Maine uninsured motorist coverage requirements and penalties can catch drivers off guard if they don’t know the rules. Unlike some states, Maine mandates uninsured motorist (UM) coverage unless you sign a written rejection. As of 2026, nearly 1 in 12 Maine drivers are uninsured, making this protection more than just a legal checkbox.
The state sets clear minimums for UM bodily injury and offers options for property damage. Understanding these basics helps you avoid fines and gaps in protection.
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Quick Answer
Maine requires uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage of $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident. Property damage coverage is optional but often recommended. You must carry proof of this coverage or face fines and license suspension.
Rejecting it requires a signed waiver.
What Maine’s Uninsured Motorist Coverage Actually Means for You
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage steps in when the at-fault driver has no insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage does the same if their limits are too low. Together, they protect you from out-of-pocket costs after an accident that isn’t your fault.
Maine is an at-fault state, so the responsible driver’s insurance should cover your damages. But if they’re uninsured, your own UM coverage fills the gap. This applies to hit-and-run accidents too, as long as you report it to police.
Maine’s UM/UIM Requirements: The Hard Numbers
Maine law (24-A M.R.S. § 2902) requires insurers to offer UM coverage matching your bodily injury liability limits. The minimum you must carry (unless rejected in writing) is:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| UM Bodily Injury (per person) | $50,000 |
| UM Bodily Injury (per accident) | $100,000 |
| UM Property Damage | Optional (often $25,000) |
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These limits match Maine’s minimum liability requirements. You can buy higher limits, and many drivers do. Property damage coverage (UMPD) isn’t mandatory but can be added for around $10, $20 more per year.
Why Uninsured Motorist Coverage Matters in Maine
About 6, 8% of Maine drivers are uninsured, according to the Insurance Research Council. That means on any given road, there’s a real chance the other driver has no coverage. Without UM, you’d have to sue the at-fault driver directly to recover costs, a process that’s often slow and uncertain.
UM also covers hit-and-run accidents, which are common in rural areas. If the police can’t identify the driver, your UM bodily injury coverage still applies. This is why most insurance agents in Maine strongly recommend keeping it.
What’s Covered (and What’s Not)
UM bodily injury (UMBI) pays for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering for you and your passengers. It can also cover funeral expenses in fatal accidents. UM property damage (UMPD) handles repairs to your car, but only if you’ve added it to your policy.
What it doesn’t cover:
- Damage to the other driver’s car
- Your own injuries if you were at fault
- Non-accident-related damage
- Intentional damage or racing incidents
If you’re hit by an uninsured driver while riding a bike or walking, UMBI may still apply. Check your policy’s exact wording, as some insurers extend coverage to pedestrians.
Bodily Injury vs. Property Damage: The Two Types You Need to Know
UM coverage in Maine splits into two distinct parts. Bodily injury (UMBI) handles medical costs and lost wages for you and your passengers. Property damage (UMPD) covers repairs to your vehicle.
UMBI is mandatory unless rejected in writing. UMPD is optional but worth considering if you can’t afford repairs out of pocket. Without UMPD, you’d need collision coverage or sue the at-fault driver to fix your car.
Stacking Coverage in Maine: Should You Do It?
Stacking lets you combine UM limits from multiple vehicles on the same policy. If you have two cars each with $50,000 UMBI, stacking gives you $100,000 total coverage.
Maine allows stacking but doesn’t require it. It costs extra, usually 10, 20% more on your premium. Stacking makes sense if you have multiple vehicles and want higher protection.
How to Reject UM/UIM Coverage (And Why You Probably Shouldn’t)
You can opt out of UM/UIM in Maine, but you must do it in writing. Insurers provide a rejection form that you sign and return. This waiver must be explicit and separate from your general policy documents.
Most agents advise against rejecting it. The cost is low compared to the risk of being hit by an uninsured driver. If you reject it and later regret it, you’ll have to wait until your policy renews to add it back.
Step-by-Step: Filing an Uninsured Motorist Claim in Maine
Report the accident to police immediately, especially for hit-and-run cases. Maine law requires a police report to file a UM claim. Then notify your insurer as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours.
Your insurer will investigate and may ask for proof of the other driver’s lack of insurance. They’ll handle the claim as if they were the at-fault driver’s insurer. You’ll work with your own company, not the other driver’s.
Penalties for Driving Without UM Coverage in Maine
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Driving without the required UM coverage in Maine carries real consequences. The first offense typically results in a fine between $100 and $500. Your license and registration may also be suspended until you provide proof of insurance.
The Maine Bureau of Insurance enforces these penalties strictly. If you’re pulled over or involved in an accident without valid coverage, you’ll face these fines and potential suspension. Reinstatement fees apply once you’ve obtained the proper insurance.
Common Mistakes That Get Claims Denied
Waiting too long to report the accident is a top reason for denied claims. Maine insurers often require notification within 30 days. Missing this window can void your coverage.
Another mistake is not getting a police report for hit-and-run accidents. Without it, your insurer may refuse to process the claim. Always document the scene with photos and witness statements when possible.
UM/UIM vs. Other Coverage: What’s the Difference?
UM/UIM covers you when the other driver is at fault but uninsured or underinsured. Collision coverage pays for your car’s repairs regardless of fault, but it won’t cover medical bills.
Liability insurance only pays for damage you cause to others, not your own injuries or vehicle. UM/UIM fills the gap when the at-fault driver can’t. Health insurance may cover medical costs, but it won’t pay for lost wages or pain and suffering.
How Much UM/UIM Coverage Should You Really Get?
Maine’s minimum limits ($50,000/$100,000) may not be enough for serious accidents. Medical bills can quickly exceed these amounts, especially with multiple injuries. Many agents recommend matching your UM limits to your liability coverage.
If you have assets to protect, consider higher limits like $100,000/$300,000. The cost difference is often small compared to the extra protection. UMPD is cheaper but still worth adding if you can’t afford major repairs out of pocket.
Real-Life Scenarios: When This Coverage Saves You
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A driver rear-ends you at a stoplight and has no insurance. Your UMBI covers your medical bills and your passengers’ injuries. Without it, you’d have to sue the other driver, who may have no assets to pay.
Your car is parked and hit by an unidentified driver. UMPD pays for repairs if you’ve added it to your policy. Without it, you’re stuck with the repair bill unless you have collision coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Maine?
Yes, Maine requires UM bodily injury coverage unless you sign a written rejection. Property damage coverage is optional but recommended.
What happens if I’m hit by an uninsured driver in Maine?
Your UM coverage pays for medical bills and lost wages. If you have UMPD, it covers vehicle repairs. You file the claim with your own insurer.
Can I sue an uninsured driver in Maine?
You can, but it’s often not worth it. Most uninsured drivers lack the assets to pay a judgment. UM coverage is the faster, more reliable solution.
How much does UM coverage cost in Maine?
Adding UM/UIM typically costs $20, $50 per year for minimum limits. Higher limits or stacking will increase the premium slightly.
Does UM coverage apply to hit-and-run accidents?
Yes, but you must file a police report. UMBI covers injuries, and UMPD covers vehicle damage if you’ve added it.