Searching for Maine auto insurance rates? We can help. Although Maine is a relatively small US market the state still has a very competitive car insurance industry. Before choosing a ME car insurance company you should always learn about state requirements, car insurance discounts available and the types of coverage available. Only once you have become familiar with car insurance coverage is it time to start auto insurance comparison.
ME – Maine Auto Insurance Requirements
Maine has state minimum car insurance requirements for every driver and requires liability insurance for any vehicle registered in the state. Maine’s minimum requirements are higher than most states with levels of coverage much more reasonable considering the potential expenses of being involved in a car accident. Any driver should always look to expand coverage beyond these minimums. If you own a vehicle registered in Maine you are required by law to obtain:
- $50,000 liability coverage per person for injury
- $100,000 liability coverage per accident for injury
- $25,000 for property damage liability
- $50,000/$100,000 Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury
- $2,000 Medical Payments
Medical Payments (MP) coverage is very rarely required by states however it does provide a small security for drivers. In Maine the medical payments car insurance coverage required by law helps pay for medical and/or funeral expenses for the policy holder and/or victims injured while using your vehicle. (The state actually has a pretty easy to read brochure here)
Who Pays for a Car Accident in Maine?
No fault car insurance does not exist in Maine and the state currently operates under the Tort system. This means once liability is established the party at fault (and their insurance company) is responsible for all damages relating to the car accident. The at-fault driver can also be sued in civil court for loss of wages, injuries and a wide number of other things. This is one of the key reasons why Maine state requirements are higher.
Maine Proof of Insurance
Unlike many states Maine does not have a state reporting system for car insurance coverage so its up to vehicle owners to notify the state when insurance coverage is obtained for any Maine registered vehicle. Providing proof of car insurance is fairly easy but may vary depending on what county you reside. Normal items which usually work as valid proof of insurance are a current insurance card, the declaration page of your car insurance policy or similar items. The key information which needs to be listed in order to prove a vehicle is insured is:
- The amount of policy coverage obtained
- The type of coverage purchased
- Your unique policy number with the car insurance company
- Policy effective date (and expiration)
- Vehicle VIN number
- The Name of the Insured
- Make, Model and Year of the Car
Driving with No Car Insurance – What are the Penalties?
Driving without car insurance is against state law and if you are ticketed you may be subject to heavy fines or even possibly jail time depending on the circumstances behind your citation. Once cited you will have sufficient time to provide proof of coverage or to obtain coverage which meets minimum state requirements.
Maine also requires any driver citied for driving with no car insurance also file a SR-22 form with the state to show financial responsibility. Failure to satisfy these requirement could possibly results in suspension of your drivers license and/or vehicle registration.
How to find a Maine Car Insurance Company
ME car insurance is available through many providers however you always need to compare care insurance companies to get the best rates. Enter you zip code to Get Maine auto insurance rates today
