A Consumer ’ s Guide to...
Personal Auto Insurance
Published By
The Maine Bureau Of Insurance
John Elias Baldacci
Governor
Eric A. Cioppa
Acting Superintendent
TABLE OF CONTENTS |
HOW TO
USE THIS BROCHURE
Rates are usually updated once
a year but should still give a general idea of the differnt rates charged
by insurers. The narrative portions of this brochure are current.
This brochure is meant to be used only as a guide when you shop for
auto insurance. We have tried to explain some commonly used insurance
words to help you better understand the types of auto insurance you
can buy, what you are required to buy by law, and what each type of
insurance covers should you have to file a claim.
The brochure also includes a premium comparison chart. The premiums
in the chart are based on four different examples. Your specific circumstances
will probably not match the examples exactly, so you should choose the
example that is as close as possible to your situation.
Once you pick an example, choose the territory that best describes
the location where you keep your vehicle. Most of the premiums include
discounts, however, these vary by company. Not all companies offer the
same premium discounts, therefore, the premiums listed should only be
used to give you a general idea of what you might pay compared to other
companies. To receive a personal quote based on your particular situation,
you should contact an insurance producer.
Important Note:
It is a crime to knowingly give false, incomplete, or misleading information
to an insurance company for the purpose of defrauding the company. Penalties
may include imprisonment, fines, or denial of insurance benefits. Make
sure that your application contains accurate information before you
sign.
Information you
will be asked when you apply for insurance includes the following:
1.) Driving Record
On the policy application you will be asked about your driving
record. Insurers will ask about accidents and traffic violations
for any driver covered by the policy for the prior 3-5 years. Drivers
with previous violations or at- fault accidents are considered to
be a higher risk and may be charged a higher premium.
2.) Territory
The claims experience of people in your area will also affect your
rates. Applications include a question that asks for the address
where the vehicle will be garaged. From this information insurers
can tell a great deal about your risk of financial loss. From claims
experience, insurers know that more claims are made from city areas
than country areas (busy traffic, thefts, vandalism, etc.)
3.) Gender and Age
Statistics show that males still have more accidents than females.
For that reason, young men may tend to pay more for insurance than
young women. Insurers also have statistics that show a higher number
of claims for some age groups than for others.
4.) Marital Status
Insurance company claims records show a lower rate of auto insurance
claims among married policyholders.
5.) Prior Insurance Coverage
If you have previously been cancelled for non-payment of premiums,
insurers want to know. If you have had insurance, your new insurer
may ask your prior company about any claims you had.
6.) Vehicle Use
On the application you will be asked about how often and how far
you drive the vehicle you want to insure. Higher annual mileage
will generally mean higher premiums because of the higher exposure
to claims.
7.) Make and Model of the Vehicle
The type of car you drive will directly affect the cost of your
automobile insurance. A make or model of car that has a high number
of claims or costs more to fix will be charged a higher premium
for comprehensive and collision coverage.
8.) Licensed Drivers in Your Household
You will be asked to list all licensed drivers in the household.
Insurers are not allowed to include drivers with a learner ’
s permit when they calculate your premium. However, they may want
to know the ages of any individuals who may become drivers in the
near future.
DISCOUNTS
Insurance companies give discounts because they see you as a "
better risk. " Find out what discounts are offered by which companies
before buying auto insurance. (The last page has a list of some
of the discounts offered by the companies shown in the premium
comparison chart. However, not all companies offer all of these
listed discounts.)
The following describes some of the discounts:
- Age 55 Years or Older. In September 2001, a new law was passed that
requires insurance companies to provide a discount for liability,
medical payments, and collision coverages for insured drivers 55 years
and older who complete an approved motor vehicle accident prevention
course. Insureds may contact the Bureau of Highway Safety at 624-8756
for a list of approved courses and times. The discount may not be
applied if either the insured or a member of the insured's household
was involved in an at-fault accident or moving violation during the
previous three years. The discount may not be applied 36 months after
the course completion; however, a new course may be completed to continue
the discount.
- Multiple Vehicles. Most insurance companies offer a discount to
consumers that insure more than one car with their company. Companies
offer these discounts not only because they want all of your business,
but also because it is easier for them to insure individuals they
know which reduces their risk. Industry statistics show that individuals
and families who insure more than one car have better than average
claims experience. Through this discount, companies pass along some
of their savings to you.
- Driver Education Courses. Discounts for driver education courses
are targeted primarily at younger and older drivers.
- Good Student. Insurers have found that students who are responsible
enough to earn a B average or better tend to be more responsible drivers.
For that reason, many companies offer a " Good Student Discount.
"
- Safety Devices. Automobile safety devices can lower insurers ’
costs by preventing accidents or limiting their severity. These savings
are passed along to the policyholder through discounts for safety
equipment. This equipment includes air bags, automatic seat belts,
and anti-lock brakes.
- Antitheft Devices. Devices or systems that discourage theft or vandalism
also lower claims costs. Many companies offer discounts for antitheft
devices.
- Low Mileage. The fewer miles you drive the less chance you have
of getting into an accident. Insurers recognize this fact and generally
offer discounts for low mileage drivers. Some companies also offer
discounts for drivers that car-pool.
- Good Driver/Renewal. Some insurers offer discounts to drivers who
maintain a good driving record and renew their policy with the same
insurer.
- Auto/Home Package. Some insurers offer a discount on one or both
policies if an individual buys a homeowner policy and an
auto policy from the same insurer.
- Dividends. Some insurers, particularly mutual insurers, offer dividends
to policyholders if the sale of auto insurance has been profitable
to them. Dividends are declared and paid after the policy period has
expired. Discounts are not only ways for companies to attract customers,
they are also ways for companies to compete and keep business. So
when you shop, don't just ask if a discount exists, but also ask how
much you save. Savings can differ from company to company. In addition,
consumers should make sure that they receive the discounts for which
they qualify.
When comparing the price of insurance among different companies,
compare the total cost after any discounts for which you are eligible.
Insurance
Coverage Required by Law
Maine law requires that you buy liability
insurance, uninsured motorists, and medical payments coverage.
To satisfy the financial responsibility law in Maine, you must
buy a minimum of $50,000 for the injury to or death of any one person;
$100,000 for one accident resulting in injury to or death of more than
one person; and $25,000 for property damage. These amounts are usually
shown as $50/100/25, or a combined single limit (for bodily injury and
property damage liability) of $125,000 on your insurance policy. You
cannot register your vehicle unless you show proof that you have this
minimum amount of insurance. There is also a mandatory $1,000 medical
payments coverage that is required.
Keep in mind that these minimum amounts may be low for your situation
and you may want to buy more coverage. You should base your decision
on your wish to protect your assets from additional claims above the
minimum amounts. However, remember that as you raise your coverage,
your premiums will also increase. The extra cost of higher coverage
tends to be relatively low.
What is Liability Insurance?
Most auto liability insurance policies contain three major parts:
liability insurance for bodily injury;
liability insurance for property damage; and
uninsured/under-insured motorists coverage.
a.) Bodily injury liability insurance does not protect
you or your car directly. If you are the cause of an accident in which
other people are injured, this insurance protects you against their
claims for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and
suffering. This insurance coverage will also pay if the accident was
caused by a member of your family living with you or a person using
your car with your permission. The maximum amount your insurance company
pays for any one victim injured in an accident and the amount they must
pay for multiple victims is determined by the amount of insurance you
buy. The amounts are shown on the Declarations Page (usually the cover
page) of your policy.
b.) Property damage liability insurance pays for any
damage you cause to the property of others, like a crushed fender, broken
glass, or a damaged wall or fence. Your insurance will pay for this
damage whether you are driving your car or whether it is being driven
by another person who has your permission. Again, the minimum limit
required by Maine law is $25,000.
c.) Uninsured/Underinsured motorists coverage protects
you directly. This coverage pays if you are hurt by a hit-and-run driver
or a driver who does not have auto insurance. This coverage actually
takes the place of the insurance that the other driver should have purchased
but didn ’ t. Although liability insurance is required by State
law, not all drivers obey the law. This coverage also provides protection
if you are injured by a driver who is underinsured Underinsured drivers
are those who have insurance but who bought insurance limits lower than
the amount you purchased. Consequently, their coverage may not be enough
to pay for your injuries.
