Maine at a glance
- Insurance regulator: Maine Bureau of Insurance
- Free look on new individual life policies: 10 days
- State estate tax: yes (exemption $7,160,000) · Inheritance tax: no
Who regulates life insurance in Maine
Life insurance is regulated state by state. In Maine, that's the Maine Bureau of Insurance. Before you buy, you can use the regulator's website to confirm that both the insurer and the agent are licensed in Maine, read consumer guides, and file a complaint if something goes wrong. You can also look up an agent's licenses in every state through the NAIC's licensee lookup.
Your free-look period in Maine
In Maine, you have at least 10 days after an individual life insurance policy is delivered to review it and return it for a full refund of premium (24-A M.R.S. § 2515-A, as summarized by the NAIC).
If you're replacing coverage, don't cancel an existing policy until the new one is approved, delivered and in force, and the free look has passed.
Taxes
Maine has its own estate tax. The Tax Foundation lists the Maine exemption at $7,160,000 as of October 1, 2026. Life insurance you own on your own life generally counts toward your estate, so a large policy can push an estate over that threshold. A common planning tool is to have the policy owned by an irrevocable life insurance trust (ILIT); an estate-planning attorney can tell you whether it makes sense for you.
If an insurer runs into trouble
Maine, like every state, has a life and health insurance guaranty association that protects policyholders, up to limits set by Maine law, if a licensed insurer fails. Limits differ from state to state; you can find Maine's association and its coverage limits through NOLHGA. Insurer failures are rare, and Termco only shows insurers rated A- or better by A.M. Best, but it's good to know the safety net exists.
Does living in Maine change the price?
Less than you might think. Age, health, nicotine, coverage amount, term length and the insurer you choose drive the price; your state mainly affects which products and riders are available. See how term life is priced.
Get term life estimates in Maine
See estimated monthly prices in about a minute. A licensed Termco agent confirms your exact rate before you apply. No obligation.
Frequently asked questions
Who regulates life insurance in Maine?
The Maine Bureau of Insurance. It licenses insurers and agents and handles consumer complaints. You can verify any agent's license there before you buy.
How long is the free-look period for life insurance in Maine?
In Maine, you have at least 10 days after an individual life insurance policy is delivered to review it and return it for a full refund of premium (24-A M.R.S. § 2515-A, as summarized by the NAIC).
Does Maine have an estate or inheritance tax?
Maine has an estate tax, with an exemption of $7,160,000 as of October 1, 2026, according to the Tax Foundation. It has no inheritance tax.
Can I buy term life insurance in Maine through Termco?
Yes. Termco offers coverage nationwide. Any policy for a resident of Maine is sold by a Termco agent licensed in Maine, and only insurers rated A- or better by A.M. Best appear in our quote tool.
Nearby states
New Hampshire · Vermont · Massachusetts · All states
Sources
- Maine Bureau of Insurance
- NAIC – Life Insurance Disclosure Provisions (state law chart, PDF)
- Tax Foundation – Estate and Inheritance Taxes by State, 2026
- NOLHGA – Contact your state's guaranty association
This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. State laws change; the free-look figures above come from the NAIC's summary of state law (state information last reviewed December 2023), and your policy is the final word on its own terms. Checked October 17, 2026.