What Is the Minimum Car Insurance Requirement in Maryland?
How much car insurance do you need in Maryland? According to state laws, you need to carry mandatory minimum liability insurance in Maryland to legally drive your vehicle. This includes:
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury
- $60,000 per accident for bodily injury
- $15,000 for property damage
You might see these liability limits expressed as 30/60/15. For greater financial protection, you can choose to pay more for your insurance and thereby increase these minimums.
What Does This Minimum Coverage Mean?
In most states, including Maryland, liability insurance is a mandatory requirement. This covers any injury or property damage sustained by a third party if you cause an accident. In Maryland, mandatory liability limits are 30/60/15, which means you need a minimum of $30,000 coverage per person for injuries with up to $60,000 total per accident for all involved and $15,000 for property damage.
How Much Does the Minimum Car Insurance Cost in Maryland?
Car insurance costs in Maryland depend on several factors including your age, ZIP code, credit score, driving history, the make and model of your car and more. Also, costs will vary between different car insurance providers in Maryland.
The cheapest minimum car insurance in Maryland is from USAA with an average annual cost of $673. However, USAA policies are only for current and former military members and their families. The most affordable option available for most people is Erie, with an average cost of $926 per year.
These prices are only estimates based on rates for an average Maryland driver and should not be used to compare insurance prices.
MoneyGeek analyzed car insurance rates in Maryland based on the state minimum limits of 30/60/15 for a sample driver profile of a 40-year old male driver with good credit and a clean driving record, driving a 2010 Toyota Camry.
If you're instead looking for a policy that balances quality with affordability, MoneyGeek also ranked the top car insurance companies in Maryland.
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What Is the Minimum Car Insurance Requirement in Maryland While Leasing a Car?
If you want to lease a car in Maryland, it is crucial to fully understand your leasing terms so that you know the minimum insurance requirements of your leasing company, which usually exceed the state minimum insurance requirements. In Maryland, most leasing companies are likely to require full coverage insurance with at least 100/300/50 liability coverage.
If you are not sure how much car insurance you need in Maryland, MoneyGeek recommends a full coverage policy with a minimum of 50/100/50 liability limits. Maryland has a relatively moderate risk of uninsured motorists at 14.1% of all drivers. A full coverage policy is the best way to protect yourself financially if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. This way, you are covered for bodily injuries and property damage.
Penalties for Driving Without Car Insurance in Maryland
If you drive without insurance in Maryland, you can be exposed to various fines and penalties. In Maryland, you are required to carry proof of insurance at all times and present that proof to law enforcement officers whenever asked.
If you are caught driving without insurance in Maryland, here are some of the possible consequences:
- A fine of $150 for the first 30 uninsured days and $7 for each additional day
- Loss of vehicle license plates and registration
- $25 fee for restoration of registration
- A fine of up to $1,000 and/or imprisonment up to one year for providing false evidence of registration
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Insurance in Maryland
In Maryland, you need as much information about car insurance requirements as possible. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about car insurance in this state.
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sources
- Insurance Information Institute. "2020 Insurance Factbook." Accessed September 18, 2021.
- Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists." Accessed September 18, 2021.
- Kelley Blue Book. "Penalties for Driving Without Car Insurance by State." Accessed September 18, 2021.
- Maryland Department of Transportation. "Insurance Requirements." Accessed September 18, 2021.