The minimum amount of uninsured motorists coverage that you must buy
is $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. Uninsured motorists
coverage does not protect the other driver and it does not cover damage
to your vehicle.
As of October 1, 2000 (unless you request lower limits in writing to
your producer or company) Maine law requires that you have uninsured
motorist coverage equal the amount of liability that
you have on your policy unless you specifically elect
to buy uninsured motor vehicle coverage with lower limits of liability
for bodily injury or death. You must provide a rejection of equal coverage
in writing on a form provided by the insurance company before
the effective date of the policy. However, if you decide to request
a lower limit in writing, the limit cannot go below the minimum required
limit of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident.
What Other Insurance Is Required?
Medical payments coverage pays for the medical and
funeral expenses for you or others hurt or killed in an accident while
riding in or driving your car. Claims against this coverage include
all reasonable hospital, surgical, chiropractor, X-ray, dental, professional
nursing, prosthetic, and funeral expenses. It will also cover you or
members of your family if you are hit by a car when you are walking
or if you are riding in another car. This coverage will pay for your
medical and funeral expenses even if you cause the accident. Usually,
only expenses incurred within a specified period of time after the accident
are included. Medical payments coverage is also required by Maine law.
Effective July 1, 1998, you must have at least $1,000
in medical payments coverage on your policy.
The coverages previously discussed are the basic coverages required
by law. However, when you buy auto insurance you will have to decide
if there are other insurance coverages that you would like to add to
your policy.
Another way to have higher limits of liability inexpensively is to
purchase a personal umbrella policy. An umbrella policy provides broad
liability protection over and above your auto policy ’ s liability
limits. It will also cover some exposure to losses that are not covered
by your auto or homeowner ’ s policies.
What About Coverage
for Damage to My Vehicle?
In addition to the basic liability coverages described previously,
the other most common coverages are collision and comprehensive.
COLLISION COVERAGE pays for physical damage to your
car when your car collides with an object, like a tree or another car.
Collision insurance may be required by your bank or
credit union if you have a loan. Also, if you are leasing a car, the
person who leases the car to you may also require it.
If you have an older car worth less than $2,000, you may not want to
buy collision coverage, because you are likely to pay more money in
premium than you would ever receive because of a claim. Auto insurance
policies only require the company to cover the cost of repairs or value
of the car, not to replace your vehicle. When an accident
involves an older car, the cost of fixing the car can quickly exceed
the worth of the car. If that happens, insurers will " total "
the car and pay you what the car was worth instead of fixing it.
COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE pays for damage to your car
from almost all other causes (other than collision) including fire,
severe weather, vandalism, floods, and theft. Comprehensive coverage
also covers broken glass, such as windshield damage. However, remember
that comprehensive is not required by law.
If you buy collision or comprehensive coverage, you can save money
by agreeing to the highest deductible you can afford to pay in case
of an accident. A deductible is the amount of money you agree to pay
as part of a claim before the insurer is obligated to pay the
rest of the claim. For example, if you carry collision coverage with
a $200 deductible and you have a $500 loss, you must pay $200 and the
insurance company would have to pay the remaining $300.
Deductibles reduce your premiums because you agree to pay a set amount
of your claim that your insurer would otherwise have to pay. Insurance
companies offer deductibles because they reduce the number of small
claims which are expensive for them to handle.
If you buy a new car with a loan, the financial institution that loaned
you the money may require you to buy comprehensive and collision coverage.
This is because they want to make sure your car is worth something if
they have to repossess it.
WHAT IS LOAN/LEASE COVERAGE?
If you bought your car with only a small down payment or with no money
down and you financed a large part of the cost, you may owe more money
than the car is worth. This is because auto collision and comprehensive
payments are based on actual cash value which is based on the cost to
replace your vehicle less an amount for depreciation depending on the
age of the car.
If you have an accident with your car, the actual cash value of the
car may be less than the amount owed to the bank or lender. Loan/lease
coverage (sometimes called gap coverage) pays the difference between
the actual cash value of the car and the remaining balance you owe on
the loan.
