Cheap Car Insurance in Maryland: Finding affordable car insurance in Maryland doesn’t have to be difficult or stressful.
Whether you’re a new driver or someone who’s been on the road for years, securing cheap car insurance that still provides adequate protection is possible with the right knowledge and strategies.
In this article, we’ll explore how you can find cheap car insurance in Maryland and why getting a free quote is essential in this process.
Understanding Car Insurance Requirements in Maryland
Before diving into how to get the cheapest rates, it’s important to understand Maryland’s car insurance requirements. The state mandates that all drivers carry minimum coverage to legally drive on the road.
Minimum Coverage Required by Law
In Maryland, you are required to have the following coverage:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $15,000
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Minimum of $2,500
- Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Same limits as bodily injury and property damage
Failing to carry at least this minimum can result in fines or the suspension of your license and vehicle registration.
Types of Car Insurance Coverage in Maryland
While meeting the state’s minimum requirements is crucial, many drivers opt for additional coverage to better protect themselves. These may include:
- Collision Coverage: Covers damage to your vehicle in an accident.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Protects against non-collision-related damage, such as theft or natural disasters.
- Roadside Assistance: Helpful for breakdowns or emergencies.
Factors Affecting Car Insurance Rates in Maryland
Car insurance premiums are not one-size-fits-all. Various factors influence the rates you receive from insurance providers, including:
- Driving Record: Accidents or violations can significantly increase your premiums.
- Vehicle Type: High-end vehicles typically cost more to insure.
- Age and Gender: Younger drivers and male drivers often face higher rates due to statistical risks.
- Location: Urban areas with more traffic tend to have higher rates than rural areas.
- Credit Score: In Maryland, insurers may consider your credit score when determining rates, as it reflects financial responsibility.
How to Find Cheap Car Insurance in Maryland
Finding affordable car insurance involves a bit of research and strategy. Here’s how you can make sure you’re getting the best deal:
Compare Multiple Providers
The easiest way to find cheap insurance is to compare rates from several companies. Each provider calculates risk differently, so shopping around can lead to significant savings.
Take Advantage of Discounts
Most insurance companies offer various discounts, including for bundling home and auto insurance, being a safe driver, or having a car equipped with safety features.
Use Insurance Comparison Websites
There are numerous websites that let you compare quotes from multiple insurance companies all at once, helping you save time and find the best deal.
Top Car Insurance Companies Offering Cheap Rates in Maryland
Several companies are known for offering competitive rates in Maryland, including:
- Geico: Known for low rates and good customer satisfaction.
- State Farm: Offers discounts for multiple policies and vehicles.
- Progressive: Great for high-risk drivers and has a user-friendly quote system.
These companies frequently score well in customer satisfaction and affordability.
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 |
The Benefits of Getting a Free Quote
Wondering why you should take the time to get a free quote? Here’s why it’s worth it:
Why Quotes Matter
Getting a free quote allows you to understand exactly what you’ll be paying, based on your personal factors. It’s a simple step to ensure you’re not overpaying.
How to Get an Accurate Car Insurance Quote
To receive the most accurate quote, provide detailed information about your driving habits, your car, and your coverage preferences. Quotes may differ if important information is left out.
Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance Premium
There are several ways to lower your car insurance premium:
- Practice Safe Driving: Maintaining a clean driving record can save you money.
- Increase Your Deductibles: Opting for a higher deductible can reduce your monthly premium.
- Bundle Policies: Consider combining your auto insurance with other types of insurance to get discounts.
- Regularly Review Your Coverage: As your car ages or your circumstances change, your insurance needs may change too.
Discounts That Can Help You Save on Car Insurance
Many Maryland drivers qualify for discounts they may not even know about. Here are some common ones:
- Good Driver Discount: Rewards drivers with a clean record.
- Multi-Car Discount: Applies if you insure more than one vehicle.
- Safety Features Discount: Cars equipped with anti-theft devices, airbags, and other safety features often receive lower rates.
- Low Mileage Discount: If you don’t drive often, you may qualify for a lower premium.
High-Risk Drivers: How to Get Cheap Car Insurance
If you’re considered a high-risk driver due to accidents or violations, getting affordable car insurance may seem challenging. However, options like Maryland’s state-backed Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF) can help.
Teen Drivers: Affordable Car Insurance Tips
Teen drivers often face high premiums, but parents can help manage costs by adding them to their own policy or encouraging safe driving habits.
Car Insurance for Seniors in Maryland
Seniors often qualify for discounts, particularly for defensive driving courses. Many insurers offer policies tailored specifically to older drivers, helping them save on premiums.
Comparing Car Insurance Quotes: What to Look For
When comparing quotes, don’t just focus on the price. Check what’s included in terms of coverage, customer service, and extras like roadside assistance.
Is Cheap Car Insurance the Best Option?
It’s tempting to go with the cheapest option, but it’s important to balance affordability with adequate coverage. A rock-bottom premium might mean missing out on necessary protection.
Steps to Get a Free Car Insurance Quote in Maryland
- Gather Information: Have your vehicle and personal details ready.
- Use Online Tools: Many insurers offer easy-to-use quote tools online.
- Talk to an Agent: Speaking with an agent can help clarify questions and ensure you get the best rate.
FAQs about Cheap 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.
