How to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in Maine
Shopping for auto insurance in Maine can feel like a never-ending battle between high prices and coverage compromises. And if that isn’t enough, no single insurance provider will offer the best price for every driver in Maine, so comparing insurance quotes before you commit is a must to save your wallet.
As the nation’s leading independent broker, Jerry finds and compares rates from the top providers to help you find the coverage you need at a price you can afford.
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Car
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $173 | Alma, 34, Windham, ME | Kia Soul | State Minimum | Yes |
| Bristol West | $156 | Cornelia, 41, Pembroke, ME | Nissan Quest Le | State Minimum | Yes |
| Progressive | $93 | Jon, 51, South Bristol, ME | Toyota Avalon Xl | State Minimum | Yes |
| Progressive | $125 | Kate, 23, Bremen, ME | Buick Century Custom | State Minimum | No |
| Progressive | $82 | Erik, 48, Newport, ME | Ford Escape S | State Minimum | Yes |
Cheapest car insurance companies in Maine
Jerry conducted the largest insurance shopping survey in the country to help you sift through the endless array of insurance companies looking to take your money.
We asked more than 15,000 policyholders nationwide to rate their insurance providers on cost, customer service, ease of shopping and renewal, and claims handling. Here’s what we found.
Progressive, State Farm, Liberty Mutual, and Allstate dominate the insurance market in Maine, according to the Maine Bureau of Insurance. But in our survey, only Farmers received top marks across the board. Policyholders also gave Liberty Mutual and The General 5/5 ratings for policy price.
But here’s the thing—no single insurance provider will offer the best rate for every driver profile, so you’ll want to shop around and compare what each has to offer before making your decision.
Here’s what the survey respondents had to say about the best auto insurance companies in Maine to help you along:
| Insurance Company | Date | Cost rating (out of 5) | What our customer said: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | November 1, 2024 | 5 | “Allstate is a great insurance company they are always there when I need them and the customer service team is great.” -Duane |
| USAA | October 27, 2024 | 5 | “Great place to find good car insurance. Car broke down and insurance company had a tow truck come get me in less then 1 hour.” -Jimmy |
| Bristol West | October 22, 2024 | 5 | “Great “ -Allie |
| Encompass | October 20, 2024 | 5 | “Very professional and awesome customer service “ -Edna |
| State Farm | October 20, 2024 | 5 | “I love State Farm and would rather stay with them BUT I’m a teacher and take care of my 80 year old mother. “ -Christina |
As evidenced by the survey, there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing an insurance provider—that’s why we choose Jerry! Jerry is a trusted insurance broker that allows you to find and compare insurance policy quotes from top insurers from the convenience of your smartphone.
It’s a simple, user-friendly app that finds you the best cheap car insurance and the biggest savings with a few clicks. Best of all, Jerry’s team of 100+ licensed insurance agents is there to help you through the entire process.
Minimum car insurance requirements for liability and full coverage in Maine
Anyone owning or operating a motor vehicle in Maine must carry the minimum coverage insurance required by law.
In Maine, drivers must have liability insurance, medical payments coverage (MedPay), and uninsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM). In addition to the state-mandated requirements, drivers can purchase collision and comprehensive insurance—but it’s not mandatory.
Cheapest minimum liability coverage in Maine
If you’re purchasing insurance in Maine, you’ll need liability limits that meet the 50/100/25 requirements. That means you must have at least the following:
- $50,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person
- $100,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per accident
- $25,000 of property damage liability coverage per accident
- $2,000 per person in medical payments (MedPay) coverage
- $50,000 uninsured motorist coverage per person
- $100,000 uninsured motorist coverage per accident
Having these coverages means that if you’re involved in an at-accident and the other party is injured or their vehicle is damaged, your insurance will cover their expenses up to your policy limits.
Do you need more than the minimum liability insurance coverage in Maine?
The minimum required insurance limits are a starting point for Maine drivers—but they may not offer adequate protection.
Remember, liability insurance covers damages and medical bills that result from an at-fault crash. The average hospital stay after a car accident is almost $60,000, and the average new car is worth between $39,755 to $69,960.
Based on that, a single accident could rack up to more than $100,000! And because Maine’s car accident laws allow drivers to file personal injury lawsuits for up to six years after an accident, your liability extends well beyond when the incident happened.
Cheapest full coverage Maine auto insurance quotes
One of the major drawbacks of liability-only coverage is that it protects the other party’s vehicle—not yours. If you want to ensure your vehicle is covered in the event of an accident, you’ll have to purchase full-coverage car insurance.
