Car Insurance

When a Great Car Insurance Quote Isn’t

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We all see them. Those auto insurance solicitations in the mail, online or on TV. Some of them are really funny. Some promise lots of savings. How can you tell if they’re real or not?

One of our clients shared this mail solicitation from an insurance company looking to quote their auto insurance. The quote looked to be about half what they are paying now. After we reviewed it with him, the client was happy to stay with their current insurer. Here’s some of what we pointed out to them.

We’ve blanked out the information about the other company on the letter below. We’re not out to embarrass anyone. But, we share it so that you can look critically at the solicitations you receive. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

6 Reasons Why This “Good Deal” Isn’t. 

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click on the image to enlarge it

1. You are “Pre-approved”

Read closely. It doesn’t say that you’re approved for the rate they’ve quoted. In fact, unless you’re a 45-year-old married man who drives a 2014 Subaru Impreza (which the recipient was not), and have very good credit, your quote could be a lot different. What you’re approved for is to receive this letter. Don’t you feel lucky?

2. “Average $446 per Year Savings”

Notice that “7 out of 10 drivers who switched saved money – an average of $446 per year”. A few questions leap to mind:

  • How many drivers are we talking about? Did 10 people switch, or 10,000? Who knows.
  • How many drivers didn’t switch? If 95% of people who went through the process didn’t change, is it worth responding to this flyer for a 5% chance of success?
  • Where do these drivers live? Ahh, the small print on the back says this is “national consumer data”. That makes a difference. Maine has the lowest auto premiums in the country, averaging $902. Per year. No insurance company is so consistently cheap that they save most people 50% on their car insurance. Even if this company does save you money, it’s unlikely to be anywhere near $446. It sounds good in the letter, though.
  • What about the 3 out of 10 who spent MORE money after signing on with this insurance company? The story doesn’t say. That’s probably not the outcome they wanted when they started the process, though.

3. $50,000 Per Person Bodily Injury?

Bodily injury liability insurance pays medical bills and pain & suffering for people you may hurt in an auto accident. It’s the only thing protecting your net worth from a lawsuit. $50,000 is the absolute minimum allowed in Maine. It’s also a lot less than the net worth of most 45-year-old married men driving 2014 Subarus. Did we mention that Maine’s Wrongful Death Statute allows up to $1,000,000 per person – 20X the limit this letter quotes?

Quoting $50,000 limits is a disservice to most Maine consumers. It makes the price look good, though. Maybe if you responded, the agent would up-sell you to higher limits (at a higher price). Or, maybe they’d just sell you the $50,000. Either way, you lose.

Related: How Much Liability Insurance Should You Buy? (Calculator)

4. $50,000 Uninsured Motorist Coverage?

This one’s arguably even worse. Uninsured Motorist is supposed to protect YOU and your family and passengers if you’re injured by someone who has little or no insurance. It pays the difference between the at-fault driver’s inadequate insurance limit and your UM limit. If you buy this quote, and are hit by someone with $50,000 liability coverage (which we’ve already determined is very low),  this policy provides NO UM coverage at all. But at least the price for “no insurance” was lower 7 out of 10 times.

5. Who Can Rent a Car for $20 a Day?

We don’t know of any national rental firm that charges less than $30 a day in Portland, Maine. And that’s for a compact car at the insurance company’s corporate rate. Granted, $20 is better than $0, so this is probably better than the Uninsured Motorist Coverage above.

6. Why a Six Month Policy?

Some insurers prefer to write a 6 month policy instead of annual, because:

  • They can adjust rates more frequently. If they file a rate change, the new rate takes effect after 6 months, not 12.
  • They can charge you for an accident sooner. Same logic applies. The surcharge is applied at renewal, which is 6 months instead of 12.
  • The rates look lower. In fact our client first thought this quote was half the price he was paying now. Turns out, because he has an annual policy, the price was almost the same. And, his current coverage was WAY better.

Related: What to Expect from Maine Auto Insurance Rates in 2017

There’s A Better Way to Shop for Maine Auto Insurance

If you are looking for a second opinion on your Greater Portland Maine car insurance, contact Noyes Hall & Allen in South Portland. We’re independent. That means we offer the choice of 9 preferred insurance companies. We’ll also take time to customize our proposal to YOUR needs, not some fictitious Impreza-driving-45-year-old married-male. We’ll recommend coverage for you and tell you why. You can choose whether or not it’s a good deal for you.

