Auto Insurance in Maine

In the United States, auto insurance is compulsory. The specifics, however, vary from state to state; drivers moving across state lines must seek out the applicable regulations and conform to them. It's easy to get a sampling of car insurance quotes from the comfort of home; many underwriters offer online auto insurance quotes for a fast and easy policy comparison. Maine car insurance doesn't have to be expensive, especially for experienced drivers who have clean records. Most major insurance companies offer vehicle insurance in this state, including GEICO, Nationwide, Travelers, Liberty Mutual and Progressive.

Hitting the Books

The key to getting Maine cheap car insurance is doing plenty of research. The Maine insurance commission maintains a website that lists the state minimums and other important information. There are also many ways to get discounts directly from the insurance company. Many teen drivers get Maine cheap auto insurance by keeping their grades high; this is called a "good student" discount. Drivers without accidents on their driving record also benefit, and many insurance underwriters now offer insurance to drivers whose vehicles are equipped with theft-protection devices and safety features such as side and rear airbags. Most drivers in Maine also receive a discount on their insurance if they've completed a driver safety/education course. These are typically long, one-day seminars that last four to five hours and teach advanced defensive driving techniques.

Independent Sources

Maine auto insurance ratings aren't just found on the state government's website; many independent message boards and other sites are a treasure trove of information about any car insurance company. Social networking sites are also useful. The goal is simple: get the low-down nitty gritty on how each company operates. An insurance firm may look slick on paper, but what's truly important is the coverage they offer and the way they process claims. While reading these Maine car insurance ratings, shoppers should investigate the average processing time for claims and look for any reports of terrible customer service or unethical business practices.

Maine Auto Insurance Requirements

Maine state law requires drivers registered in the state to carry three types of auto insurance: collision, liability and uninsured motorist coverage. Collision insurance is exactly what it sounds like: insurance that covers accident damage done to other cars. Liability coverage pays for medical costs and other expenses related to medical care and property repair; Maine specifically requires medical cost insurance, but coverage of property damage is optional. The third category of Maine auto insurance is uninsured motorist coverage; this covers expenses due to an accident in which the other party had no insurance, or only a small, inadequate policy. Uninsured motorist coverage also pays for expenses related to hit-and-run accidents. Maine drivers must carry a minimum of $50,000 liability for the injury to or death of any one person; $100,000 liability for one accident resulting in injury to or death of additional people; and $25,000 liability for property damage. Without a policy that provides at least this level of coverage, drivers cannot register a car in Maine.

Seatbelt Regulations

Maine imposes an extensive list of seatbelt regulations on its drivers. All occupants of a passenger vehicle must be restrained at all times while the vehicle is in motion; individuals who fail to obey may be fined $50 for the first offense, with subsequent offenses carrying fines of $125 or more. Children under age 12 must sit in the rear, and children under 40 pounds must be secured in a child/infant seat.

Weather: The Danger Factor

Serious traffic accidents are usually caused by a small list of factors, including weather, driver error, mechanical breakdown and substance abuse. Weather is a particularly serious safety concern in Maine; in the winter, Maine is usually inundated with heavy snow, which can create slippery roads. Even worse, if the snow melts and later refreezes, it may appear as "black ice": an almost invisible type of ice that is responsible for many automobile accidents. Snowmelt also seeps into the roads; water expands as it freezes, so Maine's roads are often full of cracks and potholes that may damage a car's undercarriage and tires.

Lawsuits

In the state of Maine, lawsuits based on personal injury or property damage claims may be filed up to six years after a traffic accident. It is important to understand, however, that this is unrelated to the insurance claims process and doesn't take its place. To understand the claims process one must be familiar with Maine's "comparative fault" system of accident management. As the name suggests, comparative fault states ascribe different portions of blame to those involved in an accident (when more than one party is to blame). Those who rank low on the list may sue or file claims with any party determined to bear greater responsibility for the crash.

Fatal Crashes

Maine sees about 70 fatal DUI-related car accidents every year. Some involve alcohol or illegal drugs, while other intoxicated drivers have been incapacitated by legal medications that nevertheless render them unfit to drive. Maine's legal blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.08% for drivers. If a driver has a BAC that exceeds 0.15%, the penalties grow more severe. The state takes a hardline position on impaired driving, even for first offenders. Upon arrest, the driver will have his or her license suspended; it cannot be reinstated until the case is heard before a judge. This usually takes over 90 days. First offenders may receive up to one month's jail time and lose their license for a minimum of three months; they must also pay a $500 fine. Drivers who are convicted on a second DUI charge will have their license suspended for a minimum of three years and are assessed a fine not less than $1,000. Jail terms for a second DUI are usually 90 days; for a third or fourth DUI, prison sentences of at least 2 years are common. Furthermore, Maine may also require individuals with multiple DUI arrests to install an interlock system in their car; this is an electronic breathalyzer device that prevents the car from starting if too much alcohol is detected in the driver's breath.

Auto Theft in Maine

Auto theft is a serious problem in the United States. Maine usually has 70-80 reported car thefts every year, not including break-ins where only the stereo or other cabin contents were removed. The most popular vehicles for Maine's car thieves include the Chevrolet C/K 1500 pickup truck, the Subaru Legacy, the Dodge Caravan and the Ford F150. Other models that are also regularly stolen include the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. Maine drivers can reduce the risk of car theft by installing alarms and keyless entry devices. Aftermarket steering wheel locks are tremendously effective and very affordable, but can only be opened with a key. If the driver loses that key, it will be extremely expensive to have a master locksmith remove the security device.