Car insurance in Maine
Almost anywhere you go in the United States, you’re required by law to have car insurance if you own a vehicle. States that do have liability requirements have their own laws regarding the minimum amount of coverage. Generally, liability is required, while comprehensive and collision are optional. Liability means the insured is covered up to a certain amount if he or she is responsible for damage to someone else. Collision insurance covers the insured whether they are at fault or not, and pays for the damage to their own vehicles. Comprehensive insurance covers the insured for their vehicles that suffer damage resulting from something other than a wreck or collision.
Maine requirements
The minimum requirements for car insurance in Maine include: a bodily injury liability limit of $50,000 per injured person up to $100,000 per accident, and property damage liability coverage with a minimum limit of $25,000. State law in Maine also mandates a $50,000 coverage per person up to $100,000 per accident for bodily injured caused be an uninsured or underinsured driver. If you had this coverage – the absolute minimum coverage required – you would have a 50/100/25 coverage with 50/100 uninsured motorists (UM) limits. The first number stands for the maximum amount of bodily injury coverage for a single person, the second number represents the maximum coverage for all injuries per accident, and the final number for the maximum coverage for any property damage caused in the accident. These requirements are quite a difference from Maine’s neighbor New Hampshire, which doesn’t require car insurance at all. However, New Hampshire strongly advises its residents to have at least liability coverage, and most owners do.
Maine compared with other states
Car insurance in Maine liability limits are actually quite a bit higher than other states, such as South Carolina, which has a 25/50/25 coverage with 25/50 UM limits; Washington State, which has a 25/50/10 coverage; and Florida, which doesn’t require personal injury protection and only mandates a minimum limit of $10,000. Also in Maine, you must also have coverage for at least $1,000 for medical payments. In the Pine Tree State, the person who is legally found to be at fault and the person’s insurance company is responsible for covering the cost of the damages. This is different from “no fault” states, which require an insurance company to pay for your loss, regardless of who caused the wreck.
Laws and premiums
In 2009, the average insurance premium for Maine motorists was $1,493, a good 17 percent lower than the U.S. average premium of $1,796. But the Maine premiums did witness a 12 percent spike from 2008. Please keep in mind that the rate can be different for each individual: factors such as your driving record, age, type of vehicle and even vehicle color can affect your insurance rate. But also, state laws can affect the auto insurance rates. Tougher standards can mean better rates, but not necessarily. In Maine, the urban and highway speed limit is 65 miles per hour, the blood alcohol limit is 0.08 percent, and open container is against the law for drivers or passengers. Some providers that are available for car insurance in Maine include Geico, USAA, AAA, Progressive, and Travelers. If you’re moving to Maine, make sure to call several insurance providers to try to get the best rate possible. Talk with your salesman, and try to get to know him or her somewhat in order to establish a trustworthy relationship. A good quote without follow through can be tough on your wallet and on your nerves.
Conclusion
Car insurance in Maine requires a minimum coverage of 50/100/25 coverage with 50/100 uninsured motorists (UM) limits, which is higher than several other states. But its premiums are almost 20 percent lower than the nation’s averages. Ultimately, however, most of the factors determining the cost of your premium depend on you, through your driving record, type of vehicle and choice of coverage. Enter your zip code at the top of the page to receive your free comparison insurance quote for the specific area you live in.