High-Risk Car Insurance in Maryland

High-risk drivers in Maryland find that GEICO offers the most competitive full coverage rates across all violation types. The insurer provides affordable options regardless of your driving record.

For nationwide comparisons, explore our guide to affordable high-risk car insurance in the U.S.

Maryland drivers with a DUI get rates ranging from $102 per month with GEICO to as high as $874 from other insurers for full coverage. This violation stays on your driving record for five years, though most insurers consider it when calculating premiums for three to five years.

For strategies to lower your costs, check our car insurance after a DUI guide.

Maryland drivers with speeding tickets find rates ranging from $97 per month through GEICO to as high as $309 for full coverage from other insurers. Your actual rate increase depends on how much you exceeded the speed limit and whether you're a repeat offender. Speeding violations remain on your driving record for three years in Maryland.

Maryland drivers with an at-fault accident pay rates ranging from $130 per month through GEICO to as high as $416 from other insurers for full coverage. Companies increase premiums because at-fault accidents indicate you're more likely to file future claims, especially when the accident involved injuries or property damage. These accidents stay on your driving record for three to five years.

Maryland drivers with a distracted driving violation can find full coverage for as little as $97 per month through GEICO, while other insurers charge up to $309. The state prohibits handheld cellphone use while driving, with violations resulting in fines and points on your license. Though distracted driving citations are less severe than DUI or reckless driving offenses, they'll still increase your insurance premiums.

At-fault accidents raise full coverage rates in Maryland by 53% ($80 per month), while a DUI increases costs by 101% ($153 more per month) compared to drivers with clean records. Drivers with violations pay more than those without infractions on their record. See the table for average costs by violation type, and toggle between full coverage and minimum liability using the filter.

Compare to clean-record costs in our average cost of car insurance in Maryland guide.

High-risk drivers pay higher rates, but you can still find affordable coverage by shopping around with multiple insurers. This guide covers what makes you high risk, how to locate budget-friendly providers and your options if you're denied.

Learn more ways to reduce costs with violations in our cheap car insurance after a bad driving record resource.

Insurance companies label drivers as high risk for several reasons, including DUI or DWI charges, at-fault accidents, moving violations, a suspended or revoked license, limited driving history, high-performance vehicles, poor credit, gaps in coverage or a pattern of frequent claims and tickets. Drivers over 65 may also pay higher premiums due to age-related risk factors.

Smart shopping strategies help Maryland drivers with high-risk records secure affordable coverage without overpaying.

Maryland insurers can reject your application if they consider you too risky for the voluntary market. But a denial doesn't leave you without options. Drivers turned down by at least one private insurer can get coverage through the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF), the state's insurer of last resort. Unlike a traditional assigned risk program, MAIF writes your policy directly as your actual insurance company.

*To apply, contact MAIF through its official channels or work with a licensed MAIF producer.

Maryland doesn't have a low-cost auto insurance program for income-eligible drivers. The state does run the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF), which covers high-risk drivers turned down by standard insurers. MAIF is a residual market program, so it won't lower your costs but will help you meet Maryland's mandatory coverage requirements.

Maryland doesn't have a dedicated low-cost auto insurance program for income-eligible residents. That said, the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF) uses an Affordability Index that caps rate increases at 3.3% of median household income in low-income ZIP codes. Depending on your location and driving record, you may pay below-market rates through MAIF.

Start by shopping the voluntary market and comparing quotes from multiple insurers. If at least one standard carrier has turned you down, you can apply for coverage through MAIF, which writes policies directly as Maryland's insurer of last resort.

Drivers with DUIs, suspended licenses or serious moving violations also need to file SR-22 insurance, which proves financial responsibility to the state.

The Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF) is a state-run insurer that writes policies for high-risk drivers who can't get coverage through the voluntary market. Unlike traditional assigned-risk plans that place drivers with private insurers, MAIF acts as your actual insurance company. Drivers who were turned down by at least one standard insurer due to DUIs, multiple accidents or serious violations are eligible to apply.

MAIF has operated since 1973 as Maryland's residual market mechanism. Private insurers subsidize any MAIF losses, but the fund writes your policy directly rather than assigning you to another carrier.

Unlike most states, where assigned risk programs distribute drivers to private insurers, MAIF writes policies directly as Maryland's actual insurance company. Drivers who are turned down by at least one standard carrier are eligible to apply, and MAIF handles everything from policy issuance to claims.

MAIF uses an Affordability Index that caps rate increases at 3.3% of median household income in low-income ZIP codes. Good drivers who can't get voluntary coverage may pay 10% to 30% below market rates, while high-risk drivers can pay 40% to 80% more than standard policies.

Private insurers licensed in Maryland subsidize any MAIF losses, but the fund handles all policy writing and claims directly. That structure gives every Maryland driver access to the state's legally required coverage regardless of driving history.

MAIF rates vary based on your driving record and risk level. Good drivers who can't get voluntary coverage may pay 10% to 30% below market rates, while high-risk drivers can pay 40% to 80% more than standard policies. For reference, a driver with a clean record might pay around $85 per month for basic coverage, compared to $120 to $150 monthly for a high-risk applicant with the same coverage.

The Maryland Insurance Administration regulates MAIF rates and program operations.

1. Apply with at least one standard insurer in Maryland and get rejected.
2. Obtain a written rejection letter from the insurer you contacted.
3. Contact MAIF directly at 1-800-492-7120 or visit www.mymarylandauto.com.
4. Work with a licensed MAIF producer or apply directly through MAIF.
5. Provide your driver's license, vehicle information and any required documentation.
6. Submit your rejection letter along with your MAIF application.
7. Once approved, MAIF will write your policy at state-required minimum levels.

Unlike traditional assigned risk programs, MAIF serves as your actual insurance company. You won't be assigned to another carrier as MAIF writes and services your policy directly.

GEICO offers the most affordable high-risk car insurance rates across Maryland. Full coverage costs range from $97 per month for drivers with speeding tickets to $131 monthly for those with at-fault accidents, depending on your specific violation and coverage needs.

Drivers turned down by multiple standard insurers can get required coverage through the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF). Once your driving record improves, shop for better rates using our cheapest car insurance in Maryland guide.

We calculated average rates using full coverage policies featuring 100/300/100 liability limits plus comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. State minimum rates were determined using Maryland's mandatory 30/60/15 liability requirements.

All rate calculations use this standard profile:

• Driver aged 35
• Male
• Annual mileage of 12,000
• Good credit score
• One violation (DUI, speeding ticket, at-fault accident or distracted driving)

Rates from major carriers were analyzed by violation type to determine the most affordable options for high-risk drivers in Maryland. Filter options allow users to compare full coverage and state minimum coverage based on their needs.