Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Maine
We analyzed rates from major insurers to find the most affordable options for Maine drivers. Rates shown are average annual premiums for a 35-year-old driver with a clean record and good credit.
Full Coverage Rates
| Rank | Company | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USAA* | $890 | $74 | -27% |
| 2 | GEICO | $940 | $78 | -23% |
| 3 | State Farm | $1,050 | $88 | -14% |
| 4 | Progressive | $1,100 | $92 | -10% |
| 5 | Amica | $1,150 | $96 | -6% |
| 6 | Nationwide | $1,220 | $102 | 0% |
| 7 | Liberty Mutual | $1,340 | $112 | +10% |
| 8 | Allstate | $1,420 | $118 | +16% |
| 9 | Travelers | $1,480 | $123 | +21% |
| 10 | The Hartford | $1,550 | $129 | +27% |
*USAA is available only to military members, veterans, and their families. Rates are approximate averages and may vary by location and individual factors.
Liability-Only (Minimum Coverage) Rates
| Rank | Company | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | USAA* | $380 | $32 |
| 2 | GEICO | $410 | $34 |
| 3 | State Farm | $450 | $38 |
| 4 | Progressive | $480 | $40 |
| 5 | Amica | $495 | $41 |
*Liability-only coverage meets Maine's minimum 50/100/25 requirements—the highest minimums in the nation—but does not cover damage to your own vehicle.
Average Auto Insurance Rates by Maine City
Car insurance rates in Maine vary by location, though differences are more modest than in other states. Urban areas like Portland have slightly higher rates, while rural communities enjoy the lowest premiums.
| City | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium | vs. State Avg | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | $1,380 | $115 | +13% | Largest city, higher traffic density |
| South Portland | $1,340 | $112 | +10% | Commercial area, mall traffic |
| Lewiston | $1,300 | $108 | +7% | Second largest city, urban core |
| Auburn | $1,280 | $107 | +5% | Lewiston-Auburn metro area |
| Bangor | $1,250 | $104 | +2% | Regional hub, moderate traffic |
| Scarborough | $1,230 | $103 | +1% | Portland suburb, beach traffic |
| Augusta | $1,180 | $98 | -3% | State capital, smaller population |
| Brunswick | $1,160 | $97 | -5% | College town, lower density |
| Waterville | $1,140 | $95 | -7% | Central Maine, lower claims |
| Presque Isle | $1,040 | $87 | -15% | Rural Aroostook County, low traffic |
*Rates shown are for full coverage. Your actual rate depends on your specific ZIP code, driving record, and other factors.
Maine Auto Insurance Rates by Age
Age is one of the biggest factors affecting car insurance rates. Teen drivers pay the most, while rates typically drop significantly after age 25 and reach their lowest point around age 50-60.
| Driver Profile | Annual Premium | Monthly Premium | vs. State Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Teen Driver (16-17)
Added to parent's policy
|
$3,290 | $274 | +170% |
|
Teen Driver (18-19)
Own policy
|
$2,940 | $245 | +141% |
|
Young Adult (20-24)
Clean record
|
$1,854 | $155 | +52% |
|
Adult (25-34)
Clean record
|
$1,280 | $107 | +5% |
|
Adult (35-44)
Clean record
|
$1,183 | $99 | -3% |
|
Middle-Aged (45-54)
Clean record
|
$1,086 | $91 | -11% |
|
Older Adult (55-64)
Clean record
|
$1,025 | $85 | -16% |
|
Senior (65-74)
Clean record
|
$1,122 | $94 | -8% |
|
Senior (75+)
Clean record
|
$1,244 | $104 | +2% |
Tip for Young Drivers
If you're under 25, staying on a parent's policy is usually the cheapest option. You can also reduce rates by maintaining good grades (good student discount), completing a driver's education course, and choosing a safe, modest vehicle. In Maine, winter driving courses can also help demonstrate responsibility to insurers.
