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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

Credentials
  • 4+ years in the Insurance Industry

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

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Kristine Lee

Insurance Analyst

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty
  • 4+ years of Experience in the Insurance Industry

Kristine is a licensed insurance agent who joined The Zebra in 2019 as an in-house content researcher and writer. Before joining The Zebra, she was a…

Here's what you need to know when driving in Maine

The average cost of car insurance in Maine is $1,034 per year — 32% less than the national average. Your car insurance premiums are impacted by more than just where you live. Underwriters generate auto insurance rates based on a number of factors, including age, driving history, marital status and credit score. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Maine car insurance rates for each of the most common rating factors to help you find a policy that fits your needs.

Read on to discover how much auto insurance costs in Maine, or submit your ZIP code above to receive car insurance quotes personalized to your driving profile.

The best car insurance companies in Maine

Based on data from J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Satisfaction Study and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, we have compiled a list of the best car insurance companies in Maine.

1st place medal
USAA

Along with topping The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, USAA received a score of 887 (out of 1,000) in the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the state of Maine.

2nd place medal
Amica Mutual

Amica, a regional carrier, scored an 867 on J.D. Power's 2021 auto study.

medal
State Farm

State Farm rounds out the top three with a score of 855 in J.D. Power's 2021 survey, and a 4.3 stars out of 5 in The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey. 

Key takeaways
  • Maine drivers pay about 32% less for car insurance on average
  • The cheapest major car insurance company is USAA

The cheapest car insurance companies in Maine

Check out Maine's cheapest carriers in a variety of scenarios.

logo
Cheapest full coverage insurance: USAA

The cheapest rates are from USAA on average.

medal for most affordable
Cheapest for minimum liability: USAA

For the minimum required coverage in Maine, USAA is the cheapest on average.

Most affordable medal
Cheapest for DUI: Travelers

If you have a DUI on your record, check out Travelers for the cheapest average rates.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $812
Travelers $844
State Farm $931
GEICO $1,284
Progressive $1,510
Allstate $1,606

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Maine auto insurance laws

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, and Maine is no exception. For the legal minimum coverage level in Maine, expect to pay about $386 per year. This is less than the national average by 28%. Have a look at the coverage levels required for all Maine drivers as well as optional coverage types offered by most insurers.

State minimum coverage

In Maine, drivers are legally required to maintain liability, MedPay and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages at or above the below levels:

Liability

  • Bodily Injury $50,000 per person
  • Bodily Injury $100,000 per accident
  • Property Damage $25,000 per accident

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

  • Bodily Injury $50,000 per person
  • Bodily Injury $100,000 per accident

Medical Payments

  • $2,000 per person

Optional coverage in Maine (varies by carrier):

  • Comprehensive
  • Collision
  • Loan/Lease Payoff
  • Rental Car Reimbursement
  • Roadside Assistance
car with blue windshield

If you choose a higher level of car insurance coverage, you can purchase a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, which will protect against damages caused by car-vs.-car crashes, theft or weather incidents. It's worth noting that better auto insurance coverage comes at a cost: in Maine, a comprehensive policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $915, 137% more than basic liability-only coverage. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, you can expect to pay 177% more than for a basic liability-only policy.

The Zebra's guide toMaine car insurance laws


Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Maine with our helpful guide. 


Maine car insurance premiums by rating factor

As mentioned above, car insurance rates are based on many different factors. This can include your driving history, age and your credit score. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a ballpark idea of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Maine.

Cheap auto insurance in Maine for minimum coverage

Forgoing full coverage for liability-only at the state minimum level will make your car insurance significantly cheaper. In Maine, the average cost for minimum coverage is $32 per month, or $386 yearly — a savings of $648 compared to full coverage.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $263
State Farm $359
Travelers $413
GEICO $464
Progressive $502
Allstate $522

Cheap auto insurance in Maine with bad credit

Your credit history is an important factor in determining your car insurance rates. Many carriers see those with a poor credit score as being higher risk, meaning you could pay more for your policy. On average, Maine drivers with poor credit pay $962 more per year than those with exceptional credit. Have a look at some common rates by credit tier below.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
USAA $1,187
Travelers $1,364
GEICO $1,638
Allstate $2,189
Progressive $2,533
State Farm $2,898

Cheap auto insurance in Maine with an at-fault accident

Your driving record is a big determinant of how much you pay for auto coverage. Insurance companies may see any previous at-fault accidents as a warning sign, meaning that you will be paying more for your policy. On average, an at-fault accident could cause your car insurance rates to rise by as much as $521 per year.

Safe driver discounts

In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a discount for good drivers. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Travelers $1,171
State Farm $1,176
USAA $1,222
Allstate $2,009
GEICO $2,014
Progressive $2,556

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Maine

Young drivers between the ages of 16 and 25 pay the highest car insurance premiums of anyone in the US. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. Historically the most expensive drivers to insure, The Zebra found Travelers, GEICO, and USAA are the cheapest companies in Maine for teenagers.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Travelers $2,502
USAA $2,656
GEICO $3,480
State Farm $3,504
Allstate $4,089
Progressive $7,583

Maine auto insurance rate by violation

If you have a clean driving record in Maine— no at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, or other recent citations — you'll probably pay less for car insurance. Conversely, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket: car insurance premiums typically increase by 46% after a DUI and 25% after a speeding ticket in Maine. 

