Winter Driving in Maine: Auto Insurance Tips Every Driver Should Know

Winter in Maine means black ice, nor'easters, and road conditions that challenge even the most experienced drivers. While safe driving habits are your first line of defense, the right auto insurance coverage is what protects you financially when things go wrong. Here is what every Maine driver should know about winter auto insurance.

Comprehensive Coverage for Winter Perils

Comprehensive coverage protects your vehicle from non-collision events that are all too common in Maine winters. This includes damage from falling trees and heavy branches weighed down by ice and snow, flooding from rapid snowmelt or ice dams, theft, which statistically increases during winter months, and hitting a deer, which peaks during late fall but continues through winter. If you have a car loan, your lender probably requires comprehensive coverage. If you own your vehicle outright, consider whether you could afford to replace it without insurance.

Collision Coverage and Icy Roads

Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle when you hit another vehicle, object, or roll over. On icy Maine roads, even careful drivers can slide through an intersection or into a guardrail. Without collision coverage, you are paying for repairs out of pocket. If your vehicle is worth more than a few thousand dollars, collision coverage is usually a smart investment during winter months.

Rental Reimbursement: Stay on the Road

If your vehicle is in the shop after a winter accident, rental reimbursement coverage pays for a loaner vehicle while yours is being repaired. In Maine, where public transportation is limited and distances are long, being without a vehicle is more than an inconvenience. This coverage typically costs just a few dollars per month and can save you hundreds if you need it.

Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Not every driver on Maine roads carries adequate insurance. If you are hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver on a slippery winter road, this coverage protects you and your passengers. It pays for medical bills and pain and suffering that the other driver's insurance cannot cover. In a state where winter accidents are common, this coverage is essential.

Review Your Auto Coverage Today

Before the next storm rolls in, take a few minutes to review your auto insurance. Are your coverage levels adequate? Do you have comprehensive and collision? What about rental reimbursement? The agents at Quirk Insurance can review your policy in minutes and identify any gaps. Call us at (207) 299-1800 for a free auto insurance review.