Car Insurance for New Drivers Maine ME
Reader’s Question:
I want to add my teenage daughter to my car insurance policy since she is learning to drive. What is the legal age for driving in the State of Maine?
Caroline
Portland, ME
The State of Maine mandates that a learner’s permit can be granted to those who are fifteen years old for a period of ninety days. This means that your daughter will have to attend a basic driver’s education course. This will teach her valuable basic driving skills before she even gets behind the wheel. And once she is ready to take control of the car, she will be required to practice on Maine roads. Also, it is mandatory in the State of Maine that first time drivers practice night driving as well. At the age of 16, your daughter will be allowed to apply for a Maine full valid driver’s license provided that she pass the required eye exam, written and practical test. Additionally, she needs to have insurance coverage before any driver’s license is obtained.
This state requires its motorist to acquire both the minimum liability and uninsured motorist insurance. Although it may cost more for you to insure your teenage daughter, it is very important as the State of Maine obligates everyone who operates a motor vehicle in public roads to be covered. Try to take advantage of the car insurance discounts that your daughter may be eligible to. Having good grades is one factor that can lower her premiums. Teenagers who successfully finish the defensive driving course will also be granted valuable discounts. The type of car to be insured will also affect your daughter’s premiums.
Tags: Beginner car insurance, car insurance, Car insurance discounts, teen, teen insurance
Automobile Insurance for College Students Maine ME
Reader’s Question:
Hi. I am a 21 year old college student who is a resident of Maine (and I have car insurance here as required by law) but drives to college every now and then to New Hampshire. I am really tight on budget. Car insurance costs are insanely high. How can I save money on car insurance?
Stacey
Bangor, ME
Insurance costs for your age group is pretty high. There are many ways to deal with this. If you are an above average student, car insurance companies tend to give you lower premium because statistics show that the better your grades, the more responsible you are. You didn’t mention you’re a girl, but I will assume you are. Gender also plays a role in lowering your insurance costs since, on the average, men in your age group pay twice the amount that girls do.
There are insurance companies in Maine which give discounts or credit when the student is away attending college. If you are studying in New Hampshire it’s better to use public transportation to keep the car at home. With the rising cost of fuel and parking fees, it would be a nice idea to live life without a car during your stay in college.
If you still want to drive a car to college, the best way is to swallow your pride (gulp!)
and insure your car under your parent’s name. There will be a significant lowering of costs if you follow this route. Don’t worry. I understand what you’re going through, considering that tuition fees are also very high and I have struggled financially in my college years. Stay positive and save when you can. Remember the story of the ant and the grasshopper? I don’t, but if you do, I hope that helps.
Tags: auto insurance premium, car insurance cost, Student car insurance
Credit Information and Car Insurance Maine ME
Reader’s Question:
My car insurance agent here in Maine asked about my credit information. Is that relevant?
Justine
Portland, ME
That’s a good question, Justine. You see, the way people pay their financial obligations is a reflection of their financial capability. And the studies made by car insurance providers indicate that financial capability is a good indicator of future insurance claims. They use your credit information as an element in determining your insurability and understanding the risks involved in insuring you.
Whenever car insurance companies look at credit reports, they don’t really look at the credit scores or ratings. They are merely concerned with the financial group that the customer falls into. They use the information provided by the credit reporting company, and it is then interpreted by the rating program of the car insurance providers. The interpretation usually translates to the rates that are offered to the customer.
Generally, most car insurance companies in Maine require your credit report or financial obligation in processing your car insurance application. They also take into consideration your driving record, the violations you have made, your years of experience in terms of driving, and the kind of car that you drive.
It is important for the car insurance companies to know your credit rating in order for them to assess your rates and to know if you will be able to pay your premiums on time. After all, they would also want to protect themselves from customers who don’t pay.
Tags: auto insurance premium, Car Insurance Company, car insurance rate