See below average auto insurance rates in Maine after a few common citations.

Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $1,239 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $1,244 0% $5
Two Med/PIP claims $1,313 6% $74
One comp claim $1,315 6% $76
Not-at-fault accident $1,329 7% $90
Driving without lights $1,407 14% $168
Failure to show documents $1,411 14% $172
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,422 15% $183
Child safety restraint $1,443 16% $204
Two comp claims $1,460 18% $221
Driving with expired registration $1,483 20% $244
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,496 21% $257
Speeding in school zone $1,496 21% $257
Driving too slowly $1,496 21% $257
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,500 21% $261
In 65 MPH zone $1,508 22% $269
Following too closely $1,516 22% $276
Illegal turn $1,516 22% $277
Improper passing $1,519 23% $280
Failure to stop at a red light $1,525 23% $286
Failure to yield $1,525 23% $286
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,532 24% $293
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,538 24% $298
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,541 24% $302
Passing school bus $1,592 29% $353
Cell phone violation $1,633 32% $394
Texting while driving $1,665 34% $426
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,706 38% $466
Open container $1,782 44% $543
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,818 47% $579
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,863 50% $624
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,879 52% $640
Racing $2,093 69% $854
Reckless driving $2,148 73% $909
Driving with a suspended license $2,148 73% $909
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $2,250 82% $1,011
DUI $2,250 82% $1,011
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $2,392 93% $1,153

Maine DUI laws

In Maine, a DUI violation can boost your annual car insurance cost by an average of $476. That’s 16% less than the national average rate hike following a DUI. Finding affordable auto coverage after a DUI isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI conviction often causes a larger premium increase than any other road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

 

Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Maine

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Maine, it’s important to consider your insurance choices carefully. Car insurance premiums after a DUI can vary substantially from one carrier to another. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Maine, Travelers, advertises annual rates 16% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Maine is State Farm, while the priciest firm is GEICO, with prices 50% above average.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Travelers $1,266
State Farm $1,375
USAA $1,663
Progressive $1,765
Allstate $2,029
GEICO $2,262

There is no car insurer in particular that offers cheap DUI auto insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.


Maine SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Maine to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Maine might be tricky, but some research could pay off in the end.

 

How to get an SR-22 in Maine

An SR-22 is often required for drivers with serious violations on their driving record, most often related to drinking and driving offenses. The SR-22 is a form issued by your insurance company that must be filed with the state of Maine as proof of continued insurance coverage. Below you'll find the steps to getting this coverage. 

Already insured

With an active insurance policy, requesting an SR-22 might be easy. Just call your insurance company request they file an SR-22 request on your behalf. If your current insurer declines to request a certificate, you should shop around for a new insurance company.

 

Currently uninsured?

When filing for car insurance, you'll be billed extra to cover the cost of the SR-22 request form and your high-risk driving profile. An SR-22 requirement may disqualify you from buying insurance from some carriers, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

 

For drivers who don’t own a vehicle

Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

 

For drivers without a vehicle

Not having a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. If this is the case, you should buy a non-owners car insurance policy before filing for an SR-22. A non-owners policy is typically less expensive than a standard policy since it won’t provide protection for physical damage sustained by your vehicle.

Compare car insurance rates from Maine's best companies.

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Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in South Portland, Maine, and the most expensive in Lewiston, Maine.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Maine's biggest cities.

City Avg. Annual Premium
South Portland $1,154
Bangor $1,207
Portland $1,212
Auburn $1,236
Lewiston $1,257

Auto insurance pricing trends in Maine

Average annual auto insurance premiums in Maine decreased by $65 in the past year. A normal driver in Maine faces an average rate of $1,035 each year.

The recent pricing trend in Maine leans toward significantly cheaper car insurance costs than the national average. The steepest decrease occurred from 2017 to 2018, while the highest surge took place from 2016 to 2017. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.

YEARLY CAR INSURANCE RATE TRENDS IN MAINE
Year Avg. Annual Premium — Maine Yearly Change — Maine Avg. Annual Premium — USA Yearly Change — USA
2021 $1,035 -$65 $1,529 $46
2020 $1,100 $165 $1,483 -$61
2019 $935 -$3 $1,544 $23
2018 $938  -$798 $1,521 $84
2017 $1,736 $288 $1,437 $69
2016 $1,448 -$29 $1,368 $88
2015 $1,477 $46 $1,280 $51
2014 $1,431 $176 $1,229 $34
2013 $1,255 $17 $1,195 -$80
2012 $1,238 $48 $1,276 $82

Maine car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Maine auto insurance.

Drivers in Maine generally pay much less for car insurance than do drivers in other states. On average, Maine drivers pay 32% less for car insurance than drivers in the rest of the U.S. A six-month policy costs an average of $518 in Maine.

The vehicle you are driving needs to be insured up to the state liability limits, at least. If you're driving a leased or financed vehicle, you will be required to carry full coverage.

Our data show USAA ($406) and Travelers ($422) offer the cheapest car insurance premiums in Maine.

Start saving money on car insurance today.

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.