A full coverage policy generally includes liability insurance, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage.
- Collision coverage pays for physical damage to your vehicle due to a collision with another car or station object, such as a tree or a stop sign. Investing in collision coverage isn’t generally needed for older cars worth less than $2,000 because you’ll pay more in premium than your car is worth.
- Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your car from all non-collision-related incidents, such as theft, vandalism, fire, severe weather, floods, and animal damage. A comprehensive policy will also cover broken glass.
Remember that collision and comprehensive insurance are subject to a deductible; the higher your deductible, the lower your payments will be, and vice versa.
While full-coverage insurance isn’t required under Maine’s insurance laws, your lender will require collision and comprehensive insurance until your lease is up or your loan is paid off.
Investing in a full coverage insurance policy costs more than basic liability, but Jerry can help you find the cheapest rates.
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Car
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Minimum | Yes | Progressive | $173 | Alma, 34, Windham, ME | Kia Soul |
| State Minimum | Yes | Bristol West | $156 | Cornelia, 41, Pembroke, ME | Nissan Quest Le |
| State Minimum | Yes | Progressive | $93 | Jon, 51, South Bristol, ME | Toyota Avalon Xl |
| State Minimum | No | Progressive | $125 | Kate, 23, Bremen, ME | Buick Century Custom |
| State Minimum | Yes | Progressive | $82 | Erik, 48, Newport, ME | Ford Escape S |
Average rates for minimum liability coverage and full coverage car insurance in Maine
A full coverage car insurance policy costs Maine drivers an average of $1,978 per year or $165 per month. For drivers who choose to stick with only minimum liability, car insurance costs an average of $1,148 per year or $96 per month.
Looking at car insurance averages is a quick way to estimate how much you can expect to pay for insurance, but estimates are just that—they won’t always give you the best indication of how much you will pay.
Every driver is different and because so many variables affect insurance rates, your premium could be above or below the state average.
Other types of Maine auto insurance
Most drivers choose to purchase liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, but it doesn’t stop there. Many additional coverages are available that can further protect you:
- Gap insurance: Covers the difference between the current value of your car and the balance of your loan or lease. If your vehicle is totaled or stolen before you’ve paid off the loan, gap insurance covers the difference between the insurance payout and the loan amount owed on the car.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): Covers healthcare expenses, lost wages, and funeral benefits for you and your passengers after an accident.
- Non-owner car insurance: Provides liability coverage from vehicle to vehicle, regardless of who the owner is.
- Towing and labor coverage: Also called roadside assistance, this coverage helps pay for roadside services, such as towing, battery jumps, and lockout help.
None of these coverages are mandatory, but most drivers choose to purchase at least some of them to increase physical and financial protection. Best of all, add-on coverages don’t have a significant amount to your premium, giving you the best bang for your buck.
Learn more: Types of insurance
Car insurance premium by rating factors
Every driver is different, and each insurance provider has a different equation to calculate your car insurance premium. Here are some factors that influence rates in Maine:
- Your driving record: Insurers ask about at-fault accidents and moving violations from the past three to five years. Drivers with violations on their record are considered a higher risk and may be charged a higher premium.
- Your location: The claims history of people in your area affects your rate. Just by giving your address, insurers can find out a lot about your risk of financial loss. City drivers tend to see higher premiums than country drivers.
- Gender and age: Teen drivers and seniors typically pay the highest insurance rates, but young males do, too, since they’re statistically involved in more accidents.
- Prior insurance coverage: Insurers don’t want to see a lapse in coverage because it signals you’re a high-risk driver. If you’ve been continuously insured, you’ll see lower insurance rates.
- Vehicle types: Luxury, high-performance, and sports cars might be flashy, but they also see some of the highest insurance rates of all vehicle classes.
- Credit score: Although your credit score doesn’t always influence insurance rates, insurers may look at your credit history to know whether you’ll pay on time. A poor credit score typically comes with higher insurance costs.
How to find cheap Maine car insurance if you’re a high-risk driver
A speeding ticket for surpassing the posted limit might cause a slight increase in your insurance premium, but a slew of moving violations can do a number of your payments and earn you the “high-risk” label.
As a high-risk driver, some insurance providers won’t offer you insurance while others will—but at a premium price.
Here’s how to navigate car insurance shopping if your Maine driving record is soiled.
