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Similar to most states, the state of Maine requires all drivers, including those who live in Portland, to carry auto insurance to operate a motor vehicle on state roadways. When purchasing auto insurance, Portland, Maine, drivers may pay more or less than other drivers in the state, depending on their driving history.
Maine Insurance Requirements
According to The Zebra, Maine’s state laws mandate that all drivers purchase a minimum amount of liability, uninsured motorist, and medical payments coverage. That means that if you live in Portland and you’re purchasing auto insurance, your policy should include the following:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $25,000 per accident
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury
- Medical Payments: $2000 per person
The Zebra notes that Portland, Maine, drivers also have the option of adding the following types of coverage to their policy:
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Loan/Lease Payoff
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
MoneyGeek points out that Portland drivers, like drivers throughout the state of Maine, pay 48 percent less for auto insurance than the national average. Maine motorists can expect to pay, on average, $471 for a six-month policy.
Comparing Quotes for Maine Drivers
When calculating insurance rates, insurance companies consider numerous factors, including a driver’s history and age. Each provider assigns its own value to these factors, meaning that the price of an auto insurance policy varies from one provider to the next. If you want to save money, it helps to shop around for quotes from various providers. MoneyGeek gathered quotes for different groups of drivers from several insurance companies operating in Portland, Maine. Here’s what they found for drivers who want a policy that meets state minimums:
- USAA: $187 a year
- GEICO: $252 a year
- MetLife: $265 a year
- State Farm: $337 a year
- Concord Group: $366 a year
- Travelers: $432 a year
- Progressive: $417 a year
- Allstate: $455 a year
If you opt for full coverage, here’s what you can expect to pay, on average:
- USAA: $367 a year
- GEICO: $460 a year
- MetLife: $498 a year
- State Farm: $599 a year
- Concord Group: $587 a year
- Travelers: $680 a year
- Progressive: $719 a year
- Allstate: $703 a year
MoneyGeek also analyzed quotes for drivers who have different types of violations on their driving record. They found that these are the most affordable options if you’re a Portland driver with a recent speeding ticket, at-fault accident, or DUI on your record:
- USAA: $412 a year with a recent speeding ticket/$507 a year with an at-fault accident/$734 a year with a DUI
- State Farm: $661 a year with a recent speeding ticket/$722 a year with an at-fault accident/$661 a year with a DUI
- Concord Group: $663 a year with a recent speeding ticket/$757 a year with an at-fault accident/$963 a year with a DUI
- GEICO: $715 a year with a recent speeding ticket/$753 a year with an at-fault accident/$1205 a year with a DUI
- Allstate: $771 a year with a recent speeding ticket/$896 a year with an at-fault accident/$920 a year with a DUI
- Travelers: $916 a year with a recent speeding ticket/$782 a year with an at-fault accident/$1048 a year with a DUI
- MetLife: $904 a year with a recent speeding ticket/$1048 a year with an at-fault accident/$1274 a year with a DUI
- Progressive: $973 a year with a recent speeding ticket/$1367 a year with an at-fault accident/$841 a year with a DUI
In addition to your driving history, your credit score can also significantly impact your auto insurance rates. Insurance companies correlate credit score with driver reliability and responsibility, which is why drivers with poor credit scores pay higher rates. WalletHub reports that these are the most affordable options for Portland drivers with poor credit scores:
- Geico: $313 a year
- Concord Group: $416 a year
- Patriot Insurance: $428 a year
- Countryway Insurance: $477 a year
- USAA: $518 a year
Younger drivers also pay higher auto insurance rates because they have less driving experience. That lack of experience is why the industry classifies them as high-risk. If you’re a Portland driver in your teens and 20s, here’s what you can expect to pay, on average:
- GEICO: $495 a year
- Concord: $650 a year
- Countryway Insurance: $682 a year
- USAA: $799 a year
- Travelers: $874 a year
While senior drivers tend to pay lower rates, it doesn’t hurt for drivers in this group to shop around for the best price. According to WalletHub, these are the most affordable options for senior drivers living in Portland:
- GEICO: $180 a year
- Patriot Insurance: $257 a year
- Concord Group: $283 a year
- USAA: $286 a year
- Countryway Insurance: $331 a year
How Can Portland Drivers Lower Their Auto Insurance Rates?
In addition to shopping around for quotes, there are other ways that Portland, Maine, drivers can minimize their auto insurance costs. WalletHub suggests you do the following:
- Maintain your coverage. Even if you don’t currently own a vehicle, you should still have an insurance policy that meets state minimums. Maine drivers with gaps in their insurance history can expect to pay 6 percent more for auto insurance than drivers with continuous coverage.
- Choose the right amount of coverage. If you own an older car, you may not need comprehensive and collision coverage. If you do need comprehensive and collision coverage, raising your deductibles will lower your premium costs. Just make sure you can afford to pay a higher deductible out of pocket if you ever have to file a claim. Drivers who aren’t on the road very much may want to consider a usage-based policy. You don’t want to skimp on your auto insurance coverage, but you also don’t want to pay for more insurance than you need.
- Talk to your agent about discounts. Depending on your situation, you may qualify for multiple discounts. If you have the same provider for your auto insurance and your homeowner’s insurance, you’ll see significant savings by bundling your policies. Safe drivers can receive discounts for maintaining a clean driving record. If you have a teen driver on your policy, they can earn a discount for maintaining a 3.0 GPA. These are just a few discounts typically offered by providers.
Check this out if you need additional information, resources, or guidance on car insurance.
Sources:
Cheap Maine Car Insurance | thezebra.com
Compare the Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Portland, ME | moneygeek.com
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Maine | wallethub.com
Car Insurance Maine | caranddriver.com
Full Coverage Insurance: Everything You Need to Know | caranddriver.com
Car Insurance | caranddriver.com
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