Reader’s Question:

My wife had an accident with his employer’s vehicle about three years ago and the employers insurance paid for it all in Maine. When we sign up for new personal auto insurance do we have to inform them about the accident in his employer’s vehicle?

Kris

Portland, ME

Though the claim for your wife’s accident in his employer’s or company vehicle in Maine was paid by the employer’s insurance, the accident itself is likely on your wife’s driving history. So while the claim for the accident may not affect your personal car insurance, the accident being on your wife’s motor vehicle record may.

If the personal car insurance provider requests information on accidents and moving infractions that have happened in the past it is best to be as honest and upfront as possible.

When filling out a car insurance application or renewal information form it is best to give as accurate information as possible. So when applying for auto insurance if you or your wife are asked if you have been involved in an accident in the past five years you should in list this accident.

Reader’s Question:

What are the state laws in Maine on insurance of a vehicle? If insurance lapses will my vehicle registration be suspended in Portland ME? Do insurance providers actually report to the state of Maine if insurance is lapsed?

Beth

Portland, ME

A individual may not register a vehicle in Maine unless the individual satisfies the Secretary of State that the car is covered by a liability insurance policy. Violation of this section of the law is a traffic violation, for which a forfeiture of not less than $100 and not more than $500.

A car owner is mandated to have the State minimum liability coverage of $50,000/$100,000/$25,000 in Maine.

Yes, in Maine insurance providers are required to notify the ME Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) when an individual’s insurance has lapsed, cancelled or otherwise has been terminated. If this has been done you must show proof of active insurance to avoid suspension of your driving privilege. Without this the auto owner’s registration certificate and plates for the uninsured car will be suspended.