Cheapest car insurance for Maine drivers with a speeding ticket
Maine speeding tickets fall into four categories, and the fine you pay depends on how fast you were driving over the posted limit:
- 1-9 mph over speed limit: $114 fine
- 10-14 mph over speed limit: $129 fine
- 15-19 mph over speed limit: $170 fine
- 20-24 mph over speed limit: $230 fine
- 25-29 mph over speed limit: $278 fine
If you’re caught going 30 mph or more over the posted speed limit, you’re nailed with a class E crime that comes with up to six months in jail, a maximum of $1,000 in fines, and immediate license suspension.
Although a minor speeding ticket might not seem like a big deal, Maine drivers see up to 20% increases for speeding ticket convictions—and rates stay high for five years. But even with a ticket, it’s still possible to find savings.
|
Speeding Type
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding Violation-Minor | Progressive | $134 | Lida, 32, Gorham, ME | State Minimum | Yes |
| Speeding Violation-Minor | Progressive | $195 | Isabel, 22, Bangor, ME | 100/300 | Yes |
| Speeding Violation-Minor | Progressive | $74 | Etta, 36, Rumford, ME | State Minimum | No |
| Speeding Violation-Major | Progressive | $263 | Nellie, 21, Union, ME | State Minimum | Yes |
| Speeding Violation-Minor | National General | $185 | Nathaniel, 33, Sanford, ME | State Minimum | Yes |
How to find cheap Maine auto insurance after a DUI
A DUI on your driving record is never ideal, and under Maine’s DUI laws, that one conviction could land you up to $10,000 in fines and legal fees, a maximum of one year in jail, a minimum 150-day license suspension, and 150 days IID requirements—and that’s just for a first offense.
Maine drivers see an average insurance rate increase of 92% with a DUl and further increases for subsequent convictions.
But a DUI on your driving record doesn’t mean you have to pay exceptionally high rates for insurance as a high-risk driver. Certain insurers put less emphasis on driving records than others, which can help reduce your monthly payments—and Jerry can help you find the best rates, too.
Maine SR-22 insurance
If you’ve been labeled as a high-risk driver in Maine for having a DUI or reckless driving charge, your insurer will have to file an SR-22—it’s a document that certifies you meet the minimum state car insurance requirements, and it’s usually required if you’ve had your license suspended or revoked.
You’ll typically need to have SR-22 insurance for three years following a major incident, some of which include:
- Driving while intoxicated
- Driving with a suspended license
- Driving without a valid driver’s license
- Repeat violations
- DUI
- Reckless driving
An SR-22 doesn’t mean the end of the line for car insurance, but because an SR-22 signifies you’re a high-risk driver, some insurers won’t insure you. If they do, you’ll likely see jaw-dropping rates.
Jerry can help drivers with SR-22 requirements find the best insurance rates.
How to find cheap car insurance in Maine after an at-fault accident
Your rates will also go up after an at-fault accident—but not all companies will raise them by the same amount. GEICO has the highest average rate increase after an accident at a whopping 64%, while State Farm and Travelers policyholders tend to see lower rate spikes.
But don’t worry. As usual, you can keep your rates low by comparing quotes from different providers and switching to a policy that fits your new profile.
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Accident Type
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At Fault With No Injury | Progressive | $173 | Alma, 34, Windham, ME | State Minimum | Yes |
| At Fault With No Injury | Progressive | $125 | Kate, 23, Bremen, ME | State Minimum | No |
| Not At Fault | Progressive | $82 | Erik, 48, Newport, ME | State Minimum | Yes |
| At Fault With No Injury | Progressive | $232 | Donald, 22, Waterville, ME | State Minimum | Yes |
| Not At Fault | Progressive | $155 | Nathan, 28, Winslow, ME | State Minimum | Yes |
FAQ
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Does Maine require car insurance?
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How much is car insurance in Maine?
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Is car insurance cheaper in Maine or Massachusetts?
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Why do you need to get auto insurance in Maine?
Cheapest auto insurance after other violations in Maine
A DUI, reckless driving, and speeding tickets aren’t the only way you’ll get the “high-risk driver” label—but regardless of what violations are on your Maine driving record, you can find the best savings by shopping around with Jerry.
