) If an insurer offers to an insured, in lieu of a renewal, a replacement policy from a different company that is part of a group of companies that is under the same ownership or control as the insurer, any new terms, rates and policy provisions in the replacement policy take effect on the renewal date if the insurer sends the insured and any insurance producer with whom the insured previously dealt notice at least 45 days before the renewal date. The notice must include the replacement policy or a description of any terms in the replacement policy that differ from the policy that the insurer will not renew.

      (b) An insured may cancel a replacement policy at any point before the replacement policy becomes effective.

      (c) Earned premium for any period of time in which a replacement policy was in effect before a cancellation must be calculated pro rata at the lower of the current rate or the previous year’s rate.

      (d) If an insured accedes to a replacement policy, any increase in premium or change in policy terms is effective on the day after the previous policy expires.

      (e) The notice required under this subsection applies only if the company that offers a replacement policy is different from the company that issued the policy that would otherwise be subject to renewal.

      (3) An insurer need not notify the named insured or any other insured of nonrenewal of the policy if the insurer has mailed or delivered a notice of expiration or cancellation on or prior to the 30th day preceding expiration of the policy period.

      (4) Notwithstanding an insurer’s failure to comply with this section, the policy terminates on the effective date of any replacement or succeeding automobile insurance policy, with respect to any automobile designated in both policies.

      (5) An insurer may not refuse to renew a policy for the reason that the driving privileges of the named insured or any operator either resident in the same household or who customarily operates an automobile insured under the policy were suspended pursuant to ORS 809.280 (6) or (8) if the suspension was based on a nondriving offense. [Formerly 743.916; 1991 c.860 §7b; 2011 c.355 §24; 2017 c.250 §1]

 

      742.568 Proof of cancellation, replacement or nonrenewal notice. Proof of mailing notice of cancellation, notice of replacement, notice of intention not to renew or notice of reasons for cancellation, to the named insured at the address shown in the policy, is sufficient proof of notice. [Formerly 743.920; 2017 c.250 §2]

 

      742.570 Notifying insured under canceled or unrenewed policy of eligibility for participation in insurance pool. When automobile bodily injury and property damage liability coverage is canceled, other than for nonpayment of premium, or in the event of failure to renew automobile bodily injury and property damage liability coverage to which ORS 742.566 applies, the insurer shall notify the named insured of possible eligibility for automobile liability insurance through any insurance pool or facility operating in this state, whether voluntarily or under statute or rule. Such notice shall accompany or be included in the notice of cancellation or the notice of intent not to renew. [Formerly 743.925]

 

      742.572 Immunity from liability of persons furnishing information regarding cancellation or nonrenewal of policies. There shall be no liability on the part of and no cause of action of any nature shall arise against the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services or against any insurer, its authorized representative, its agents, its employees, or any firm, person or corporation furnishing to the insurer information as to reasons for cancellation or nonrenewal, for any statement made by any of them in any written notice of cancellation or nonrenewal, or in any other communication, oral or written, specifying the reasons for cancellation or nonrenewal, or providing of information pertaining thereto, or for statements made or evidence submitted at any hearings conducted in connection therewith. [Formerly 743.930]

 

(Report by Insurer to Department of Transportation)

 

      742.580 Report of cancellation, nonrenewal or issuance of motor vehicle liability policy. Every insurer that issues motor vehicle insurance that is designed to meet either the financial or future responsibility requirements of ORS chapter 806 shall report to the Department of Transportation within 30 days of the day that a person or the insurer cancels or fails to renew such a policy and within 15 days of the day that an insurer issues such a policy. The insurer shall report the person’s name and residence address, the vehicle identification number of each vehicle covered by the policy, whether the policy was bought, canceled or not renewed and any other information required by the department by rule under ORS 806.195. [1993 c.746 §4]

 

(Personal Vehicle Sharing)

 

      742.585 Definitions for ORS 742.585 to 742.600. As used in ORS 742.585 to 742.600:

      (1) “Owner’s insurance policy” means a private passenger motor vehicle liability insurance policy that includes:

      (a) All coverage necessary to comply with the financial or future responsibility requirements of ORS chapter 806;

      (b) The personal injury protection coverage required under ORS 742.518 to 742.542;

      (c) The uninsured motorist coverage required under ORS 742.500 to 742.506; and

      (d) Any optional coverage selected by the owner.

      (2) “Personal vehicle sharing” means the use of a private passenger motor vehicle by persons other than the vehicle’s registered owner in connection with a personal vehicle sharing program.