If you’re a self-service type, you can get up to 7 Maine car insurance quotes in 10 minutes on our web site. Don’t worry: if you don’t see anything that that rocks your world, we won’t hound you afterwards. But we’re always happy to answer any questions you have during the process.

RELATED POSTS:

Why do my car insurance rates keep going up-How much liability insurance should buy

Maine Auto Insurance: What to Expect in 2017

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maine-auto-insurance2017

Last Thursday, we met with executives from 7 different insurance companies, one after the other. Every December, we invite our key company partners to review the year and plan for the next.

It’s a full day spent discussing trends, challenges and opportunities in the insurance industry. We learn a lot from the executives’ lofty perspective. They learn just as much from our “front line” reports. By the end of the day, trends usually emerge.

This year, increasing frequency and cost of auto claims concerns almost every executive. Their companies are paying claims faster than they’re collecting premiums. They can’t afford to do that for long. We haven’t seen this trend yet in our agency’s fairly small sample of Maine’s drivers. But it’s clear: we should prepare for rising auto insurance rates in the next few years.

Four Reasons to Expect Higher Auto Insurance Rates in 2017

  1. Fierce Competition Depressed Car Insurance Rates

The Great Recession put extreme pressure on many household budgets. Many insurers focused their advertising message on reducing prices. GEICO spent more than $1 billion a year on advertising. State Farm spent about $800 million. This extreme competition caused prices to remain level for years. Total industry premiums remained flat from 2006 to 2009.

2. People Are Driving Again

While the economy was slow, driving decreased. Americans drove fewer miles 3 out of 4 years from 2008 to 2011, due to:

  • higher gas prices
  • higher unemployment
  • many younger people choosing to delay getting licensed

As the economy improved and gas prices dropped, Americans drove more. We now drive about 3.15 trillion miles per year, an increase of about 150 million miles since 2013.

3. Distracted Driving is a Big Bummer

Several execs shared their front-line adjusters’ stories about distracted driver crashes. Maine adjusters report that many claims involve drivers using mobile devices to text, talk or use social media. Keep in mind that all three are illegal in Maine.

National data reinforces these stories. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 431,000 people injured in distracted driving accidents in 2014, the latest year available. More than 3,000 people were killed. And that was 2 years before Pokemon Go.

4. Crashes Are On the Rise

With the increases in mileage driven and distracted driving, you might expect crash rates to spike. They have. Personal auto insurance claims in the U.S. increased 37.1% between 2006 and 2015. Meanwhile, auto insurance premiums increased 20.9%.

Higher speed limits, increased road congestion and distracted driving seem to be causing increased crash activity. A December 1 Portland Press Herald article cited a 32% increase in accidents on Route 295 north of Portland between 2013 and 2015.

What You Can Do to Control Auto Insurance Expenses

  • Shop Around – Compare prices every 3-5 years, or if your rates change significantly. Independent agencies like Noyes Hall & Allen represent several insurers. We can compare coverage and prices for you, without changing agents.
  • Bundle Property & Auto Insurance – Many insurers discount your auto policy if they insure your home, condo or apartment, too.
  • Think About Dropping Physical Damage Coverage – One rule of thumb is: if you’re spending more than 10% of the book value of your car on your comprehensive and collision insurance, consider dropping or adjusting your coverage.

    Related: When Should I Drop Collision Coverage?

  • Consider Usage-Based Insurance – UBI involves installing a telematics device in your vehicle. This allows your insurer to track your mileage and driving behavior. Many insurers offer big discounts if you allow them to customize your premium to your driving habits.

    Related: Is Progressive Snapshot Right for You? 5 Questions to Ask

  • Protect Your Credit Score – Almost every insurer uses an “insurance score” to price your insurance. These scores are closely related to your credit score. The better your credit score, the lower your auto insurance rate.

