Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies for High-Risk Drivers in Maryland


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Car insurance for high-risk drivers is usually more expensive than a policy for those with a low-risk record or profile. The only way to reduce insurance costs is to shop around and compare quotes from multiple providers.

MoneyGeek found that Erie offers the best blend of affordability and customer service for high-risk drivers. It also has the cheapest rate at an average of $1,738 per year. But your actual rate may vary depending on various personal factors.

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2024

Best Companies for High-Risk Drivers in 2023

High-risk drivers are those who are more likely to file an insurance claim than the average driver. Generally, a high-risk driver is someone with multiple traffic violations, at-fault accidents or a DUI conviction. You may also be considered high risk if you are a student driver or have poor credit.

Auto insurance companies often charge high-risk drivers a more expensive premium to compensate for the risk of covering them. Case in point, high-risk drivers in Maryland pay around 24% more for car insurance than those with a clean or low-risk driving record.

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WHAT EXACTLY IS A HIGH-RISK DRIVER?

Having a serious violation on your driving record can make you extremely risky to insure. These include driving with a suspended or revoked license, driving recklessly, driving under the influence of alcohol or drag racing.

But a clean driving record doesn’t exempt you from being viewed as high-risk by insurance companies. Several personal factors, like your age and credit score, may determine your likelihood of filing an auto insurance claim.

In the list below, MoneyGeek covers the various types of high-risk drivers.

  • Drivers with a history of traffic violations or at-fault accidents
  • Drivers with a DUI conviction
  • Drivers caught driving with a suspended or revoked license
  • Young drivers with a lack of driving experience
  • Drivers who drive sports cars or participate in drag racing
  • Drivers with bad credit or lapses in insurance coverage

Cheapest Car Insurance in Maryland for High-Risk Drivers

According to MoneyGeek’s research, Erie offers the cheapest car insurance for bad drivers in Maryland. Its policy for high-risk drivers in the state costs an average of $1,738 per year.

Learn more about this company’s pros, cons and rates by reading MoneyGeek’s Erie auto insurance review.

Erie$1,738
Allstate$1,997
State Farm$2,332
Travelers$2,555
GEICO$2,913
Progressive$2,920
Nationwide$2,986
Esurance$5,037
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SR-22 INSURANCE

Many states require SR-22 insurance if you are caught driving uninsured or commit a serious traffic violation like a DUI. An SR-22 is a form that your insurance provider will file on your behalf to prove that you meet your state's minimum car insurance requirements.

But, SR-22 insurance is not required in Maryland.

Best Car Insurance in Maryland for High-Risk Drivers

With a MoneyGeek score of 97 out of 100, Erie is the best high-risk auto insurance company in Maryland. Allstate offers the second-best high-risk car insurance in the state, receiving a MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100.

Our Erie auto insurance review and Allstate auto insurance review provide more detail about the companies’ affordability, customer satisfaction and financial stability.


1
ErieBest for High-Risk Drivers
Score:97

5/5

Affordability Rating

4.5/5

Satisfaction Rating

4.7/5

Claims Rating

4.5/5

Financial Stability Rating

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

Erie offers high-risk auto insurance in Maryland at approximately $1,738 per year, 11% more expensive than a policy for drivers with a clean or low-risk record.

More About Erie

Erie is a top-rated insurance company that offers affordable rates. It provides a unique discount for unmarried young drivers who live with their parents, a bundling discount and for driving a car with anti-lock brakes.

Additionally, the company allows its policyholders to purchase optional coverages like better car replacement, new car replacement and accident forgiveness. It’s worth noting, however, that Erie doesn’t offer gap insurance or roadside assistance.

2
Allstate
Score:49

0.8/5

Affordability Rating

4.5/5

Satisfaction Rating

5/5

Claims Rating

4.5/5

Financial Stability Rating

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

On average, Allstate’s auto insurance policy for high-risk drivers in Maryland costs $1,997 per year, 16% more than the rate for low-risk drivers.

More About Allstate

Allstate is neither cheap nor expensive for most drivers, but it offers relatively cheap rates for teen drivers. It has unique add-on coverages such as portable electronics and media coverage, custom parts coverage and sound system coverage. However, the company lacks better car replacement coverage.

Allstate policyholders can earn unique discounts for having anti-lock brakes, setting up automatic payments or driving a new vehicle.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Quality often comes at a higher cost, but affordable car insurance for low-income drivers in Maryland is available. Since there’s no car insurance assistance for low-income individuals and families in the state, your next best options are state minimum coverage or pay-per-mile insurance if you don’t have high mileage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Maryland for Drivers With a DUI

At approximately $1,611 per year, Erie is MoneyGeek’s pick for the cheapest car insurance provider in Maryland for those with a DUI conviction. Our Erie auto insurance review provides an in-depth look at the company’s coverages, average costs, discounts and online tools.