      (3) “Personal vehicle sharing program” means a legal entity qualified to do business in this state engaged in the business of facilitating the sharing of private passenger motor vehicles for noncommercial use by individuals within this state.

      (4) “Private passenger motor vehicle” means a four-wheel passenger or station wagon type motor vehicle insured under a motor vehicle liability insurance policy covering a single individual or individuals residing in the same household as the named insured.

      (5) “Program insurance policy” means a motor vehicle liability insurance policy that is obtained by the personal vehicle sharing program and that:

      (a) Includes all coverage needed to comply with the financial or future responsibility requirements of ORS chapter 806;

      (b) Includes the personal injury protection coverage required under ORS 742.518 to 742.542;

      (c) Includes the uninsured motorist coverage required under ORS 742.500 to 742.506;

      (d) Includes comprehensive property damage coverage for the vehicle;

      (e) Includes collision property damage coverage for the vehicle; and

      (f) Does not include any other optional coverage selected by the owner of the vehicle and included in the owner’s insurance policy. [2011 c.457 §2]

 

      Note: 742.585 to 742.600 were added to and made a part of the Insurance Code by legislative action but were not added to ORS chapter 742 or any series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.

 

      742.590 Personal vehicle sharing program requirements. For each vehicle that the program facilitates the use of, a personal vehicle sharing program shall:

      (1) Provide a program insurance policy with coverage for the vehicle, the designated operator of the vehicle and all persons who, with the consent of the named insured, use the motor vehicle insured under the policy. The limits for any coverage included in the program insurance policy that is also included in the owner’s insurance policy must be equal to or greater than the coverage limits provided in the owner’s insurance policy, as reported to the program by the owner. However, the program may not provide liability coverage that is less than three times the limits specified in ORS 806.070.

      (2) Provide the vehicle’s registered owner with a proof of compliance with the insurance requirements of this section and the financial or future responsibility requirements of ORS chapter 806, a copy of which must be maintained in the vehicle by the vehicle’s registered owner at all times when the vehicle is operated by any person other than the vehicle’s registered owner pursuant to the program.

      (3) Collect, maintain and make available to the vehicle’s registered owner, the vehicle’s registered owner’s primary motor vehicle liability insurer and any government agency as required by law, at the cost of the program:

      (a) Verifiable electronic records that identify the date and time, initial and final locations of the vehicle and miles driven when the vehicle is under the control of a person other than the vehicle’s registered owner pursuant to the program; and

      (b) Any information concerning damages or injuries arising out of personal vehicle sharing pursuant to the program.

      (4) Not knowingly permit the vehicle to be operated as a commercial vehicle by a personal vehicle sharing user while engaged in personal vehicle sharing. For the purposes of this subsection, “commercial vehicle” has the meaning given that term in ORS 826.001.

      (5) Ensure that the vehicle is a private passenger motor vehicle.

      (6) Facilitate the installation, operation and maintenance of signage and computer hardware and software necessary for the vehicle to be used in the program.

      (7) Indemnify the vehicle’s registered owner for the cost of damage or theft of equipment installed under subsection (6) of this section and any damage caused to the vehicle by the installation, operation or maintenance of the equipment.

      (8) Provide the vehicle’s registered owner and any person operating the vehicle pursuant to the program with a disclosure that contains information explaining the requirements of this section. [2011 c.457 §3]

 

      Note: See note under 742.585.

 

      742.595 Assumption of liability; exceptions; indemnification; prohibition on policy cancellation. (1) Notwithstanding any provision in the owner’s insurance policy and notwithstanding ORS chapters 742, 806, 822 and 825 and ORS 30.010 to 30.100, 30.135, 30.480 and 30.485, in the event of any loss or injury that occurs at any time when the vehicle is under the operation and control of a person, other than the vehicle’s registered owner, pursuant to a personal vehicle sharing program, or is otherwise under the control of a personal vehicle sharing program, the program shall assume all liability of the vehicle owner and shall be considered the vehicle owner for all purposes.

      (2) Nothing in subsection (1) of this section:

      (a) Limits the liability of a personal vehicle sharing program for any acts or omissions by the program that result in injury to any persons as a result of the use or operation of the program; or

      (b) Limits the ability of the personal vehicle sharing program to, by contract, seek indemnification from the vehicle’s registered owner for any claims paid by the personal vehicle sharing program for any loss or injury resulting from fraud or material misrepresentation in the maintenance of the vehicle by the vehicle’s registered owner.

