What Maine requires you to carry
Maine requires every driver to carry liability insurance — the coverage that pays for damage or injury you cause to someone else. The state's minimum limits are 30/60/25, which means $30,000 per person injured, $60,000 total per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. You must show proof of insurance when you register your vehicle and carry it with you while driving.
You do not have to carry collision or comprehensive coverage — the types that pay for damage to your own car — but your lender will require them if you have a loan or lease. Maine also allows you to carry a higher deductible ($500, $750, or $1,000) to lower your monthly premium, though this means you pay more out of pocket if you have an accident.
If you drive without insurance, Maine suspends your license and registration when ready. The state also assesses a $275 reinstatement fee once you obtain coverage again. Repeat violations carry higher fines and longer suspensions.
Key Takeaways
- Maine's minimum liability coverage is 30/60/25 — $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage — and you must carry proof in your vehicle.
- Collision and comprehensive coverage are optional unless you have a loan or lease, but they protect your own vehicle from accidents, theft, and weather.
- Your rate depends on your driving record, age, vehicle type, and the deductible you choose, and rates vary significantly between insurers.
- Maine allows you to shop for quotes from multiple insurers before buying, and you can switch companies at any time without penalty.
- If you cannot afford standard insurance, Maine's FAIR Plan provides basic liability coverage at a set rate, though it is more expensive than regular policies.
How Maine calculates your rate
Your premium depends on several factors that insurers weight differently. Your driving record — accidents, tickets, and violations — is the largest factor for most drivers. A single at-fault accident can raise your rate by 20 to 40 percent for three to five years. Speeding tickets and moving violations typically add 10 to 25 percent, depending on the violation and your insurer.
Your age and gender also matter. Drivers under 25 and over 70 pay higher rates because they have more accidents statistically. Young drivers can lower their rate by completing a defensive driving course, which some insurers discount by 5 to 10 percent. Married drivers and those with good credit scores often receive discounts as well.
The vehicle itself affects your rate. Expensive cars, sports cars, and vehicles with poor safety ratings cost more to insure. A Honda Civic and a Dodge Charger will have different premiums even if the drivers are identical. Your deductible choice also changes the price — a $1,000 deductible will be cheaper monthly than a $250 deductible, but you pay more if you file a claim.
Where you live in Maine matters too. Urban areas like Portland have higher rates than rural areas because there are more accidents and theft claims. Insurers also consider how far you drive to work and whether you park in a garage or on the street.
Comparing quotes and choosing a company
Maine does not require you to buy from any specific insurer. You can contact companies directly, use online quote tools, or work with an independent agent who represents multiple insurers. Getting quotes from at least three companies takes 15 to 30 minutes and can save you hundreds of dollars per year.
When you request a quote, have your driver's license, vehicle registration, and driving history ready. You will need to provide your vehicle identification number (VIN), which is on your registration or dashboard. Be honest about accidents and violations — insurers will check your record anyway, and lying on an process can void your coverage later.
Compare the same coverage limits across quotes so you are looking at the same thing. A quote for 30/60/25 liability with a $500 deductible should be compared only to other 30/60/25 quotes with the same deductible. Once you choose a company, you can usually buy coverage online, by phone, or through an agent. Coverage typically starts the same day you pay.
You can switch insurers at any time without penalty. Some people shop every year or two because rates change and new discounts become available. If you are switching mid-policy, your old insurer will refund any unused premium on a pro-rata basis.
What happens if you have an accident
If you are in an accident, call the police if anyone is injured or if there is significant damage. Get the other driver's name, phone number, address, license plate, and insurance information. Take photos of the damage, the accident scene, and the other vehicle if it is safe to do so. Do not admit fault or apologize for the accident — let the insurance company investigate.
Report the accident to your insurer within a few days. You can do this online, by phone, or through your agent. Have your policy number and the other driver's information ready. Your insurer will assign a claims adjuster who will contact you to schedule an inspection of your vehicle.
The adjuster will estimate the cost of repairs and decide whether to repair your car or declare it a total loss. If your vehicle is repairable, your insurer will either pay the repair shop directly or reimburse you after you pay. You are responsible for your deductible — if repairs cost $3,000 and your deductible is $500, you pay $500 and your insurer pays $2,500.
If the other driver is at fault and their insurer agrees, their liability coverage pays for your repairs and you may not owe a deductible. If liability is disputed or the other driver is uninsured, your own collision coverage pays (minus your deductible) and your insurer may pursue the other driver for reimbursement later.
Maine's FAIR Plan for drivers who cannot find coverage
If you have been denied coverage by multiple insurers because of your driving record or claims history, you can obtain coverage through Maine's FAIR Plan (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements). The FAIR Plan is a state program that requires insurers to share the risk of high-risk drivers. It provides liability coverage at a set rate, though premiums are typically 40 to 60 percent higher than standard policies.
To enter the FAIR Plan, you must first be denied coverage by at least one insurer in writing. You then contact the FAIR Plan directly or ask an agent to submit your process. The process takes one to two weeks. FAIR Plan coverage is not permanent — you can move back to a standard insurer once your driving record improves, usually after three to five years without accidents or violations.
The FAIR Plan covers only liability, not collision or comprehensive. If you need full coverage, you will have to buy collision and comprehensive separately from a standard insurer, which may still be willing to write those coverages even if they will not write liability.
Discounts and ways to lower your premium
Most Maine insurers offer discounts for bundling auto insurance with home or renters insurance — typically 10 to 25 percent off. Discounts for good driving records, defensive driving courses, and good grades (for drivers under 25) are common. Some insurers offer usage-based discounts if you install an app that monitors your driving habits and rewards safe driving with lower rates.
Paying your premium in full rather than monthly often saves 5 to 10 percent. Setting up automatic payments sometimes qualifies you for a small discount as well. Ask your insurer what discounts you currently have and what you might be missing — many people do not know they are may have access to to a discount until they ask.
Raising your deductible is the fastest way to lower your monthly payment. Moving from a $250 deductible to a $1,000 deductible can cut your collision and comprehensive premiums in half. This makes sense only if you have savings to cover the higher deductible if you have an accident.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage
Maine does not require uninsured motorist (UM) or underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage, but both are worth understanding. Uninsured motorist coverage pays for your injuries if you are hit by a driver with no insurance. Underinsured motorist coverage pays the difference if the other driver's liability limits are too low to cover your injuries.
If you are hit by an uninsured driver and you do not have UM coverage, you can sue the other driver personally, but most uninsured drivers have no assets to collect from. UM and UIM coverage are inexpensive — usually $5 to $15 per month — and protect you in a situation where you did nothing wrong.
Your UM and UIM limits should be at least as high as your liability limits. If your liability is 30/60/25, your UM and UIM should be 30/60 as well. This ensures you have the same protection whether you cause an accident or someone else does.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if I get pulled over and do not have proof of insurance?
Maine law requires you to show proof of insurance — your policy card or a digital copy on your phone. If you cannot show proof, you will be cited. You can usually dismiss the citation by showing proof later at the police station or in court. If you were actually uninsured, you face a fine and license suspension.
Can I get a discount for paying my premium upfront for the whole year?
Most insurers offer a small discount — usually 5 to 10 percent — for paying the full annual premium at once rather than monthly. Ask your insurer what discount they offer. Some also discount for automatic monthly payments, so compare both options.
What happens to my rate if I have an accident that was not my fault?
In Maine, an accident that is not your fault usually does not raise your rate, though this depends on your insurer's policy. Some insurers offer accident forgiveness, which means your first accident does not increase your premium at all. Ask your insurer whether they explore accidents to your rate and whether accident forgiveness is available.
Do I need to tell my insurer if I move to a different town in Maine?
Yes, you should notify your insurer of any address change because your location affects your rate. Moving from Portland to a rural area may lower your premium, while moving to a more urban area may raise it. The change usually takes effect on your next renewal date.
Can I cancel my insurance policy whenever I want?
Yes, you can cancel at any time, but you must have another policy in place first or your license will be suspended. If you cancel mid-policy, your insurer will refund any unused premium. Some insurers charge a small cancellation fee, so check your policy before you cancel.