Car Insurance in South Portland
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Essentials for Driving in South Portland
Vehicles are an important part of life in South Portland. The average family owns two cars, which are handy when visiting the many area destinations within driving distance, such as Willard Beach and Fort Preble. Before going out and about, families need good car insurance in South Portland.
Local Highlights
South Portland has many scenic areas that provide opportunities for family fun, relaxation, photography and fitness. The mile-long waterfront path along Spring Point Shoreway offers spectacular views, fresh air and peaceful surroundings.
Other nearby gems include Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse, Bug Light Park and the Ram Island Ledge Light Station. For entertainment, The Maine Mall provides great shopping and dining options. This shopping center is one of the largest in the state.
Commuting Risks To Consider
One of the reasons auto insurance is so important in South Portland is that the majority of families commute to work by car. Even though the SPBS has bus routes between South Portland and downtown Portland, fewer than 5% of workers use them. About 75% of workers drive a personal vehicle to the office and another 5-10% carpool.
The average commute is relatively short: just 20 minutes each way. To get to work in Portland, though, commuters have to cross the Fore River, usually via Interstate 295. Other workers take U.S. Route 1.
These primary roads see huge traffic numbers every day. In summer, more than 75,000 vehicles cross the Casco Bay bridge on any given day. With so much traffic, car accidents are a real risk.
Local Car Accidents by the Numbers
Within South Portland city limits, there are about 650 car accidents a year. Considering how many families commute to Portland, however, these figures don't tell the whole story.
Drivers in the Greater Portland Metropolitan Area have to prepare for over 7,000 crashes a year. In 2022, accidents caused more than 2,000 injuries, including 22 fatal injuries. Car insurance for South Portland families is a necessity, not a luxury.
Risks To Consider
VIU by HUB makes it easy to compare auto insurance policies, but first, it's important to know which risks to prepare for. Here are a few notable statistics :
- Rear-end collisions make up 75% of all crashes
- Approximately 25% of accidents happen at intersections
- Most car accidents in the region happen during rush-hour traffic
- Moose and deer play a part in almost 30% of car crashes in Maine
Single-car crashes do happen in South Portland, but they're nowhere near as common as multi-car collisions.
Weather Factors
The close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean affects South Portland's weather patterns. The city gets above-average rainfall (49 inches) and twice the amount of snowfall (56 inches) as the rest of the country.
Winter temperatures are warmer on average than other parts of Maine, but there are still 150 days annually with freezing weather. That means drivers need to take precautions when it comes to icy roads, snowstorms and poor visibility.
Important Types of Coverage for Car Insurance in South Portland
It's possible to improve car insurance protection by adding coverage to the policy. Some options include:
- Collision insurance for vehicle repair costs in single-, multi-car or animal-related accidents
- Personal injury protection for medical costs after an accident
- Comprehensive insurance for hail, fallen branches and other parked-vehicle damages
On average, car insurance in South Portland is affordable: about $1,000 a year for full coverage. This pricing is similar to other cities in Maine. With VIU by HUB, families can shop around, compare various options, customize coverage and save money.
This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice.