Here's something that surprises most people about Maine: despite being one of the most affordable states for car insurance, Maine actually requires more coverage than almost anywhere else in the country. While some states let you get by with just $15,000 in bodily injury coverage, Maine asks for more than three times that amount. But here's the good news—you're still paying less than drivers in most other states, and you're getting much better protection for your money.
Whether you're a longtime Maine resident or new to the Pine Tree State, understanding what coverage you actually need—and why Maine's requirements are set up the way they are—can save you both money and headaches down the road. Let's break down exactly what Maine law requires and how to make sure you're properly protected.
Understanding Maine's 50/100/25 Requirement
When you hear insurance agents talk about Maine's 50/100/25 requirement, they're using shorthand for the minimum liability coverage you need to legally drive in the state. Here's what those numbers actually mean in real-world terms:
The first number—$50,000—covers bodily injury per person. If you cause an accident and someone gets hurt, your insurance will pay up to $50,000 for that individual's medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The second number—$100,000—is the total amount your insurance will pay for all injuries in a single accident, no matter how many people are hurt. Think of it as the cap for the entire incident. The third number—$25,000—covers property damage per accident, meaning damage to other vehicles, buildings, guardrails, or anything else you might hit.
Maine also offers an alternative: instead of the 50/100/25 split, you can purchase a single combined limit of $125,000. This gives you one pool of money to cover both bodily injury and property damage from an accident you cause. Some drivers prefer this approach because it provides flexibility—if you cause a serious injury but minimal property damage, you have more money available for medical costs.
The Other Required Coverage You Need to Know About
Unlike many states that only require basic liability coverage, Maine mandates two additional types of protection that actually do a lot of heavy lifting when accidents happen.
First, there's uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, or UM/UIM. You need at least $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident—the same limits as your liability coverage. This protects you and your passengers if you're hit by someone who either has no insurance at all or doesn't have enough coverage to pay for your injuries. Think about it: if someone with only the bare minimum coverage in another state causes a serious accident in Maine, their $15,000 policy won't go far. Your UM/UIM coverage fills that gap.
Second, you must carry at least $2,000 in medical payments coverage, often called MedPay. This pays for your medical bills and those of your passengers after an accident, regardless of who's at fault. It kicks in immediately—no waiting to determine fault, no fighting with the other driver's insurance company. You get hurt, you need to see a doctor, your MedPay covers it up to your limit. It's particularly helpful for those initial emergency room visits and urgent care that happen right after a crash.
Why Maine Requires More Coverage (And Why That's Actually Good News)
You might wonder why Maine sets the bar higher than other states. The answer comes down to Maine operating under a fault-based insurance system. When there's an accident, someone is determined to be at fault, and that person's insurance is responsible for covering the damages. If you cause a serious accident and your coverage limits are too low, you're personally on the hook for everything beyond what your policy pays.
Medical costs add up shockingly fast. A single night in the hospital can easily exceed $10,000. Surgery, physical therapy, lost wages—these expenses can quickly reach six figures. That $50,000 per person might sound like a lot, but it doesn't go as far as you'd think when someone suffers serious injuries. Maine's higher minimums provide a more realistic safety net than the laughably low requirements in some states.
Here's the plot twist: despite requiring more coverage, Maine has the lowest auto insurance rates in the entire country. According to recent data, the average Maine resident pays just $92 per month for full coverage—that's 44% less than the national average. For minimum coverage alone, you're looking at around $456 per year, or about $38 per month. So you're getting substantially better protection at a fraction of what drivers in other states pay. That's a pretty good deal.
Should You Carry More Than the Minimum?
Even though Maine's minimums are generous compared to other states, insurance experts typically recommend going higher if you can afford it. Consider bumping up to 100/300/100 coverage if you have significant assets to protect. The difference in premium is often surprisingly small—maybe $20 or $30 more per month—but the additional protection can save you from financial devastation if you cause a serious accident.
You should also think about adding comprehensive and collision coverage, which aren't required by law but protect your own vehicle. Comprehensive covers damage from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hitting a deer, or Maine's severe summer storms. Collision pays for damage when you hit another vehicle or object, regardless of fault. Given Maine's long winters, winding coastal roads, and abundant wildlife, these coverages often prove their worth.
If you're financing or leasing your vehicle, your lender will almost certainly require comprehensive and collision coverage anyway. But even if you own your car outright, consider whether you could afford to replace it out of pocket if it's totaled. If the answer is no, these coverages are worth having.
Finding Affordable Coverage in Maine
Maine's low insurance rates don't mean every company charges the same amount. Rates can vary significantly between insurers. For full coverage, companies like USAA (if you're eligible as a military member or family), Travelers, and Auto-Owners consistently offer competitive rates in Maine. For minimum coverage specifically, Auto-Owners often has the lowest rates at around $240 per year.
When shopping for insurance, get quotes from at least three different companies. Your rate depends on dozens of factors—your age, driving record, credit score, where you live, what you drive, and even your occupation. What's cheapest for your neighbor might not be cheapest for you. Many insurers offer discounts for bundling home and auto insurance, having multiple vehicles on one policy, maintaining a clean driving record, or completing a defensive driving course.
How to Get Started
Getting proper auto insurance in Maine doesn't have to be complicated. Start by gathering some basic information: your driver's license number, vehicle identification number (VIN), and details about your current coverage if you're switching insurers. Think about what coverage levels make sense for your situation—the state minimums are a starting point, but consider your assets, your vehicle's value, and your comfort level with risk.
Request quotes from multiple insurers, comparing not just the premium but what's actually covered. Ask about discounts you might qualify for. Once you've chosen a policy, your coverage can usually start immediately—many insurers can issue proof of insurance digitally within minutes. Keep that proof in your car at all times, either printed or on your phone, because Maine law requires you to show it to law enforcement if requested.
The bottom line? Maine does require more insurance than most states, but you're getting better protection at the country's lowest rates. Take advantage of that combination by making sure you're properly covered. Your future self—and your bank account—will thank you if you ever need to file a claim.
