Car Insurance in Maryland: Understanding Coverage Requirements and Options
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Auto insurance is required in Maryland to register and drive a vehicle. Without car insurance in Maryland, drivers are at risk of paying fines up to $3,500 per year, having their registration suspended, and having their vehicle impounded. Not only does proper insurance coverage help you avoid these consequences, but you’ll also be protected financially.
Maryland requires liability insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, and at least some personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. These coverage types are meant to protect you and others in many accidents so that medical expenses and property damage don’t become a financial burden.
Read our guide to Maryland car insurance requirements to learn about what coverage types and limits are required, as well as how you can save on your car insurance premiums. Then use EverQuote to compare car insurance quotes for free.
Understanding Maryland Auto Insurance Requirements
Maryland is an at-fault state, which means the driver who is deemed at fault for an accident is responsible for covering the expenses related to that accident. Therefore, auto insurance in Maryland requirements are focused primarily on liability. However, the state also requires some uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and provides options for personal injury protection (PIP).
The minimum coverage requirements for liability insurance in Maryland are:
- $30,000 for bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury liability for two or more people
- $15,000 for property damage liability per accident
You must also carry the same amount of coverage in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, in case you are in an accident with someone who doesn’t have any or enough insurance to cover your expenses.
Maryland doesn’t necessarily require PIP coverage, but all Maryland car insurance policies will include some coverage. Your insurance company will automatically provide up to $2,500 in PIP coverage. However, you can opt for a limited PIP policy that will exclude you or family members over 16 years old. This allows you to have some PIP coverage for a lower insurance premium. Limited PIP can be a good option for those with good health insurance.
Cost-Saving Strategies for Maryland Drivers
One of the most common strategies for lowering your auto insurance rates includes bundling for discounts. If you own multiple vehicles, most insurance companies provide a discount for bundling multiple policies. You may also be able to bundle different coverage types, such as home insurance or motorcycle insurance, to save on your policies.
Other strategies for saving on your car insurance include:
- Driving safely to avoid accidents and tickets
- Taking advantage of discounts, such as student discounts or military discounts
- Driving a vehicle that costs less to insure
- Increasing your deductible
Another easy way to ensure you’re paying the lowest insurance premiums is to compare car insurance quotes from multiple companies. EverQuote’s comparison tool allows Maryland drivers to easily compare auto insurance quotes from multiple providers.
Recent Trends in Maryland Auto Insurance
Car insurance has changed over the years to incorporate strategies that help both drivers and insurance companies save money. Two growing trends include telematics and usage-based insurance.
Telematics uses advanced technology to track how, when, and where you drive. Telematics devices might include a mobile app, plug-in device, or Bluetooth device. The data collected on these devices are used to assess your risk levels and determine your premiums. The safer you drive, the more you can save.
Other usage-based insurance policies will determine your premiums based on how often you drive. Some are set up as pay-as-you-drive or pay-per-mile (sometimes based on the data collected through telematics devices). These types of policies are good for people who drive less than the average driver.
Regardless of the type of policy you purchase, the best way to find affordable car insurance in Maryland is to maintain a clean driving record. Insurance costs increase if you have a history of accidents, tickets, or insurance claims. Telematics and usage-based insurance can help you become more aware of ways you can improve your driving to potentially reduce your premiums.
Shop Around for the Best Quotes
Maryland requires liability, uninsured/underinsured motorist, and some PIP coverage. Many Maryland drivers become concerned about cost, which may be higher due to a combination of high coverage limits and location-specific factors.
If you’re trying to find the least expensive car insurance in Maryland, one of the best strategies is to compare your options from multiple companies. It only takes a few minutes to get custom comparisons with EverQuote. Get free car insurance quotes in Maryland by entering your ZIP code now.