The Complete Guide to Maine Car Insurance
Lemonade is on the way to the Pine Tree State and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things ME car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.
How much does car insurance cost in Maine?
Car insurance in Maine averages $129/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Here’s what drivers pay in major cities:
| City | Average cost of car insurance |
|---|---|
| Portland | $133 |
| Lewiston | $143 |
| Bangor | $134 |
| South Portland | $130 |
| Auburn | $141 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Why is car insurance so low in Maine?
Maine drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs
Uninsured drivers
4.9% of drivers in Maine are uninsured vs. 13% nationally, lowering costs for everyone else.
Car theft
FBI data shows there were 1,134 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in ME, up 2% from the previous year.
Natural disasters
ME has a very low FEMA disaster rating of 18, lowering comprehensive coverage costs, though winter weather and inland flooding are still threats.
What car insurance do I need in Maine?
All Maine drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive.
Here’s what the state requires:
| Required minimum coverages for Maine drivers | Minimum amount required | What’s covered | What’s not covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $50,000 (per person) $100,000 (per accident) | Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs when you hurt someone else in an accident | Your own injuries, damage to your car, amounts above your policy limits |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 | Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property | Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits |
| Medical Expenses (Med-Pay) | $2,000 | Medical and funeral costs for you and passengers after an accident, regardless of fault | Lost wages, household services, car damage, limited to medical costs only |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury | $50,000 (per person) / $100,000 (per accident) | Your injuries caused by drivers with no insurance OR not enough insurance | Car damage, amounts above your limits |
What additional car insurance coverages are offered in Maine?
Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide
extra protection for Maine drivers
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.
Read moreComprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.
Read moreRental car reimbursement
Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer
Read moreWhat does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in Maine?
Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Injuries to other people
- Damage to property
- Damage from a collision
- Fender benders
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Windshield damage
Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from logging road adventures
What happens if I drive without insurance in Maine?
Maine takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.
Fines
$100-$500 for basic violations, $2,000 if you fail to surrender registration and license after suspension.
Suspension
License suspended until you provide valid proof of insurance.
Jail time
Regular violations won’t land you in jail. Fail to surrender documents after suspension? Up to six months.
What do you need to get a car insurance quote in Maine?
You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:
Your Details
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number (for credit check)
Your Car
- VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
- Current registration or title
Your History
- Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
- Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)
Your Preferences
- How much coverage you want
- Deductible amount you're comfortable with
- Monthly budget range
How does car insurance work in Maine?
Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.
Pick your protection
Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Make payments
Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.
When S%!t happens
File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.
Maine car insurance FAQs
Is Maine a no-fault state?
No, Maine isn’t a no-fault state. Maine operates under at-fault auto insurance. If you’re injured in an accident, you can seek compensation from the responsible party. Maine doesn’t require PIP insurance.
Do I need insurance to register a car in Maine?
Yes, insurance is required to register a car in Maine. You must carry minimum liability coverage. Proof of insurance is required at registration and renewal, and coverage must be maintained while your vehicle is registered.
What are the top risks for driving in Maine?
Maine drivers must constantly watch for wildlife, particularly deer and moose that can cause catastrophic damage. Rural roads lack adequate lighting for safe nighttime travel, while severe winter conditions with snow and ice persist for months. The state’s vast distances between populated areas mean emergency response times can be lengthy.
How long do I have to report an accident in Maine?
In Maine, accidents involving injury, death, or property damage of $1,000 or more must be reported to police immediately. If no officer investigates the crash, you must file a written report within 15 days. The report is submitted to the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. Insurance notice should be prompt.
What are the top safety tips for driving in Maine?
In Maine, deer and moose are everywhere on rural roads, so stay alert. Winter driving means slowing down and leaving more space between cars. Those poorly lit back roads at night can be scary. Pack emergency supplies for long trips.
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026
Continue Reading
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in 2026?
Let’s dig into the factors that impact car insurance rates.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Car Dent?
From $50 dings to $3,000 disasters, here’s what dent repair costs and how to pay less.
How Much Does Brake Pad Replacement Cost?
Brake pad costs, warning signs, and when insurance helps.
How Much Does Car AC Repair Cost?
AC repair costs, warning signs, and insurance coverage explained.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Tire?
What you can expect to pay to repair or replace your damaged tire at the repair shop.
How Much Does a Water Pump Replacement Cost?
Costs, coverage, and what you need to know.