When a Car Is a Total Loss in Maine
How Maine decides a car is a total loss, salvage title rules, and how to complain about a claim.
Short answer: Maine law does not set a fixed percentage; the Bureau of Insurance says it is the insurer's option to declare a total loss when repair costs approach or exceed the vehicle's actual cash value, and that most companies do so when the initial estimate reaches about 75% of actual cash value. Maine Bureau of Insurance, Auto Claims FAQs; Maine BMV, Types of Title Certificates
| Total loss rules | Maine law does not set a fixed percentage; the Bureau of Insurance says it is the insurer's option to declare a total loss when repair costs approach or exceed the vehicle's actual cash value, and that most companies do so when the initial estimate reaches about 75% of actual cash value. After a total loss, the insurer must apply for a salvage title (29-A M.R.S. §667); once repaired, the vehicle gets a branded title. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles describes a salvage title as one for a vehicle damaged so that its salvage value plus repair cost exceeds its pre-damage fair market value; a salvage title application (MVT-102) costs $33. Salvage title definition and fee: https://www.maine.gov/sos/bmv/vehicles/titles/types-of-title-certificates |
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| Complaints about an insurer | Complaints about auto insurers or agents go to the Maine Bureau of Insurance. File online using the Property & Casualty electronic complaint form, or mail a printable form to Bureau of Insurance, 34 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333. Supporting documents can be faxed to (207) 624-8599 or emailed to insurance.pfr@maine.gov with "Consumer Complaint" in the subject line. Phone: 207-624-8475 or 800-300-5000 (toll free). Phone numbers: https://www.maine.gov/pfr/insurance/about/contact |
More Maine car insurance & vehicle laws
- Minimum Car Insurance in Maine
- Driving Without Insurance in Maine
- SR-22 Insurance in Maine
- Transferring a Car Title in Maine
- All Maine car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
When is a car a total loss in Maine?
Maine law does not set a fixed percentage; the Bureau of Insurance says it is the insurer's option to declare a total loss when repair costs approach or exceed the vehicle's actual cash value, and that most companies do so when the initial estimate reaches about 75% of actual cash value. After a total loss, the insurer must apply for a salvage title (29-A M.R.S. §667); once repaired, the vehicle gets a branded title. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles describes a salvage title as one for a vehicle damaged so that its salvage value plus repair cost exceeds its pre-damage fair market value; a salvage title application (MVT-102) costs $33.
How do you file a complaint against a car insurance company in Maine?
Complaints about auto insurers or agents go to the Maine Bureau of Insurance. File online using the Property & Casualty electronic complaint form, or mail a printable form to Bureau of Insurance, 34 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333. Supporting documents can be faxed to (207) 624-8599 or emailed to insurance.pfr@maine.gov with "Consumer Complaint" in the subject line. Phone: 207-624-8475 or 800-300-5000 (toll free).
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.