http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/index.html LawInfo - Legal Resource Center offers free legal forms and free legal documents that is designed to help consumers and businesses resolve their legal issues http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/can-an-insurer-scan-or-otherwise-copy-the-mai.html Yes, application forms may be reproduced for use in Maine. Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/am-i-required-to-complete-a-medical-questionn.html Insurance companies generally may not cancel your coverage if you do not respond to a medical questionnaire. The only exception to this is if your policy is considered "new business" which means that it was placed within the last 60 days. Insurance companies are not prohibited from asking you to complete a medical questionnaire. They do have a right to know if there are medical conditions that have developed which might make it impossible or difficult for you to operate a motor vehicle. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/am-i-required-to-let-the-insurance-company-in.html Yes. The insurer is entitled to be familiar with the property being insured. Most inspectors will call for an appointment, especially if they want to inspect the inside of your home. If an insurer issues "loss control recommendations" as a result of the inspection, you must make the necessary repairs to make the property insurable and to reduce the chances of loss. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/am-i-required-to-provide-a-recorded-statement.html Yes, your insurance policy requires you to cooperate with the insurer in the settlement of any claim. Many also require you to submit to an examination under oath. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/an-agent-came-to-my-house-and-i-signed-an-app.html You have 30 days from the date the policy is delivered to you to look the policy over. If you decide you do not want to keep the policy return it to the company or agent and request a refund. You do not have to explain why you do not want to keep the policy. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/can-an-applicant-submit-their-producer-consul.html Yes, an application may be submitted via e­mail as long as the hard copy of the application is also submitted later. In the future, the Bureau of Insurance expects to develop a procedure for submitting applications via e­mail that will not require subsequent submission of the hard copy. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/can-the-insurance-company-tell-me-what-repair.html Insurers cannot require you to use certain repair shops. However, they are not required to pay whatever price your repairer charges. As a general rule, insurers will pay the reasonable rate for the area in which the repairs are being made. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/do-i-need-workers-compensation-coverage.html The law requires almost all public and private employers to have workers' compensation coverage. The law defines employers as "private employers, public employers, water districts, other quasi­public corporations, municipal school committees, school union committees, and design professionals." Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/does-an-adjuster-who-adjusts-claims-for-sever.html Title 24­A MRSA § 1402 exempts "employees of insurers" from the definition of adjuster. The Bureau of Insurance has interpreted this exemption to include an employee of a group of affiliated insurers as long as the adjuster does not adjust claims for any unrelated insurer or for an insured. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/for-what-reasons-can-the-company-cancel-non-r.html Your homeowners policy can be canceled for any reason during the first 60 days of coverage, as long as you are provided with adequate notice. After 60 days, your policy can be canceled mid­term for the following reasons: 1. Failing to pay the premium when due; 2. Conviction of a crime that indicates an increase in hazard; 3. Discovery of fraud or material misrepresentation in applying for insurance or making a claim; 4. Grossly negligent acts or omissions that increase the hazard; or 5. Physical changes in the risk that make in uninsurable. Your policy can be non­renewed for all of the reasons listed above, and for any reason that is "in good faith rationally related to the insurability of the property." Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/for-what-reasons-can-the-company-cancel-non-r.html During the first 60 days the policy is in effect, the insurer may cancel for any reason, as long as they give you adequate advance notice. Once the 60 day period has passed, the insurer may cancel the policy mid­term if you: 1. Fail to pay your premium when due; 2. Commit fraud or material misrepresentation in applying for the policy or in making a claim; 3. Violate a term or condition of the policy; or 4. Have a driver's license suspension. The policy may be non­renewed if you or any driver residing in your household is convicted, within the last three years, of a serious motor vehicle violation (such as OUI or vehicular homicide), reckless operation of a motor vehicle, or has three speeding convictions. Non­renewal may also result if you and/or a driver under your policy is involved in two accidents in the aggregate that result in $500 or more in damages. There are some exceptions that prevent insurers from considering certain accidents. Your policy might also be non­renewed if there is a material change in the type of motor vehicle insured under the policy. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/how-do-i-obtain-workers-compensation-coverage.html As a small business owner you have two ways to secure workers' compensation insurance. You can obtain it from a licensed producer who sells property and casualty insurance and who specializes in or is familiar with business insurance or by joining a self­insured group. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/how-is-the-cost-of-workers-compensation-insur.html The cost of workers' compensation insurance is based on the hazards associated with the type of jobs related to the employers' business classification. Each business has a major classification or governing class that identifies it as a certain type of business. The classifications are designed so that job costs are determined by multiplying a rate that is assigned to a specific classification for every one hundred dollars of payroll to the payroll in that classification. The final cost is usually impacted by the employer's loss history. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/how-long-does-it-take-a-health-plan-to-approv.html For initial determinations, a health carrier or the carrier's designated URE shall make the determination and so notify the covered person and their provider within 2 working days of obtaining all necessary information regarding a proposed admission, procedure or service requiring a review determination. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/how-much-insurance-must-i-carry-on-my-home-wh.html For your own protection, you should carry enough coverage to rebuild your home if ever you suffer a total loss. Most insurers will require at least 80% "to value." This means that once the replacement cost of your home is established, you must carry at least 80% of that amount in order to avoid insurance­to­value penalties on partial losses. Many companies require 90% ­ 100% coverage. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/how-much-time-does-the-company-have-to-pay-my.html Your insurance policy specifies the time within which your claim must be either paid or denied. Usually you are required to submit a "Proof of Loss" which documents what you are claiming within 60 days of being requested to do so by the company. Once the Proof of Loss is filed, the insurer generally has 60 days to pay or deny your claim. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/how-much-time-does-the-homeowners-insurance-c.html Your insurance policy specifies the time within which your claim must be either paid or denied. Usually you are required to submit a "Proof of Loss" which documents what you are claiming within 60 days of being requested to do so by the company. Once the Proof of Loss is filed, the insurer generally has 60 days to pay or deny your claim. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/how-much-time-does-the-life-and-health-insura.html Regarding health, policy language would dictate a time frame for providers to submit claims. Proof of loss would be required in any disability claim, and a death certificate would be required for claim payments in life policies. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/i-dont-want-my-new-insurance-policy-can-i-giv.html This depends on the type of insurance you bought. Medicare supplement and credit insurance have a 30 day period during which you can cancel the coverage and have your money refunded. Many other products have a 10 day "free look" period when you can cancel coverage. Some variable products do not offer this feature. The free look provision in your policy should be stated on the front page. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/i-need-individual-health-insurance-what-can-i.html Individual health insurance is guaranteed in Maine. That means that anyone can get coverage regardless of health. Additionally, rates can't be raised because of health conditions or filing claims. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/i-took-the-long-term-care-deduction-on-my-sta.html You do not have a "Long Term Care" policy as defined in Maine law, 24­A MRSA Chapter 68. In order for a policy to be certified by the Superintendent as a Long Term Care Policy, the policy must cover both nursing home confinements and home health care. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/i-want-a-medicare-hmo-can-i-get-this-in-maine.html Currently Maine has one HMO that is offering coverage to Medicare beneficiaries. This is available only in certain areas of the state. For more information on Medicare HMOs or Medicare supplements, contact your producer or the Bureau. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/i-was-in-an-accident-caused-by-someone-else-t.html The Bureau can investigate to determine the reason why the company has not accepted full responsibility for the loss. Often third­party cases are paid on the basis of comparative negligence, which means that the damages will be reduced by the extent to which your actions contributed to the accident. The Bureau will not order a company to pay your claim. We can review the claim handling to be certain that a complete investigation was performed and that accurate information has been used by the insurer in its decision. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/if-a-pcp-referred-specialist-refers-me-to-ano.html Yes. You must contact your PCP and receive your health plan's authorization before seeing any other provider in order to receive the greatest benefit level from your health plan. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/may-a-producer-or-agency-use-a-post-office-bo.html No, a producer or agency may not use a post office box as its business address. Applications will be considered incomplete if no physical address is listed. Effective October 1, 1998, Title 24­A MRSA § 1446 requires all producers to have a business location open to the public. An individual may use their residence for a place of business, in which case, the home address must be filed with the Bureau. Pursuant to Title 24­A MRSA § 1419, any change of business address must be reported to the Bureau within 30 days after the change. Failure to do so may result in a penalty levied against the licensee. A licensed producer who provided the Insurance Bureau with a post office box number for a business address must notify the Office of Licensing and Registration of their physical address in order to comply with the law. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/must-a-licensed-producer-adjuster-or-consulta.html Yes, a producer, adjuster, or consultant is under a continuing obligation pursuant to Title 24­A MRSA § 1419 to report within 30 days any material changes in the conditions or qualifications set forth for licensure in the original application to the Maine Bureau of Insurance . Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/my-girlfriend-boyfriend-lost-personal-propert.html Yes. Under your insurance policy, only people who are related to you and residing with you have coverage for their belongings. Your boyfriend/girlfriend needs his or her own policy. He or she also should buy a policy for protection against liability claims, which is a coverage provided under a tenants' policy. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/my-insurance-is-denying-a-claim-because-they.html Maine has a continuity law that applies to group and individual health insurance. If you haven't had coverage, then a 12 month exclusion period may be imposed. However, if you are switching coverage, the new company cannot add an exclusion for something that was covered under the old policy. Maine Insurance FAQs Mon, 04 Jun 2007 21:51:22 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/the-adjuster-says-that-the-company-will-only.html Yes. Insurers are not required to put new parts on used vehicles. Replacement parts are now of high quality and don't generally cause problems for consumers. If your vehicle was just purchased you will probably get new parts in the claim settlement process. Maine Insurance FAQs Mon, 04 Jun 2007 21:51:22 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/what-are-the-possible-effects-of-concealing-i.html You may jeopardize your coverage (a policy cancellation or non­renewal could result) and payment for claims if the concealment is "material," meaning that it would have an effect on the insurance company's willingness to provide you with insurance. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/what-effect-will-repeated-cancellation-for-no.html You could be refused coverage altogether, or insurers might require that you submit most or all of the premium in advance with a bank check or money order. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/what-effect-will-repeated-cancellation-for-no.html Maine is a guaranteed issue state regarding health insurance. This means you cannot be turned down for individual health insurance in the State of Maine. However, the premium will vary and companies may ask for back premiums up front. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/what-is-an-elimination-period.html The number of days of care that you pay out­of­pocket before the insurance company begins to pay benefits. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/what-is-the-fair-settlement-value-for-my-dama.html The insurance company should be able to tell you what sources they are using to determine what is known as the "actual cash value" of your vehicle. If you believe their offer is too low, you can conduct your own research by contacting dealers, looking at advertisements of similar vehicles that are for sale, and checking the NADA or red book or blue book guides. If you owe more on your vehicle loan than the Actual Cash Value, the insurance company is not obligated to make up the difference. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/what-is-the-law-regarding-diminished-value.html Maine Insurance Laws do not specifically address diminished value. We do know that many insurers honor these claims when they can be documented, such as when a consumer sells the vehicle that was damaged fairly soon after an accident and the loss in value can be established. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/what-is-workers-compensation.html Workers' compensation provides for benefits for occupational injuries or disease suffered by an employee, regardless of fault. The benefits include payment of medical services and lost wages, subject to a limit set by law. Workers' compensation is the exclusive remedy for the coverage of work related injuries by the employer. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/why-am-i-required-to-carry-uninsured-motorist.html Uninsured motorists coverage is required by law. It was introduced many years ago to try to address problems that arise when people are involved with accidents with others who do not carry liability coverage. Even though we now have mandatory automobile liability insurance, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles estimates that about 7% of all operators are still uninsured. This coverage protects you against bodily injury losses, and is a small part of the cost of insurance. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/why-is-the-insurance-company-not-returning-al.html Depending on the type of policy, you may be required to pay a minimum premium, or the premium may be fully "earned." In other instances, if you replaced your coverage with a different company, during the policy term, you may be subject to a "short­rate" penalty, which is usually about 10% of the unearned amount. You might also have some premium due for recent changes in coverage. The company should be able to provide a detailed billing history that explains the return­premium calculation. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/why-is-the-insurance-company-withholding-part.html Insurance policies that provide Replacement Cost coverage, which is the amount it would cost to buy a new item that is identical or nearly identical to your damage property, also contain a requirement that you actually purchase the new item before receiving full recovery. You will usually receive a depreciated amount, known as actual cash value, until you replace the property. You generally have 180 days from the time you receive your ACV settlement to submit a supplemental claim for the extra amount. Maine Insurance FAQs Tue, 29 May 2007 21:19:00 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Insurance/Maine/why-wont-the-insurance-company-accept-direct.html In most situations, the claimant or insured uses his or her own credit card to rent the vehicle and is then reimbursed by the company. If an individual does not have a credit card, many insurers will make arrangements directly with the rental agency. You might have to check around with a few different rental companies to find one that has worked with insurers in the past. Maine Insurance FAQs Mon, 04 Jun 2007 21:51:22 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Auto-Insurance/Maine/index.html Free Auto Insurance FAQs Insurance Sub-categories Sun, 29 Nov 2009 04:32:30 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Health-Insurance/Maine/index.html Free Health Insurance FAQs Insurance Sub-categories Sun, 29 Nov 2009 04:32:30 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Home-Owners-Insurance/Maine/index.html Free Home Owners Insurance FAQs Insurance Sub-categories Sun, 29 Nov 2009 04:32:30 GMT http://resources.lawinfo.com/en/Legal-FAQs/Life-Insurance/Maine/index.html Free Life Insurance FAQs Insurance Sub-categories Sun, 29 Nov 2009 04:32:30 GMT