Maryland Car Insurance

Everything You Need To Know About Auto Insurance in Maryland

Maryland, located on the east coast of the United States, got its name from Queen Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I of England. Its capital city is Annapolis, known for its history and beautiful waterfront. Baltimore, the largest city in Maryland, offers attractions like the Baltimore Inner Harbor, which is a popular destination for tourists.

When it comes to gastronomy, Maryland is renowned for its seafood, especially Maryland blue crabs. The state also takes pride in Old Bay seasoning, a spice blend used in traditional dishes. Visitors can savor the local cuisine at seafood restaurants and crab houses throughout the state.

Maryland’s culture can be experienced through its museums and landmarks. The Maryland Science Center and the Baltimore Museum of Art are popular choices for art and science enthusiasts. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, where the Star-Spangled Banner was written, holds great historical significance. Moreover, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum showcases the maritime heritage of the region.

With its diverse attractions and cultural offerings, this state has something for everyone. However, if you want to drive legally here, you will need to have an auto insurance policy. InsureOne’s agents can assist you in finding the best coverage options for your budget and vehicle. Contact us to ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones on the road!

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Maryland?

The average annual cost of full coverage in Maryland is $1,971, which is only 2 percent less than the U.S. average of $2,014. However, it’s important to note that minimum coverage in Maryland tends to be significantly more expensive.

The average annual premium for minimum coverage in the state is $815, which is 31 percent higher than the national average of $622.

To keep yourself, your family and your assets safe while driving, remember that it is necessary to have protection for any possible event. If you want more reasons why this is important, we recommend reading our article Why Is Auto Insurance Important?

Reasons Why Insurance Is So Expensive in Maryland

There are several reasons why average premiums in Maryland may be higher. One of the factors is that minimum coverage in the state includes uninsured motorist coverage, which is not included in many other states. Additionally, Maryland has a relatively high number of crashes, with an average of nearly 110,000 per year over the past five years. This could be

seen as high, particularly considering Maryland’s small geographic size when compared to larger states.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Maryland

For a comparison of the average monthly premiums paid by drivers in different cities across MD, check out our breakdown below.

City	Full Coverage Insurance	Liability Insurance Coverage
Baltimore	$192	$83
Frederick	$111	$41
Rockville	$135	$56
Annapolis	$125	$49
Gaithersburg	$130	$56

Our average monthly premiums by city are based on the following methodology: male, age 30, lowest possible legal coverage allowed by Maryland.

What Types of Auto Discounts Are Available in Maryland?

One alternative option to consider is that driver discounts have the potential to significantly decrease your premium costs, especially if you qualify for multiple discounts. For example, if you are a homeowner who leases two cars, you could benefit from bundling your homeowner’s insurance and auto coverage, resulting in a considerable reduction of up to 25% on your premium.

Furthermore, there are additional discounts available that can effectively lower your premiums, such as:

• Good driver
• Defensive driver
• Military
• Anti-theft
• Loyalty
• Good student

To discover more keys to save on your policy, don’t miss the article 7 Ways Drivers Can Get a Lower Insurance Premium.

Maryland Car Insurance Laws

The minimum mandatory liability coverage requirement in Maryland is 30/60/15, and drivers must always carry proof of having auto insurance. Here’s a closer look at what this means.

Like in many states, drivers in MD are obligated to possess bodily injury and property damage liability coverage.

Furthermore, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is also mandatory, providing coverage in situations where the other driver is at fault but lacks sufficient insurance, has no insurance at all or the wreck was caused by a hit-and-run driver.

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Maryland?

Coverage amounts in Maryland are as follows:

• Bodily injury liability coverage per person: $30,000
• Bodily injury liability coverage per accident: $60,000
• Property damage liability coverage: $15,000
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: $30,000 per person; $60,000 per incident; and $15,000 in property damage coverage

Although Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is not mandatory in this region, it is still required to be offered and waived when you purchase insurance. If you feel your health insurance is adequate to cover any injuries you may suffer in an accident or if you can privately pay for your medical costs, you can waive PIP.

An at-fault state means that the insurance company of the driver responsible for the accident is required to cover the repair costs and medical bills of the other party, within the policy limits. To ensure full protection in the event of an accident, you should set your liability limits as high as reasonably possible.

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Maryland?

It’s essential to have proper car insurance in Maryland because the penalties for not having it can be hefty, even if you are unaware of the lapse. Maryland law provides an automatic fine for policy lapses, and insurance companies must report canceled or non-renewed policies to the MVA.

Not providing evidence of active insurance when requested by law enforcement for the first time can result in a misdemeanor charge, a penalty of up to $1,000, and added administrative fees and 5 points on the license.

For repeat offenses, the jail time can increase up to two years, along with a fine of up to $2,000 and 5 additional points on the license, potentially leading to license suspension. It should also be noted that insurance rates may rise following both first and subsequent offenses

What Factors Does Maryland Law Allow in Determining Your Premiums?

Insurance companies base auto premiums on several factors, including:

• Age
• Location
• Gender
• Marital status
• Driving record and experience
• Vehicle type

What’s the Best Car Insurance for Teenagers and Their Family in Maryland?

A multi-car policy is beneficial for families with teenage drivers, who tend to have higher insurance rates due to their lack of driving experience. If you and the other adult drivers listed on your policy have a good driving record, it can help reduce the overall premium cost.

At InsureOne, our experienced agents assist you in finding the optimal auto insurance with customizable options tailored to your specific requirements.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Maryland?

Each year, Maryland experiences an average of at least 100,000 car accidents. In 2022 alone, there were a total of 108,365 recorded accidents, tragically resulting in 532 fatalities and claiming the lives of 564 individuals. The chart below displays the recorded incidence of fatal crashes in different cities throughout the state during that year.

City	Fatal Crashes in 2022
Allegany	8
Anne Arundel	46
Prince George’s	116
Baltimore	63
Calvert	8
Cecil	19
Charles	23
Dorchester	4
Frederick	30
Montgomery	44
Queen Anne’s	4
St. Mary’s	8
Wicomico	10

Source: Maryland Department of Transportation.

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in Maryland?

Compared to the national average, Maryland has a significantly higher percentage of uninsured motorists. Approximately 15% of drivers in Maryland do not have adequate insurance, whereas the national average is less than 10%.