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With in-depth research and analysis, we’ve shaken up Maryland car insurance to bring you clear, relevant, and useful information into the laws surrounding insurance coverage. In easy-to-understand terms, you have Maryland’s state requirements, what affects your premiums, and more at your fingertips.
What are Maryland’s requirements for car insurance?
Maryland is an “at-fault” state, which means that whoever causes an accident pays for the damages. Here are the minimums you’ll need to buy in order to obey the law:
- $30,000 for bodily injury, per one person
- $60,000 for bodily injury, per accident
- $15,000 for property damage
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage has to have the same minimums as above
- $2,500 for personal injury protection (PIP)
Unsure of what these limits mean? Check out our glossary of terms.
Coverage Add-Ons
If you ever needed to file a claim, chances are you wouldn’t complain about having too much insurance. The grumbles come from not having enough. Consider including these additional coverage options to ensure sure you don’t have to pay much out-of-pocket in the case of an emergency.
Collision Coverage – When your car hits another car, this coverage helps pay for the damage.
Comprehensive Coverage – If a storm, vandal, or animal wreaks havoc on your car, this coverage is there to help cover the costs.
Towing and Labor Coverage – Get this coverage if you want to spare yourself from having to pay for a tow after an accident.
Rental Car Coverage – If your car isn’t drivable after an accident, get this insurance so it’ll pay for a rental car.
How much does Maryland drivers pay for their car insurance?
Auto insurance is a steal when you think about the thousands of dollars it covers. You shouldn’t pay more than you have to though. See the average insurance rates from the five cheapest companies, according to our research:
| Average Annual Rates | |
|---|---|
| Doctors Co. | $1,074.43 |
| Cumberland | $1,142.34 |
| Geico | $1,183.52 |
| Pharmacists Mutual | $1,295.11 |
| PURE | $1,297.50 |
Your rates will vary based on your driver profile. See our full review of car insurance costs in Maryland by driver profile to see if you’re in the ballpark of your neighbors.
You should consider purchasing more than the minimum liability coverage to ensure you have personal property coverage. A more extensive policy could help with things such as replacement cost, uninsured motorists, and possibly even medical payments from an auto accident.
How are your rates are determined?
Your premium is a reflection of you. If you’re a risky driver to insure, you’ll pay more. If you’re safer behind the wheel, you’ll most likely pay less. The complicated part is that each insurance company considers different factors as more important for estimating your risks. For example, one company may see a driver with only a GED as higher-risk than a PhD student, but company number two many not use education at all when calculating premiums. Be prepared to answer the following to determine your risk factor/premium:
- Age
- Gender
- Driving/claims record
- Address
- Occupation
- Credit score
- Make and model of car
- How your car is used
Insurance For High-Risk Drivers
Created in 1972, the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund was developed to help drivers in Maryland who have been deemed as high-risk drivers, get auto insurance. If you’re having difficulty getting car insurance in the private market, you should consider looking at insurance offered by the MAIF.
Do you need proof of insurance?
Yes, to prove you’re insured, you’ll need to have your insurance company send in an FR-19 form. Driving without it? Expect some unpleasantness like:
- You’ll lose your license plates and registration
- You’ll have to pay $150 for the first 30 days of lapsed insurance and $7 a day more after that
- You won’t be allowed to register or re-register your car
- You’ll have to pay up to $1,000 or spend a year in jail for lying about being insured
Read more: The Case for Better Designed License Plates
Did You Know?
Driving one of these commonly stolen cars in Maryland could result a spike in your premiums*:
- Dodge Caravan
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Camry
- Honda Civic
- Ford Pickup (Full Size)
- Jeep Cherokee/Grand Cherokee
- Nissan Altima
- Toyota Corolla
- Chevrolet Pickup (Full Size)
- Chrysler Town & Country
*According to www.nicb.org
How can I find the best auto insurance quote near me?
Before making any final decisions on your insurance company, it is important to learn as much as you can about your local insurance providers, and the coverages they offer. Call your local insurance agent to clear up any questions that you might have. Questions to consider asking include, “What is the best coverage plan for me/my family/my situation?” “What are the minimum coverage requirements in my state and what form of coverage do you recommend?” “Do you guys offer any bundle discounts if I take out both my auto insurance and home insurance with you?” and “What is the average rate of insurance quotes you guys offer?
Before making any big insurance decisions, use our free tool to compare insurance quotes near you. It’s simple, just plug in your zip code and we’ll do the rest!
Sometimes you just need to get on the phone and talk to a real person. Licensed agents who can break it down in human terms are here to help. Call [mapi-phone /] to have additional questions answered or to get started comparing insurance quotes in Maryland.
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