CD Players, Tape Players, Radios and other audio or
visual electronic equipment, tapes, records, discs and other media that
is not necessary to the operation of the vehicle is generally excluded
under collision and other than collision coverage. However,
most insurers offer coverage for this equipment for an additional premium.
If you have a stereo, speakers, telephone and other devices installed
in your car, you may want to buy this extra coverage.
Rental Reimbursement Coverage
This coverage usually pays $15 to $20 a day to rent a car for a specific
number of days while your car is being repaired. The premium is different
from insurer to insurer.
Towing and Labor Coverage
This coverage pays the cost of towing your car to the repair shop subject
to the limit amount in your policy. Premium for this coverage can run
as low as $5 to $10 a year. However, if you are a member of an auto
club (like AAA), you probably already have this service and may not
want to duplicate your coverage. You will not be able to collect under
both.
HOW DO I SHOP FOR INSURANCE?
The key to comparison shopping is to know what insurance coverage you
need before you start. Once you know what you want, you can
find out how much the coverage will cost from different companies. Comparison
shopping takes time but it will save you money. The only way you can
make sure you are not paying too much is to shop around. Find out what
different companies charge for the same products and services.
Where Can I Get Information?
Information is available to consumers from a number of impartial sources.
These sources include public libraries, consumer groups, consumer publications,
and the Internet.
Because the insurance industry, like many other industries, has developed
many words not commonly used by the average person, you may need to
find a good glossary or dictionary of insurance terms from your public
library. The Property/Casualty Division of the Maine Bureau of Insurance
(in state: 800-300-5000) can also help you with any questions or problems
you may have about your auto insurance.
Check the newspaper and yellow pages of the telephone book for companies
and producers in your area. Also, ask your neighbors, relatives, and
friends for recommendations on insurance companies and producers. Ask
them about their experience with price and service. Ask them what kind
of claim service they have received from the companies they recommend.
When you shop for car insurance, premium quotations are useful to compare
different companies ’ products. When you ask for price quotations,
make sure that you give the same information to each producer
or company to get a fair comparison.
To give you a quote, the producer or company will usually request
the following information:
- a description of your vehicle;
- how you use the vehicle including the yearly mileage;
- your driver ’ s license number;
- the number of drivers in your household;
- the type of coverage you want;
- the money limits you want on the coverage;
- the driving record of each driver; and
- any prior claims you or your family members may have had.
To use the premium comparison chart, you must choose one of the three
examples on the insert that most closely fits your vehicle, the drivers
in your household, and the family ’ s driving experience.
Insurance companies look at many things when they set the price you
pay for insurance. Your premium is affected by your age; where you live;
how much you drive; your credit score; the age, make, and model of your
car; whether you ’ re married; your driving record; and your car
’ s safety features.
A company may also request your credit history to decide whether to
issue a policy or they may use the credit history to determine the premium
they will charge. However, if an insurer makes an unfavorable underwriting
decision based on your credit history, they must tell you how you can
request a copy of your credit report. When you receive your report,
it is important to make sure that it is correct. Correct any mistakes
that you find on the report. For more information on how insurers use
your credit score, see the Bureau's brochure on this subject at Credit
Scoring
Don ’ t forget to look at other factors besides the price. Quality
of service the company gives, its claims process, policy provisions,
and coverage limits are all important considerations.
Other Factors That May Affect Your Premium
Surcharges (extra premium charges)
Surcharges are used to distribute the cost of automobile insurance
among policyholders as fairly as possible. For example, a driver with
a clear driving record pays the lowest possible rates while a surcharge
may be added to the premium of a driver who is at-fault in an accident
or who is convicted of a traffic violation. The amount of the surcharge
is a percentage of your renewal premium. The surcharge is not a flat
fee and is not designed to recover money that was paid out for any of
your prior claims. Surcharges are usually applied for three policy renewal
periods.
Canceling your Policy in the Middle of the Policy Term
(Short-Rate Cancellations)
A short rate cancellation may apply when you buy a new policy from
another company at mid-term because the new policy has a lower price.
