Getting cheap auto insurance in Maryland
If you’re moving from state to state or trying to figure out if you can save some cash by changing your insurance plan, you need to know your state’s minimum requirements.
Each state has its own auto insurance guidelines — some are at-fault states, others are no-fault; a few require specific liability insurance while most are more lenient. Some states even have alternatives to car insurance for high-risk drivers. Compare Maryland’s car insurance requirements and how to get the best value for your coverage.
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Maryland
Car insurance quick facts
30/60/15
Minimum liability requirements
$1,500
Average annual car insurance cost
30
Days to update your license
No-fault state
In no fault states, each driver pays for their own damages in an accident.
Cheapest car insurance in Maryland
| Company | Average annual rate | Learn more |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | $603 | |
| Allstate | $1,441 | |
| USAA | $1,456 | |
| Progressive | $1,583 | |
| State Farm | $1,823 | |
| State Auto | $2,619 | |
| Penn National | $2,704 | |
| Esurance | $2,831 | |
| Donegal | $2,833 | |
| Erie | $3,732 |
Insurance help for high-risk drivers in Maryland
If you’re having trouble finding an insurance company that is willing to insure you, Maryland Auto Insurance can help. Anyone with a valid driver’s license is eligible, as long as you haven’t had a policy that’s been cancelled because of failure to pay. You will need to show that you’ve been turned down by at least two insurance companies before obtaining insurance through MAI, and your premiums will be higher. But if you can’t find coverage elsewhere, it’s a good option.
Maryland’s car insurance minimums
In order to legally drive in Maryland, you’ll need minimum liability insurance, including:
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person.
- $60,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident.
- $15,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident.
When shopping for car insurance, you’ll sometimes see this written as 30/60/15.
Some states require drivers to purchase uninsured or underinsured motorists coverage (UM/UIM coverage), which protects them in case they get into an accident with someone without proper insurance coverage. Maryland requires you to buy this coverage at the same minimums as your liability insurance plan. To learn more about this kind of coverage and why it might be a good idea, even when it isn’t legally required, visit our guide to uninsured motorist insurance.
You’ll also need to purchase at least a $2,500 personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP coverage helps pay for medical expenses, regardless of who was at-fault for the car accident. You can choose either full or limited coverage. Limited coverage covers children under 16 in your household and injured pedestrians. But, it doesn’t cover you, the policyholder or household members older than 16.
You can also get additional types of insurance to better protect yourself, including:
- Collision. Helps pay for repairs if your car is damaged in an accident.
- Comprehensive. Covers you in case your car is damaged by something other than an accident — for instance, a fire or vandalism.
- Towing and labor. Provides reimbursement for towing and labor required when your car is damaged in an accident.
- Rental car coverage. Assists the expenses associated with renting a car after an accident.
Roadside assistance in Maryland
Many insurers offer roadside assistance as an optional extra, and a few offer it free, typically when you buy collision and comprehensive coverage. Roadside assistance could be a useful add-on for Maryland drivers. Maryland ranks in the top ten for the nation’s worst road conditions, with 17% of its roads in poor condition, according to a report from 24/7 Wall Street. Driving on poorly maintained roads is an accident waiting to happen, with higher risks of popping a tire on a pothole or road debris. It can be challenging to even pull to the side or get a tow when there’s no shoulder, which is not when you want to be searching on your phone for the nearest tow truck or repair shop.What happens if I’m driving in Maryland and I don’t have insurance?
If you are found driving without insurance, you face the following penalties:
Regardless of who’s at fault, if you are uninsured and are in an accident in Maryland, you face consequences like:
- Suspension of your plates and registration.
- $150 fine for the first 30 days of not having car insurance, and a $7 fine for each additional day.
- $30 registration restoration fee once you’re reinsured.
- You won’t be allowed to register or renew any car until your violations are cleared.
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What can I use as proof of insurance in this state?
Unlike most states, Maryland does not accept your insurance ID card as proof of insurance. Instead, all government agencies, including law enforcement officers performing a traffic stop, will check the an electronic database to check your car insurance.
Your car insurance carrier should report your car insurance status to the Maryland DMV. As a driver, you should be sure your information with your insurance company is correct; this way, there shouldn’t be any trouble if information needs to be verified electronically.
