Car Insurance in Maine — The Best and the Cheapest [2024]

Drivers in The Pine Tree State are one lucky bunch. They pay a staggering 42% less on average for car insurance than the national average. But who wants to settle for just average when it’s possible to bring your premium down even further?

If you’re looking for the cheapest car insurance Maine money can buy, this post is all you need. 

We grabbed quotes from a number of carriers in the state to find out who offers the best bang for the buck. Additionally, we reviewed these players on different parameters and ranked them accordingly. 

However, we didn’t stop at just grading Maine car insurers. We have explained the state’s car insurance laws and requirements in an easy-to-understand language and offered time-tested strategies that can lower your premium rates by up to 60%.

The Overall Winner: GEICO

You have to give it to GEICO. The insurer ticks all the important boxes — cost, customer service, and financial strength — and some more in The Pine Tree State. 

Its monthly rate of $49 is way below the state’s average ($132) and roughly 27% lower than Progressive’s, its nearest competitor. In short, if cheap car insurance in Maine is your number one priority, GEICO is just the one for you. 

The insurer also stands out in J.D. Power customer satisfaction study for Maine (New England region), notching up 4 stars out of 5 and 3rd overall rank out of 15 insurers. What’s more, GEICO’s financial strength ratings are as good as anybody’s and better than most. A.M. Best gave it the highest rating of “A++.” 

GEICO also has the most feature-rich and user-friendly mobile app among all insurance companies in Maine. Whether you need to chat with a company’s representative on-the-go or need a battery change, the app ensures your needs are quickly attended to, regardless of the time of day. It’s no surprise then that GEICO’s app is a favorite among tech-savvy users and enjoys a high rating of 4.8 out of 5 in both Google Play and the App Store. 

GEICO would have had a perfect report card were it not for the lack of GAP insurance. Apart from that, GEICO comes up with goods in every other department. Consider it if you are looking for cheap auto insurance in Maine with a solid track record in customer service and financial strength.

Choose GEICO if you want dirt-cheap premiums and top-shelf service. 

Look elsewhere if you need GAP insurance.

The First Runners-up: Progressive

Progressive generally comes out as the most budget-friendly insurer in our research, but Maine is an exception. All the same, at $67 a month, we found its offer pretty appealing. If you’re scouting for cheap car insurance in Maine, grab a quote from Progressive right away, without a hem or haw. 

The insurer specializes in high-risk drivers, so it should be an automatic choice for new or young motorists, as well as for those with a less-than-perfect driving record. 

The insurer boasts a decent customer service record, earning the 5th rank overall in the J.D. Power regional study. It also holds its own in the financial strength department, as evident from its “A+” rating from A.M. Best. 

Last but not the least, you get to enjoy some really cool features when you pick Progressive car insurance. Maine drivers, for example, can use its Name Your Price tool to pay only for the coverage they’ll need. Simply mention the price you’re comfortable with, and the tool will list various coverage options available to you. 

All in all, Progressive has much going for it to not be on your shortlist.

Choose Progressive for its pocket-friendly premium rates. 

Look elsewhere if you want to pay the cheapest car insurance quote in Maine or enjoy the best service.

The Second Runners-up: Travelers 

Travelers website states: “Stay covered, wherever the road takes you.”

What it doesn’t say, though, is what the cost of this protection is going to be. So is Travelers’ coverage cheap or would you be paying through your nose? 

Travelers, like GEICO and Progressive, offers low-cost car insurance in Maine. Its average monthly premium is $79, which is pretty competitive anyway you cut it. 

Considering price is the main factor for buying coverage for most drivers, jaw-dropping rates alone are enough to win Travelers a spot on our list of top 10 cheapest auto insurance providers in Maine. Encouragingly, the insurer has a few more goodies for you, such as a great smartphone app. Travelers also shines in the financial strength department, earning the highest possible rating from A.M. Best. 

However, its customer service record is not up to the mark. The insurer couldn’t do better than two stars in the J.D. Power regional study. Because of this, some drivers may not be too keen on giving Travelers the time of day. Still, if you’re willing to compromise on service for cheap car insurance in Maine, contact Travelers for a quote.

Choose Travelers for its dirt-cheap premiums. 

Look elsewhere if you want excellent customer service.

The Best for Customer Service: Amica Mutual

Amica Mutual may not be a big shot in the US auto insurance market as GEICO or Progressive, but it packs a punch when it comes to customer service. The insurer notched up a perfect score in overall satisfaction for Maine and was the only player to do so. 

It also offers several built-in perks that other auto insurance companies in Maine simply can’t match. For instance, the insurer offers free lock replacement in case your keys get stolen or lost. Amica Mutual also offers a large number of discounts, from loyalty and good driver discounts to multiple auto and homeownership discounts. 