In most cases, your insurance company will keep 10% of the unearned
premium when you request cancellation in the middle of the policy period.
This charge covers the expenses the company incurs when they issue a
policy. Once the cancellation of the old policy has been processed and
the short-rate cancellation charge is applied, the new policy may no
longer be a " bargain. "
Companies generally allow exceptions to the short-rate cancellation
if you no longer own the vehicle.
Billing Procedures and Fees
Installment Fees
Rather than paying the whole premium at the beginning of the policy
period, some companies offer you the option of paying the policy premium
in semi-annual, quarterly, or monthly installments. If you decide to
pay the premium in installments, an installment fee may be applied.
This fee covers the additional expense of sending you multiple bills
and processing multiple payments.
Fees for Insufficient Funds
Companies may be allowed to charge a fee when checks are not honored
by your bank or credit union.
Mid-term Changes in the Policy
Changes you make to your policy near a billing date will generally
not show in the next bill. The amount shown as due should be paid; any
adjustments will be made with the following bill.
There is no grace period for paying property and casualty insurance
premiums. If you do not make payments when they are due, your
policy can be cancelled for nonpayment of premium.
Premium Comparison
Chart
The premium comparison chart shown below should be used only as
a guide. Your specific circumstances (credit scores, driving record,
type of car, eligibility for discounts, number of drivers, etc.) may
cause your premium to be either higher or lower than the examples we
show. The companies were asked to rate the examples giving discounts
based on the limited information listed. Some companies may have more
discounts in their rates than others because they made more assumptions
about the drivers. Please also note that some companies have territories
that are slightly different from others. This could also affect your
actual premium. Be sure that you are comparing prices for the same geographic
areas.
|
The premiums in the comparison chart insert are based | |
| Liability | $50,000/$100,000/$25,000 |
| Medical Payments | $1,000 |
| Uninsured Motorists | $50,000/$100,000 |
| Comprehensive | Actual Cash Value (ACV) with a $100 deductible |
| Collision | Actual Cash Value (ACV) with a $250 deductible |
|
The following are some of the discounts offered | |
| Antitheft Devices | Multi-Car Discount |
| Accident Free Discount | Multi-Policy Discount |
| Anti-Lock Brakes | Non-Smokers Discount |
| Air Bag/Passive Restraint | Preferred Driver Discount |
| Defensive Driver | Renewal Credits |
| Good Student Discount | Violation Free Discount |
|
To find your approximate premium, check below to determine | |
| Liability | $50/100/25 |
| Uninsured Motorists | $50/100 |
| Medical Payments | $1,000 |
| Comprehensive | Actual Cash Value (ACV) subject to a $100 deductible |
| Collision | Actual Cash Value (ACV) subject to a $250 deductible |
| TERRITORY NUMBERS | |
| 1 | City of Portland (except Islands) |
| 2 | Cape Elizabeth, Falmouth, South Portland, Westbrook, Scarborough |
| 5 | North Aroostook, Madawaska, Fort Kent, etc. |
| 7 | Cumberland, Gorham, Gray, Long & Peaks Islands., Standish, South Windham, Yarmouth |
| 9 | South Aroostook, Caribou, Presque Isle, Houlton, etc. |
| 20 | Bangor, Brewer |
| 21 | Biddeford, Saco, Old Orchard |
| 22 | Lewiston, Auburn |
| 23 | Waterville, Winslow, Fairfield |
| 24 | Augusta, Gardiner, Hallowell, Farmingdale, Randolph |
| 25 | Lebanon, Sanford, Wells, and Points South |
| 26 | Remainder of the State |
| TERRITORY NUMBER LISTED BY AREA | |||
