---
title: "Maine Car Insurance Requirements: What the Law Requires and What to Ask Your Agent"
description: "Maine requires 50/100/25 liability, $2,000 medical payments and uninsured motorist coverage on every auto policy. See proof rules, penalties and lender add-ons."
url: "https://riskado.com/maine-car-insurance-requirements/"
lang: "en"
published: "2026-03-03"
modified: "2026-03-03"
tags: ["car-insurance","minimum-coverage","uninsured-motorist","proof-of-insurance"]
image: "https://riskado.com/og/blog-maine-car-insurance-requirements.jpg"
---

# Maine Car Insurance Requirements: What the Law Requires and What to Ask Your Agent

Riskado

Mar 3, 2026 · 10 min read

![A sedan parked in the driveway of a white farmhouse on a rural Maine road in autumn](https://riskado.com/blog/maine-car-insurance-requirements/featured.jpg)

Maine requires every vehicle owner and operator to carry [auto insurance](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/personal-auto-policy/). The minimum [liability limits](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/liability-insurance/) are $50,000 for [bodily injury](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/bodily-injury-liability/) to one person, $100,000 for bodily injury in one accident and $25,000 for [property damage](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/property-damage-liability/), according to the [Maine Bureau of Insurance (opens in a new tab)](https://www.maine.gov/pfr/insurance/consumers/auto-insurance/insurance-required-by-law). A Maine [policy](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/policy/) must also include at least $2,000 per person in [medical payments coverage](https://riskado.com/insurance-terms/medical-payments-coverage/) and [uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage](https://riskado.com/do-i-need-uninsured-motorist-coverage/) starting at $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. You need proof of insurance to register a car, and you can show it on your phone. New residents have 30 days to register. A lender may require more.

### Key takeaways

- **Liability minimums**$50,000 for bodily injury to one person, $100,000 for bodily injury in one accident and $25,000 for property damage.
- **Medical payments**At least $2,000 per person.
- **Uninsured or underinsured motorist**Starting at $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
- **Proof of insurance**Needed to register a car, and you can show it on your phone.
- **New residents**30 days to register. A lender may require more.

## What coverage does Maine require?

A Maine auto policy has three required parts: liability, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, and medical payments. When you look at your declarations page, you should find all three.

**Liability.** Under [29-A M.R.S. § 1605 (opens in a new tab)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-a/title29-Asec1605.html), the minimums are $50,000 for bodily injury or death of one person, $100,000 for bodily injury or death of more than one person in one accident, and $25,000 for property damage. People often write this as 50/100/25. A single combined limit of $125,000 also meets the requirement, according to the [Maine Bureau of Insurance (opens in a new tab)](https://www.maine.gov/pfr/insurance/consumers/auto-insurance/insurance-required-by-law). Liability pays others when you are legally responsible for their injuries or property damage. These limits are not new; [Bureau of Insurance Bulletin 276 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.maine.gov/pfr/insurance/sites/maine.gov.pfr.insurance/files/inline-files/276.pdf) shows that policies with lower limits had to be brought up to 50/100/25 at the first renewal on or after July 1, 1998. A 2023 amendment added a $500 amount for towing and storage charges to the proof-of-financial-responsibility part of the statute, while the liability figures stayed the same.

**Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM).** This coverage protects you and others on your policy when you are legally entitled to recover for bodily injury from a driver who has no insurance, too little insurance or who leaves the scene in a hit-and-run, under [24-A M.R.S. § 2902 (opens in a new tab)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/24-A/title24-Asec2902.html). The minimum is $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. On private-passenger policies, your UM/UIM limit has to match your bodily-injury liability limit unless you reject the higher amount in writing, and it can never drop below the state minimum. So, if you raise your liability limits above the minimum, expect your UM/UIM limits to rise with them unless you signed a rejection.