However, even with these discounts, Amica Mutual rates range from expensive to exorbitant. So, be ready to pay a premium price for top-notch service.

Choose Amica Mutual for its splendid service. 

Look elsewhere if you want low-cost car insurance in Maine.

The Best for Military: USAA

Where most insurers excel in either price or service, USAA stands out in both. Its rates are among the best and its customer service top-class. 

And in case you’re wondering about its financial strength, well, that’s right up there too. The insurer, like GEICO and Travelers, received the top rating of “A++” from A.M. Best. 

On top of all this, USAA offers a suite of financial and banking services, in addition to auto insurance in Maine. This makes it a great choice for buyers who like to bundle services from one provider. Furthermore, as you would expect from a company of its reputation, USAA promises to ease your troubles in the event of a crash by handling your claim as quickly as possible. 

However, USAA’s offerings are not for everyone. The insurer serves only US military personnel and their immediate family. If you’re eligible, strongly consider it.

Choose USAA for its great performance across the board.

Look elsewhere if you don’t qualify.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Maine (By City)

The average cost of auto insurance in Maine varies from one city to the next. We compiled quotes from multiple carriers in five major cities — Portland, South Portland, Bangor, Lewiston, and Biddeford — to find how which one has the best rates. Our quote included full coverage limits, and our sample policyholder was a male driver (age 40) with a spotless record and driving a 2018 Honda Accord.

Portland

Located on a peninsula in Casco Bay, Portland is the most populous city in Maine, with a population of 66,417. Thanks to an active waterfront, the marine industry forms the backbone of the city’s economy. Portland is famous for its 19th-century architecture and exciting nightlife.

The cost of car insurance in Portland, Maine, is a tad on the higher side, compared to the rest of the state. GEICO offers the total package — the lowest average monthly rate ($52), top-shelf service, and unsurpassable financial strength. 

Portland drivers who want nothing short of the best customer service should consider Amica Mutual, which has a better record in customer service than all other providers offering auto insurance in Portland, ME.

However, Amica Mutual is severely costly and may make your wallet feel like it’s on a diet.  If you’re a budget buyer, Progressive ($69/mo) and Travelers ($81/mo) — besides GEICO — are a good option.

South Portland 

Located on Portland Harbor, South Portland is the fourth-largest city in The Pine Tree State. South Portland is a commercial hub known for landmarks such as Bug Light Park, Willard Beach, and Greenbelt Walkway trail.

Searching for cost-effective car insurance in South Portland, Maine? Then, GEICO, Progressive, and Travelers will be to your liking. GEICO, however, holds a definite advantage over the other two, on account of its superior performance in customer service.

Bangor

Situated on the beautiful Penobscot River, Bangor is the third-largest city in Maine, with a population of over 33,000. It is known for the Maine Discovery Museum, the University of Maine Museum of Art, and Bangor City Forest. 

When it comes to low-cost car insurance in Bangor, Maine, GEICO makes others look like amateurs. Its average monthly rate is roughly a quarter cheaper than its closest competitor — Progressive. Other viable options include Travelers, State Farm, and Amica Mutual.

Lewiston

Lewiston is the second-largest city in Maine and a great place to live and work. The city has a relatively low cost of living and ample employment opportunities. The main employment sectors in the city include manufacturing, health care, financial services, and logistics.

Like in Bangor, GEICO is head and shoulders above the rest in the price department. Besides it, other providers that offer car insurance in Lewiston, Maine, at reasonable rates include Progressive and Nationwide. State Farm and Amica Mutual are two other names worth adding to your list, especially if you place a high value on customer service.

Biddeford 

Biddeford is located in York County, Maine. It boasts a bustling, historic downtown and is best known for the annual La Kermesse Franco-Americaine Festival, scenic river walks, historic mill tours, and international restaurants. 

The cost of car insurance in Biddeford, Maine is cheaper than in other cities we reviewed. GEICO delivers the best bargain, followed by Progressive and Travelers. Compared to these two, GEICO also enjoys an advantage in customer service. If you need unique add-ons, such as classic car insurance, or a safe driver, add Allstate to your list. State Farm, on the other hand, would be right up your alley if you’re someone who values experience more than the price.

Maine Car Insurance Laws

Maine Automobile Insurance Plan (ME AIP)

In the Pine Tree State, you can’t legally take the wheel if you don’t have auto insurance. However, a spotty driving record can prevent you from getting the mandatory coverage. 

Thankfully, ME AIP can get you out of this tight corner.  Created in 1970, the plan helps difficult drivers find the necessary coverage.

How does ME AIP do that? 

Every auto insurance Maine company is required to participate in the plan. So when you contact ME AIP for assistance, it assigns you a provider for 3 years. 

Mind you, ME AIP only extends a helping hand if you meet certain requirements. One, you must show that you tried to purchase auto insurance the normal way in the past two months, but were unable to do so. Two, you need a driver’s license and a car registered in Maine. Three, all the information you write in the application form must be accurate.

Minimum Car Insurance in Maine 

According to the Maine Bureau of Insurance, every driver must carry the following bare minimum coverage:

• Bodily Injury Liability — $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident. It covers the medical expenses of the other driver. 
• Property Damage Liability — $25,000 per accident. It pays for the repair of the party’s car or property. 
• Medical payments coverage — $2,000 per person. It reimburses medical bills incurred by you.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage — $50,000 per person/100,000 per accident. If you suffer injuries in a crash caused by a motorist who has no or little insurance, this coverage ensures you get compensation from your car insurance Maine provider.

Price Optimization in Maine

Susan has not collected a ticket in the past 2  years, nor has she ever been involved in a car accident. Yet, her insurer has raised her premium two years in a row. 

Susan is irritated and angry. But what she doesn’t know is that car insurers often bump up rates based on drivers’ shopping habits — a practice known as price optimization — and that she could have prevented these price hikes by grabbing quotes from other providers every now and then. 

Thankfully, drivers in The Pine Tree State don’t have to lose sleep over price optimization. In August 2015, the state’s Insurance Superintendent issued a bulletin to stop auto insurance companies in Maine from using non-risk factors to adjust premium rates. 

If you live in Maine or any other state where price optimization is illegal, you can relax knowing your auto insurance premium is only reflective of your risk to the insurer and nothing else.

However, if you — like Susan — reside in a place where price optimization is rampant, you got to play smart. Shop around before your policy is due for renewal to show your insurer that you are nobody’s fool and will not think twice before dumping them if they push your premium up without any reason.

SR22 Car Insurance  in Maine

You need an SR22 in Maine to reinstate your driving privileges after they have been suspended or revoked.  SR22 is a form — not any kind of special auto insurance coverage — that proves you are carrying the bare minimum liability insurance. 

Your insurer can file SR22 on your behalf for a small fee, $15–$25. However, expect a steep rise in your premium at renewal on account of your blemished record. 

Mind you, not all car insurance companies in Maine file SR22. If your current carrier refuses to process your request, you’ll need to find a provider who’s willing. However, you’ll likely have to fork out more for coverage than you paid earlier and be limited in your choice of carriers. 

If you don’t own a car but want to get back your driving privileges, you would need a non-owner policy along with SR22.

Maine Car Insurance for New Residents

If you become a resident of Maine and own a vehicle, you must register your vehicle in the state within 30 days of taking up residency, according to AAA.

No-Fault Laws in Maine

Maine is an “at-fault” state, like Connecticut and Louisiana. That means the at-fault driver pays for the other driver’s bill in the event of a car accident. From a practical standpoint, it is the auto insurance Maine provider of the negligent driver who foots the bill, up to the policy limits. 

Maine follows the modified comparative negligence system for settling personal injury lawsuits. That is to say, a driver can collect damages from the other party only if they are less than 50% at fault. Also, your damages will be reduced by the percentage of your fault. For example, if you were 15% at fault, you will only recover 85% of damages.

How to Get The Best Auto Insurance in Maine

Check Auto Insurance Reviews

Many people only look at cost while buying coverage, only to repent later. Customer service and financial strength ratings are equally important. You can find out these details about shortlisted names by reading reviews included in the post. Another option is to check out our car insurance rankings, in which we covered 24 US auto insurers.

Compare Car Insurance Quotes in Maine 

Collecting quotes from carriers can feel like a chore. Be that as it may, it can help save hundreds of dollars a year, and that’s no small thing. So, take some time out of your schedule — a couple of hours will do — to find the best rate by comparing quotes from different insurers.

Determine Who Provides the Best Discount

It’s important to check the various discounts offered by insurance companies in Maine. Making full use of these rebates can result in substantial savings. Some common discounts available are as follows:

• Bundle Discount — Insurers offer handsome rebates to customers who combine their auto insurance coverage with home insurance or some other type of insurance. 
• Multi-line Discount — This rebate is available to drivers who choose to insure two or more vehicles with the same car insurance Maine provider. 
• Good Student Discount — A high-grade point average can help you net a hefty discount on car insurance. 
• Safe Driving Discount — Prove to your insurer that you’re a safe driver and see your premium coming down. 
• Accident-free Discount — If you’ve not had an accident in the last 5 or 6 years, your auto insurer may reward you by lowering your rate by as much as 10%. 
• Defensive driving discount — New drivers can bring down their Maine car insurance rates by 5% to 10% by enrolling in an accredited safe driving program.

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