Car Insurance in Maryland: Car insurance is essential for every driver, providing financial protection and legal compliance.
Whether you’re a new driver or an experienced motorist, understanding your car insurance options in Maryland is crucial.
One of the best ways to find the right policy is by comparing free quotes from various insurance providers. Let’s explore how you can do that and why it matters.
What is Car Insurance and Why is it Important?
Car insurance is a contract between you and an insurance provider that offers financial protection in the event of an accident or other vehicle-related incidents. It covers repair costs, medical expenses, and liability for damage caused to others.
In Maryland, having car insurance is not just a smart decision but also a legal requirement. Driving without insurance can lead to hefty fines, penalties, and even license suspension. So, whether you’re commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, having the right insurance gives you peace of mind.
Types of Car Insurance Coverage Available in Maryland
There are several types of coverage options available, each designed to cover different aspects of risk:
- Liability Insurance: Covers damages and injuries caused to others if you’re at fault in an accident.
- Collision Coverage: Pays for damages to your own vehicle after an accident.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Protects your car from non-accident-related damage, such as theft or natural disasters.
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Protects you if you’re in an accident with a driver who lacks adequate insurance.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Maryland
Maryland law mandates that all drivers carry minimum liability insurance. The minimum required coverage is:
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury
- $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $15,000 for property damage
Driving without insurance in Maryland is not only risky but also illegal. Penalties include fines, registration suspension, and even impoundment of your vehicle.
Factors Affecting Car Insurance Rates in Maryland
Several factors influence your car insurance premiums in Maryland:
- Driving Record: A clean record can help you get lower rates, while accidents or tickets can increase costs.
- Age and Gender: Younger drivers and male drivers often face higher premiums.
- Location: Where you live can impact rates due to crime rates and traffic patterns.
- Vehicle Type: Luxury or high-performance cars tend to have higher insurance costs.
- Credit Score: Insurance companies often consider credit history when determining rates.
How to Get a Free Car Insurance Quote in Maryland
Getting a free car insurance quote in Maryland is easier than ever:
- Online Comparison Tools: Many websites allow you to compare quotes from multiple providers in minutes.
- Contacting Insurance Agents: Speaking directly to agents can give you personalized insights.
- Accurate Information: Ensure the details you provide (like driving history and vehicle details) are correct to get an accurate quote.
- Compare Multiple Quotes: Don’t settle for the first offer; shopping around can save you hundreds of dollars annually.
Why Should You Compare Car Insurance Quotes?
Comparing quotes is essential because it allows you to:
- Save Money: Rates can vary significantly between providers, so it’s crucial to find the best deal.
- Customize Coverage: Some insurers offer add-ons or tailored coverage that may suit your needs better.
- Unlock Discounts: Many insurers offer discounts for bundling policies, maintaining a good driving record, or even for being a student.
Steps to Take After Receiving Your Car Insurance Quote
Once you receive your quotes, it’s important to:
- Review the Policy Details: Look beyond the price and review what’s covered.
- Ask Questions: If something is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification.
- Select the Best Fit: Choose a policy that provides the coverage you need at a price you can afford.
How to Lower Your Car Insurance Premiums in Maryland
There are several strategies to reduce your car insurance premiums:
- Bundle Policies: Consider bundling your home and auto insurance with the same provider for discounts.
- Safe Driving Discounts: Maintain a clean driving record to qualify for better rates.
- Increase Deductibles: A higher deductible can reduce your monthly premium, though you’ll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
- Improve Your Credit Score: Many insurers offer lower rates to those with good credit.
Top Car Insurance Providers in Maryland
Several top providers serve Maryland, including:
- Geico: Known for affordable rates and excellent customer service.
- State Farm: Offers comprehensive coverage and a user-friendly mobile app.
- Progressive: Provides various discounts, including a usage-based insurance option.
- Erie Insurance: Well-regarded for customer satisfaction and competitive rates.
Cheap Full Coverage Insurance in Maryland
The cost of full coverage insurance in Maryland is $1213 for a 6-month policy, based on The Zebra’s data. This type of insurance, which typically includes both collision and comprehensive, is sought after by 57% of our Maryland customers.
Maryland drivers looking for the cheapest full coverage should start their search with Travelers. GEICO and USAA are also solid options but remember that USAA is only available to military members and their immediate family members.
Auto insurance rates by insurance company in Maryland
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $763 | $127 |
| USAA | $934 | $156 |
| GEICO | $952 | $159 |
| Nationwide | $1,054 | $176 |
| Progressive | $1,185 | $198 |
| Erie | $1,196 | $199 |
| State Farm | $1,233 | $206 |
| Allstate | $1,832 | $305 |
Tip: Ask about these discounts for savings on car insurance
- Vehicle discounts: Safety features, anti-theft devices, newer cars
- Driver discounts: Telematics, good student, good driver, homeowner, military, multi-policy
- Payment discount: Paid-in-full, advance purchase, automatic payments
Best car insurance in Maryland — honorable mentions
While Travelers topped the list overall, the following companies also have much to offer customers in Maryland. For this list, we used ratings from the JD Power auto insurance survey and The Zebra’s Customer Satisfaction Survey, which collected responses from 2,722 drivers to help us determine which companies were making customers happiest.