FMI:

More Accidents, Larger Claims Drive Costs Higher, Insurance Information Institute, October 2016 (.pdf)

Consumer Information, Maine Bureau of Insurance

Get Free Maine Auto Insurance Quotes in 10 Minutes, Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance

Insuring Your Maine Antique or Classic Car

Posted on by Bob O'Brien

An antique or classic car is fun to admire, show, drive and collect. It can also be a good investment, and a great hobby. You’ll want to insure your classic properly to protect your investment.

Teds Hot Rod

Your Maine Classic Car or Antique Is Unique. Your Insurance Should Be, Too.

An “off the shelf” auto policy isn’t a good fit for your classic, for these four reasons:

  • Valuation – standard auto policies pay the depreciated “book value” of a vehicle. There’s a big difference between a ’78 Firebird that’s been babied and one that’s been driven hard and put away wet. Standard policies value the cherry one and the pre-restoration project the same. Collector car policies usually insure on an “agreed value” basis. You and the insurer agree on the amount to be paid on a total loss BEFORE anything happens.
  • Use and Mileage – classic owners drive just a few miles a year – much less than their “daily driver”. When they do drive, it’s often a leisurely trip to the ice cream shop or rally, not a rush hour commute. “Off the shelf” policies consider all driving the same. They also assume a minimum of 8,000 miles driven per vehicle per year. Why pay full-time insurance rates for part-time insurance? Antique and classic owners pay way too much in that scenario.
  • Parts – Anyone who’s scoured New England’s back roads looking for Series 1 Rover parts knows they can be expensive and hard to find. You need a policy that will pay for the right part – and maybe even help you locate it. Regular insurance policies pay for replacement parts after an accident. If your vehicle is more than a few years old, insurers usually only pay for aftermarket parts. That sends shivers down the spine of an antique buff.
  • Roadside Assistance – If you break down on the way to your show, or during a rally, you want your classic worked on by a trusted mechanic. Most classic auto policies offer special flatbed coverage to get you to a mechanic qualified to work on your vehicle.

What Vehicles Qualify For Maine Classic Car Insurance?

In general, insurers define a classic car as 20 years or older, including

  • Sports cars (MG, Triumph, Alfa Romeo, etc.)
  • Muscle cars (Corvette, Camaro, Firebird, Mustang, etc.)
  • Street rods and customized vehicles
  • Collector vehicles, including antique motorcycles
  • Vehicles in mid-restoration

Classic vehicle policies may limit:

  • Annual mileage driven
  • How it’s used (“daily drivers” usually don’t qualify)
  • Young drivers
  • Storage (require you to garage it when not in use)

Answers to Your Antique & Classic Insurance Questions

If you live in southern Maine and have questions about insuring your classic or antique, contact a Noyes Hall & Allen agent at 207-799-5541. We offer a choice of several insurers; let us find the right one for you. We’re independent and committed to you.

How Do Insurance Agents & Brokers Get Paid?

Posted on by Bob O'Brien

 

Insurance is a $1 trillion business in the U.S. The industry employs about 2.5 million Americans, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Life/health (L/H) insurers collect about $650B and property/casualty (P/C) insurers about $500B each year.

Noyes Hall & Allen specializes in property/casualty insurance. Before talking about how property/casualty agents are paid, let’s take a brief look at the P/C business.

Maine Property/Casualty Insurance Overview

P/C insurers provide auto, home and business insurance. There are 3 top distribution models for P/C insurance sales channels (1)insurance.

  1. Direct writers rely on advertising to generate the majority of their business.  When you call or respond to an advertising piece, you’re speaking with a company employee. They only offer products from one company. GEICO, USAA and esurance are direct writers. While they don’t pay agents to generate business, they spend a LOT of money on advertising. GEICO alone spends over $1B per year.
  2. Exclusive agents (sometimes called “captive agents”) also sell insurance only from one company. Unlike direct writers, they have local agents who sell and service their products. These companies also advertise a LOT to drive business to their retail agents. Allstate, State Farm and Liberty Mutual use the exclusive agent model.
  3. Independent agents (sometimes called IAs or Trusted Choice agents) are locally owned and operated. Each contracts with 5 to 15 insurers, thus offering their clients a choice of insurance companies. IAs can access an international network of brokers for unusual insurance needs. Insurers that contract with IAs advertise much less than other insurance companies. They are less likely to be household names. Many IA insurers specialize on one region or type of customer. Popular IA insurers in Maine include: Concord Group; Hanover Insurance; MMG Insurance and Vermont Mutual.
  4. Hybrid companies (ok, this makes 4 models, but not really). These insurers will write insurance using one or more different channels. These are usually large national insurers. Examples: Hartford; Liberty Mutual; Travelers; and Progressive.