Active and former military members with a DUI may also consider USAA as an affordable option for high-risk car insurance in Maryland.

Erie$1,611
Allstate$1,724
State Farm$2,229
Progressive$2,671
Travelers$2,794
Nationwide$3,718
GEICO$3,760
Esurance$4,464
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LOOK-BACK PERIODS

A look-back period determines how long a DUI conviction remains on your driving record. Although look-back periods vary by state, they are typically long to accommodate a repeat offender’s criminal sentencing. Maryland has a five-year look-back period. If your previous DUI conviction was more than five years ago, your present one would be considered your first.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Maryland for Teenage Drivers

Based on MoneyGeek’s analysis, Allstate offers the lowest car insurance rates for teen drivers in Maryland, averaging $6,836 per year. But your rate will be based on your age and other factors. To find out more about this company, browse our Allstate auto insurance review.

Allstate$6,836
Nationwide$9,175
State Farm$9,236
GEICO$15,967
Progressive$16,575
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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Teenage drivers tend to have very expensive auto premiums. Still, MoneyGeek recommends getting full coverage car insurance over minimum coverage as it can provide additional protection in the event of an accident. Shop around and compare rates to find the best cheap car insurance for students on a budget.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Maryland for Drivers With Bad Credit

MoneyGeek’s analysis determined that Allstate is the most affordable auto insurance company in Maryland for those with bad credit. Its policy costs roughly $2,047 per year, around 22% more than the rate for drivers with a good credit score.

Learn more about this insurer by checking out our Allstate auto insurance review.

Allstate2,04722%
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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Your credit score can impact your auto insurance rate. Although it can be challenging, it’s still possible to get affordable car insurance with bad credit. Shop around and compare quotes from different providers to find the best option for your particular needs.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost for High-Risk Drivers in Maryland?

Your driving profile and history play a vital role in determining the cost of car insurance. If you’re considered high-risk by insurance companies, you may get a more expensive premium than low-risk drivers.

In Maryland, high-risk drivers pay an average of $2,810 per year for car insurance, whereas low-risk drivers spend around $2,125 per year. That’s a difference of roughly $685.

Annual Car Insurance Cost in MD for Low-Risk vs. High-Risk Drivers

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Annual Premium

Low-Risk Driver

$2,125
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Annual Premium

High-Risk Driver

$2,810
In Maryland, high-risk drivers pay:$685 more

This is 32% more expensive.

Get a ballpark figure of your car insurance rate by using MoneyGeek’s Maryland car insurance calculator. Our tool considers factors such as your age, driving record, credit score and vehicle type to provide a rough estimate of how much you’ll pay for a policy.

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Rates updated:

Nov 01, 2024

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Can You Still Get Car Insurance in Maryland if Insurers Refuse to Insure You?

High-risk drivers are those who are more likely to file an insurance claim due to their driving profile and history. Since car insurance is a voluntary market, insurance companies can deny you coverage if they consider you high risk. Your next best option is to shop for a residual market plan through the Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office (AIPSO). Using its state database, this management organization helps overly-risky drivers find coverage where they live.

Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF)

If you can’t find coverage due to your driving record, you can seek out the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF). It helps lower the number of uninsured motorists in Maryland by offering car insurance to high-risk drivers.

MAIF doesn’t take into account credit history, education or employment information, allowing drivers who do not qualify with standard auto insurers to get coverage that meets their needs.

    building icon

    Office Hours

    Monday–Friday, 8:15 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

    smartphone icon

    Phone

    (800) 492-7120

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    Fax

    Personal Auto: 667-210-5112

    Commercial Auto: 667-210-5113

    Toll Free: 800.283.7305

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    Mailing Address

    Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF), 1215 E. Fort Ave., Suite 300, Baltimore, MD 21230-5281

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Frequently Asked Questions

You may have a hard time getting car insurance if you’re a high-risk driver. MoneyGeek answered some frequently asked questions about high-risk car insurance in Maryland to help you shop for a policy that meets your needs.

Which car insurance company is best for high-risk drivers in Maryland?
How much does car insurance in Maryland cost for high-risk drivers?
Who do insurers classify as a high-risk driver?
Where do I get car insurance coverage in Maryland if insurers reject my application?

Methodology

MoneyGeek calculated average rates using full coverage car insurance policies with 100/300/100 liability insurance and comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. Minimum coverage car insurance policy rates were calculated based on each state’s minimum car insurance requirement.

To calculate rates for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek averaged the premiums insurance companies charge for three of the most common driving violations: speeding, at-fault accident and DUI.

To determine the best car insurance company for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek scored companies based on affordability, customer satisfaction and complaints — obtained from J.D. Power surveys and NAIC complaint scores — and financial strength ratings as calculated by AM Best. Affordability received the greatest weighting in our calculations.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick 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 knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.


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