**Medical payments.** A policy on a vehicle registered or principally garaged in Maine must provide at least $2,000 per person for medical costs from injuries in an accident involving the insured vehicle, covering the driver and passengers, under [29-A M.R.S. § 1605-A (opens in a new tab)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec1605-A.html). The required coverage applies to medical costs incurred within one year after the injuries. The requirement does not apply to policies covering more than four vehicles or to certain garage, sales, repair, service-station and public-parking operations. The minimum was $1,000 before it rose to $2,000 on January 1, 2008, according to [Bulletin 276 (opens in a new tab)](https://www.maine.gov/pfr/insurance/sites/maine.gov.pfr.insurance/files/inline-files/276.pdf).

[Collision and comprehensive coverage](https://riskado.com/comprehensive-vs-collision-insurance/), which pay to fix or replace your own car, are not on the state's list. A lender or leasing company may still require them as part of the loan or lease.

Maine minimum auto insurance requirements

Hover or tap a row to highlight it.

| Coverage | Minimum | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Bodily injury liability, one person | $50,000 | [29-A M.R.S. § 1605 (opens in a new tab)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-a/title29-Asec1605.html) |
| Bodily injury liability, one accident | $100,000 | [29-A M.R.S. § 1605 (opens in a new tab)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-a/title29-Asec1605.html) |
| Property damage liability | $25,000 | [29-A M.R.S. § 1605 (opens in a new tab)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-a/title29-Asec1605.html) |
| Combined single liability limit, as an alternative | $125,000 | [Maine Bureau of Insurance (opens in a new tab)](https://www.maine.gov/pfr/insurance/consumers/auto-insurance/insurance-required-by-law) |
| Uninsured and underinsured motorist | $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident | [24-A M.R.S. § 2902 (opens in a new tab)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/24-A/title24-Asec2902.html) |
| Medical payments | $2,000 per person | [29-A M.R.S. § 1605-A (opens in a new tab)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec1605-A.html) |

## Is car insurance mandatory in Maine?

Yes. Every owner and operator of a motor vehicle must maintain liability insurance and show evidence of it when law enforcement asks, according to the [Maine BMV Motorist Handbook (opens in a new tab)](https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/driver-licenses-and-ids/car-license/motorist-handbook). Proof is also required to register a vehicle, both for a new registration and for a renewal, according to the BMV's pages on [registering a passenger vehicle (opens in a new tab)](https://www1.maine.gov/sos/bmv/vehicles/register-a-passenger-vehicle) and [renewing a registration (opens in a new tab)](https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/vehicles/renewing-my-car-registration).

## What counts as proof of insurance in Maine?

Maine accepts several forms of proof under [29-A M.R.S. § 1605 (opens in a new tab)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-a/title29-Asec1605.html):

- An insurance card
- A letter from your insurer or agent
- An insurance binder
- A policy summary showing the vehicle, the insured, the amount and type of coverage, and the effective and expiration dates

At registration, the law allows electronic proof, including an image shown on your phone or another portable device. Whatever form you use, make sure it shows your vehicle and current policy dates. If you just bought a car and the policy is brand new, ask your agent for a binder or card the same day so you can register without a gap.

![A smartphone with a blank screen next to car keys and a folded document on a car seat](https://riskado.com/blog/maine-car-insurance-requirements/proof-of-insurance.jpg)

Maine accepts a card, letter, binder or policy summary, and electronic proof at registration.

## What happens if you drive without insurance?

Operating a vehicle on a public way without the required proof of financial responsibility is a Class D crime under [29-A M.R.S. § 1605 (opens in a new tab)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-a/title29-Asec1605.html). Failing to produce evidence can lead to an uninsured-operation charge and suspension of your license and registration, according to the [Maine BMV Motorist Handbook (opens in a new tab)](https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/driver-licenses-and-ids/car-license/motorist-handbook). After adjudication for failure to produce evidence, the BMV requires either an [SR-22 certificate](https://riskado.com/maine-sr22-insurance/), which is a filing from your insurer showing you carry coverage, or suspension of your license and registration privileges.

