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Key Takeaways

  • The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) regulates all insurance activities under ORS 731-746
  • The Insurance Commissioner is appointed by the Governor to oversee licensing, rate review, and market conduct
  • Oregon uses a file-and-use system for most P&C insurance rates
  • The Oregon Life and Health Insurance Guaranty Association protects policyholders if insurers become insolvent
  • Oregon requires fingerprinting and background checks for all license applicants
Last updated: January 2026

Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR)

The Oregon Division of Financial Regulation (DFR) is the state agency responsible for regulating the Property & Casualty insurance industry in Oregon.

The Insurance Commissioner

The Oregon Insurance Commissioner is:

  • Appointed by the Governor (not elected)
  • Responsible for enforcing ORS 731-746 (Oregon Insurance Code)
  • Authorized to adopt regulations, review rates, investigate violations, and discipline licensees
  • Part of the Department of Consumer and Business Services (DCBS)

Commissioner Powers

PowerDescription
LicensingIssue, suspend, and revoke producer licenses
Rate ReviewReview filed rates under file-and-use system
Market ConductExamine insurer business practices
EnforcementInvestigate and prosecute violations
Consumer ProtectionHandle complaints and protect policyholders
RulemakingAdopt Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR)

Rate Regulation System

Oregon uses a file-and-use system for most P&C insurance rates:

File-and-Use Characteristics

  • Immediate Use: Insurers may use rates immediately upon filing with DFR
  • Commissioner Review: DFR reviews rates after implementation
  • Disapproval Authority: Commissioner can disapprove rates found to be inadequate, excessive, or unfairly discriminatory
  • No Prior Approval: Unlike some states, rates don't require approval before use

Rate Standards

Oregon law requires that P&C insurance rates must be:

  1. Adequate - Not so low as to threaten solvency
  2. Not Excessive - Not so high as to lead to unreasonable profits
  3. Not Unfairly Discriminatory - Similar risks charged similar rates

Exam Tip: Oregon's file-and-use system allows immediate rate implementation, unlike prior approval states.

Test Your Knowledge

How is the Oregon Insurance Commissioner selected?

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Test Your Knowledge

What rate filing system does Oregon use for most P&C insurance rates?

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1.2 Oregon Producer Licensing Requirements

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