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MoneyGeek Logo IconBestAuto InsuranceMaryland
2023

The Best Car Insurance in Maryland

MoneyGeek also examined the cheapest car insurance companies in Maryland for individuals who want to prioritize cost.

Best Full Coverage Car Insurance Companies in Maryland: Overall

According to MoneyGeek, Maryland's best overall insurance companies are:

  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100 (approximately $1,710 per year)
  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100 (approximately $1,983 per year)

MoneyGeek compared the best car insurance companies in Maryland based on a variety of criteria, including claims ratings, affordability and overall user satisfaction. To help consumers save money, MoneyGeek also assessed the cheapest full coverage auto insurance in Maryland.

THE TOP CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN MARYLAND

1
TravelersBest Overall
Score:86

4.2/5

Affordability

5/5

Claims

3.5/5

User Satisfaction

5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

Travelers, Maryland's best insurer, quotes about $1,710 yearly. It is tied for first in financial stability and claims and has a subpar user satisfaction rating. Customers may find Travelers’ gap insurance to be a useful feature.

Average Annual Cost: $1,710

More About Travelers

The gap insurance offered by Travelers is useful for those who have leased or borrowed the money to purchase their vehicle. If your car is totaled, the difference between its actual cash value and your outstanding auto loan or lease debt could be reimbursed.

Accident forgiveness is also available through Travelers' Responsive Driver PlanSM. This is an auto insurance benefit that helps keep insurance rates from rising following an accident caused by the driver. You can add it to your policy or become eligible for it if you have a good driving record.

For those who need extra coverage, the Premier New Car Replacement plan provides it. Under this policy, you will be able to replace your new car with one of the same make and model if the car is totaled in the first five years of ownership.

2
GEICO
Score:83

3.7/5

Affordability

4/5

Claims

4.5/5

User Satisfaction

5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

The second-best firm, GEICO, quotes around $1,983 yearly. It was rated the best in user satisfaction and tied for first in financial stability and second in claims. Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) is its unique feature.

Average Annual Cost: $1,983

More About GEICO

After the factory warranties expire, drivers who want to protect their vehicles over the next few years may want to consider additional coverage. The Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) offered by GEICO covers all parts and systems in vehicles under 15 months old and under 15,000 miles, as compared to a dealer-extended warranty.

GEICO also offers roadside assistance, which covers flat tire repair, towing, jump starts and lockout services. The service can be beneficial to drivers who want peace of mind that they will be assisted quickly in the event of an accident or car breakdown.

Accident forgiveness can also be purchased through GEICO. With this added to your auto insurance policy, your insurance premium won't go up if you have your first at-fault accident.

3
State Farm
Score:80

3.7/5

Affordability

4/5

Claims

4/5

User Satisfaction

5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

State Farm, Maryland's third-best insurer, quotes about $2,024 yearly. It tied for first in financial stability and second in claims and user satisfaction. Its rideshare insurance is great for those working for a ridesharing company.

More About State Farm

When working for a ridesharing company like Uber, State Farm's rideshare insurance add-on assures that your auto insurance policy's medical, roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement coverages are still in effect except for the liability coverage. Even if you work for a Transportation Network Company, your personal policy deductible is taken into account when calculating your coverage.

4
Nationwide
Score:79

4.2/5

Affordability

4/5

Claims

3.5/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

Nationwide ranked second-best in affordability ratings, with an average quote of $1,736. Furthermore, it tied for second-best in financial stability and claims and has an average user satisfaction rating. The company’s identity theft coverage is an excellent add-on.

More About Nationwide

If your car is totaled due to a covered risk and you have Nationwide's exclusive Total Loss Deductible Waiver added to your Comprehensive or Collision insurance, the company will waive your deductible regardless of how big it is. If you've been the victim of identity theft and have a Nationwide policy, the Identity Theft Expense Reimbursement add-on is ideal for you. Up to $25,000 in identity recovery costs are reimbursed under this coverage.

5
Allstate
Score:77

4.3/5

Affordability

3.5/5

Claims

3.5/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

Allstate is the most affordable company in Maryland, with an average cost of $1,673 per year. It tied for second in financial stability and received subpar user satisfaction and claims ratings. Custom parts coverage offered by the company is one-of-a-kind.

More About Allstate

Allstate's comprehensive coverage plans include a unique add-on, the portable electronics and media coverage, which protects against the loss of any tapes, compact discs or similar goods used with a car's audio system. Its custom parts coverage covers the cost of replacing stolen or damaged aftermarket components, personal gadgets and audio and/or video equipment that was not installed by the car's manufacturer.

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HOW WE DETERMINED THE BEST INSURANCE IN MARYLAND

MoneyGeek reviewed the best full coverage car insurance policies in Maryland by comparing quotes from various companies and using NAIC and J.D. Power's customer satisfaction and claim ratings. However, each insurance company has a different evaluation procedure, which takes a range of key factors into consideration. For additional detail on this study, see MoneyGeek's methodology.

MoneyGeek's Maryland Car Insurance Resources:

Best Car Insurance in Maryland for Customer Service

If you're looking for great customer service, look no further than the two companies listed below:

  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100
  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 87 out of 100

MoneyGeek ranked the best car insurance providers in Maryland merely on the basis of user satisfaction and claims ratings, ignoring other factors.

THE TOP TWO CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN MARYLAND FOR SERVICE QUALITY

1
GEICOBest for Customer Service
Score:87

4/5

Claims

4.5/5

User Satisfaction

5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

GEICO was rated as the best company for customer service in Maryland, with its high user satisfaction score of 4.5 out of 5. It also tied for second in claims ratings with a score of 4.

More About GEICO

For its policyholders, GEICO's rental car and/or travel reimbursement add-on coverage pays up to a certain amount for a rental vehicle if your automobile is not drivable for more than 24 hours as a result of a covered accident. This is ideal for drivers who prefer to avoid paying for rental transportation while filing a claim or who want to have alternative transportation available in case of an emergency.

Further, GEICO's Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI) offers better coverage for a lower price than dealer-extended warranties. It covers all parts and systems. A new or leased car must be less than 15 months old and have fewer than 15,000 miles on it to qualify for coverage.

It's vital that the insurer you choose has great customer service since you'll be going to them in times of need.

2
Travelers
Score:87

5/5

Claims

3.5/5

User Satisfaction

5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

Travelers and GEICO have the same overall rating. Despite an average customer satisfaction score of 3.5 out of 5, it has the best claim rating of 5 out of 5.

More About Travelers

Besides new car replacement, accident forgiveness and gap insurance, which are rarely offered by other insurers, Travelers also offers other coverage options.

For instance, your car insurance policy may include roadside assistance coverage to help you in case you are stranded due to unexpected car trouble. When your vehicle becomes undrivable for whatever reason, time is of the essence. Consequently, roadside assistance can decrease your anxiety in case of a breakdown.

Also available through Travelers is rental car and/or travel reimbursement. When a covered accident prevents you from using your vehicle for more than 24 hours, rental reimbursement, also called extended transportation expenses coverage, may assist with the cost of renting a vehicle.

Best Car Insurance in Maryland for Minimum Coverage

Travelers offers the best car insurance in Maryland for drivers on a budget. MoneyGeek rated several insurers based on their quotes for Maryland state minimum insurance policies.

For drivers looking to spend less on car insurance, the following two companies offer the most affordable insurance policies in Maryland:

  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100 (approximately $1,020 per year)
  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100 (approximately $1,203 per year)

MoneyGeek also compared the cheapest car insurance in Maryland for individuals who are looking to reduce their insurance costs.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: Travelers

Travelers

pros

An affordable minimum coverage policy at an average of $1,020 per year

Discounts for bundling of multiple insurance policies and going paperless. There’s also an early signing discount for new customers.

Excellent claims score of 5 out of 5

cons

No discounts for installing anti-theft systems and airbags, paying in full or taking a defensive driving course.

User satisfaction score of 3.5 out of 5

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Travelers provides safe driving discounts to those who have had no accidents or traffic violations in the previous three to five years. Discounts are also available for bundling multiple insurance policies, such as home/condo insurance and renters insurance, with your auto insurance. Moreover, insuring two or more cars on a Travelers policy may also qualify you for a discount.

Owning or leasing a hybrid vehicle may qualify for a hybrid car insurance discount from Travelers. Additionally, Travelers' auto insurance discounts may also be available to new customers who get a quote before their current policy expires. How far in advance you shop may determine whether or not you qualify for a discount.

The insurer even offers a loyalty discount to long-time customers.

Read MoneyGeek's Travelers Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Maryland for Young Drivers and Students

According to MoneyGeeks analysis, Allstate offers the best car insurance in Maryland for young drivers.

The following companies offer the best and most affordable coverage for teenage drivers in the state:

  • Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100
  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 74 out of 100

For this category, MoneyGeek examined rates for late teens or in their early 20s who were either in high school or college. Even if you are a student or a young driver in Maryland, you may obtain low-cost auto insurance without compromising customer service.

MoneyGeek also analyzed the cheapest car insurance in Maryland for young drivers and students.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: Allstate

Allstate

pros

Affordable quotes for adding students and young drivers at around $4,119 per year

Offers good student, driver's education and distant student discounts

cons

Average MoneyGeek claims and user satisfaction ratings of 3.5 out of 5

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Insuring young drivers can be extremely expensive. However, young drivers are more likely to file claims, and customer-centric companies will be advantageous for them. Companies that aren’t as customer-service-oriented may prove to be more difficult to work with in the event your teen needs help with their policy.

Allstate’s advantages are its excellent financial stability ratings and lower rates. This insurer provides discounts that are advantageous to a teen driver or a student. Full-time students with good grades can get an insurance discount. You're also entitled to discounted rates for completing the teenSMART driver education course. In addition, student policyholders attending school more than 100 miles from where their car is parked are also eligible for lower rates on their insurance.

Read MoneyGeek's Allstate Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Maryland for Seniors

MoneyGeek scored the best car insurance in Maryland for seniors based on the cost of car insurance for this age group and customer service record.

Here are the best car insurance companies in Maryland for senior drivers:

  • Erie: MoneyGeek score of 96 out of 100 (approximately $1,587 per year)
  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100 (approximately $2,043 per year)

Both affordability and customer service are considered in these MoneyGeek scores. Further, MoneyGeek analyzed the most affordable Maryland car insurance for seniors whose primary concern is cost.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: Erie

Erie

pros

The most affordable provider for seniors at an annual cost of $1,587

Offers better car replacement, accident forgiveness and rental car and/or travel reimbursement

Ranked high for claims and user satisfaction

cons

Offers no discounts for seniors or defensive drivers

Doesn’t offer paperless or safe driving discounts

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

There is often a difference in the premiums seniors pay for auto insurance compared to younger drivers. Due to their health risks and shorter life expectancy, seniors usually pay higher premiums.

In spite of this, Erie Insurance charges a reasonable fee for its high-quality service and satisfied customer base. It ranked highly in customer satisfaction and claims.

Additionally, Erie provides accident forgiveness coverage. By adding accident forgiveness to your car insurance, you can prevent your price from going up if you have an accident. Erie does not impose a surcharge the first time you're at fault when you've been claims-free for three years.

Bundling discounts are also available through Erie. Insuring multiple cars or having multiple policies with Erie may qualify you for discounts (such as life insurance and home insurance).

Read MoneyGeek's Erie Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Maryland for Bad Driving Records

Travelers was identified as the best car insurance provider in Maryland for those with bad driving records.

The following companies in Maryland are the best for drivers with poor driving records:

  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 (approximately $2,490 annually)
  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100 (approximately $2,785 annually)

MoneyGeek ranked Maryland's auto insurance providers based on affordability and quality service using company-provided quotes for a driver with an at-fault accident. The top-rated companies have a good balance between affordability and customer service. MoneyGeek also analyzed the cheapest car insurance in Maryland for those with a DUI or bad record.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: Travelers

Travelers

pros

An affordable full coverage policy for drivers with a bad driving history at roughly $2,490 per year

Offers roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement, accident forgiveness and new car replacement coverages

Claims score of 5 out of 5

cons

Does not offer better car replacement coverage

User satisfaction score of 3.5 out of 5

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Travelers offers the most affordable auto insurance in Maryland for people with a poor driving record at about $2,490 per year.

Travelers’ coverages are available to you even if you have a violation on your driving record:

  • Roadside Assistance: Travelers’ add-on coverage for roadside assistance can help you if you become stranded due to your car's roadside emergency, such as a dead car battery.
  • Rental Car Reimbursement: Rental reimbursement pays for a rental automobile if your car is damaged in a covered accident and is undrivable for more than 24 hours.
  • New Car Replacement: Travelers’ Premier New Car Replacement add-on coverage pays to replace your automobile with a brand new car if it is totaled during the first five years.
  • Accident Forgiveness: Travelers' Responsible Driver PlanSM includes accident forgiveness coverage that protects you from premium hikes if only one accident happens within a set time frame.
Read MoneyGeek's Travelers Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Maryland for a Military Background

According to MoneyGeek, USAA is Maryland's best car insurance company for active and retired military personnel. The company received a perfect score across all categories.

An average driver's state minimum auto insurance from USAA costs $673 per year. It goes up to around $1,547 per year for those who have a history of at-fault accidents.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: USAA

USAA

pros

An affordable full coverage policy of $1,217 per year on average

Claims and user satisfaction rating of 5 out of 5

Offers rideshare insurance coverage

Offers discounts for being a safe driver

cons

Only available for current and former military personnel and their families

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Aside from offering some of Maryland's most affordable insurance policies, USAA is known for its outstanding customer service. The company has a solid national reputation.

USAA provides the following perks to its policyholders:

  • Accident Forgiveness: If you are accident-free for five years at USAA, you will not be charged an insurance surcharge for the first at-fault accident by having this add-on coverage on your policy.
  • Roadside Assistance: By paying additional premiums, you can obtain this add-on coverage so that USAA will pay for towing, car unlocking, jumpstarting, flat tire replacement and delivering gasoline during a roadside emergency.
  • Vehicle Storage Discount: USAA policyholders can get a discount for their garaged car that is insured by the company.
  • Mileage Discount: Drivers under the age of 29 are eligible for discounted rates depending on how many miles they drive in a year.
Read MoneyGeek's USAA Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Maryland for Those With New Cars

Travelers is the best car insurance provider in Maryland for drivers with new cars, receiving a MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100.

We ranked insurance providers based on their new car replacement or better car replacement coverage, as well as customer service.

With new car replacement coverage, insurance providers will replace your car up to the cost of a comparable model and brand if it is totaled or damaged in the first few years of ownership.

If your insurance company offers better car replacement, you will be eligible for a newer model car in the event yours is totaled. This insurance is mainly offered for vehicles under five years old and is an optional coverage, meaning you'll have to purchase it separately.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: Travelers

Travelers

pros

Low-cost policies costing an average of $498 per year

Offers new car replacement coverage

cons

Doesn’t offer better replacement coverage

Claims and user satisfaction ratings of 3.5 out of 5

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

New drivers will benefit from Travelers because it offers new car replacement coverage. Your car starts losing its value from the time you drive it off the lot. Furthermore, if it gets involved in an accident, its value drastically reduces. With this coverage, you will be able to get back on the road quickly without having to worry about depreciation deductions.

Travelers is the most affordable insurer and has good claims and affordability ratings that make it a great choice for those with new cars. With Travelers' premier New Car Replacement coverage, you will be paid to buy a brand new vehicle of the same make and model, even if your new car is totaled within the first five years.

Read MoneyGeek's Travelers Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Maryland for Low-Mileage Drivers

Maryland’s top pay-per-mile program is Nationwide SmartMiles. Many insurance companies provide pay-per-mile coverage. This coverage allows infrequent drivers to pay for auto insurance based on the number of miles they drive each year.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: Nationwide

Nationwide

pros

An affordable full coverage policy of $1,217 per year on average

Claims and user satisfaction rating of 5 out of 5

Offers rideshare insurance coverage

Offers discounts for being a safe driver

cons

Only available for current and former military personnel and their families

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

For Maryland drivers who don’t drive much, Nationwide offers its SmartMiles program. To calculate rates, a base rate and a variable rate is used that changes according to the number of miles traveled. As part of this program, you also get a discount based on your driving behavior. Up to 10% discount is available for safe driving. For road trips, only the first 250 miles per day count toward your daily mileage.

People who rarely drive their vehicles will benefit from this discount program. You may be a great candidate for SmartMiles if you live in a city and use public transportation or if you work remotely and do not commute daily. Having an extra car that you occasionally use might be another reason to consider SmartMiles.

Read MoneyGeek's Nationwide Auto Insurance Review

How to Find the Best Car Insurance in Maryland For You

There are many aspects to consider when choosing the best car insurance policy in Maryland. Consequently, you should select a company that strikes the right balance of service quality, affordability and financial stability.

Based on these criteria, MoneyGeek selected the best car insurance companies in the state. However, you should conduct your own research to determine which insurance company and plan best matches your needs.

1

Research customer service reputations in Maryland

MoneyGeek gathered quotes from multiple insurance providers using a sample driver profile and studied NAIC complaint ratios and J.D. Power's customer satisfaction ratings to find the best car insurance companies in Maryland. Along with MoneyGeek's recommendations, you may look at J.D. Power's ratings and the NAIC's complaint index to see which provider is the best fit for your needs. Additional information about car insurance can be obtained on the Maryland Department of Insurance's website.

2

Compare quotes for yourself

For this study, MoneyGeek looked at insurance rates for a sample driver rather than the entire state. You should compare quotes from at least three different insurers to obtain a better picture of the state's average pricing and coverage.

3

Make sure the company has coverages you want in Maryland

Not all insurers specify whether a discount or coverage is available for Maryland’s drivers. Before purchasing a car insurance policy, ensure that the company you're considering offers the coverage, discounts or special benefits that you have been looking for.

4

Double-check financial stability ratings

When purchasing insurance, keep in mind the financial health of the organization in question. Larger insurance companies are more likely to pay claims quickly and fairly. On the other hand, regional insurance companies may not be that prompt in processing claims.

FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in Maryland

Your insurance cost in Maryland will be influenced by a number of factors, including the amount of coverage you need. We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about auto insurance in the state.

Expert Advice: Finding the Best Auto Insurance in Maryland

  1. What is the best way to figure out which insurer is best for me in Maryland?
  2. What are the best coverages to add to your car insurance policy in Maryland?
Jonathan Grannick
Jonathan Grannick

Financial Planner & Owner Credentials: CFP®

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a senior content director at MoneyGeek with over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, conducting original research and creating content that can be personalized for every buyer. He has been quoted on insurance topics in several publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Mark earned a master’s degree in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his economics and insurance knowledge to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.