Maine Bureau of Insurance saves residents $5.8 million on insurance costs in 2025

AUGUSTA – The Maine Bureau of Insurance has announced that its work to review and regulate insurance rates saved residents $5.8 million in potential increases for auto and homeowners coverage in 2025. The Bureau also recovered more than $4.5 million for Maine people and businesses through investigations into consumer complaints.

“Every day, our staff helps Mainers navigate insurance questions and concerns,” said Maine Bureau of Insurance Superintendent Bob Carey. “We carefully review proposed rate increases to ensure they are justified, helping keep coverage fair and affordable for Maine people and businesses.”

Keeping Auto Insurance Low

For personal auto insurance, the bureau approved rate changes that kept overall premiums flat in 2025, benefiting more than 900,000 policyholders. This oversight has helped Maine remain one of the most affordable states in the country for auto insurance.

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, Maine drivers paid an average annual premium of $926 based on 2023 data – the lowest in the nation. The national average was $1,438, about 55 percent higher. The bureau estimates its review process prevented nearly $2 million in additional auto insurance costs this year.

Limiting Homeowners Insurance Increases 

In the homeowner’s insurance market, approved rate changes resulted in an average increase of 2.9 percent in 2025, affecting about 340,000 policyholders. The bureau’s review process – including rejecting or modifying some proposed increases – saved homeowners an estimated $3.8 million.

Returning Money to Consumers

Beyond rate reviews, the bureau helps consumers resolve issues such as denied claims, underpayments, and incorrect charges.

In 2025, these efforts resulted in more than $4.5 million returned to Maine residents and businesses.

Carey reports that the Consumer Health Care Division of the Maine Bureau of Insurance handled 3,125 inquiries and investigated 324 complaints, recovering about $1.5 million.

He says that the Property and Casualty Division of the Maine Bureau of Insurance responded to 4,145 inquiries and investigated 290 complaints, recovering more than $3 million.

For further details, visit the Maine Bureau of Insurance online at https://www.maine.gov/pfr/insurance/home. <