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $934 | $156 |
| GEICO | $952 | $159 |
| Erie | $1,196 | $199 |
Cheap liability insurance in Maryland
In Maryland, drivers must carry liability, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP) at or above certain levels. According to our data, 43% carry minimum coverage.
The minimum liability limit for liability coverage is 30/60/15, meaning $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 for property damage per accident. Uninsured motorist coverage limits are 30/60/15; the You can learnPIP minimum is $2,500 per person. Learn more about car insurance requirements in Maryland with our helpful guide.
Cheapest auto insurance companies in Maryland for minimum coverage
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $378 | $63 |
| USAA | $389 | $65 |
| Travelers | $395 | $66 |
| Progressive | $560 | $93 |
| Erie | $586 | $98 |
| State Farm | $591 | $98 |
| Nationwide | $595 | $99 |
| Allstate | $960 | $160 |
Car insurance price trends in Maryland
In Maryland, average annual auto insurance costs increased by over $700 in the past year. A typical Maryland driver pays an average of $2,129 per year.
The recent pricing trend in Maryland and most of the U.S. has been increased car insurance costs. The steepest increase occurred over the past year. The past several years have included volatile rate shifts, so if you feel like your insurance premiums have been unsteady for a while, you aren’t alone.
Car insurance costs in Maryland since 2015
| Year | Avg. Annual Premium | Yearly Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2,129 | $732 |
| 2023 | $1,397 | -$617 |
| 2022 | $2,017 | $702 |
| 2021 | $1,305 | -$131 |
| 2020 | $1,498 | $24 |
| 2019 | $1,412 | $67 |
| 2018 | $1,345 | $451 |
| 2017 | $1,796 | $234 |
| 2016 | $1,562 | -$323 |
| 2015 | $1,885 | $216 |
Car insurance in popular Maryland cities
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, including the vehicle’s location. Baltimore is the major city with the most expensive insurance, which may not surprise residents.
The table below shows average car insurance costs in some of Maryland’s biggest cities.
Auto insurance quotes in Maryland’s biggest cities
| City | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Germantown | $1,172 | $195 |
| Columbia | $1,180 | $197 |
| Silver Spring | $1,308 | $218 |
| Waldorf | $1,308 | $218 |
| Baltimore | $1,823 | $304 |
Cheap Auto Insurance for Teens and Young Drivers in Maryland
Teen drivers between 16 and 19 face the highest car insurance rates across the U.S. Because inexperienced drivers are riskier to insure, teens pay more than three times the national average. In Maryland, teens aged 16 to 19 pay $6,565 per year, which is $1,225 more than the national average and 171% higher than what a 30-year-old Maryland driver would pay.
Cheapest car insurance quotes for young drivers in MD
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $2,180 | $363 |
| GEICO | $2,874 | $479 |
| USAA | $2,882 | $480 |
| Nationwide | $3,554 | $592 |
| Progressive | $4,143 | $691 |
| State Farm | $4,944 | $824 |
| Allstate | $7,509 | $1,251 |
Maryland auto insurance quotes after an accident or ticket
In Maryland, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. Your auto insurance premiums will probably rise if you receive a ticket or citation. How much depends on the violation, your insurer’s pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That’s why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average. Typically, the violations that will cause the highest increase will be DUI or hit-and-run charges, whereas an incident such as a speeding ticket will cause less of a rate hike.
Cheapest auto insurance companies for at-fault accidents in Maryland
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $3,308 | $551 |
| State Farm | $1,911 | $319 |
| Nationwide | $1,843 | $307 |
| Progressive | $1,737 | $289 |
| USAA | $1,475 | $246 |
| GEICO | $1,321 | $220 |
| Travelers | $1,034 | $172 |
Tip: Don’t forget about claims satisfaction
The goal with insurance is to have it in case you need it; if you ever do, having a low-stress experience is critical. In our Customer Satisfaction Survey, we asked about the claims experience of various companies. Erie was the top choice and is worth considering if you live in Maryland.