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Violation
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DUI | Progressive | $51 | Angel, 52, Calais, ME | State Minimum | Yes |
| Driving on Sus. License | Progressive | $68 | Cory, 43, South Portland, ME | State Minimum | Yes |
| Other Major | Bristol West | $72 | Floyd, 37, Saint Francis, ME | State Minimum | No |
| Unsafe Operation of a Motor Vehicle | Progressive | $255 | Kate, 44, New Gloucester, ME | State Minimum | Yes |
| DUI | Progressive | $104 | Bobby, 38, Hermon, ME | 25/50 | Yes |
How to find cheap Maine car insurance after a car insurance lapse
Insurance companies look at several variables when determining auto insurance rates. In general, they want to know that you’ve had continuous coverage with no breaks or gaps. A lapse in insurance coverage signals that you’re a high-risk driver and insurers won’t be keen to insure you.
If this is your first time getting insurance or getting a new policy after taking a break, rates will likely be higher until you build a stronger history of on-time payments and continuous coverage.
Jerry not only helps you find the best rates but also gives you the option to turn on payment notifications so you can avoid a lapse in coverage. Plus, you’ll get a reminder when it’s time to renew so you can continue with your current insurer or shop around for a better rate.
How to find cheap Maine car insurance with a low credit score
You’ll need good credit to get a mortgage or finance a car, but did you know you also need good credit for insurance? This is because drivers with poor credit tend to file more insurance claims.
Not all states used a “credit-based insurance score” but for those that do, a poor score can affect how much you pay for car insurance. Generally, drivers with a good credit score (700 or above) pay less than drivers with a poor credit score.
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Credit Range
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Car
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 550-659 | Progressive | $173 | Alma, 34, Windham, ME | Kia Soul | State Minimum | Yes |
| <550 | Progressive | $93 | Jon, 51, South Bristol, ME | Toyota Avalon Xl | State Minimum | Yes |
| 550-659 | Progressive | $82 | Erik, 48, Newport, ME | Ford Escape S | State Minimum | Yes |
| <550 | Progressive | $232 | Donald, 22, Waterville, ME | Jeep Cherokee Latitude Pl | State Minimum | Yes |
| 550-659 | Bristol West | $88 | Mabelle, 38, Readfield, ME | Ford Focus Se | State Minimum | No |
How to find cheap auto insurance in Maine for your age
Age might just be a number, but insurance rates are heavily affected by your age bracket. Rates tend to be highest as you start and finish driving. Teens and seniors pay some of the highest insurance rates of any age—they start high from 16 to 19 and start to increase again in your mid-70s.
The best car insurance companies in Maine for young drivers
New drivers and teenagers pay higher rates for car insurance than most other age brackets. Why? Less experience behind the wheel means a higher rate of accidents, crash fatalities, and violations.
But it’s not just about age—teenage males generally pay higher rates for insurance based on a higher rate of unsafe driving behaviors.
Learn more: The best cheap car insurance for teens
The best car insurance companies for senior drivers in Maine
Years of experience behind the wheel mean drivers between 55 and 75 pay the lowest rates. But after that, rates start to increase again due to a higher risk of mortality, hospitalization, and medical expenses from a car crash.
Seniors also have slower reflexes that increase the risk of being involved in one. Even if you’re a driver with a clean driving record, you’ll likely see higher rates at this age.
That’s where Jerry comes in handy. We can find the best car insurance rates for seniors regardless of your age.
How to find car insurance discounts in Maine for your motor vehicle
The more your car costs to buy and repair, the more you’ll pay to insure it—it’s as simple as that.
Typically, high-performance, new cars, luxury cars, and hybrid/electric cars have the highest premiums thanks to their price tag for purchase and repair. Cars with difficult-to-source parts can also be pricey to insure.
If you’re behind the wheel of one of the most popular cars in Maine, you’ll likely see more affordable insurance rates. Out of more than one million registered passenger vehicles, here’s what Mainers tend to stick to:5
|
Popular Car
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Avalon Xl | Progressive | $93 | Jon, 51, South Bristol, ME | State Minimum | Yes |
| Chevrolet Equinox Lt | Progressive | $103 | Lewis, 61, Bryant Pond, ME | State Minimum | No |
| Toyota Prius | Progressive | $67 | Jeremiah, 34, Medway, ME | State Minimum | Yes |
| Chevrolet Traverse Ls | Progressive | $65 | Hallie, 36, Fairfield, ME | State Minimum | Yes |
| Subaru Forester 2.5X Limite | Progressive | $65 | Anne, 60, Mexico, ME | State Minimum | No |
Is it cheaper to insure a new car or a used car?
In general, new cars have higher insurance costs than older models. That’s because new cars have a higher book value and are more likely to come with brand-new tech features that cost more to replace or repair.
