Best Car Insurance in Maryland: Car insurance is one of those must-haves if you’re driving in Maryland, but how do you find the best deal without sacrificing coverage? With so many options out there, it can feel overwhelming. This guide will help you navigate your way through the process of finding the best car insurance in Maryland and show you how to get a free quote while saving money.
Let’s dive in!
Understanding Car Insurance Requirements in Maryland
Before you start comparing insurance providers, it’s essential to know what Maryland requires when it comes to car insurance. Every state has its own minimum insurance mandates, and Maryland is no exception.
In Maryland, you must carry at least:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person (up to $60,000 per accident)
- $15,000 for property damage
- Uninsured motorist coverage equivalent to your liability coverage
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which covers medical expenses regardless of fault
Driving without insurance in Maryland can lead to hefty fines, penalties, and even license suspension, so it’s crucial to maintain the required coverage.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Car Insurance in Maryland
When shopping for car insurance, price is a huge factor, but it’s not the only thing you should consider. Here are some key elements to keep in mind:
- Coverage options: Do you want more than just the state minimum? Consider adding comprehensive or collision coverage for better protection.
- Customer service: A cheap rate isn’t worth it if you’re stuck with a provider that’s hard to work with. Look for companies known for good customer service and hassle-free claims.
- Discounts and pricing factors: Every insurance company offers different discounts, so it’s worth exploring how much you can save.
Top Car Insurance Companies in Maryland
Maryland has several reputable car insurance companies that provide great coverage at competitive prices. Let’s break down some of the top options:
Geico: Best for Affordable Rates
Geico is known for offering some of the lowest rates in Maryland. It’s an excellent option if you’re looking to save money while still getting solid coverage. They offer:
- Multi-policy discounts
- Accident forgiveness
- Emergency roadside assistance
Pros:
- Low premiums
- User-friendly mobile app
- Good variety of coverage options
Cons:
- Average customer service ratings
State Farm: Best for Customer Service
State Farm has a strong reputation for customer service. Their local agents in Maryland provide a personalized experience that makes dealing with claims and questions easier.
Pros:
- Excellent customer service
- Large network of local agents
- Offers teen driver discounts
Cons:
- Can be pricier than competitors
Progressive: Best for Customizable Coverage
Progressive shines with its customizable plans. You can adjust your coverage to fit your needs and budget, making it a good choice for Maryland drivers who want flexibility.
Pros:
- Snapshot program for monitoring and reducing premiums
- Plenty of add-ons like pet injury protection
- Strong online tools for managing policies
Cons:
- Snapshot program may increase rates for some drivers
Nationwide: Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Nationwide is another top contender, particularly if you’re looking for broad coverage options. They also offer extras like rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance.
Pros:
- Many additional services and options
- Offers vanishing deductible program
- Great for high-risk drivers
Cons:
- Can be more expensive for basic coverage
USAA: Best for Military Families
If you’re part of a military family, USAA should be at the top of your list. They offer exclusive perks to military personnel and their families, including discounted rates and specialized customer service.
Pros:
- Excellent customer satisfaction
- Tailored services for military members
- Low premiums
Cons:
- Only available to military personnel and their families
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 |
How to Get Free Car Insurance Quotes in Maryland
Now that you know some of the best options, how do you get a free quote? Here’s how you can compare prices:
- Online Tools: Most insurance companies provide free quote tools on their websites. All you need to do is input basic information about your vehicle and driving history to get an estimate.
- Insurance Agents: Local agents can provide personalized quotes, especially if you have specific needs or want more tailored coverage.
- Comparison Websites: There are sites dedicated to comparing quotes from multiple providers at once, saving you time.
How to Save Money on Car Insurance in Maryland
Who doesn’t want to save some money? Here are some tips to help lower your car insurance premiums:
- Bundle your policies: Many companies offer discounts if you bundle your car insurance with other types, like home or renter’s insurance.
- Increase your deductible: A higher deductible means lower monthly premiums. Just make sure you can cover that deductible if an accident happens.
- Maintain a clean driving record: Safe drivers get rewarded. The longer you go without accidents or tickets, the lower your rates will be.
