Maryland Car Insurance
In Maryland, car insurance requirements for how to handle providing proof of insurance is different than many other states. People need to provide an accepted way to prove they have a valid insurance policy when it comes to registering their vehicle, other than an insurance ID card. Many people find themselves going to register their vehicle without having what they need. It is important to get information on which types of car insurance are required by the state, which types of automobile insurance you should get to best suit your needs, and what the rules and regulations surrounding automobile insurance are. In Maryland, for example, you will need to bring a Maryland insurance certification when you go to register your vehicle. This certification is provided by your insurance company. In Maryland, you may have to do things differently than in other states, so knowing the processes is essential.
Auto Insurance Requirements In Maryland
There are minimum requirements for car insurance in the state of Maryland. Also, Maryland requires multiple types of insurance for people to drive legally in the state. This includes liability coverage, uninsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection insurance. Bodily injury coverage is required in the amount of $30,000 for bodily injury per person and $60,000 for bodily injury per accident. Drivers are also required to have $15,000 for property damage coverage per accident.
In terms of uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, drivers need to have $30,000 for bodily injury insurance per person and $60,000 of bodily injury insurance per accident, as well as $15,000 for property damage liability insurance per accident. In addition, $2,500 of Personal Injury Protection, also called PIP, is mandated. There are additional types of insurance policies available, and some people choose to get more coverage of each of the required types as well to protect themselves further.
Some of the additional types of insurance, beyond the required types, include comprehensive insurance, collision insurance, rental car coverage, roadside assistance, and more. Getting the appropriate amount of coverage to suit your needs is ideal, and with free quotes and articles at General, you get the best information on car insurance available.
Average Cost Of Coverage In Maryland
There is fantastic news for people moving to Maryland when it comes to auto insurance policies. Maryland has over 6 million people and is more populated than over half of the other states in the country. With an immense amount of roads, car insurance is a competitive business. It is also required by law. The auto insurance premiums in the state, on average, are less than the US average by over 10%. With an average car insurance rate of just $1,200 per year, people are paying less, which means more money staying in their pockets.
The rates people pay for policies in the state are dependent on the types of automobile insurance they purchase. People who purchase more coverage to protect themselves will find themselves paying higher rates in order to get additional coverage. Saving money, regardless of which type of policy you are purchasing, is important.
Age | Average Premium (yearly) |
16 | $4,854 |
17 | $4,077 |
18 | $3,532 |
19 | $2,807 |
20s | $1,643 |
30s | $1,174 |
40s | $1,131 |
50s | $1,059 |
60s | $1,176 |
70s | $1,243 |
The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Maryland
The top way to save money on car insurance in Maryland is to shop around for the cheapest auto insurance companies in the state that suit your needs. At General, there are many companies providing coverage. A few of the top insurance companies for Maryland auto coverage include Kemper, Penn National, Allstate, and USAA. Each of these companies offers different perks and benefits and caters to different groups. Due to auto insurance providers using different formulas to determine rates for different people, getting free quotes at General from multiple companies is beneficial.
Rank | Company Name | Avg. Premium (annual) |
1 | MetLife | $1,403 |
2 | Travelers | $1,417 |
3 | Erie | $1,561 |
4 | USAA | $1,728 |
5 | Allstate | $2,136 |
6 | Nationwide | $2,304 |
7 | State Auto | $2,436 |
8 | Progressive | $2,571 |
Unique Car Insurance Rules And Penalties In Maryland
In addition to needing to provide a certification rather than an ID card when registering your vehicle, it is important to know what the fines, fees, and penalties are for drivers in the state who drive without insurance. Maryland has a Financial Responsibility Law. Without having a valid policy, a person can get hefty fines, license suspension, or jail time. The penalties given can vary depending on the specific circumstance involved, but drivers can be assessed up to $2,000 in fines. In addition, administrative fees are assessed for each day a person goes without insurance.
Also, their driver’s license could be suspended, revoked, or you could face jail time of up to two years. Your driving record, as well as your automobile insurance rates, could be affected. Maryland is a state where driving without insurance is considered a misdemeanor. Penalties for a first offense include a $1,000 fine. Drivers could also face up to one year in jail for providing false evidence of car insurance. Five points could also be added to a person’s driver’s license, and points can increase what a person pays for auto insurance. For additional offenses, you may be required to enroll in a driver improvement program, you will get additional points, your driver’s license can be suspended, and fines and fees can surpass $2,000. Jail time is also on the table for subsequent offenses.
Violation | Avg. Annual Auto Insurance Rate | % Insurance Rate Increase | $ Insurance Rate Increase |
Hit and Run | $2,038 | 53% | $710 |
Refused Breathalyzer/Chemical Test | $1,814 | 37% | $486 |
DUI | $1,814 | 37% | $486 |
Racing | $2,023 | 52% | $696 |
Reckless Driving | $1,962 | 48% | $635 |
Driving with a Suspended License | $1,829 | 38% | $501 |
At-Fault Accident | $1,876 | 41% | $548 |
Driving with an Open Container | $1,719 | 29% | $391 |
Operating a Vehicle Without Permission | $1,515 | 14% | $188 |
Passing a School Bus | $1,562 | 18% | $235 |
Improper Passing | $1,515 | 14% | $188 |
Following Too Closely | $1,515 | 14% | $188 |
Speeding | $1,597 | 20% | $270 |
Failure to Stop at a Red Light | $1,515 | 14% | $188 |
Illegal Turn | $1,515 | 14% | $188 |
Driving Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $1,476 | 11% | $148 |
Failure to Yield | $1,515 | 14% | $188 |
Speeding in a School Zone | $1,515 | 14% | $188 |
Driving Too Slowly | $1,515 | 14% | $188 |
Distracted Driving | $1,494 | 13% | $167 |
Driving with Expired Registration | $1,450 | 9% | $122 |
Failure to Show Documents | $1,450 | 9% | $122 |
Not-at-Fault Accident | $1,372 | 3% | $45 |
Failure to Use Child Safety Restraint | $1,391 | 5% | $63 |
Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | $1,351 | 2% | $24 |
Driving Without Lights | $1,453 | 9% | $125 |
How To Get The Cheapest Car Insurance In Maryland
Sometimes people think that eliminating their car insurance plan can save money in the long run. There are hefty fines and penalties, but it is important to consider that you could be held liable for damages in an accident you are involved with, which could add up to tens of thousands of dollars of bills. It is best to have an auto insurance policy.
People can save money by comparison shopping at General. Also, it is recommended to look into a variety of discounts that are available to drivers. Car insurance providers offer discounts for people who have a good driving record, add multiple vehicles to a policy, bundle their policies with other types of insurance, and more. Get the best prices available for auto insurance from the top car insurance companies using the links here at General. Saving money is a smart choice, take advantage.