How Driving Violations Affect Your Maine Rate
Traffic violations and accidents can significantly increase your insurance premiums. Here's how much you can expect to pay after common incidents in Maine.
Speeding Ticket
| Before ticket: | $1,220/yr |
| After ticket: | $1,464/yr |
| Extra cost: | +$244/yr |
At-Fault Accident
| Before accident: | $1,220/yr |
| After accident: | $1,732/yr |
| Extra cost: | +$512/yr |
OUI Conviction
| Before OUI: | $1,220/yr |
| After OUI: | $2,172/yr |
| Extra cost: | +$952/yr |
How Long Do Violations Affect Your Rate?
Maine Auto Insurance Requirements
Maine has the highest minimum liability requirements in the nation, providing better protection for all drivers. Here are the legal requirements and recommended coverage levels for Maine drivers.
Maine Minimum Coverage (50/100/25) - Highest in the Nation
Per Person
Per Accident
Per Accident
| Coverage Type | State Minimum | Recommended | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | $50,000/$100,000 | $100,000/$300,000 | Maine's high minimums provide good base protection. Higher limits still recommended for peace of mind. |
| Property Damage | $25,000 | $50,000+ | Average new vehicle costs $48K. $25K is reasonable but higher is safer. |
| Uninsured Motorist | $50,000/$100,000 | Match your liability | Maine requires UM coverage. About 5% of drivers are uninsured. |
| Medical Payments | $2,000 | $5,000+ | Maine requires MedPay. Covers immediate medical expenses for you and passengers. |
| Collision | Not required | $500 deductible | Covers your car in accidents. Essential in winter with icy road conditions. |
| Comprehensive | Not required | $500 deductible | Covers moose collisions, falling ice, tree damage—common in Maine. |
Why Maine's High Minimums Are Good News
Unlike most states with dangerously low minimums (like California's 15/30/5), Maine's 50/100/25 requirements mean you're already well-protected if someone else causes an accident. This higher coverage floor may contribute to Maine having some of the lowest accident-related disputes and lawsuits in the nation.
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Maine offers various types of auto insurance coverage. Understanding what each covers helps you make informed decisions, especially given Maine's unique driving conditions.
Liability Coverage
RequiredWhat it covers: Bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in an accident where you're at fault.
Maine minimum: 50/100/25 (the highest in the nation, providing better baseline protection)
Who needs it: Every driver in Maine—it's the law. Maine is a traditional tort state, meaning the at-fault driver is responsible for damages.
Cost impact: Liability-only coverage costs around $32-45/month in Maine. Higher limits add $10-20/month but provide extra security.
Collision Coverage
RecommendedWhat it covers: Damage to your own vehicle from collisions with other cars, objects, or rollovers, regardless of fault.
Why it matters in Maine: Icy winter roads, black ice, and snow-covered conditions increase accident risk significantly from November through April.
Deductible options: Typically $250, $500, or $1,000. Higher deductible = lower premium.
Cost impact: Adds $20-50/month depending on your vehicle value and deductible choice.
Comprehensive Coverage
RecommendedWhat it covers: Non-collision damage including theft, vandalism, fire, floods, falling objects, animal strikes, and weather damage.
Why it's essential in Maine: Maine has the highest rate of moose-vehicle collisions in the country. Moose accidents cause an average of $10,000+ in damage and can total vehicles. Comprehensive also covers damage from falling ice, tree branches, and nor'easters.
Who needs it: Highly recommended for all Maine drivers, especially those in rural areas with moose populations.
Cost impact: Adds $10-30/month. Often required along with collision if you have a car loan.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM)
RecommendedWhat it covers: Your injuries and damages when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay for your losses.
Maine requirement: UM coverage is mandatory in Maine at the same limits as your liability coverage. You can reject UIM coverage in writing.
Maine statistics: Only about 5% of Maine drivers are uninsured—one of the lowest rates in the nation, thanks to strict enforcement.
Cost impact: Required coverage is included in your policy. Additional UIM coverage is affordable at $5-15/month.
Medical Payments (MedPay)
RequiredWhat it covers: Medical expenses for you and your passengers after an accident, regardless of who's at fault.
Maine requirement: $2,000 minimum MedPay is required, but you can opt for higher amounts.
Coverage amounts: Typically $2,000 to $10,000 per person.
Who needs more: Consider higher limits if you have limited health insurance or high deductibles. MedPay pays immediately without waiting to determine fault.
Cost impact: Very affordable at $2-6/month for $5,000 in coverage.
Gap Insurance
OptionalWhat it covers: The difference between what you owe on your car loan and what your car is worth if it's totaled.
Example: You owe $20,000 on your loan, but your car is only worth $16,000. If totaled, gap insurance covers the $4,000 difference.
Who needs it: Anyone who put less than 20% down, has a loan longer than 4 years, or leases their vehicle. Particularly important in Maine where moose collisions and winter accidents can total vehicles unexpectedly.
Cost impact: Usually $15-30/year when added to your policy (much cheaper than dealer-sold gap insurance).
How to Save on Maine Auto Insurance
While Maine already has the lowest rates in the nation, there are still ways to save even more on your premium.
Maintain Good Credit
Unlike California, Maine allows insurers to use credit scores when setting rates. Drivers with excellent credit can save 25-40% compared to those with poor credit. Pay bills on time and keep credit utilization low.
Winter Tire Discount
Some Maine insurers offer discounts for using winter tires during snow season. Installing studded or snow tires shows responsibility and reduces accident risk. Ask your insurer if they offer this discount.
Good Student Discount
Students under 25 with a B average or better typically save 10-25% on their premium. Applies to high school and college students. Just provide a report card or transcript when getting your quote.
Defensive Driving Course
Completing a Maine-approved defensive driving course can earn you a 5-10% discount. Courses are available online for $25-50 and teach valuable winter driving skills too.
Bundle Your Policies
Combining auto with home or renters insurance typically saves 5-25%. Many Maine insurers offer strong bundle discounts. This can mean $100-300 in annual savings while simplifying your coverage.
Garaged Vehicle Discount
Parking your vehicle in a garage protects it from Maine's harsh winters and reduces theft risk. Many insurers offer 3-8% discounts for garaged vehicles. Report this when getting quotes.
Moose Warning: Comprehensive Coverage is Key
Maine has approximately 76,000 moose—the highest population in the lower 48 states. There are about 700 moose-vehicle collisions annually, with peak danger from May through July and September through November. The average moose weighs 1,000 pounds and stands 6 feet tall at the shoulder.
Protection tip: Comprehensive coverage is the only way to cover moose collision damage. Given the high likelihood and severe damage potential, this coverage is highly recommended for all Maine drivers, even those with older vehicles.
Best Auto Insurance Companies in Maine
Based on rates, customer satisfaction, and coverage options, these are the top insurers for Maine drivers.
Best for Price
GEICO
Consistently offers some of the lowest rates in Maine. Best for drivers who want a straightforward policy and prefer managing everything online or through their app. Strong mobile experience.
Best for Service
State Farm
Strong local agent presence throughout Maine, even in rural areas. Ideal for those who prefer in-person service, bundling options, and working with a known agent who understands local conditions.
New England Based
Amica
Rhode Island-based mutual company with deep New England roots. Known for exceptional customer service and dividend policies that return money to policyholders. Great for long-term customers.
Best for High-Risk
Progressive
Great option for drivers with accidents or violations on their record. Offers Snapshot usage-based insurance—particularly valuable if you drive less during harsh Maine winters.
What Maine Drivers Are Saying
"Moving from Massachusetts to Portland, I was pleasantly surprised by how much cheaper car insurance is in Maine. I'm saving over $600 a year for better coverage. Credit Haven helped me compare options quickly and I found a great policy with comprehensive coverage for those moose on Route 1."
