What is Maine's Uninsured Motorist Penalty?

Maine's law requires auto insurance coverage.

Motorists in Maine are required by law to carry minimum levels of auto insurance coverage, and failure to show evidence of insurance could result in a possible driver's license suspension and the loss of vehicle registration.

Law

Every vehicle owner and operator in Maine is mandated by law to purchase $50,000 worth of coverage to cover the injury or death of one person, $25,000 in property damage, and at least $100,000 to cover an accident that results in the injury or death of one person. Maine also accepts a combined single limit of $125,000 for bodily injury and property damage. Vehicle owners are not allowed to register their vehicle until they show proof of this insurance.

Uninsured Operation

According to the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles, if a driver does not produce evidence of insurance when they are required, they can be charged with uninsured operation. This can mean a license suspension and potential loss of registration privileges. The driver is required to immediately purchase a policy with sufficient coverage and then file a "proof of financial responsibility" by submitting an SR-22 insurance certificate.

Uninsured Coverage

Maine requires all automobile insurance policies written in the state to include "uninsured motorist" coverage. The owner of the policy is insured against bodily injury damages if they are in an accident with an uninsured driver.

References

• Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles: Exam Manual.
• Maine Bureau of Insurance: A Consumer's Guide to Personal Auto Insurance.
• DMV.org: Maine Car Insurance Center.