Common Discounts Offered by Car Insurance Providers
Keep an eye out for these discounts, which can significantly lower your premiums:
- Good driver discounts: For drivers with a clean record.
- Multi-policy discounts: Bundling auto insurance with home or renter’s insurance.
- Multi-vehicle discounts: Insuring more than one car under the same policy.
Understanding Car Insurance Coverage Options in Maryland
There are several types of car insurance coverage you can choose from:
- Liability Coverage: This covers the costs if you’re found at fault in an accident.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Protects you from damage not caused by a collision, such as theft or natural disasters.
- Collision Coverage: Covers damage to your car from accidents.
- Additional Options: Things like rental car reimbursement or roadside assistance can be added for extra protection.
Why Car Insurance Rates Vary in Maryland
Several factors influence car insurance rates:
- Age and Driving Experience: Younger, less experienced drivers typically pay more.
- Location: Where you live in Maryland can impact your premiums, with urban areas often having higher rates.
- Vehicle Type: The make and model of your car also play a role, as some vehicles are more expensive to insure than others.
FAQs about Best Car Insurance in Maryland
1. What factors determine car insurance rates in Maryland?
In Maryland, car insurance rates are influenced by several factors including the driver’s age, driving history, the type of vehicle, coverage amount, and the area where the driver resides. Insurance companies also consider credit scores as part of their rate calculations.
2. Is car insurance mandatory in Maryland?
Yes, car insurance is mandatory in Maryland. All drivers must carry at least the state minimum liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to comply with the law.
3. What are the minimum car insurance requirements in Maryland?
Maryland requires drivers to have liability insurance with minimum limits of $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Additionally, uninsured motorist coverage is required with the same minimums.
4. How can I find the cheapest car insurance in Maryland?
To find the cheapest car insurance, it’s advisable to compare quotes from multiple insurers. Consider factors such as discounts for safe driving, bundling policies, and paying the premium in full. Additionally, maintaining a clean driving record and a good credit score can help reduce rates.
5. What should I do if my car insurance claim is denied in Maryland?
If your car insurance claim is denied, first review the denial letter to understand the reason. You can appeal the decision by contacting your insurance provider and submitting any additional information or documentation that supports your case. If unresolved, you may contact the Maryland Insurance Administration for further assistance.
Conclusion
In reviewing the top car insurance companies in Maryland, we’ve highlighted options that cater to a wide range of preferences and needs, from those looking for basic coverage to others seeking comprehensive benefits. Companies like GEICO, State Farm, and Allstate stand out for their reliable service and competitive pricing.
When comparing quotes and coverage, remember to assess not just the cost but also the value of what’s offered. Look at customer service ratings, coverage options, and the ease of filing claims. Be sure to consider any available discounts for which you may qualify, such as for safe driving or multiple vehicles.
Now is the perfect time to take action. We encourage you to reach out for a free quote today. This step will help you understand your options better and ensure that you secure coverage that fits your needs and budget. Don’t wait until it’s too late—exploring your insurance options now can save you money and give you peace of mind.
References
For those seeking to deepen their understanding of car insurance options in Maryland, the following references offer credible and comprehensive information. These resources are excellent for validating the data presented and exploring further details:
- Maryland Insurance Administration – Provides official guidelines and regulatory information regarding car insurance in Maryland. Visit the Maryland Insurance Administration.
- National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) – Offers a wealth of data on insurance carriers nationwide, including consumer reports and financial stability of insurance companies operating in Maryland. Access NAIC resources.
- Consumer Reports – Features unbiased reviews and ratings for various car insurance companies, helping consumers make informed decisions based on performance and customer satisfaction. Read more at Consumer Reports.
- The Simple Dollar – Provides practical advice, detailed reviews, and comparisons of the best car insurance options in Maryland. Explore The Simple Dollar.
These sources are pivotal in ensuring that the content concerning the best car insurance in Maryland is accurate, reliable, and up-to-date. For more detailed inquiries, it’s advisable to consult directly with a licensed insurance professional in Maryland.
