Maine Auto Insurance Requirements: 50/100/25 Plus Mandatory UM Coverage (2026)

Quick Answer: Maine Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

Maine requires all registered motor vehicles to carry minimum liability insurance plus mandatory uninsured motorist coverage. Maine's minimums are 50/100/25 — among the highest in the country:

Maine is one of the few states that mandates uninsured motorist coverage — you cannot decline it. Maine is an at-fault (tort) state with no mandatory no-fault PIP system.

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What Maine Law Requires

Under Maine Revised Statutes Title 24-A §2902 and §2902-A, every owner and operator of a motor vehicle registered in Maine must maintain both minimum liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage simultaneously. UM coverage cannot be waived — it is legally required as part of every Maine auto policy.

What 50/100/25 liability covers:

• $50,000 per person: Maximum your insurer pays for one person's injuries in an accident you cause
• $100,000 per accident: Total cap for all bodily injury claims in a single crash
• $25,000 property damage: Repairs to another person's vehicle or property you damage

Why Maine has high minimums: Maine's high liability and UM requirements reflect the state's serious approach to accident victim protection. Medical costs, particularly given the state's older population and significant rural geography, regularly exceed what lower-minimum states require.

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Maine's Mandatory Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Maine is one of a small number of states where UM coverage is legally required — not just offered. Every Maine auto policy must include uninsured motorist coverage at the same limits as your liability coverage.

What mandatory UM covers:

• If an uninsured driver causes an accident that injures you, your UM pays your medical bills and losses up to your UM limits
• Hit-and-run accidents where the at-fault driver cannot be identified
• Situations where the at-fault driver's insurance company denies coverage

UIM (underinsured motorist): Separate from UM, UIM covers you when the at-fault driver has insurance but not enough. UIM can be declined in writing in Maine but is strongly recommended.

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Is PIP Required in Maine?

No. Maine does not require Personal Injury Protection.

• After an accident where another driver is at fault, their liability pays your medical costs
• If you are at fault, your own health insurance covers your bills
• Optional Medical Payments (MedPay) pays regardless of fault and is commonly added to Maine policies

MedPay in Maine: Given Maine's rural character — many residents are far from trauma centers — MedPay provides a useful buffer against high-deductible health insurance costs after a crash.

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Who Must Carry Insurance in Maine

Must carry insurance:

• All owners of registered motor vehicles in Maine
• Drivers operating any motor vehicle on Maine public roads
• Out-of-state residents who establish Maine residency and register vehicles here

Exceptions:

• Self-insured entities: Businesses meeting Maine's financial responsibility threshold may qualify for self-insurance certification through the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
• Government vehicles: State and municipal vehicles

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Proof of Insurance in Maine

Maine requires proof of insurance at all times while driving. Present it when:

• Stopped by law enforcement
• Involved in an accident
• Registering or renewing a vehicle
• Completing a vehicle inspection

The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) uses an electronic insurance verification system. Insurers report active policy data to the state. Digital proof of insurance on a smartphone is accepted.

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Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Maine

Maine treats operating without required insurance as a serious civil violation. Driving without UM coverage — which is legally required — carries the same penalties as driving without liability coverage.

At-fault accident without insurance: Full civil liability for all damages. Maine courts can garnish wages and place property liens to collect judgments.

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SR-22 Requirements in Maine

An SR-22 is a financial responsibility certificate your insurer files with the Maine BMV.

SR-22 required after:

• Operating without required insurance
• OUI (operating under the influence) conviction
• Serious traffic violations
• At-fault accident while uninsured

Duration: 3 years from the triggering event. Any coverage lapse during the SR-22 period triggers immediate license suspension.

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Maine-Specific Driving Risks

Moose collisions: Maine has more moose-vehicle collisions per mile than any other state in the lower 48. A bull moose can weigh 1,000–1,500 lbs and stands 6–7 feet at the shoulder — at windshield height for most vehicles. Collisions are often fatal for vehicle occupants. Peak risk: dawn and dusk, May through June and September through November. Route 201, US-2, and many northern Maine roads have high moose activity. Comprehensive coverage is what pays for moose strikes.

Severe winters: Maine experiences heavy snow, black ice, and significant freeze-thaw road damage. Rural roads can be treacherous for weeks after storms.

Remote northern and western Maine: Large portions of Maine have no cell service. Emergency response times can be very long in the unorganized territories.

Seasonal tourism: Maine's coast attracts millions of summer visitors. Route 1 and Acadia National Park corridors see dramatically increased traffic June through August.

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Recommended Coverage Beyond Maine Minimums

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FAQ

What is the minimum car insurance required in Maine?

Maine requires 50/100/25 liability ($50,000 BI per person, $100,000 per accident, $25,000 property damage) plus mandatory UM coverage at the same liability limits.

Does Maine require uninsured motorist coverage?

Yes. Maine is one of the few states that legally mandates UM coverage — you cannot decline it. Every Maine policy must include $50,000/$100,000 UM coverage.

Is Maine a no-fault state?

No. Maine is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver who causes the accident is financially responsible for all resulting damages.

What happens if I drive without insurance in Maine?

Fine of $100–$500, license suspension, and SR-22 requirement for reinstatement. This applies whether you're missing liability coverage or the mandatory UM coverage.

Does Maine accept digital proof of insurance?

Yes. Maine law permits electronic proof of insurance on a smartphone.

Why are moose so dangerous on Maine roads?

Unlike deer, moose stand at windshield height — a collision hits the body directly into the passenger compartment rather than going under or over the vehicle. Maine averages 700+ moose-vehicle collisions annually, many of them fatal or serious. Comprehensive coverage pays for moose strikes.

How does Maine compare to other states for insurance minimums?

Maine (50/100/25 plus mandatory UM) has the highest effective minimums of any state, tied with Alaska (50/100/25 without mandatory UM). Most states require only 25/50/10 or 25/50/25. Maine's requirements reflect its commitment to accident victim protection.

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Key Takeaways

• Maine minimum is 50/100/25 plus mandatory UM at matching limits
• UM coverage cannot be waived — it is legally required in Maine
• Tort state — at-fault driver pays all damages
• Moose collisions are extremely dangerous — comprehensive coverage is essential
• Driving uninsured means $100–$500 fine plus license suspension
• SR-22 required for 3 years after certain violations

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Maine auto insurance requirements based on publicly available sources. This is not legal advice. Insurance requirements can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always verify current requirements with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (maine.gov/sos/bmv) and the Maine Bureau of Insurance (maine.gov/pfr/insurance), and consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: March 2026
Sources: Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Maine Bureau of Insurance, Maine Revised Statutes Title 24-A §2902