How Maine P/C Insurance Agents Make Money

Both exclusive and IA insurance companies pay agents a percentage of the premium. Commission varies by policy type and whether the policy is new or renewal. Usually, commission is between 10 and 20 percent.

Exclusive agents often make a higher percentage commission on new business than renewals. Some exclusive companies even stop paying agents after several years. This incents the exclusive agent to focus on writing new policies.

Independent agents often make the same commission on both new and renewal policies. This allows the agent to provide  consistent customer service year after year. If you’re an existing client of an independent agent, you’re even more valuable than a new one. It takes an independent agent 3-5 years to recoup the cost of insuring a new customer.

Who Pays an Insurance Agent’s Commission?

The insurance company pays the agent’s commission out of the premium they collect. There is no specific surcharge on the premium that goes to the agent. Of course, the customer pays the agent’s commission – just not by a separate line item. Insurance premiums do not rise or fall with the agent’s commission percentage.

Can You Save on Insurance if  You “Cut Out the Middleman”?

No one sales channel is always the lowest cost. Claim costs and insurance company expenses all impact premiums. Some direct writers would have you believe that you save money by bypassing an agent. In reality, you might pay MORE without an agent to advocate for you. Of course, you could pay less, too.

Our Agents Speak English – And Insurance. If you don’t know the system, you can leave money on the table. We know to ask about certain discounts. Is your child on the honor roll or away at college without a car? Your local agent may know these things, or you might ask when you call in to do something else. If your agent is independent of the insurance company, they’re more likely to act on your behalf.

If you have a question about Maine home, auto, boat, motorcycle or business insurance, contact a Noyes Hall & Allen agent at 207-799-5541. We’re independent and committed to you.

Rideshare Insurance for Uber & Lyft in Maine

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Does Your Auto Insurance Protect You?

Many Maine drivers are thinking about making some extra cash by driving for rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft. They often ask us if how their personal auto insurance company would respond.

Personal Insurance Does NOT Cover Rideshare Driving

As soon as you turn on the app and make yourself available to pick up a guest, you turn OFF your Maine auto insurance policy – at least all of the policies we’re aware of. Your insurance company should deny any claim – collision, liability, uninsured motorist, medical payments, rental or towing – that occurred while you were available for hire or driving a customer.

Do Uber and Lyft Insurance Policies Protect Maine Drivers?

Knowing that personal insurance policies do not cover livery (driving for a fee), rideshare companies have obtained blanket insurance policies to cover their drivers. Most companies seem to be insured with James River Insurance, based in Richmond, VA, and rated A- by A.M. Best. These policies cover you pretty well when you’re carrying a customer – but not when you’re simply available and waiting for a customer request. This chart shows when coverage applies, and how much.

RideShare Insurance in Maine

 

What are the Risks of Being an Uber Driver?

As you can see from the chart above, the insurance provided by Uber, Lyft and similar companies leave important gaps that could cost you a lot – especially in Period One, when you have the app on and are awaiting a ride request.

DURING “PERIOD ONE”:

