Cheap SR-22 Insurance in Maine (2024)
An SR-22 insurance form verifies with Maine that you meet minimum insurance requirements. But your circumstances for needing this form can increase your insurance rates.
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Written byAmy Beardsley
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3+ years writing about auto, home, and life insurance
7+ years in personal finance and technology
Amy specializes in insurance and technology writing and has a talent for transforming complex topics into easy-to-understand stories.
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Edited byCourtney Mikulski
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Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content
Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score
Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.
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Reviewed byAmber Benka
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Amber Benka is a licensed insurance agent specializing in auto, home, commercial, life, and health insurance. She has owned the R.A.L Insurance Agency for four years.
Updated November 20, 2024
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Table of contents
If you’re a driver in Maine who needs SR-22 insurance to get back on the road, it’s crucial to understand how it can affect your insurance premiums. The first thing you need to know is that SR-22 insurance isn’t an actual insurance policy — it’s a form that proves you meet the minimum insurance requirements to drive in a state.[1]
Unfortunately, it can lead to higher insurance rates and difficulty finding affordable coverage. But you still have options for finding coverage.
Quick Facts
If you need SR-22 insurance, companies will consider you to be a higher-risk driver, and your car insurance may be more expensive than average.
You’ll typically be required to maintain an SR-22 form for at least three years without gaps or interruptions in coverage.
Not all insurance providers offer SR-22 insurance.
What is SR-22 insurance in Maine, and when do you need it?
SR-22 is not an insurance policy. It’s a form that proves you meet Maine’s minimum car insurance requirements. The state may require high-risk drivers to obtain an SR-22 following a charge for DUI, DWI, after an uninsured accident, or if you have frequent traffic violations.
As part of the requirements for SR-22 insurance, you must file the certificate with the Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).[2] That’s a different process from a standard car insurance policy, with which you don’t need to file any additional documents beyond your initial proof of insurance when registering your vehicle.[3]
If you have an existing insurer, keeping coverage could be a problem — Maine allows insurance companies to cancel your coverage if you have a suspended license. You can buy a policy from the Maine Automobile Insurance Plan if you can’t find another company to insure you. AIPSO manages the plan’s policies, and you can find more information on its website.[4]
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How can you get SR-22 insurance in Maine?
“Customers obtain an SR-22 by contacting an auto insurance company that is authorized to do business in the state of Maine,” says Emily Cook, director of communications for the Maine Department of the Secretary of State.
“[Drivers] should advise the company that the SR-22 must be written for Maine, regardless of where [they] currently reside.”
Additionally, Cook warns “[n]ot all companies may be willing to write an SR-22 for a particular customer, and unfortunately, the Bureau has no authority to compel any company to write an SR-22.”
If you have questions, it’s best to contact the BMV by phone or mail to confirm the requirements. Otherwise, you may not be able to drive legally.
Many well-known insurance companies offer SR-22 forms, including The General, Dairyland, Nationwide, and State Farm. Once you secure coverage, it’s your responsibility to file the certificate with the BMV. Some insurance companies can file the SR-22 form electronically through Tyler Insurance Filings, according to Cook. Ask your insurance company if it can file an SR-22 with the state on your behalf.
Cost is another major factor to consider when buying SR-22 insurance in Maine. Generally, high-risk drivers need these forms, so premiums can be considerably more expensive than standard auto insurance.[1]
Keep in Mind
How long is an SR-22 required in Maine?
You must maintain coverage for the duration of your requirements without canceling it or letting the form lapse. To avoid any legal hiccups, make sure to keep your policy current.[1]
“The SR-22 requirement imposed will last for three years from the date the driving privileges are restored,” Cook specifies. So the three-year requirement begins from the day your license is reinstated, rather than from the day you file the SR-22 form or the day of the offense that caused your license suspension.
How much is SR-22 insurance in Maine?
SR-22 insurance in Maine can come with a hefty price tag, as insurance companies consider drivers who need SR-22 as high-risk.
“Costs may vary substantially based on the company, the policy type, and the driver’s overall record,” says Cook. Maine drivers with an SR-22 pay an average monthly premium of $176, according to Insurify data.
However, you’ll need to pay a fee for the certificate on top of the premium, and the costs can vary among insurance companies. You may also need to pay a one-time filing fee to cover the cost of filing the form with the state.