Auto insurance rates by violation in Maryland
| Accident/Violation | Avg. Annual Premium | $ Rate Increase |
|---|---|---|
| None | $2,425 | $0 |
| One Med/PIP claim | $2,506 | $81 |
| Not-at-fault accident | $2,601 | $175 |
| One comp claim | $2,613 | $188 |
| Two Med/PIP claims | $2,668 | $242 |
| Failure to wear a seat belt | $2,743 | $318 |
| Failure to show documents | $2,821 | $395 |
| Two comp claims | $2,842 | $417 |
| Child safety restraint | $2,847 | $421 |
| Driving with expired registration | $2,919 | $494 |
| Speeding 6 – 10 MPH over limit | $2,946 | $520 |
| Speeding 11 – 15 MPH over limit | $2,947 | $521 |
| Speeding 16 – 20 MPH over limit | $2,947 | $521 |
| Driving too slowly | $2,948 | $522 |
| Cell phone violation | $2,948 | $522 |
| Texting while driving | $2,948 | $522 |
| Following too closely | $2,955 | $530 |
| Wrong way/wrong lane | $2,955 | $530 |
| Failure to yield | $2,955 | $530 |
| Failure to stop at a red light | $2,955 | $530 |
| Improper passing | $2,957 | $531 |
| Illegal turn | $2,957 | $531 |
| Speeding in school zone | $2,983 | $558 |
| At-fault accident – less than $1000 | $3,044 | $619 |
| Passing school bus | $3,064 | $638 |
| Driving without lights | $3,066 | $640 |
| Open container | $3,080 | $654 |
| Operating a vehicle without permission | $3,120 | $695 |
| Speeding 21 – 25 MPH over limit | $3,224 | $799 |
| In 65 MPH zone | $3,531 | $1,106 |
| At-fault accident – $1000-$2000 | $3,637 | $1,212 |
| At-fault accident – greater than $2000 | $3,637 | $1,212 |
| Reckless driving | $4,149 | $1,724 |
| Racing | $4,459 | $2,034 |
| Driving with a suspended license | $4,532 | $2,107 |
| Refusal to submit to a chemical test | $4,685 | $2,260 |
| DUI | $4,698 | $2,272 |
| Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run | $4,741 | $2,316 |
What to Do in Case of an Accident in Maryland
In case of an accident, follow these steps:
- Report the Accident: Contact local law enforcement and file a report.
- Notify Your Insurance Company: File a claim as soon as possible.
- Understand Coverage: Know what’s covered under your policy, especially for medical bills and vehicle repairs.
Common Car Insurance Myths Debunked
- Myth 1: Red Cars Cost More to Insure: Insurance companies don’t charge higher rates based on the color of your car.
- Myth 2: Older Cars Don’t Need Comprehensive Coverage: Older cars may still need protection, especially if they’re expensive to repair.
- Myth 3: Minimum Liability Insurance Is Always Enough: Minimum coverage may not fully protect you in a severe accident.
FAQs about Car Insurance in Maryland
1. What is the minimum car insurance required in Maryland?
In Maryland, the law requires all drivers to have at least the following minimum coverage: $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage.
2. Is uninsured motorist coverage mandatory in Maryland?
Yes, uninsured motorist coverage is mandatory in Maryland. This coverage protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who does not have sufficient insurance.
3. How does Maryland’s fault system work for car insurance?
Maryland uses a traditional tort system, meaning the driver who is found to be at fault for an accident is responsible for the damages. Maryland also follows the rule of contributory negligence, which means that if you are even partially at fault, you may not be eligible to recover damages.
4. Can my insurance rates increase after an accident in Maryland?
Yes, if you are at fault in an accident, it is likely that your car insurance rates will increase. However, each insurance company has its own policies regarding rate increases.
5. What factors influence car insurance rates in Maryland?
Several factors can affect your car insurance rates in Maryland, including your driving record, age, the type of vehicle you drive, your credit score, and even your geographical location within the state.
6. How can I reduce my car insurance premiums in Maryland?
To reduce your car insurance premiums, consider maintaining a clean driving record, opting for higher deductibles, taking advantage of discounts (such as multi-policy or safe driver discounts), and regularly comparing quotes from different insurers.
7. What should I do if I’m involved in a car accident in Maryland?
If you’re involved in an accident in Maryland, ensure everyone’s safety first, then call the police to file a report. Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver, take photos of the scene and any damages, and notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
Conclusion
This coverage not only protects you financially in the event of an accident but also ensures that you comply with state laws, avoiding potential fines and legal issues. With the right insurance, you’re covered for liabilities, damages, and even medical expenses, which can be significantly high without adequate protection.
Comparing free car insurance quotes is an invaluable step for any Maryland driver. It allows you to view various offerings side-by-side, ensuring you get a comprehensive package that suits both your needs and budget.
By comparing quotes, you can easily spot the best deals, understand coverage limitations, and identify any potential discounts you may qualify for. Ultimately, this process helps you make an informed decision, saving you money while securing the best possible coverage for your vehicle.
References
To ensure accuracy and provide further reading, we’ve gathered information from reputable sources. Explore the following links for more details on car insurance in Maryland:
- Maryland Insurance Administration – Learn about state-specific regulations and consumer protection tips for car insurance in Maryland. Link
- Maryland Auto Insurance Fund – Explore affordable auto insurance options for Maryland drivers who may struggle to get coverage elsewhere. Link
- Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) – Stay informed on Maryland’s vehicle registration and insurance requirements. Link
These resources offer comprehensive insights to help you make informed decisions when selecting car insurance in Maryland.