| Aroostook (North) Aroostook (South) Auburn Augusta Bangor Brewer Biddeford Cape Elizabeth Caribou Cumberland Fairfield Falmouth Farmingdale Fort Kent Gardiner Gorham Gray Hallowell Houlton | 5 9 22 24 20 20 21 2 9 7 23 2 24 5 24 7 7 24 9 | Lebanon Lewiston Long & Peaks Islands Madawaska Old Orchard Portland (city except Islands) Portland (South) Presque Isle Randolph Saco Sanford Scarborough Standish Waterville Wells & Points South Westbrook Windham Winslow Yarmouth Remainder of the State | 25 22 7 5 21 1 2 9 24 21 25 2 7 23 25 2 7 23 7 26 |
EXAMPLE 1
| DRIVER: | Female age 41. No at-fault accidents or traffic violations during the past three years. |
| VEHICLE: | 2001 Grand Cherokee (Symbol 14) |
| USE: | Drives to work fewer than 15 miles each way and under 15,000 miles a year . |
| Territory | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $803 to $876* | $772 to $803* | $814 | $803 | $785 | $866 | $772 | $902 | $906 | $906 | $806 to $819* | $891 to $932* |
| The Concord Group | $952 | $901 | $1,108 | $1,107 | $1,050 | $1,007 | $931 | $1,083 | $1,193 | $997 | $1,083 | $1,071 |
| Dairyland Insurance Company | $2,976 | $2,304 | $2,160 | $2,244 | $2,076 | $1,872 | $1,968 | $2,028 | $1,944 | $2,652 | $2,316 | $1,992 |
| GEICO | $698 | $698 | $722.40 | $701.80 | $703 | $727.80 | $720.40 | $764.40 | $771 | $776 | $709.40 | $692.80 |
| MMG** Insurance Company | $1,057 | $845 | $851 | $836 | $851 | $866 | $866 | $1,057 | $953 | $927 | $764 | $935 |
| Patriot Mutual Insurance Company | $829 | $829 | $813 | $775 | $813 | $852 | $829 | $901 | $893 | $893 | $794 | $794 |
| Patrons Oxford | $745 | $675 | $766 | $748 | $766 | $755 | $723 | $816 | $838 | $779 | $759 | $837 |
| Peerless | $948 | $1,265 | $906 | $906 | $906 | $982 | $883 | $1,120 | $1,069 | $958 | $878 | $978 |
| State Farm Mutual | $657.60 | $591.60 | $602.40 | $558 | $602.40 | $573.60 | $551.20 | $654 | $638.40 | $602.80 | $566.40 | $602.40 or $638.80 |
* Range of premiums represent territories different from those listed.
Please check with individual companies for specific areas and
rates.
**Company has different territories than those listed in the chart for
Brunswick, Top sham, Yarmouth, Camden, and Rockport. Check with the
company for specific rates for these cities.
EXAMPLE 2
| DRIVERS: | Couple under age 49 and male youthful operator age 16 with driver training. No moving violations. |
| VEHICLE #1: | 2005Toyota Camry (Symbol 14) |
| USE: | Drives to work over 30 miles each way and over 15,000 miles a year. |
| VEHICLE #2: | 2000 Ford Taurus (Symbol 08) |
| USE: | Pleasure |
| Territory | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,306 to $2,505* | $2,212 to $2,306* | $2,271 | $2,306 | $2,171 | $2,472 | $2,212 | $2,594 | $2,605 | $2,605 | $2,297 to $2,356 | $2,481 to $2,623 |
| The Concord Group | $2,678 | $2,516 | $2,992 | $2,795 | $2,818 | $2,782 | $2,612 | $3,031 | $3,302 | $2,757 | $3,033 | $2,933 |
| Dairyland Insurance Company | $9,863 | $7,823 | $6,875 | $7,568 | $6,650 | $6,355 | $6,446 | $6,844 | $6,610 | $8,894 | $7,874 | $6,610 |
| GEICO | $1,782.40 | $1,782.40 | $1,802.60 | $1,785 | $1,743.20 | $1,849.60 | $1,837 | $1,956.80 | $1,966 | $1,977 | $1,804.20 | $1,755 |
| MMG** Insurance Company | $3,813 | $3,036 | $3,097 | $3,027 | $3,097 | $3,125 | $3,023 | $3,826 | $3,440 | $3,346 | $2,701 | $3,403 |
| Patriot Mutual Insurance Company | $2,435 | $2,435 | $2,277 | $2,259 | $2,277 | $2,493 | $2,435 | $2,654 | $2,593 | $2,593 | $2,324 | $2,324 |
| Patrons Oxford | $2,309 | $2,100 | $2,395 | $2,332 | $2,395 | $2354 | $2,250 | $2,543 | $2,611 | $2,425 | $2,362 | $2,618 |
| Peerless | $2,683 | $3,592 | $2,544 | $2,559 | $2,544 | $2,774 | $2,511 | $3,178 | $3,027 | $2,706 | $2,484 | $2,737 |
| State Farm Mutual | $2,181.64 | $1,960.02 | $1,987.62 | $1,848.60 | $1.987.62 | $1,897.16 | $1,825.36 | $2,172.62 | $2,118.98 | $1,999.38 | $1,878.72 | $1,988.60 or $2,116.38 |
* Range of premiums represent territories different from those listed.