The consequences grow if you cause harm. If an uninsured driver causes injury or property damage of $1,000 or more, that person can be barred from driving until they show proof of financial responsibility or proper insurance, and a court judgment from the accident can suspend driving and registration privileges until it is paid, according to the BMV handbook.

For the fine and reinstatement steps in your own case, contact the court or the [BMV Financial Responsibility office (opens in a new tab)](https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/driver-licenses-and-ids/license-suspended/financial-responsibility), which handles SR-22 filings and reinstatement questions.

If your policy has lapsed, the practical step is to get a new policy in force before you drive again, then ask the agent to send proof right away.

## What changes for new Maine residents?

If you move to Maine, you have 30 days after establishing or declaring residence to apply for Maine registration, according to the [Maine BMV (opens in a new tab)](https://www1.maine.gov/sos/bmv/vehicles/register-a-passenger-vehicle). Along with title, registration, tax and related documents, you will need proof of insurance. Ask your current insurer or a Maine agency whether your policy meets Maine's requirements, especially the UM/UIM and $2,000 medical payments parts, since another state's policy may be set up differently.

![A packed hatchback and moving boxes outside a clapboard house on a quiet Maine street](https://riskado.com/blog/maine-car-insurance-requirements/new-resident.jpg)

New residents have 30 days to register, and proof of insurance is part of the application.

## What a lender or leasing company can add

State minimums cover what the law requires. A loan or lease contract can require more, because the car is the lender's collateral. Auto-finance contracts generally require comprehensive and collision coverage for physical damage to the vehicle, according to the [Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (opens in a new tab)](https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_supervisory-highlights_issue-24_2021-06.pdf). As one example, [Ally's insurance confirmation form (opens in a new tab)](https://www.ally.com/content/dam/pdf/dealer/online/ally-insurance-form-288g.pdf.coredownload.inline.pdf) requires continuous coverage against fire, theft and collision and asks for a loss-payable endorsement naming the contract holder.

[GAP insurance](https://riskado.com/is-gap-insurance-worth-it/) is a separate product. It covers the difference between what you owe on the loan and what insurance pays after a theft or total loss, and it is generally optional, according to the [CFPB (opens in a new tab)](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/am-i-required-to-purchase-an-extended-warranty-or-guaranteed-asset-protection-gap-insurance-or-credit-insurance-from-a-lender-or-dealer-to-get-an-auto-loan-en-807/). Ask your lender to point to any insurance requirement in the signed agreement, and give that list to your agent.

![A closed loan folder, a pen and a set of car keys on a kitchen table](https://riskado.com/blog/maine-car-insurance-requirements/lender-papers.jpg)

A loan or lease can require collision and comprehensive on top of the state minimums.

## Can an insurer cancel or nonrenew a Maine policy?

During the first 60 days of a new policy, an insurer may cancel if you receive notice before the 60th day. After that, cancellation is limited to specific grounds under [24-A M.R.S. § 2914 (opens in a new tab)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/24-A/title24-Asec2914.html), including nonpayment, fraud or material misrepresentation, violating policy terms, and certain license suspensions or revocations.

Notice periods are set by [24-A M.R.S. § 2915 (opens in a new tab)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/24-A/title24-Asec2915.html): at least 10 days for nonpayment and at least 20 days for any other reason. The notice must state the reason and your right to a hearing.

Nonrenewal works differently. Under [24-A M.R.S. § 2916-A (opens in a new tab)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/24-A/title24-Asec2916-A.html), an insurer may nonrenew for a cancellation ground or for specified convictions, false claims, leaving the scene, certain driving offenses, two or more qualifying accidents, or a material change to the vehicle that makes it uninsurable under the insurer's standards. A nonrenewal takes effect only on the policy anniversary date.

If you want to challenge a cancellation or nonrenewal, the hearing request generally must be made within 30 days after you receive the notice, according to the [Maine Bureau of Insurance (opens in a new tab)](https://www1.maine.gov/pfr/insurance/consumers/auto-insurance/cancellations-non-renewals-hearings). Keep every notice you receive and write the deadline on it.

Maine cancellation and nonrenewal rules

Hover or tap a row to highlight it.

| Rule | Timing | Source |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Cancellation of a new policy | Notice received before the 60th day | [24-A M.R.S. § 2914 (opens in a new tab)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/24-A/title24-Asec2914.html) |
| Notice for nonpayment | At least 10 days | [24-A M.R.S. § 2915 (opens in a new tab)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/24-A/title24-Asec2915.html) |
| Notice for any other reason | At least 20 days | [24-A M.R.S. § 2915 (opens in a new tab)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/24-A/title24-Asec2915.html) |
| Nonrenewal | Takes effect only on the policy anniversary date | [24-A M.R.S. § 2916-A (opens in a new tab)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/24-A/title24-Asec2916-A.html) |
| Hearing request | Generally within 30 days after you receive the notice | [Maine Bureau of Insurance (opens in a new tab)](https://www1.maine.gov/pfr/insurance/consumers/auto-insurance/cancellations-non-renewals-hearings) |

## Does Maine's no-touch law affect your insurance?

The no-touch law is a traffic rule rather than part of the insurance requirements. Under [29-A M.R.S. § 2121 (opens in a new tab)](https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/statutes/29-a/title29-Asec2121.html), you may not drive on a public way while using, manipulating, talking into or interacting with a handheld electronic device or mobile phone, including while stopped in traffic, at a light or at a stop sign.

Drivers 18 and older may use a device in hands-free mode, with a single swipe, tap or push allowed on a mounted device that does not block the driver's view. Other exceptions cover emergency calls, certain commercial and school-bus driver uses, and use after you have safely pulled off the road. The fine is $50 for a first offense and $250 for a second or later offense.

![A phone in a dashboard mount with a blank screen inside a car stopped at a rural intersection](https://riskado.com/blog/maine-car-insurance-requirements/hands-free.jpg)

Maine's no-touch law is a traffic rule, separate from the insurance requirements.

## How to check an agent and file a complaint

You can look up any licensed agent, agency or insurance company by name, license number or ID number through the [Maine insurance license lookup (opens in a new tab)](https://sbs.naic.org/solar-external-lookup/?jurisdiction=ME). If you have a dispute with an insurer or agent, you can [file a complaint with the Bureau (opens in a new tab)](https://www.maine.gov/pfr/insurance/consumers/file-a-complaint-dispute) by email, fax or mail. Include your communications with the company, the policy, any claim calculations, appraisals, police reports and other records that support your side.

## Questions to ask your agent

Bring these to your agency when you buy, renew or switch:

- Does this quote include all three required coverages: liability, UM/UIM and medical payments?
- Are my UM/UIM limits equal to my bodily-injury liability limits?
- Would lower UM/UIM limits need a written rejection, and have I signed one?
- What medical payments limit is on the policy?
- What proof of insurance will you issue for registration, and can I get it electronically?
- Does the policy cover how I actually use the car, including commuting, business use or rideshare driving?
- What collision and comprehensive terms does my loan or lease require, and is the lender listed correctly?
- Are any drivers excluded or restricted on the policy?
- What notice would I get before a cancellation or nonrenewal?
- What documents should I keep in the car?

**Quiz: Check what you know about Maine car insurance requirements**

1. What is Maine's minimum property-damage liability limit?
   - $10,000
   - $25,000 **(correct answer)**
   - $50,000
2. What is Maine's minimum medical payments coverage?
   - $1,000 per person
   - $2,000 per person **(correct answer)**
   - Medical payments is optional in Maine
3. How long does a new Maine resident have to apply for Maine registration?
   - 10 days
   - 30 days **(correct answer)**
   - 90 days
4. What is the first-offense fine under Maine's no-touch law?
   - $50 **(correct answer)**
   - $250
   - $500
5. How much notice must an insurer give before canceling a policy for nonpayment?
   - At least 10 days **(correct answer)**
   - At least 20 days
   - At least 60 days

## FAQ

### Can I register a car in Maine before my policy starts?

No. Proof of insurance is required for a new registration and for renewals, according to the [Maine BMV (opens in a new tab)](https://www1.maine.gov/sos/bmv/vehicles/register-a-passenger-vehicle). Have the policy start on or before the day you register, and bring the card, binder or electronic proof.

