Minimum Coverage Requirements in Maine
Maine requires minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25: $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Drivers convicted of DUI, those with license suspensions for serious violations, or those involved in uninsured accidents typically must file SR-22 proof of financial responsibility with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles for 3 years. Medical payments coverage of $2,000 is also mandatory unless you waive it in writing. These minimums may be insufficient if you cause a serious accident—excess liability beyond state minimums protects assets from lawsuits.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Maine?
Maine high-risk premiums depend on violation type, time since the incident, and whether you require SR-22 filing. A DUI increases rates by 80%–150% on average, while a single at-fault accident raises premiums 40%–70%. Drivers with SR-22 requirements typically pay $200–$400/mo for minimum coverage from non-standard carriers, compared to $80–$140/mo for clean-record drivers with standard insurers.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type and severity—DUI convictions increase rates 80%–150%, while at-fault accidents raise premiums 40%–70%
- Time since incident—rates decrease 10%–25% per year as violations age off your record, typically within 3–5 years
- SR-22 filing requirement—adds $15–$35 filing cost plus 20%–50% surcharge from non-standard carriers
- Zip code and location—Portland and Bangor see higher rates due to traffic density and accident frequency; rural counties often see lower premiums
- Credit-based insurance score—Maine allows insurers to use credit history; poor credit can add 30%–80% to your premium even after a violation
- Vehicle type and value—comprehensive and collision premiums scale with vehicle replacement cost; older vehicles under $3,000 value often justify liability-only coverage to reduce monthly cost
See how much your violation actually affects your rates
Not every carrier surcharges the same way. Compare quotes from carriers that rate violations differently.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Liability coverage paired with an SR-22 certificate filed with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The filing proves you carry continuous coverage—lapses trigger immediate license suspension and restart your 3-year requirement.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Coverage from insurers specializing in high-risk drivers—those with DUIs, suspensions, SR-22 requirements, or multiple violations. Non-standard carriers accept profiles that standard insurers decline or non-renew.
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Maine requires 50/100/25, but high-risk drivers with assets should raise limits to 100/300/50 or higher—one serious accident can trigger lawsuits exceeding minimums.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Collision pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an at-fault crash; comprehensive covers theft, vandalism, weather, and animal strikes.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage when an uninsured or underinsured driver hits you. Approximately 11% of Maine drivers carry no insurance—UM/UIM ensures you're not left covering those costs yourself.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an at-fault crash, minus your deductible. Required by lenders if you finance or lease; optional if you own your car outright.