  • Injury from an uninsured or under-insured driver. If you are waiting for a ride request and someone rear-ends you at a stop light, their liability insurance should pay for the damage to your car, and your medical bills and lost wages. But, what if they have no insurance – or not enough? Uber and Lyft policies do not pay anything to repair your car. And, because their uninsured motorist coverage drops to state minimum limits during that time, you would have little or no coverage for your medical bills.
  • Liability to Others for Injury or Property Damage. Imagine you’re waiting for a ride request. You decide to stop for a coffee. When you pull in, you accidentally step on the gas instead of the brake, plowing into the front of the coffee shop. Your rideshare insurance will only cover state minimum liability limits for injuries to others or damage to property. Because your personal auto policy doesn’t cover you during this time, you’re out of luck if damages are higher. You’ll be responsible for paying for the damages. That could mean a lot of fares in your future just to repay the damage.
  • Damage to Your Car. Rideshare insurance policies don’t pay for damage to your car from crashes, vandalism, theft or fire. If you have a loan on your vehicle, you could find yourself making payments on a car you cannot drive. And you won’t be able to make more money via driving since your vehicle is out of commission.
  • Your Insurance Company Might Cancel Your Policy. Many drivers fail to notify their auto insurance company when they start to drive for a rideshare company. And for good reason: even  though they don’t cover your rideshare activities, insurance companies generally don’t like the idea. Your vehicle is on the road a lot more, possibly at odd hours and unfamiliar locations. Even if you’re driving a customer and have collision coverage under the Uber or Lyft insurance policy, they require you to first report it to your insurance company and be denied coverage. That can be an uncomfortable conversation, and it can attract the attention of the insurance company, which may then cancel your personal policy.

Know the Consequences Before You Become an Uber Driver in Maine

It’s tempting to make some extra money during your spare time. Just know that the opportunity comes with risks. Rideshare companies are eager to sign up new drivers, and may gloss over the risks and limitations of their insurance program. Make sure you understand them before you get behind the wheel for a rideshare company.

If you have questions about your Maine auto insurance, contact  Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance in South Portland at 207-799-5541. We’re independent and committed to you.

 

The Most Popular Vehicles in Portland Maine

Posted on by admin

 

As a Portland Maine insurance agent, we insure lots of homes, condos, vehicles and businesses. We thought it might be fun to share some facts about vehicles we insure. While our clients may not be a statistically accurate sample, we think they give a pretty good indication of what vehicles are most popular in the Portland Maine area. It’s also kind of interesting to see some trends by model year.

Top 10 Vehicle Brands in Portland Maine

If Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance clients currently are typical, the top 10 auto makers capture almost 75% of the market. The “big three” alone are 38%.

  1. TOYOTA – 15.2% market share
  2. FORD – 11.5%
  3. HONDA – 11.3%
  4. CHEVROLET – 9.1%
  5. SUBARU – 8.8%
  6. VOLVO – 4.0%
  7. NISSAN – 3.9%
  8. HYUNDAI – 3.4%
  9. VOLKSWAGEN – 3.3%
  10. JEEP – 3.3%

What are the Best-Selling Vehicles in Portland Maine?

This graphic shows which auto maker appears to have sold the most vehicles in each of the last 5 years, based on vehicles our clients own.

Favorite auto brands in Portland Maine

It’s interesting to note that Ford is the only auto maker always in the top 3. Toyota rode a wave of #1 but seems to be fading a bit. Subaru is off to a fast start with 2016 models. Will they sustain the momentum for the whole year?

How Long do Portland Maine People Keep their Vehicles?

The median model year of vehicles our clients own is 2008. So the average person keeps a car for about 8 years. Which side of average do you fall on?

0-4 YEARS OLD – 22.1%  (2013 to 2016 model year)
5-8 YEARS OLD – 30.1%  (2008 to 2012 model year)
8-12 YEARS OLD – 28.0% (2003 to 2007 model year)
Older than 12 YEARS – 15.8% (2002 model year and older).

 

When is the right time to drop collision coverage from your car? Click on the link to read our blog post answering that question. 

The Most Popular Vehicle on the Road in Portland Maine

By IFCAR - Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6770336
By IFCAR – Own work, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6770336

 

Despite being only the 5th most popular vehicle brand among our clients, Subaru has the top two models when you look at all vehicles on the road. The Subaru Outback is #1 by far, with the Subaru Forester #2. The Toyota Camry is right behind the Forester at #3. These top 3 vehicles represent more than 10% of the vehicles our clients own.

UPDATED: August 2017

The trends continue in 2017. Subaru seems to remain super popular in Portland Maine. Foreign models continue to dominate the top 5. So do 4X4 vehicles. Ford pickup sales appear to rise and fall, maybe with the economy or gas prices? The Nissan Rogue looked to be picking up steam in 2016, only to fall off the leader board in 2017.

