Maine Auto Insurance
As a licensed driver in the state of Maine, you are required to have car insurance on any registered vehicle which meets certain minimum requirements. The current minimum auto insurance requirements in Maine (2010) require all drivers to carry at least:
- $50,000 in liability coverage for accidents in which a single person is injured
- $100,000 in liability coverage for accidents in which more than one person is injured
- $25,000 in property damage insurance
- $50,000 of uninsured motorist coverage
- $100,000 in underinsured motorist bodily injury
- and at least $2,000 in medical payments for injuries sustained in an accident
All licensed auto insurance companies are required by law to only offer policies that meet these minimum requirements. However, in order to be truly protected, you should opt for some kind of full coverage car insurance policy consisting of liability, collision and comprehensive coverage.
How much does car insurance cost in Maine?
Fortunately for Maine drivers, the average car insurance rates paid by drivers tend to be relatively low. Drivers typically pay around $792 for car insurance each year, a far cry from the national average of $1,440. This does not mean, however, that drivers should not put a lot of effort into finding a good and fair provider. There are many auto insurance companies who charge well above the state average. Understanding the average cost of car insurance in Maine however, will help you distinguish between providers who offers fair premium amounts and ones who just want you to pay for the roof in order to turn a profit. Do keep in mind, though, that if you have a very poor driving history or are considered a high risk driver then you will most likely always end up much higher car insurance rates no matter what auto insurance company you choose.
Maine Proof of Insurance Laws
An interesting fact about Maine that sets it apart from most other states is that there is no statewide reporting system in place. This means that when you obtain car insurance, it is up to you to carry proof of insurance with you at all times. Even if you have car insurance and are caught driving without proof of insurance, you can be subject to unfair fines and fees. You can obtain proof of car insurance by providing an insurance card, your actual car insurance policy, or certain other items as determined by the county in which you live. Generally, however, any item you can produce that shows the amount of coverage you have, the type of coverage you have, the policy number issued to you by your provider, your policy effective date and policy expiration date, your vehicle VIN number, your name, and the make, model, and year of your car will gain you proof of insurance. To avoid trouble, you’ll want to obtain this as soon as possible after you insure your vehicle and definitely before you begin driving your car.
Stolen Vehicles in Maine
Maine has a very high rate of auto theft so in addition to the many reasons why you should always consider a full coverage car insurance policy (instead of just the state minimum requirements ) it’s important to know the risk of auto theft and have insurance coverage in place. If you live and/or regularly park in a dangerous area prone to car theft or if you drive a very expensive vehicle, your auto insurance can end up costing you more. The most commonly stolen vehicles in the state include the Chevrolet Full Size C/k 1500 Pickup, the Ford F-150 Series, the Jeep Cherokee, the Grand Cherokee, the GMC Sierra, the Pontiac Grand Am, the Pontiac Grand Prix, the Ford Taurus, the Ford Explorer, the Dodge Ram Pickup, and the GMC Full Size C/k 1500 Pickup. If you own one of these cars or any sport or luxury vehicle, then you can expect auto insurance companies to try and charge you a higher rate for car insurance.
Even with the high risk of auto theft in Maine there are things drivers can do to offset some of the higher premiums. Some car insurance companies will offer a discount if you can show that you park your car in a locked garage or in any area where it is more protected. Vehicle factory installed anti-theft features, such as car alarms, coded entries and steering wheel locks can generally also provide a discount to your auto insurance premiums.
Who has the best car insurance rates in Maine?
This will depend on your profile. Every auto insurance companies defines risk differently so while GEICO may provide you the best car insurance rates your spouse may benefit more from a policy with Progressive. The trick to finding the best auto insurance rates in Maine is to shop around and compare car insurance companies. Get started with your Maine auto insurance comparisons search today – Enter your Maine ZIP code above and compare auto insurance quotes free from local providers to fine the best car insurance policy for you.