      (3) A personal vehicle sharing program continues to be liable under subsection (1) of this section until:

      (a) The vehicle is returned to a location designated by the program; and

      (b)(A) The expiration of the time period established for the vehicle occurs;

      (B) The intent to terminate the vehicle’s personal vehicle sharing use is verifiably communicated to the program; or

      (C) The vehicle’s registered owner takes possession and control of the vehicle.

      (4)(a) A personal vehicle sharing program shall assume liability for a claim in which a dispute exists as to who was in control of a private passenger motor vehicle when the loss giving rise to the claim occurred.

      (b) The insurer of the vehicle shall indemnify the program to the extent of the insurer’s obligation under the owner’s insurance policy, if it is determined that the vehicle’s registered owner was in control of the vehicle at the time of the loss.

      (5) If a private passenger motor vehicle’s registered owner is named as a defendant in a civil action for any loss or injury that occurs at any time when the vehicle is under the operation and control of a person, other than the vehicle’s registered owner, pursuant to a personal vehicle sharing program, or is otherwise under the control of a personal vehicle sharing program, the program shall have the duty to defend and indemnify the vehicle’s registered owner.

      (6) Notwithstanding any provision in the owner’s insurance policy, while the vehicle is under the operation and control of a person, other than the vehicle’s registered owner, pursuant to a personal vehicle sharing program, or is otherwise under the control of a personal vehicle sharing program:

      (a) The insurer of the vehicle on file with the Department of Transportation may exclude any and all coverage afforded under the insurer’s policy; and

      (b) A primary or excess insurer of the owners, operators or maintainers of the vehicle may notify an insured that the insurer has no duty to defend or indemnify any person or organization for liability for any loss that occurs during use of the vehicle pursuant to a personal vehicle sharing program.

      (7) An owner’s insurance policy for a private passenger motor vehicle may not be canceled, voided, terminated, rescinded or nonrenewed solely on the basis that the vehicle has been made available for personal vehicle sharing pursuant to a personal vehicle sharing program that is in compliance with the provisions of ORS 742.585 to 742.600. [2011 c.457 §4]

 

      Note: See note under 742.585.

 

      742.600 Limitation on insurance policy reclassification for personal vehicle sharing program vehicle. A private passenger motor vehicle insured by the vehicle’s registered owner under an owner’s insurance policy may not be classified as a commercial motor vehicle, for-hire motor vehicle, permissive use motor vehicle or livery solely because the vehicle’s registered owner allows the vehicle to be used for personal vehicle sharing if:

      (1) The personal vehicle sharing is conducted under a personal vehicle sharing program.

      (2) The annual revenue received by the vehicle’s registered owner that was generated by the personal vehicle sharing does not exceed the annual expenses of owning and operating the vehicle, including depreciation, interest, lease payments, motor vehicle loan payments, insurance, maintenance, parking, fuel, cleaning, automobile repair and costs associated with personal vehicle sharing, including but not limited to the installation, operation and maintenance of computer hardware and software, signage identifying the vehicle as a personal vehicle sharing vehicle and any fees charged by a personal vehicle sharing program. [2011 c.457 §5]

 

      Note: See note under 742.585.

 

CANCELLATION AND NONRENEWAL OF CASUALTY OR COMMERCIAL LIABILITY POLICIES

 

(Cancellation Based on Holding Public Office)

 

      742.690 Limitations on cancellation; refusal to issue or renew insurance. (1) An insurer offering casualty insurance or commercial liability insurance may not cancel or refuse to issue or renew a policy solely on the basis that the policyholder holds a public office.

      (2) An insurer offering casualty insurance or commercial liability insurance may not include a provision in the insurance contract limiting coverage under the contract solely on the basis that the policyholder holds a public office. [1997 c.778 §2]

 

(Commercial Liability Policies)

 

      742.700 Definitions for ORS 742.700 to 742.710. As used in ORS 742.700 to 742.710:

      (1) “Cancellation” means termination of a policy at a date other than its expiration date.

      (2) “Expiration date” means the date upon which coverage under a policy ends. For a policy written for a term longer than one year or with no fixed expiration date, “expiration date” means the annual anniversary date of the policy.

      (3) “Nonpayment of premium” means the failure or inability of the named insured to discharge any obligation in connection with the payment of premium on a policy of insurance subject to ORS 742.700 to 742.710, whether the payments are payable directly to the insurer or an insurance producer who is its agent or indirectly payable under a premium finance plan or extension of credit.

      (4) “Nonrenewal” means the refusal of an insurer to renew a policy at its expiration date.