That said, there is the odd exception for high-value or collector cars that don’t depreciate.
How to find cheap car insurance in Maine in your city
Maine drivers might see lower insurance rates than drivers in big cities like NYC or LA, but it isn’t always cheap. Bigger cities like Portland and Lewiston have higher insurance rates than small cities like Houlton and Bar Harbor.
Jerry has helped drivers across the state find great quotes and savings on car insurance.
|
City
|
Customer
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Car
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Windham, ME | Alma | Progressive | $173 | Kia Soul | State Minimum | Yes |
| Pembroke, ME | Cornelia | Bristol West | $156 | Nissan Quest Le | State Minimum | Yes |
| South Bristol, ME | Jon | Progressive | $93 | Toyota Avalon Xl | State Minimum | Yes |
| Bremen, ME | Kate | Progressive | $125 | Buick Century Custom | State Minimum | No |
| Newport, ME | Erik | Progressive | $82 | Ford Escape S | State Minimum | Yes |
How to lower the cost of car insurance in Maine
We’ve mentioned several factors that affect car insurance rates in Maine, but there are easy things you can do to help lower your rates.
Here are some of the best ways to get cheap Maine car insurance without sacrificing coverage:
- Shop around and compare insurance quotes between providers.
- Look at insurance rates before buying a car.
- Increase your deductible for full-coverage policies (comprehensive and collision insurance).
- Reduce your coverage on older cars.
- Bundle your car and homeowners insurance to get a discount.
- Improve your credit rating.
- Take a defensive driving course.
- Ask about car insurance discounts, such as good driver discounts, good student discounts, or multi-car discounts.
- Try usage-based insurance.
- Opt for a mileage-based policy.
Why is car insurance so expensive in Maine?
Car insurance rates aren’t all that expensive in Maine, but there are a few factors that can result in higher-than-normal premiums:
- Increasing healthcare costs
- Population density in urban centers
- Increasing vehicle theft rate
FAQ
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What is the minimum liability car insurance in Maine?
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What increases car insurance in Maine?
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What are the best car insurance companies in Maine?
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Do you need personal injury (PIP) coverage in Maine?
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Does Insurance follow the car or driver in Maine?
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What is full coverage car insurance in Maine?
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Is car insurance good if your inspection is overdue in Maine?
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Do you need insurance to register a car in Maine?
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Is Maine a no-fault state?
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Licensed Insurance Agent
R.E. Fulton is an expert insurance writer specializing in car ownership topics from car shopping and loan advice to insurance and repair guides. R.E.’s mission is to create unique and accessible content that helps readers to become more successful and independent car owners. R.E. has written and edited over 900 high-performing articles for Jerry, with an average of 1 million+ views. As a senior writer on Jerry’s editorial team, R.E. draws on over 10 years of experience as a professional writer and digital publishing specialist. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2021, R.E. worked as a writing coach at Columbia University, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and the University of Rochester. They serve as a managing editor for peer-reviewed history publication Nursing Clio, where their work has appeared regularly since 2015.
Lina Zhang is co-founder and vice president of operations at Jerry, where she leads a global team responsible for operations, talent acquisition, content, legal, and compliance. Lina’s operational excellence was a critical enabler of Jerry’s 10x growth in its first year of operation.
Prior to Jerry, Lina and her Jerry co-founders, Art Agrawal and Musawir Shah, led YourMechanic, the largest on-demand car repair services provider. In one year, Lina built and scaled YourMechanic operations from five markets to more than 50. The trio left YourMechanic to incubate Jerry at Y Combinator in 2017.
Lina’s previous roles include intellectual property attorney at Morrison & Foerster LLP and a biomedical researcher at Stanford University.
Lina holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Nanjing University, a doctorate in biochemistry from Dartmouth College, and a juris doctorate from the University of California Berkeley School of Law. She’s a member of the State Bar of California and a licensed property and casualty insurance producer in all 50 states.
As Vice President of Insurance Operations at Jerry, Josh Damico leads teams across product development, operations and carrier relations, integrating Jerry’s smart and fast car insurance customer experience with that of traditional carriers to help customers find savings and coverage. Josh’s nearly 20 years of insurance-industry experience and knowledge generate partnerships with more than 55 name-brand and specialty insurance partners that enable Jerry to serve customers with all types of vehicle and policy needs.
Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. In his most recent role as director of sales, servicing, and underwriting, Josh developed and executed profit and growth strategy for the New England states and New Jersey.
Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College.