 

Whatever you drive, if you live in the Portland Maine area and would like a review of your auto insurance, contact Noyes Hall & Allen at 207-799-5541. You can even get 7 Maine auto insurance quotes online in 10 minutes. Of course we also insure homes, condos, apartments, boats, motorcycles, businesses and more. We offer a choice from Maine’s preferred insurance companies. We’re independent and committed to you.

Geico vs. State Farm, Allstate & Progressive – Which is the best Maine car insurance for you?

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Geico ad quote

State Farm, Geico, Allstate and Progressive are the largest US auto insurance companies (in order) by market share. They’re household names – thanks to the $3.5 billion they spend on advertising every year. Geico alone spends more than $1 billion, 1/6 of  all auto insurance advertising dollars.

So how do you choose the best car insurance in Maine? Could the best insurance company for you be one you’ve never heard of? It may depend on where you live, how insurance savvy you are, and what else you may have to insure.

How Insurance Savvy Are You?

Do You Speak InsuranceState Farm, Geico, Allstate and Progressive all sell directly from company to consumer via the internet and inbound call centers. If you contact them, remember that you’re talking to an insurance company employee. You’re accessing information prepared, controlled and presented by the insurance company. Expect that they will look out for their own business interests first.

You’re also giving the insurance company your phone number and email address. Be prepared for some serious email and telemarketing follow up if you don’t buy right away.

If you “speak insurance” enough to ask the right questions and advocate for your needs, call center employees will try to customize your coverage for you. Many people don’t know what questions to ask or what information to give. Too often, they end up with “off the shelf” insurance that may not fit their needs. Sadly, many don’t know what they’re missing until they’ve had a claim. We see this often when people bring us the policies they bought over the internet or the phone.

Where Do You Live?

State Farm, Allstate and Progressive sell through agents as well as directly over the phone or internet (Geico has recently started selling through employee-agents, too). State Farm and Allstate use “exclusive agents”; they only sell that one company’s products. If you live near one of these agents, it can be helpful to have a local expert to guide you through the process.

We love Portland MaineIf you buy insurance from one of these companies, their pricing and terms remain reasonable; and they don’t non-renew your policy after payment or claims trouble, you may have a long relationship with their agent. They can advise you of appropriate changes in your insurance as things change. But if anything goes wrong, or you want to shop your insurance, you’ll have to find a new agent.

Progressive is different. They also sell through Independent Agents (IAs). These are local business owners who represent more than one insurer. Most independents represent at least 4 or 5 companies (Noyes Hall & Allen represents more than a dozen insurers). If you use an Independent Agent, and your insurance company is no longer the best fit for you, an IA can help you move to another insurance company – without losing your relationship with the agent who knows you and your needs.

Related Post: When Should You Change Insurance Companies?

What Else Do You Need to Insure?

Insuring two things (home and auto, auto and boat, etc.) with the same company earns you a discount and “preferred customer” status.

State Farm and Allstate are top-10 home insurers of homes as well as autos. Geico and Progressive are not. If you get a home insurance quote from Geico, it’s underwritten by a non-affiliated company like American Modern, Foremost or Travelers. That dilutes the benefits of insuring two things with one company. Progressive recently purchased ASI, a Florida-based home insurance company (ASI doesn’t currently do business in Maine).

Even jumbo insurers like State Farm and Allstate can’t handle every type of property. If you find yourself with a square peg insurance situation that doesn’t fit the round hole, you’ll need to find a new agent – probably an Independent Agent. That agent can almost always find the best deal if they have all your insurance – the round peg, to go with the square – to tempt an insurance company.

Maybe An Insurance Company You’ve Never Heard Of is Better?

Let’s face it: the Maine market is a drop in the bucket for these insurance giants. But there are lots of New England based insurance companies that only write policies in our corner of the country. Sometimes, a smaller regional insurer is better at understanding Maine’s quirks. They’re more willing to be flexible on insuring coastal property or a home heated with wood; or a “beater” truck that you drive only in the winter, when you mothball your “summer ride”. Many people prefer the service of a regional insurer over the jumbo national outfits.

Some of the best insurance companies in America are ones you’ve never heard of.

