If you live in Maryland or have just recently moved there, you can learn about the car insurance rates in this state. This can help you more efficiently research policies and decide on which is right for you depending on your budget and coverage needs. Below, you can explore the average Maryland car insurance rates and discover how to save on your plan.
What Are the Average Maryland Car Insurance Rates?
The average Maryland car insurance rate is $1,460 per year. While this rate isn’t the most costly in the United States, it’s more than 10% higher than what U.S. residents pay on average, which is around $1,321 per year. Maryland residents can often find some of the lowest rates in the state by getting their insurance from USAA. This provider only offers insurance to military members and their families, so other Maryland residents turn to companies like Geico and Progressive to stay close to the state’s average annual insurance rate.
Does Maryland Require Drivers To Have Car Insurance?
The state of Maryland requires drivers to have car insurance. Auto insurance is necessary to register any vehicle in the state. Maryland is also one of several states that require uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. When a new resident moves to Maryland, they have 60 days to register their vehicle and provide proof of auto insurance.
If you don’t purchase auto insurance for your vehicle, the state will suspend your vehicle’s registration. You’ll also have to abide by a fee schedule as a penalty, which can cost more than $2,000 in a single year. If you fail to rectify insurance problems, your case may go to the Central Collections Unit where you’ll need to pay a 17% collections fee.
Note that Maryland is an at-fault state, meaning that the at-fault party in a car accident is responsible for paying for all damages. While having auto insurance in Maryland is a legal requirement, it can also provide you with peace of mind. It’s better to have auto insurance than be in a situation where you’d benefit from having it, but don’t.
What Are the Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Maryland?
The minimum car insurance requirements for liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage in Maryland are:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
- $15,000 for property damage
When you’re searching for an insurance plan, it’s important to find a policy that fulfills these minimum requirements. Otherwise, you may be subject to fines if you need to present proof of insurance and have inadequate coverage. While these requirements are the minimum that the state expects you to have, you may consider paying for more coverage if you want greater peace of mind.
How Can I Show Proof of Insurance in Maryland?
If you need to show proof of insurance, you can do so in a couple of ways. The first is to present your paper insurance card. The state of Maryland also allows drivers to present digital versions on a mobile device for convenience. This can be helpful at the scene of an accident or if a law enforcement officer pulls you over for a traffic violation.
In Which Maryland Cities Do Citizens Pay More on Average for Car Insurance?
Residents in certain cities may pay higher premiums each month because of higher costs of living. Health care services may be more expensive, and auto shops may charge higher rates for their repairs. Residents in more prominent cities, like Baltimore and Laurel, may pay more each month for auto insurance.
What Affects the Auto Insurance Rate You Pay in Maryland?
Here are some factors that can affect your auto insurance rate in Maryland:
- Age: Younger drivers often pay more for auto insurance than older drivers. Once you turn 25, you can expect your auto insurance rates to start decreasing.
- Driving record: A tainted driving record that includes DUIs, speeding tickets, or prior accidents can cause your insurance rate to increase.
- Car make and model: Vehicles with poor safety ratings or expensive components are more expensive to insure.
How To Save on Your Car Insurance Policy in Maryland
Here are some ways you can save money on your car insurance policy in Maryland:
Bundle With Home Insurance
If you own a home or condo, try to find a company that lets you bundle your home and auto insurance. Note that you may also be eligible for this kind of discount if you rent a property, as you can bundle your renters and auto insurance. While this discount on a renters and auto insurance bundle may be less than that of a home and auto insurance bundle, it’s still worth researching.
Compare Different Providers’ Options
One of the simplest ways to save on car insurance is to request quotes from different providers. There are hundreds of providers available to you in Maryland, so there’s a good chance one can offer the coverage you need at a reasonable price. When you first sign up for auto insurance, you can perform extensive research on the different providers available. You may also conduct additional research every six or 12 months, depending on how frequent your renewal period is. This can help you discover new policies that may be a better deal.
Practice Good Driving Habits
Some insurance companies reward customers for practicing good driving habits. You can acquire a device from your insurance company to plug into your vehicle. This can track any sudden stops or fast accelerations you make. Some companies may allow you to track your trips on your smartphone. If they notice that you regularly partake in safe driving practices, you may be eligible to pay less for your car insurance.
Explore Discounts That Are Specific to You
Many auto insurance companies provide discounts that are specific to certain drivers. For example, you may be eligible for a discount if you’re a student in college and end a semester or academic year with a high enough GPA based on the insurance company’s requirements. You may also become eligible for a discount if you have certain safety features in your vehicle or belong to an affinity group like the American Automobile Association.
With this information in mind, we hope that you can better manage your car insurance policy in Maryland. When you sign up for an insurance plan, it’s important to find a provider that offers adequate coverage and commits to remaining within your budget.
At FIXD, our mission is to make car ownership as simple, easy, and affordable as possible. Our research team utilizes the latest automotive data and insights to create tools and resources that help drivers get peace of mind and save money over the life of their car.
