Understanding SR-22 insurance in Maine

SR-22 insurance isn't a separate type of insurance. It's a form your insurance company files with the state to show that you carry the minimum car insurance required to drive in Maine. When people say SR-22 insurance, they're generally talking about car insurance that includes an SR-22 filing by the insurance company on your behalf.

Most drivers in Maine don't need SR-22 insurance. The drivers who do need it usually have serious violations, such as DUIs, reckless driving, or several offenses within a short period. If you're required to file an SR-22, the state will tell you how long you need to keep it.

"Certain things trigger the requirement for an SR-22 filing, such as a DUI, having a lot of points on your license, getting into an accident without insurance, or having your license suspended or revoked. But in every case, the driver is notified by the DMV that they are required to have this form. You would have to check the box that you are required to have an SR 22 filing. The insurance company typically charges a fee to file or maintain that filing, which varies by insurance company," says Dorothy Cato with Skyway Insurance Services LLC in Monroe, North Carolina.

How much does SR-22 insurance cost in Maine?

While filing an SR-22 form is typically inexpensive, the associated fines and increased insurance rates are costly. On average, SR-22 insurance in Maine is $1,410 but varies significantly based on the driver and infraction.

Keep in mind that insurance rates vary from company to company, so shop around to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance available.

Average SR-22 insurance cost in Maine by violation

Your insurance rates don't increase because of the SR-22. The SR-22 is required because of a violation, and it's the violation that increases your rates.

For instance, you may require an SR-22 for a DUI or driving without insurance. The car insurance rate increase will be based on the infraction, not the SR-22.

This table shows the average costs for violations requiring an SR-22. The rates vary depending on the violation.

ViolationAverage annual premium
Driving without insurance$1,359
DUI/DWI first offense$2,112
DUI/DWI second offense$3,562
Reckless driving$2,180
SR22 Filing Only$1,410
SR22 with 1 DUI$2,399

SR-22 insurance cost by company for a first DUI

After a single DUI, the cheapest company on average is Auto-Owners with average rates of $1,179. Affordable SR-22 coverage with a DUI is a little harder to find, but shopping around can help. Some insurance companies are willing to view the first DUI as a one-time mistake, offering more affordable rates than others.

The table below shows how average insurance rates change after one DUI, based on the company. Insurance rates do go up after a DUI, but the increase isn't as high as it is for multiple violations.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
Auto-Owners$1,179$98
Progressive$1,269$106
State Farm$1,359$113
Travelers$1,363$114
Allstate$1,573$131
Farmers$2,627$219
GEICO$3,187$266
Frankenmuth Insurance$6,696$558
USAA$1,678$140

SR-22 insurance cost by company for reckless driving

The cheapest company for SR-22 insurance with a reckless driving conviction is Auto-Owners at an average annual rate of $1,202. A reckless driving ticket may be handed out for a variety of driving behaviors, such as excessive speed, running traffic lights, texting while driving or tailgating. No matter the reason, reckless driving in Maine leads to fines, higher car insurance rates and an SR-22.

Compare average rates for reckless driving from various insurers below.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
Auto-Owners$1,202$100
State Farm$1,359$113
Travelers$1,363$114
Allstate$1,573$131
Progressive$1,617$135
GEICO$2,472$206
Farmers$3,207$267
Frankenmuth Insurance$6,696$558
USAA$1,146$96

SR-22 insurance cost by company for driving without insurance

The cheapest company for car insurance after being ticketed for driving without insurance is Auto-Owners at an average yearly rate of $912.

In Maine, drivers must carry at least the minimum required auto insurance. If you don't, you could face fines, higher insurance rates, and the need to file an SR-22.

The table below shows car insurance rates by company for drivers who had a lapseWhen your auto insurance coverage ends because you missed a payment or did not renew it on time. A lapse in auto insurance coverage may result in paying higher premiums for a new policy. in coverage.

CompanyAverage annual premiumAverage monthly premium
Auto-Owners$912$76
Travelers$1,190$99
State Farm$1,359$113
Progressive$1,478$123
Frankenmuth Insurance$1,603$134
Farmers$1,934$161
USAA$934$78

Non-owners SR-22 insurance in Maine

Maine might require you to file an SR-22 form even if you don't own a car as a prerequisite to get your license back. If you borrow or rent a car occasionally, you can get non-owner SR-22 insurance, which meets legal requirements, and the SR-22 can be filed with that policy.

It is important to note that non-owner car insurance only provides extra liability coverage when you drive someone else's car. If you buy a car, you will require the right insurance to legally drive it in Maine.

How long do you need an SR-22 in Maine?

Typically, Maine drivers must maintain an SR-22 for three years. However, if you fail to maintain insurance during this time, the consequences can be severe. Not only will you be in violation of the law, but you may also face additional fines and penalties.

Reasons for requiring SR-22 insurance in Maine

Most Maine drivers don't need to file an SR-22. However, drivers who exhibit careless behaviors may be required to file an SR-22, which is typically required when the driver has to prove that they have the minimum liability insuranceLiability insurance covers sums that an insured becomes legally obligated to pay because of bodily injuries or property damage, or financial losses caused to other people. required by the state," says Cato.

Reasons you may need an SR-22 in Maine include:

  • DUI
  • Reckless driving
  • Multiple infractions in a short amount of time
  • Failure to maintain auto insurance
  • Refusing a breathalyzer
  • At-fault accidents involving severe injuries or death

Tips to lower SR-22 insurance costs in Maine

Although your insurance will increase if you need an SR-22, there are still ways to find affordable coverage.

Ways to lower auto insurance costs with an SR-22 include:

  • Take advantage of all available discounts. Most insurers allow you to bundle discounts to maximize savings.
  • Raise your deductible. Increase the amount you pay before insurance kicks in to lower rates.
  • Take a defensive driving course. Some insurers offer a discount for taking a course, and some states remove points from your license, which can lower your insurance rates.
  • Sign up for a usage-based program. If you can demonstrate good driving habits while they are being tracked, you could earn a discount.
  • Shop around for SR-22 insurance. Compare rates from multiple companies to find the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Maine.

Methodology

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170+

insurance companies analyzed

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34,000+

ZIP codes examined

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53M+

insurance quotes analyzed

National and state average rates are based on three coverage levels: state minimum, 50/100/50 liability-only, and full coverage with 100/300/100 liability and $500 deductibles.

All base rate averages are based on our full coverage data set. This data set is based on:

  • Bodily injury liability of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per incident
  • Property damage liability of $100,000 per incident
  • Comprehensive and collision deductibles of $500
  • 40-year-old driver
  • Honda Accord LX
  • Good credit
  • A clean driving record
  • 12-mile commute, 10,000 annual mileage

Our data is then adjusted to reflect the rate increase from this base rate for the following infractions requiring an SR-22

  • One DUI
  • Two DUIs
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving without insurance

SR-22 insurance in Maine: FAQ

What happens if I fail to maintain SR-22 insurance in Maine?

The consequences may be severe if you don't retain insurance and fail to maintain your SR-22 filing. Possible consequences include:

  • Revoked driver's license
  • Fines
  • Increased auto insurance
  • Restarting your SR-22 time period
  • Having your car impounded
  • Jail time

Can I switch insurance providers while I have an SR-22 filing?

Yes, you can switch auto insurance companies if you have an SR-22. Your new insurer must file the SR-22 on your behalf. Make sure your new policy, along with the SR-22, is active before you cancel your old one.

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