Cheapest companies for SR-22 insurance in Maine
If you need SR-22 insurance, shopping around and comparing rates can help you find the best coverage and price. To help you get started, here are the average monthly rates of high-risk insurance policies from the cheapest insurers in Maine, including USAA and State Farm.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $48 | $93 |
| State Farm | $49 | $96 |
| Safeco | $54 | $84 |
| Progressive | $60 | $87 |
| Liberty Mutual | $60 | $130 |
| Allstate | $75 | $145 |
| GEICO | $75 | $145 |
| Foremost | $85 | $212 |
| Travelers | $87 | $169 |
| Direct Auto | $88 | $170 |
| National General | $88 | $167 |
| Dairyland | $90 | $252 |
| The General | $112 | $197 |
| Bristol West | $115 | $226 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest insurance companies in Maine with SR-22 by city
Navigating the costs of SR-22 insurance can be tricky. Premiums can vary by city depending on factors such as crime rates, traffic patterns, and population density. For example, a city with higher crime rates or traffic volume can mean higher rates.[7]
Cheapest recent rates in Maine for drivers with an SR-22
Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $49/mo for liability only and $84/mo for full coverage in Maine.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 20, 2024
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from November 20, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 20, 2024
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from November 20, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
How SR-22 insurance affects driving record and future rates in Maine
Insurance companies view SR-22 drivers as high-risk, which is why your rates can increase with an SR-22. Insurers set their own rates, and they must offer premiums that the BMV approves, but your premiums will likely be significantly higher than someone with a clean driving record.[4] [7]
It’s best to tell the insurer up front that you need an SR-22 form. That way, you can be sure the company offers them and get a more accurate quote for coverage. Plus, if you don’t disclose it, you could face complications down the road, including policy cancellation or claim denial.[8]
To help you find the best rates, here are the top ways to lower your SR-22 insurance costs:[9]
Compare insurance quotes. Just because Maine requires you to have SR-22 insurance doesn’t mean you have to overpay for it. Take the time to shop around and compare insurance quotes from different providers to find the best rates for your specific situation.
Consider raising your deductible. Choosing a higher deductible will increase your out-of-pocket costs, but it can help lower your insurance rates. Just make sure that you can afford the deductible if you need to file a claim.
Maintain continuous insurance coverage. One of the requirements of SR-22 insurance is to maintain continuous coverage without any breaks or lapses. To avoid potential legal headaches, make sure to stay up to date with your payments and renewals.
Practice good driving habits. In addition to avoiding traffic violations, practicing good driving habits can also help improve your driving record and reduce your insurance rates. This includes obeying traffic laws, avoiding distractions while driving, and maintaining a safe following distance from other vehicles on the road.[7]
Consider bundling insurance policies. If you have other insurance needs, such as homeowners or renters insurance, bundling your policies with the same provider can often lead to significant discounts on your premiums.
Maine SR-22 insurance FAQs
Here are answers to some questions about how SR-22s work and what you can expect from your insurance coverage.
How long do you have to hold an SR-22 in Maine?
How long you need to hold an SR-22 in Maine can vary depending on the severity of the offense. Generally, you’ll need to carry it for three years. Your judge will usually tell you at your court hearing, but the Maine BMV may also send you a letter.
How do you get rid of an SR-22 in Maine?
After fulfilling your SR-22 requirement, the BMV will send you a notification letter. You should contact your insurance company and ask it to remove the SR-22 from your policy. To update your record, your insurer must submit an SR-26 form to the BMV, according to Cook. Although you no longer have to carry SR-22 insurance, you must still maintain the minimum amount of auto coverage.
What happens to your SR-22 in Maine if you move?
You must fulfill your SR-22 obligations even if you move out of state — the state won’t waive the requirement. Maine law requires your insurance provider to write the certificate for the state of Maine no matter where you live while the requirement is active. Cook explains that it’s the driver’s responsibility to make sure the Maine BMV receives their SR-22 certificate.
Do you need an SR-22 in Maine if you don’t have a car?
It depends. Just because you don’t own a car doesn’t mean you’re exempt from Maine’s SR-22 requirements. Even without a vehicle, you may need to get a nonowner SR-22 to keep your driving privileges intact.
Related articles
Sources
- Nolo. "What Is SR-22 Insurance? When Is it Required?."
- Maine Department of the Secretary of State. "Financial responsibility filings to BMV can now be submitted online."
- Maine Department of the Secretary of State. "How to Register a Passenger Vehicle."
- State of Maine Bureau of Insurance. "Auto Insurance FAQs."
- Maine Legislature. "§2486. Reinstatement fee."
- Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles. "Restoration Eligibility with Ignition Interlock Device."
- III. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- III. "What's the difference between auto policy cancellation and nonrenewal?."
- III. "Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs."
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Amy BeardsleyInsurance Writer
Amy is a personal finance and technology writer. With a background in the legal field and a bachelor's degree from Ferris State University, she has a talent for transforming complex topics into content that’s easy to understand. Connect with Amy on LinkedIn.
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content
Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score
Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.
Featured in
Amber Benka is a licensed insurance agent specializing in auto, home, commercial, life, and health insurance. She has owned the R.A.L Insurance Agency for four years.
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