Please check with individual companies for specific areas and
rates.
**Company has different territories than those listed in the chart for
Brunswick, Topsham, Yarmouth, Camden, and Rockport. Check with the company
for specific rates for these cities.
EXAMPLE 3
| DRIVER: | Male age 23. One at-fault accident |
| VEHICLE: | 2003 Ford 150Pickup (Symbol 14) |
| USE: | Drives 20 miles to work each way and over 15,000 miles a year. |
| Territory | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $2,456 to $2,666 | $2,346 to $2,456 | $2,462 | $2,456 | $2,363 | $2,625 | $2,346 | $2,739 | $2,753 | $2,753 | $2,431 to $2,511 | $2,703 to $2,837 |
| The Concord Group | $3,348 | $$3,173 | $3,821 | $3,522 | $3,610 | $3,518 | $3,267 | $3,799 | $4,215 | $3,485 | $3,778 | $3,728 |
| Dairyland Insurance Company | $6,720 | $5,328 | $4,860 | $5,208 | $4,752 | $4,392 | $4,356 | $4,560 | $4,512 | $6,096 | $5,532 | $4,512 |
| GEICO | $1,076.40 | $1,076.40 | $1,120 | $1,085 | $1,091.80 | $1,12.60 | $1,116.40 | $1,181 | $1,193.20 | $1.201 | $1,096.60 | $1,071.80 |
| MMG** Insurance Company | $2,932 | $2,337 | $2,391 | $2,327 | $2,391 | $2,402 | $2,401 | $2,943 | $2,643 | $2,154 | $2,123 | $2,623 |
| Patriot Mutual Insurance Company | $2,285 | $2,285 | $2,223 | $2,115 | $2,223 | $2,361 | $2,285 | $2,495 | $2,475 | $2,475 | $2,171 | $2,171 |
| Patrons Oxford | $2,237 | $2,034 | $2,336 | $2,262 | $2,336 | $2,285 | $2,183 | $2.461 | $2,535 | $2,357 | $2,293 | $2,548 |
| Peerless | $2,821 | $3,785 | $2,710 | $2,699 | $2,710 | $2,926 | $2,621 | $3,350 | $3,195 | $2,855 | $2,615 | $2,942 |
| State Farm Mutual | $1,269.60 | $1,140.60 | $1,138.20 | $1,073.40 | $1,138.20 | $1,098.60 | $1,059.60 | $1,260 | $1,222.20 | $1,156.20 | $1,086 | $1,137 or $1,222.80 |
* Range of premiums represent territories different from those listed.
Please check with individual companies for specific areas and
rates.
**Company has different territories than those listed in the chart for
Brunswick, Topsham, Yarmouth, Camden, and Rockport. Check with the company
for specific rates for these cities.