Why have you never heard of them? Because instead of spending billions on TV advertising and sports sponsorships, they rely on local Independent Agents to recommend them to their clients. Companies like MMG, Hanover, Concord Group, Vermont Mutual and Cambridge Mutual are not household names. But, they’re cult favorites in northern New England.

Let Us Help You Decide

As an Independent Agent, Noyes Hall & Allen offers a choice or many top insurers and personalized service from a trusted advisor. We live and work where you do, and we know the Greater Portland Maine insurance market. We’re locally owned and part of the community. It costs no more to work with an Independent Agent than a call center or the internet. And, we have access to flexible options you may need throughout your life.

For more information, call a Noyes Hall & Allen Insurance agent at 207.799.5541. We’re independent and committed to you.

Moving or Relocating to Portland Maine – a 2022 Insider’s Guide

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Small enough to navigate and make friends easily. Large enough to have plenty of live music, arts and sports. Hundreds of restaurants and almost 20 breweries, Portland Maine is one of America’s hottest little cities. It’s a regular on “best of” lists from publications as diverse as Men’s Journal, Elle Home Decor , Conde Nast Traveler and Time Money. But what’s it REALLY like to live in Maine’s largest city?

What’s it Like to Live in Portland Maine?

It’s easy to fall in love with Portland by walking its charming brick streets, eating fresh seafood, and drinking even fresher beer. You can find plenty of flattering and glowing reviews of Portland from locals and travelers alike. But what’s it like to really LIVE here?

Do I Need a Car in Portland Maine?

Unless you live and work on the downtown peninsula, and are able to Uber, bus or walk 1-2 miles with your groceries, you may not. Otherwise, you’ll probably need a car. Like most vibrant cities, parking spots can be scarce. Fortunately, the peninsula is compact and walkable.

The Metro bus  is Portland Maine’s public transportation.  If you’re from a bigger city, you’ll find that buses arrive less frequently than you’re used to. You can find Turo carshares in town. Uber and Lyft operate in Portland, and there are several taxi companies. Our airport (PWM) and Portland Transportation Center are less than 5 miles from the Old Port. The Amtrak Downeaster and Concord Trailways bus both loop to Boston several times daily. Concord also has a bus to New York City.

Cycling is a popular way to get around (the Portland Bike Party has more than 1000 followers). Maine has some of the most bike-friendly laws thanks to the efforts of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. You can bike year-round here, although cyclists’ numbers dwindle during our long winters.

Related Post: Portland Maine: Green Living in a Small City

How Much Do Apartments Cost in Portland Maine?

Portland is cheaper than Boston or New York, but it’s definitely a landlord’s market. Like many popular cities, Portland has had  a very low vacancy rate and a shortage of good apartments. Even though 1000 new rental and condo units have been built or planned, it’s tough to find a good deal.

The Portland Press Herald produced a very cool series of interactive maps of Portland Maine in 2015, showing rents, demographics and lifestyle features of Portland neighborhoods. The rents are outdated, but the neighborhood descriptions and heat maps are still relevant.

Whether you rent an apartment, condo or a cottage, we recommend that you buy Maine renters insurance to protect your property from damage and theft, and you from liability.

Related: How Much Does Renters Insurance Cost in Portland, Maine?

Can I Afford a Home in Portland Maine?

Portland’s home and condo market is strong. This reflects the desirability of the area and availability of jobs in Portland. The area has a wide range of housing stock, from old to new, townhouses to ranches, contemporaries to lofts. The median sale price in the Portland market is more than $300 per square foot according to realtor.com.

Where Do I Park My Car in Portland?

As in most vibrant cities, parking is a premium commodity in Portland Maine. If your apartment doesn’t offer off-street parking,  get a free residential parking sticker for the area in which you live. This exempts you from 1-or-2-hour time zones on streets near your home. The stickers DON’T exempt you from parking meters, no parking zones, overnight parking, loading zones, etc.

The most hassle-free way to get to local businesses & restaurants is on foot or bike. If you must drive, the city of Portland Maine operates parking meters and pay and display parking stations . Hot tip: Portland Maine metered street parking is free after 6pm and on Sundays.

Portland has several public and private parking garages ($2.00 – $4.00 per hour). There are also private pay-and-display lots, which are NOT operated by the city. These have been controversial, as they will boot your vehicle if you leave your vehicle too long.

