In order to drive on Maine roads and freeways, you must provide proof of insurance if/when you are pulled over by an officer of the law. If you do not provide proof of insurance, you may face fines, license suspension, and even jail time. Ironically, you may also have a difficult time finding cheap car insurance in future, since many companies will see your past actions as an indication that you are a high risk driver.

Liability Insurance

All Maine drivers must purchase the state minimum amount of liability coverage in the amount of 25/50/25. This ratio equals to $25K in bodily injury liability for one driver, $50K in bodily injury liability for more than one driver, and $25K in property damage. In addition, Maine residents must purchase $1,000 worth of medical payments coverage.

While purchasing the state minimum amount of liability will allow you to drive legally, please be advised that these numbers only represent the bare minimum amount of liability insurance needed. Because car accidents can be extremely expensive, you should strongly consider purchasing more than the minimum amount required.

Maine Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

If you drive in Maine you must purchase Uninsured/Underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage in the amount of $50K per person and $100K per accident. This type of insurance covers any damage that may be done to your car if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.

If you think you can afford to go without this coverage, remember this: you can only control your own actions on the road. You cannot control the actions of others. And with so many uninsured drivers in Maine, you may be left paying for damages if you are involved in an accident. Besides, it is illegal to not carry it.

No Fault vs. Tort State

As a tort state, Maine’s car insurance laws require that if a driver is at fault, he/she must pay for the other driver’s medical expenses and/or any damages done to their vehicle. The other driver may also pursue money for lost wages, as well as pain and suffering. If you do not have insurance, the other driver may sue you in a court of law.

You simply must purchase car insurance, whether you are driving in Maine or any other state. How much you buy is up to you, but you need to have at least the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage in order to drive legally. You should also purchase UM/UIM coverage as well. If you are looking for cheap car insurance rates, you should consider comparing quotes from different companies before purchasing a policy.