### Does medical payments coverage pay for passengers?

Yes. The required $2,000 per person covers the driver and passengers for medical costs from an accident involving the insured vehicle, incurred within one year of the injuries, under [29-A M.R.S. § 1605-A (opens in a new tab)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/29-A/title29-Asec1605-A.html).

### What should I do if I get a cancellation notice for nonpayment?

Read the notice for the effective date, which must be at least 10 days out for nonpayment under [24-A M.R.S. § 2915 (opens in a new tab)](https://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/24-A/title24-Asec2915.html). Contact the insurer or agent before that date, and if you want a hearing, request it within 30 days of receiving the notice.

### Will an uninsured-operation charge affect my future insurance?

After adjudication for failing to produce evidence of insurance, the BMV requires an SR-22 filing or suspension of license and registration privileges, according to the [BMV Motorist Handbook (opens in a new tab)](https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/driver-licenses-and-ids/car-license/motorist-handbook). Ask your agent whether they can file an SR-22 for you.

### Is GAP insurance required on a Maine car loan?

Maine's auto insurance requirements do not include GAP coverage, and the [CFPB (opens in a new tab)](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/ask-cfpb/am-i-required-to-purchase-an-extended-warranty-or-guaranteed-asset-protection-gap-insurance-or-credit-insurance-from-a-lender-or-dealer-to-get-an-auto-loan-en-807/) describes it as generally optional. Check your signed loan agreement for any separate requirement.

## Putting it together

Maine's rules come down to three required coverages, proof in hand at registration and on the road, and 30 days to register if you are new to the state. Your lender's contract and your own needs may call for [more than the minimum](https://riskado.com/how-much-car-insurance-do-i-need/). Take your declarations page and your loan or lease papers to an agent, work through those questions, and confirm each answer in writing.

### Terms used in this guide

Tap a term to see what it means.

**Liability coverage.** Pays others when you are legally responsible for their injuries or property damage.

## More articles

- [Georgia Car Insurance Requirements: Minimum Limits, Proof of Insurance in GEICS, What Full Coverage Means and the Uninsured Motorist Offer](https://riskado.com/georgia-car-insurance-requirements/): Georgia requires 25/50/25 liability on every registered car, reported to the state through GEICS. See what full coverage means, the UM rules and lapse fees.

- [Florida Car Insurance Requirements: PIP and Property Damage Minimums, When Bodily Injury Liability Is Required, Proof of Insurance and What Full Coverage Means](https://riskado.com/florida-car-insurance-requirements/): Florida requires $10,000 PIP and $10,000 property damage liability on registered cars. See when bodily injury liability applies, proof rules and lapse fees.

- [Alabama Insurance Lapse Fine: How the Online Insurance Verification System Finds a Lapse, the Notice, Fees and Reinstatement, Stored Vehicles and How to Pay or Appeal](https://riskado.com/alabama-insurance-lapse-fine/): An Alabama insurance lapse usually means a suspended registration and a $200 or $400 reinstatement fee. See the MLI notice, stored-car rules and appeals.

- [Alabama Car Insurance Requirements: The 25/50/25 Minimums, Proof of Insurance, the Uninsured Motorist Offer and How Alabama Fault Rules Affect a Claim](https://riskado.com/alabama-car-insurance-requirements/): Alabama requires 25/50/25 liability, insurance before registration and an uninsured motorist offer. See proof rules, the 20-day deadline and MLI notices.

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