Parking Bans in Portland Maine

Portland Maine Parking Ticket
source: maine.gov

During winter storms, the city of Portland Maine parking bans to allow public works crews to clear the streets and remove snow. During a Red Parking Ban, no one can park on city streets. This means you! Don’t ignore the ban; your vehicle WILL be towed, and it’s an expensive hassle to retrieve it.  Here’s a list of where to park during a snow ban.

How Soon Do I Need to Register My Car After Moving to Maine?

You should re-register your car in Maine and get a Maine driver’s license within 30 days after moving here.  Here’s are the 3 steps to register your vehicle in Maine after you move here:

Related: How & When to Register a Car in Maine

Settling In

It’s easy to find arts, sports and cultural events in Portland Maine. Another great way to meet new people is to get out and enjoy the outdoors, learn more about our area, or to volunteer. Here are links to some of our favorites:

We hope you find this information useful as you think about moving to Portland Maine. Greater Portland has been our home for more than 80 years. We love it here. If we can help with insurance in your new city, please contact a friendly local Noyes Hall & Allen agent at 207-799-5541.

Cheap Maine Auto Insurance – and Why You Shouldn’t Buy It

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A lot of car insurance ads talk about how much money you can save in 15 minutes – or less. It’s true: you can almost always find auto insurance that costs less than what you pay now.

How to Find Cheap Maine Auto Insurance

 

Uninformed Advisors Guide to Cheap Car Insurance (2)

Insurance Isn’t Peanut Butter or a Pair of Jeans

We’ve all had buyer’s regret. You buy something you didn’t like, or that didn’t fit the way you hoped. Maybe you returned it to the store; maybe you used it until it was gone, or threw it away and never bought that kind again.

Insurance is different.

You can regret your insurance choice, too. The web site doesn’t have the answer you need; you’ve misplaced your policy number, and can’t get through the insurance company’s phone menu; the coverage you bought on the phone or their web site wasn’t what you thought it was; there’s no one local to help you.

You don’t use insurance until long after you buy it – sometimes years later. If you make a bad choice, the mistake can cost a lot more than a jar of peanut butter. And you can’t return it for a refund.

Don’t Do it Yourself – Consult an Agent

Use the internet to research and educate yourself about insurance and the expected costs. But do yourself a favor: consult an agent before you buy. Buying through an agent costs no more. And, their advice and advocacy can save you hundreds.

If you live in Southern Maine and are looking for insurance advice, contact a Noyes Hall & Allen agent at 207-799-5541. We represent many of best car insurance companies in Maine, so we can help you find the best value and fit for your situation. We’re independent and committed to you.

Does Driving for Uber Affect Maine Auto Insurance?

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Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) have quickly become part of the landscape in American urban and vacation areas. Portland, Maine got its first Uber service in 2014. Almost immediately, people questioned whether Maine insurance companies exclude coverage for Uber.

The Maine State Legislature regulated TNC insurance by passing LD 1379, “An Act To Establish Transportation Network Company Insurance”, effective June 03, 2015. Key features of the law specify:

  • How much liability insurance TNC drivers must have while logged into the network and not carrying passengers (matching Maine state minimum auto liability insurance limits of $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident for bodily injury/$25,000 property damage).
  • How much liability insurance they must have while carrying passengers ($1,000,000 bodily injury and property damage).
  • That personal auto insurance companies are NOT required to cover TNC drivers while they are logged into the network.

BEFORE You Sign up to Drive for Uber, ASK:

  • Does the TNC provide insurance for you while you’re logged in to the network? If so, at what limits? Do those limits change when you pick up passengers?
  • Does your personal auto insurance cover you when you’re logged in to the network? Ask your agent.
  • Does your auto loan or lease allow you to transport passengers or goods for hire? Many vehicle finance agreements prohibit it. If you do, the bank could consider you in default even if your payments are up-to-date. Read your loan or lease agreement, or ask your lender.

Uber insurance in Maine - quote from Eric Cioppa

Our Advice

Most insurers EXCLUDE coverage any time you’re logged into a TNC network, whether or not you have a passenger. For answers to your insurance questions, call your insurance agent.