What Maryland requires you to carry

Maryland law requires every driver to carry liability insurance before you get behind the wheel. Liability covers damage or injuries you cause to someone else in an accident — it does not cover your own car or medical bills. The state's minimum limits are $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $65,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. You will see these written as 30/65/15.

You must show proof of insurance when you register your vehicle with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) and carry your insurance card in your car at all times. If a police officer stops you and you cannot produce proof of current coverage, you face a fine starting at $175. If you cause an accident without insurance, the consequences are steeper: license suspension, vehicle registration suspension, and fines up to $1,000.

Maryland also allows you to meet the liability requirement through a self-insurance certificate if you own multiple vehicles and can prove you have the financial resources to cover claims yourself, but this route is uncommon and requires approval from the MVA.

Key Takeaways

  • Maryland's minimum liability coverage is 30/65/15 — $30,000 per person, $65,000 per accident for injuries, and $15,000 for property damage.
  • You must carry proof of insurance in your vehicle and show it when registering with the MVA or if stopped by police.
  • Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if someone without insurance hits you, and many insurers require it or offer it at low cost.
  • Collision and comprehensive coverage are optional but protect your own vehicle; lenders require them if you have a car loan or lease.
  • Your rate depends on your driving record, age, vehicle type, and the coverage limits you choose, and rates vary significantly between insurers.

Coverage types beyond the minimum

Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you are hit by a driver without insurance or by a hit-and-run driver. It covers your medical bills and vehicle damage up to the limit you choose. Maryland does not require it, but many insurers include it automatically or offer it cheaply because roughly one in eight Maryland drivers is uninsured. If you have a loan or lease on your car, your lender will require you to carry it.

Collision coverage pays for damage to your car when you hit another vehicle or object — a guardrail, a tree, a pothole. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage from events you did not cause: theft, vandalism, weather, or an animal running into your car. Neither is required by law, but if you financed or leased your vehicle, your lender will require both. If you own your car outright, you can choose to skip them, though most people with newer cars carry at least collision.

Medical payments coverage (sometimes called med pay) covers your medical bills and those of your passengers after an accident, regardless of who caused it. It is optional and typically costs $10 to $30 per month for $1,000 to $5,000 in coverage. Underinsured motorist coverage kicks in if you are hit by someone whose liability limit is too low to cover your actual damages — for example, if they have the state minimum and you have $50,000 in medical bills.

How insurers set your rate in Maryland

Maryland allows insurers to use your driving record, age, gender, marital status, credit score, and vehicle type when calculating your rate. They cannot use your occupation, education level, or zip code, though they can use the specific address where you park your car overnight. A clean driving record — no accidents or violations in the past three to five years — typically earns you the lowest rates.

Young drivers (under 25) and drivers over 75 usually pay more because statistics show they have higher accident rates. Male drivers under 25 pay significantly more than female drivers the same age. If you have a speeding ticket, at-fault accident, or DUI on your record, expect your rate to jump; a DUI can double or triple your premium for three to five years.

Your vehicle's make, model, and year matter too. A sports car or a vehicle with expensive parts costs more to insure than a sedan. Insurers also consider how far you drive to work, whether you use your car for business, and how many miles you drive per year. Bundling your auto policy with home or renters insurance usually saves you 10 to 25 percent.

Discounts that lower your premium

Most Maryland insurers offer a discount if you complete a defensive driving course — usually $50 to $100 off per year. Some insurers offer a discount for going a certain period without an accident or ticket. If you install anti-theft devices or safety features like automatic emergency braking, you may save money. Paying your premium in full upfront instead of monthly sometimes saves you a small amount.

Insurers also offer discounts for low mileage (if you drive under a certain threshold per year), for being a good student (usually a 3.0 GPA or higher), and for having multiple policies with the same company. Some insurers offer usage-based programs where they monitor your driving through an app and reward safe habits with discounts of 10 to 30 percent, though this requires sharing real-time location data.

What happens if you let your insurance lapse

If your insurance expires and you do not renew it before the policy end date, you are driving uninsured. The MVA will suspend your vehicle registration and your driver's license. You cannot legally drive, and if you are caught, you face fines starting at $175 and possible jail time. Your license suspension stays on your record for a set period even after you get insurance again.

If you know your policy is about to end, contact your insurer at least two weeks before the expiration date to renew. If you are switching insurers, make sure the new policy starts on or before the old one ends — there should be no gap. If you cannot afford your current premium, contact your insurer about payment plans or ask about lower-limit policies that still meet the state minimum.

Comparing insurers and getting quotes

Maryland has dozens of insurers, and rates vary widely for the same coverage. The major national companies operating in Maryland include State Farm, Geico, Allstate, Progressive, and Nationwide, but regional insurers like Nationwide and local companies may offer competitive rates. Getting quotes from at least three insurers takes about 15 minutes per company and can save you hundreds of dollars per year.

When you request a quote, have your driver's license, vehicle registration, and current insurance information ready. Be consistent about the coverage limits and deductibles you quote across insurers so you can compare apples to apples. A $500 deductible means you pay $500 out of pocket if you file a claim; a $1,000 deductible is cheaper per month but costs more when you need it. Many people choose $500 for collision and comprehensive and $250 for uninsured motorist.

After you choose an insurer, review your policy documents to confirm the coverage limits, deductibles, and any discounts are correct. Keep your insurance card in your car and a copy at home. If your situation changes — you move, buy a different car, or add a teenage driver — contact your insurer to update your policy, as these changes affect your rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between liability and collision coverage?

Liability pays for damage you cause to someone else's car or property and their medical bills. Collision pays for damage to your own car when you hit something. Liability is required by law; collision is optional unless you have a loan or lease.

Can I get a discount if I have not had an accident in several years?

Many insurers offer accident-free discounts, though the terms vary. Some require three years without an accident, others five. Ask your insurer whether you may have access to and how much you save. You may also save money by switching to a company that rewards safe driving more generously.

What should I do if I get pulled over and do not have my insurance card?

Tell the officer you have insurance but do not have the card with you. Provide your name and policy number if you know it. You can show proof of insurance on your phone if your insurer has an app. If you truly do not have insurance, you will likely receive a citation and fine.

Does my credit score really affect my auto insurance rate?

Yes, Maryland insurers can use credit score in their rate calculations. A lower credit score may increase your premium. If your credit has improved, ask your insurer whether they will recalculate your rate or shop around, as different companies weight credit differently.

What happens if I move to a different state?

Contact your insurer before you move. Your policy will remain valid during your move, but your rate may change based on the new state's requirements and risk factors. Some states have higher minimum coverage limits than Maryland, so your insurer may adjust your policy automatically.