"As a young driver in Bangor, I expected to pay through the nose for insurance. By staying on my parents' policy and getting the good student discount, I'm only paying about $90 a month. The tips on this site about winter driving discounts helped me save even more."
"After hitting a moose on Route 9 last fall, I was so grateful I had comprehensive coverage. The claim was handled smoothly and my car was totaled—a $28,000 loss covered completely. If you drive in rural Maine, don't skip comprehensive coverage. It's worth every penny."
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does car insurance cost in Maine?
The average cost of full coverage car insurance in Maine is approximately $1,220 per year ($102/month), making it the cheapest state for auto insurance in the nation—39% below the national average. Liability-only coverage averages around $450/year. Rates vary based on your city, age, driving record, and credit score.
Why is Maine auto insurance so cheap?
Several factors contribute to Maine's low insurance rates: low population density and less traffic congestion, lower accident and crime rates compared to urban states, a culture of safe driving, fewer uninsured drivers (only about 5%), and competitive insurance market conditions. Ironically, Maine's high minimum coverage requirements may also reduce disputes and litigation costs.
Does Maine use credit scores for insurance rates?
Yes. Unlike California and a few other states, Maine allows insurers to use credit-based insurance scores when determining rates. Drivers with excellent credit can save 25-40% compared to those with poor credit. If your credit needs improvement, focus on paying bills on time and reducing debt to lower your premiums over time.
What is Maine's minimum car insurance requirement?
Maine requires 50/100/25 liability coverage: $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. These are the highest minimum requirements in the nation. Maine also requires $2,000 in Medical Payments coverage and Uninsured Motorist coverage matching your liability limits.
What happens if I drive without insurance in Maine?
Driving without insurance in Maine is a Class E crime. Penalties include: fines of $500+ for first offense, license suspension, vehicle registration suspension, and requirement to file SR-22 proof of insurance. If you cause an accident while uninsured, you could face personal liability for all damages and potential criminal charges.
How can I lower my Maine car insurance rate?
Key strategies include: maintaining good credit (significant factor in Maine), comparing quotes from multiple insurers, bundling auto with home/renters insurance, taking a defensive driving course, asking about winter tire discounts, maintaining a clean driving record, choosing a higher deductible, and asking about all available discounts (good student, multi-car, garaged vehicle).
Should I get comprehensive coverage in Maine?
Strongly recommended. Maine has the highest moose population in the lower 48 states with approximately 700 moose-vehicle collisions annually. The average moose collision causes $10,000+ in damage and often totals vehicles. Comprehensive also covers damage from falling ice, tree branches during storms, and nor'easter-related damage—all common in Maine.
Is Maine a no-fault or tort state?
Maine is a traditional tort (at-fault) state. This means the driver who causes an accident is financially responsible for damages. You can file a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance or sue them directly if their coverage is insufficient. This system differs from no-fault states where each driver's own insurance pays regardless of fault.
How does winter driving affect my insurance in Maine?
Winter driving conditions in Maine (snow, ice, black ice) can increase accident risk, but this is already factored into Maine's rates. Some insurers offer winter tire discounts for using snow or studded tires. Having collision coverage is particularly important during winter months. Consider pay-per-mile insurance if you drive significantly less during harsh winter periods.
How often should I shop for new car insurance quotes?
Experts recommend comparing quotes at least once a year, ideally 2-3 weeks before your policy renews. You should also shop after major life changes like moving, getting married, buying a new car, turning 25, improving your credit score, or when violations fall off your record (typically after 3 years). Insurance rates change frequently.
Is it free to compare quotes on Credit Haven?
Yes, comparing quotes through Credit Haven is 100% free with no obligation. We help you see your options from multiple Maine insurers so you can make an informed decision about your coverage. We don't sell insurance directly—we connect you with licensed providers who can offer you personalized quotes.
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