Maine Auto Insurance Requirements
Maine has very tough auto insurance laws for both private and commercial vehicle owners. Minimum auto insurance coverage requirements in Maine are mandated by state law and the Maine Bureau of Insurance. The following minimum coverage is required on every registered vehicle, except as noted below:
(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, with reinstatement fees and license points. Subsequent offenses are subject to higher fines, reinstatement fees, and jail time.
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:
• Maine is not a “no-fault” state, and does not require PIP insurance
• Vehicle repair costs are generally less expensive in Maine than elsewhere
• Overall accident fatality rates are lower than national averages
• A lower percentage of uninsured drivers compared to national averages
• Low instances of auto insurance fraud
• Vehicle theft rates below national averages
The average auto insurance premium for residents in Maine is $1,126 in 2011; the national average is $1,790.
Tips for Obtaining Cheap Car Insurance in Maine
• If you’re over 55, take a state-approved defensive driving course for a policy discount
• Several insurance companies offer “pay as you drive” car insurance for low mileage drivers in Maine
• Maintain a good driving record
• Bind multiple policies (homeowners, life, auto) with the same provider
• Maintain a 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
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:
(Source: Auto Thiefs)
• 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.
(Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
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