Remember that while you may not need insurance for a traffic stop, if you get into a car accident you’ll still need it to exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver.
Uninsured drivers in Maryland
The state of Maryland requires that all of its drivers have insurance. The Insurance Research Council estimates that 12.2% of Maryland drivers are uninsured — just below the 12.6% national average.
To protect yourself from damages in a car accident, consider adding uninsured or underinsured motorist insurance to your policy. To learn more about this kind of coverage and why you might need it, check out our guide on the topic.
Drunk driving laws in Maryland
Maryland’s drunk driving laws use the same standards as the rest of the US — having a BAC over 0.08% is enough to get a DUI, and if you’re a commercial driver, all it takes is a BAC of 0.04%.
Anyone who’s caught driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can expect steep fines, a suspension of their driver’s license or car registration, and possible jail time or community service. How severe the punishment is will depend on whether it’s a first offense, as well as whether anyone was injured or if severe property damage was done.
| 1st Offense | 2nd Offense | 3rd Offense | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jail | Up to 1 year (DUI); up to 2 months (DWI) | Up to 2 years (DUI); up to 1 year (DWI) | Up to 3 years |
| Fines and Penalties | Up to $1,000 (DUI); up to $500 (DWI) | Up to $2,000 (DUI); up to $500 (DWI) | Up to $3,000 |
| License Suspension | Minimum of 6 months (DUI & DWI) | 1 year (DUI & DWI) | Minimum of 18 months |
| IID Required | No | Yes | Yes |
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Does Maryland require SR-22?
No, Maryland is one of a few states that doesn’t require an SR-22. An SR-22 is a form of financial responsibility your insurance provider files with the state DMV to prove you have minimum coverage.
Maryland’s implied consent law
Maryland has a law of implied consent, which means if you’re driving on the road, you’re giving your consent to be tested for alcohol or drugs if an officer suspects you’re under the influence. And the end result is that if an officer asks you to take a roadside alcohol breath test or sobriety test, you’re legally obligated to comply.
What if you’ve been drinking, and don’t want to incriminate yourself by taking the test? What about if you haven’t been drinking at all, and just don’t want to submit to a test you feel is unfair or unnecessary? Because of this implied consent law, you can face consequences for refusing a test, even if it turns out you were never under the influence at all.
| 1st Offense | 2nd Offense | 3rd Offense> | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refusal to take test | 120 day license suspension | 1 year license suspension | 1 year license suspension |
What happens after a car accident in Maryland?
Even if you’re shaken or dazed after a car accident, it’s important that you take some steps to protect yourself.
- Safety first. Check that no one involved in the accident has been injured. If someone has been injured, call 911 right away. If everyone is fine, try to move your vehicle so it won’t block the road. Even if no one is injured, it’s a good idea to call the local police and inform them of what’s happened.
- Exchange information. Write down the full names, car make and model and insurance information of the people involved in the accident. Don’t forget to include their addresses and driver’s license numbers in your notes.
- Notify your insurance agent. Call your insurance company before you leave the scene. They’ll be help guide you through more specific next steps. If you have questions about the accident, your insurance agent should be a good resource.
- Document the scene. Take pictures of the scene, paying special attention to capturing multiple angles of where the damage occurred. Take down the names of police officers and any potential witnesses to better protect your claim.
Who’s at fault after an accident?
Maryland is a no-fault state. That means that if you’re injured in a car accident, your insurance company will pay your medical bills (up to your policy’s limits), regardless of who is at fault for the accident. Maryland requires no-fault coverage in the form of personal liability protection.
When should I report an accident to the authorities in Maryland?
Maryland state requirements for reporting accidents to authorities varies based on your specific situation. If you’re unsure of the steps you should take, it’s usually a good idea to call your local police just to be safe. Failure to report certain accidents to the proper authorities can lead to license suspension, and even felony charges.
Bottom line
Carrying auto insurance protects you, your family and fellow drivers. Research your insurance options to make sure that you’re receiving the coverage that you need — and that your state requires.
To learn more about this topic, from rules and regulations to the best discounts and rates, visit our comprehensive guide to car insurance.
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Frequently asked questions about car insurance in Maryland
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