Average cost of car insurance in Maine in 2024

How much is car insurance in Maine? 

Drivers in the Pine Tree State can take comfort in knowing Maine car insurance rates are typically much lower than the national average. At $1,562 per year, Maine has some of the cheapest average full coverage car insurance premiums in the country — around 35 percent less than the national average of $2,458. Minimum coverage policies are $416 a year on average, making Maine the second-cheapest state in this category (just behind Iowa). However, you could be paying more or less than the average depending on several factors personal to you.

Bankrate’s insurance editorial team, which includes licensed agents, analyzed premium data from Quadrant Information Services to determine the average cost of car insurance in Maine. Then, we reviewed insurers’ ratings from third parties like J.D. Power and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Finally, we took into account each company’s AM Best financial strength ratings, as well as each provider's available discounts, coverage options, perks and more to help drivers identify some of the best car insurance in ME for their needs.

Key takeaways

• Full coverage car insurance costs an average of $1,562 per year, while minimum coverage is $416 per year.
• A poor credit score may lead to rates that are on average 111 percent higher.
• In Maine, a driver with a DUI conviction may pay about 79 percent more on average than a driver with a clean record.
• Eighteen-year-old male drivers on their own policy pay the highest premiums in Maine, at an average rate of $5,016 per year.

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Maine car insurance rates by city

The amount you pay for car insurance in Maine is based on several factors, including your ZIP code. Generally speaking, drivers who live in bigger cities tend to pay some of the highest premiums, likely due to a higher population density leading to increased accident frequency. However, Maine’s largest city (Portland) has less than 70,000 residents. Maine primarily consists of small towns and rural areas, which could be one of the reasons behind its lower-than-average car insurance rates. Still, the table below showcases the slight variations in average premiums Mainers may pay from city to city.

Average car insurance costs by age and gender in Maine

Some states prohibit car insurance companies from using your age and gender when determining your car insurance premium — but not Maine. Due to their risky driving habits and inexperience behind the wheel, teens pay some of the highest car insurance rates. Additionally, men usually pay more than women, as they are statistically more likely to get into a car accident. However, the rate gap between genders tends to narrow as you age.

Note that the rates below refer to drivers on their own policy, aside from 16-year-olds, who must be added to their parents’ policy.

Cost considerations for young drivers in Maine

If you’re a parent with a younger driver in your household, you may be able to save money by listing your child on your policy as an additional driver rather than them purchasing a policy of their own. It is important to note, however, that most companies require that your child still lives at home for this to be possible. For more information, you may want to contact your company directly.

How does driving record impact the cost of car insurance in Maine?

In Maine or anywhere else, your driving habits have a significant impact on your car insurance rates. Safer drivers typically pay the least for car insurance, while just one accident could push your full coverage up 43 percent more from the average cost of car insurance in Maine.

Generally, the more serious the incident, the higher the risk your insurance company may view you as. As such, different types of driving incidents can impact your rate more than others, as shown in the table below:

Car insurance rates in Maine by credit score

The average cost of car insurance in Maine can depend on your credit score. Statistics show that those with lower credit are more likely to file claims. To offset this risk, auto insurers usually charge these drivers more expensive premiums. In the table below, note that the average rate in Maine for a driver with poor credit is only slightly lower than for a driver with a DUI.

Maine car insurance rates by vehicle type

It may come as no surprise that your vehicle’s make and model can affect your Maine car insurance rates. Usually, sports cars, luxury vehicles and large trucks cost the most to insure. However, as with most things insurance-related, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, some standard four-door sedans may have higher rates simply because there are more of them on the road. In other words, the more common a vehicle is, the more claims it may be involved in, leading to more expensive premiums.

Estimate your car insurance cost in Maine

There are so many factors that go into determining a car insurance quote, which is why Bankrate put together the useful calculator below. Enter some basic information and you’ll see an insurance premium rough estimate. Keep in mind that it’s not an exact quote, but it can give you a sense of how much you might pay for car insurance.

How to save on car insurance in Maine

Although the average car insurance cost in Maine is much lower than in most states, you may be able to save even more by following the tips below:

• Shop around: Every insurer uses their own methodology for determining rates. That's why many insurance experts recommend that you ask for quotes from a range of potential insurers so you can see which one offers you the lowest rate. You may even want to check prices annually to see if it would benefit you to switch carriers if you find a better price elsewhere.
• Increase your deductible: The deductible is the amount you pay before coverage kicks in after an approved claim. In general, it applies to collision and comprehensive coverage. Increasing your deductible may lead to a lowered premium rate. But be careful to only increase the deductible to a level you could pay out of pocket in the event that you need to file a claim.
• Garage your vehicle: Maine has some of the most severe winter weather of any state in the U.S., and that weather is hard on cars. If you are able to get your vehicle off the road when parked and into a garage or protected area during the winter months, some insurers will offer you a discount.
• Take a driver safety course: Maine offers a defensive driving course that could earn you a three-point credit on your driving record as well as lower insurance premiums. It takes roughly five hours to complete but may be worth the time investment to save on vehicle insurance.

Frequently asked questions

These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.