Insurance Claim Rights in Maine
Maine stands out with one of the longest statutes of limitations in the country at 6 years for both personal injury and property damage claims. The state also has higher-than-average minimum liability limits at 50/100/25. Maine uses modified comparative fault with a 50% bar.
50/100/25
Min. Liability
6 yrs
PI Deadline
6 yrs
PD Deadline
Yes
Diminished Value
Fault System
How Maine's At-Fault (Tort) System Works
Maine is an at-fault (tort) state. This means the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for the other party's damages. After an accident, you file a claim against the at-fault driver's insurance company. If the claim is denied or undervalued, you have the right to file a lawsuit to recover your damages.
Deadlines
Statute of Limitations in Maine
Personal Injury
6 Years
You have 6 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Maine. Missing this deadline permanently bars your right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Property Damage
6 Years
For property damage claims (vehicle repairs, total loss, personal property), Maine allows 6 years to file a lawsuit. This includes diminished value claims if applicable. Report damage to your insurer as soon as possible: report to insurer within 30 days; generous 6-year lawsuit deadline.
Coverage Requirements
Minimum Auto Insurance in Maine
Maine requires all drivers to carry at least 50/100/25 in liability coverage. These numbers represent the minimum bodily injury per person / bodily injury per accident / property damage limits in thousands of dollars. While these are the legal minimums, higher coverage is strongly recommended.
Bodily Injury / Person
$50,000
Maximum per injured person
Bodily Injury / Accident
$100,000
Maximum per accident total
Property Damage
$25,000
Maximum for property damage
Diminished Value
Diminished Value Claims in Maine
Maine Allows Diminished Value Claims
After an accident in Maine, your vehicle may lose market value even after high-quality repairs — this is called "diminished value." Maine allows you to file a diminished value claim against the at-fault driver's insurance to recover the difference between your vehicle's pre-accident and post-repair market value. The amount recoverable depends on the vehicle's age, mileage, damage severity, and repair quality.
Calculate your diminished valueKey Laws
Important Insurance Laws in Maine
Maine has one of the longest statutes of limitations at 6 years for both personal injury and property damage (14 M.R.S. § 752).
Maine follows a modified comparative fault rule with a 50% bar (14 M.R.S. § 156).
Maine requires relatively high minimum liability limits of 50/100/25, providing better baseline protection.
Resources
Maine Department of Insurance
If you have a complaint about your insurance company or need help with a claim dispute in Maine, contact the state Department of Insurance. They regulate insurance companies operating in Maine and can assist with claim disputes, bad faith complaints, and coverage questions.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Maine Insurance Claims
How long do I have to file a car accident claim in Maine?
Maine has an exceptionally generous 6-year statute of limitations for both personal injury and property damage claims. This is the longest deadline in the country and gives you significant time to evaluate your injuries and build your case.
What are Maine's minimum insurance requirements?
Maine requires minimum liability coverage of 50/100/25: $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. These are among the highest minimum requirements in the nation.
How does comparative fault work in Maine?
Maine uses a modified comparative fault rule. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages. If you are less than 50% at fault, your compensation is reduced by your fault percentage.
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