Protland Maine ME auto insurance question
Reader’s Question:
I would like to know if there is any hard and fast rule in determining auto insurance premiums. I have auto insurance policy in Portland Maine.
Sandra
Portland, ME
Hello, Sandra.
Auto insurance costs have been affected by the rising cost of auto repairs and medical care in recent years. Auto insurance company must submit their request to the state’s Insurance Commissioner if they want to increase its insurance rates. They must also include enough financial information to justify the rate increase. Rate analysts will review the facts provided by insurers and will approve the request if they find them congruent to the laws of Maine.
In addition to that, auto insurance companies may change the way their rates vary based on a number of factors such as address, age, gender, and driving history. Auto insurance rates can be based on many factors. Premium rates is made up of a base rate, plus/minus certain pegged amounts relevant to age, marital status, gender, driving patterns, claims history, credit history, geographical area, model, year, and make of the vehicle insured.
Weight on these factors would vary from one company to another. For a more accurate explanation on ratings, you can ask your local auto insurance agent in Portland Maine for appointment so you will better understand.
You may also start shopping for free quotes online so you can compare premium rates. Enter your zip code on the relevant space found in this page.
Portland ME Car Insurance Rate
Reader’s Question:
Will my insurance rate go up if I don’t pay my car insurance premium this month, and allow it to get it cancelled, and then change car insurance carrier next month?
Julia
Portland, ME
Yes, it is possible that your insurance rates would go up if you allowed your current car insurance policy to get cancelled for non-payment and a month later decided to obtain car insurance with a new insurer.
A new insurance company may be wary to take your business if they would see that you have previously not paid fully on your insurance policy and allowed it to cancel for nonpayment. Being more of a risk in this way could cause an insurance company to not either want to accept your business or will make your insurance rate higher.
If you no longer want car insurance through your current insurance company then you should notify them and terminate your policy. But before doing so you will want to get a new auto insurance policy to cover your vehicle so that there will not be a lapse in coverage.
Auto Insurance Maine ME
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.
Car Insurance Portland Maine
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.
Car Insurance Maine
Reader’s Question:
What is the penalty in the state of Maine for driving without insurance and registration?
Amy
Portland, ME
The penalties for driving without insurance and registration in the state of Maine are quite severe. A registration that is expired will get you a summons and warning. If the vehicle has not been registered at all or within the last 150 days and you are stopped by a police officer it will be considered a Class E crime. In Maine a Class E crime can permit you to be arrested and go before a district court judge. Class E offense is six months if found guilty.
In Maine, being convicted of driving without insurance is a traffic violation (and also a Class E crime) for which a fine of not less than $100 and not more than $500 may be assessed. Your vehicle and license registration can also be suspended. The suspension will go on until financial responsibility is proven and there are other requirements that might be compulsory. You might then have a restricted license for a time period of time also.