Car Insurance in Maine

Posted & filed under States.

Maine QuarterMaine Auto Insurance Requirements
Reviewed by Dr. Christine Berry

Maine requires auto insurance for all personal vehicles registered in the state. Minimum auto insurance coverage is mandated by state law and the Maine Bureau of Insurance. The following minimum coverage is required on every registered vehicle:

Minimum required coverage amounts for car insurance in Maine
(Source: Maine Bureau of Insurance)

Driving without the mandatory liability insurance in Maine can result in a $500 fine and 30 day suspension of driving privileges, including suspension of the individual’s license, vehicle registration and right to apply for a registration. The suspension will continue until the driver provides evidence of insurance to the Maine Secretary of State’s Office.

The Maine Automobile Insurance Plan is available to drivers who are unable to obtain required coverage through the voluntary market. More information is available on the AIPSO website.

Factors Influencing Car Insurance Premiums in Maine

Getting a quote for cheap car insurance in Maine requires some research and rate comparisons between different insurance companies, even though Maine ranks as one of the least expensive states for car insurance costs. Some factors that positively impact insurance rates in Maine include:

– Overall accident fatality rates are lower than national averages
– A lower percentage of uninsured drivers compared to national averages
– Vehicle theft rates below national averages

The average auto insurance premium for residents in Maine is only $598, making Maine one of the ten cheapest states for auto insurance.

Tips for Obtaining Cheap Car Insurance in Maine

– If you’re over 55, take a state-approved defensive driving course for a policy discount; the discount is mandated by state law
– Ask about discounts for anti-theft devices
– Ask about surcharges and fees before you buy a policy; some companies have surcharges or fees for certain things such as paying by installment, while others do not
– Some insurance companies offer “pay as you drive” car insurance for low mileage drivers in Maine
– Maintain a good driving record
– Ask about discounts for college graduates and good students
– Bind multiple policies (homeowners, life, auto) with the same provider
– Maintain good credit score
– Create a personal “emergency fund” of up to $1500 and increase deductibles accordingly
– Discuss affinity discounts with your insurance provider
– Drop comprehensive and collision insurance on older vehicles that are paid off and are worth less than $1,000

Maine Statistics

Auto Theft: Maine has one of the lowest vehicle theft rates in the country, and it has been consistently decreasing (as is the case in most states) over the past 10 years. This can be attributed primarily to anti-theft devices being standard on recent model cars, as well as public awareness of the issue:

Graph showing number of stolen cars in Maine, 1990 to 2010

(Source: Maine Department of Public Safety)

Automobile Accidents: The total vehicle miles traveled in Maine has remained fairly constant in recent years, as have accident fatality rates. Maine is below the national average in numbers of deaths in car crashes.

Auto Fatality - Number of Deaths from Car Accidents in Maine, 2006 to 2010

(Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)

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