EXAMPLE 4
| DRIVER: | Mature driver age 70. No moving violations. |
| VEHICLE: | 2002 Buick LeSabre (Symbol 10) |
| USE: | Pleasure |
| Territory | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 9 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $511 to $554* | $490 to $511* | $511 | $511 | $491 | $547 | $490 | $571 | $573 | $554 | $508 to $522 | $559 to $587 |
| The Concord Group | $847 | $811 | $1,018 | $907 | $968 | $914 | $830 | $972 | $1,075 | $903 | $963 | $980 |
| Dairyland Insurance Company | $2,268 | $1,800 | $1,620 | $1,740 | $1,536 | $1,452 | $1,500 | $1,584 | $1,500 | $2,016 | 1,788 | $1,560 |
| GEICO | $391.80 | $391.80 | $392.80 | $391.60 | $380.60 | $406.60 | $402 | $427.80 | $429.80 | $431.60 | $395 | $384.40 |
| MMG** Insurance Company | $1,134 | $904 | $945 | $904 | $945 | $931 | $929 | $1,135 | $1,024 | $994 | $825 | $1,024 |
| Patriot Mutual Insurance Company | $600 | $600 | $557 | $558 | $557 | $614 | $600 | $654 | $636 | $636 | $571 | $571 |
| Patrons Oxford | $666 | $607 | $714 | $678 | $714 | $686 | $654 | $733 | $758 | $706 | $685 | $768 |
| Peerless | $734 | $1,025 | $726 | $737 | $726 | $801 | $723 | $712 | $870 | $778 | $776 | $779 |
| State Farm Mutual | $453.90 | $408.64 | $418.40 | $386.16 | $418.40 | $397.68 | $381.10 | $450.36 | $440.58 | $416.90 | $391.16 | $417.20 or $441.76 |
* Range of premiums represent territories different from those listed.
Please check with individual companies for specific areas and
rates.
**Company has different territories than those listed in the chart for
Brunswick, Topsham, Yarmouth, Camden, and Rockport. Check with the company
for specific rates for these cities.
The following are some of the discounts offered by the listed
companies. The companies were asked to rate the examples giving discounts
based on the limited information listed in the example. Some companies
may have more discounts in their rates than others because they may
have made more assumptions about the drivers. This chart is meant to
be used only as a guide to give you a general idea
about rates. Please note: not every company offers all the discounts
listed:
| Antitheft Devices | Multi-Car Discount |
| Accident Free Discount | Multi-Policy Discount |
| Anti-Lock Brakes | Nonsmokers Discount |
| Air Bag/Passive Restraint | Preferred Driver Discount |
| Defensive Driver | Renewal Credits |
| Good Student Discount | Violation Free Discount |
Please also note that the companies that list a range of premiums for
a territory have territories that are slightly different from other
companies. This could also affect your actual premium. Be sure that
you are comparing prices for the same geographic areas.
What Should I Do If I have An Auto Accident?
If you are involved in a motor vehicle accident, knowing what to do
can make the experience less frustrating and prevent complications.
Use the list below only as a guide. During
your claim investigation, companies may request information other than
what is listed here.
Write down the names, addresses and license numbers of anyone involved
in the accident.
Write a description of the other vehicles, the damage to all vehicles
involved, and any other details such as the weather conditions and visibility.
Call the police, even if the accident is minor. You must file an accident
report if total damages are equal to or in excess of $1,000.
Write down the names and addresses of anyone who may have seen the
accident. This can prevent inconsistencies about how the accident actually
happened.
Immediately contact your insurance company or insurance agent to report
your claim. Most companies provide claims service 24 hours a day.
You have the responsibility to comply with specific duties in the section
called Conditions in your auto policy. Failing to comply with the specific
terms and conditions listed in your policy could lead to denial of coverage.
Please make sure that you know what your responsibilities are if you
are involved in an accident.
Auto Brochure Published by:
The Maine Bureau of Insurance
34 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0034
800-300-5000 (in state)
207-624-8475
Other brochures and additional consumer information is also available
on our web site
The Bureau of Insurance, within the Department of Professional and
Financial Regulation, regulates the insurance industry for solvency
and consumer protection. It does so through its examining and licensing
procedures of insurance companies, by licensing producers, by reviewing
rates and coverage forms, conducting audits, and by sponsoring programs
that enhance awareness of and compliance with State laws. The Bureau
has statutory authority to enforce the State's laws and rules pertaining
to insurance, and it initiates investigations and holds hearings concerning
possible infractions of them.
Alessandro A. Iuppa
Superintendent
The Bureau of Insurance
34 State House Station
Augusta, Maine 04333
207- 624- 8475
800- 300- 5000 (in state only)
www.maine.gov/insurance
Printed Under Appropriation No. 014 02A 3041 012
December 2005
Last Updated:
April 26, 2007