      (5) “Renewal” or “renew” means the issuance of, or the offer to issue by an insurer, a policy succeeding a policy previously issued and delivered by the same insurer or the issuance of a certificate or notice extending the terms of an existing policy for a specified period beyond its expiration date. [Formerly 743.940; 2003 c.364 §104]

 

      742.702 Grounds for cancellation; notice. (1) Except as provided in ORS 742.710, a contract of commercial liability insurance may not be canceled by an insurer before the expiration of the policy, except on one or more of the following grounds:

      (a) Nonpayment of premium.

      (b) Fraud or material misrepresentation made by or with the knowledge of the named insured in obtaining the policy, continuing the policy or in presenting a claim under the policy.

      (c) Substantial increase in the risk of loss after insurance coverage has been issued or renewed, including but not limited to an increase in exposure due to rules, legislation or court decision.

      (d) Failure to comply with reasonable loss control recommendations.

      (e) Substantial breach of contractual duties, conditions or warranties.

      (f) Determination by the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services that the continuation of a line of insurance or class of business to which the policy belongs will jeopardize a company’s solvency or will place the insurer in violation of the insurance laws of Oregon or any other state.

      (g) Loss or decrease in reinsurance covering the risk.

      (h) Any other reason approved by the director by rule.

      (2) Cancellation of a commercial liability policy shall not be effective until at least 10 working days after the insured receives a written notice of cancellation. The notice shall state the effective date of and the reason for cancellation and shall inform the insured of the hearing rights established by ORS 742.704.

      (3) This section does not apply to policies canceled because of action by an insurer under ORS 731.482. [Formerly 743.942]

 

      742.704 Hearing. Within 30 days after receiving a notice of cancellation under ORS 742.702, an insured may request a hearing before the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. The purpose of this hearing shall be limited to establishing the existence of the proof or evidence given by the insurer in its notice of cancellation. The burden of proving the reason for cancellation shall be upon the insurer. [Formerly 743.944]

 

      742.706 Renewal; nonrenewal. (1) If an insurer offers or purports to renew a commercial liability policy, but on terms less favorable to the insured or at higher rates, the new terms or rates may take effect on the renewal date, if the insurer provides the insured, and the insurance producer if any, 45 days’ written notice. If the insurer does not provide such notice, the insured may cancel the renewal policy within 45 days after receipt of the notice or delivery of the renewal policy. Earned premium for the period of time the renewal policy was in force shall be calculated pro rata at the lower of the current or previous year’s rate. If the insured accepts the renewal, any premium increase or changes in terms shall be effective immediately following the prior policy’s expiration date.

      (2) Nonrenewal of a commercial liability policy shall not be effective until at least 45 days after the insured receives a written notice of nonrenewal. If, after an insurer provides a notice of nonrenewal as described in this subsection, the insurer extends the policy 90 days or less, an additional notice of nonrenewal is not required with respect to the extension.

      (3) Subsection (1) of this section does not apply:

      (a) If the change is a rate, form or plan filed with the Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services and applicable to the entire line of insurance or class of business to which the policy belongs; or

      (b) To a premium increase based on the altered nature or extent of the risk insured against.

      (4) If a commercial liability policy is issued for a term longer than one year, and for additional consideration a premium is guaranteed, the insurer may not refuse to renew the policy or increase the premium for the term of that policy. [Formerly 743.946; 2003 c.364 §105; 2005 c.102 §1]

 

      742.708 Proof of receipt of notice. A post office certificate of mailing to the named insured at the named insured’s last-known address shall constitute conclusive proof that the named insured received the notice of cancellation or nonrenewal on the third calendar day after the date of the certificate of mailing. [Formerly 743.948]

 

      742.710 Exemptions from provisions of ORS 742.700 to 742.708. (1) ORS 742.700 to 742.708 do not apply to:

      (a) Any commercial liability insurance policy that has not been previously renewed if the policy has been in effect less than 60 days at the time notice of cancellation is mailed or otherwise delivered.

      (b) Any policy subject to the provisions of ORS 742.560 to 742.572.

      (c) Workers’ compensation insurance.

      (d) Any assigned risk program.

      (e) Any excess liability insurance policy, including any commercial umbrella policy and any excess umbrella policy.

      (2) The Director of the Department of Consumer and Business Services may suspend, in whole or in part, the applicability of ORS 742.700 to 742.708 to any insurer if, in the director’s discretion, its application will endanger the ability of the insurer to fulfill its contractual obligations. [Formerly 743.950; 2005 c.185 §15]

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