Last Updated on January 2, 2026

You must carry car insurance to legally drive in Maryland, and the state is strict about keeping that coverage active continuously. While pricing depends heavily on your ZIP code (Baltimore-area rates can look very different than Western Maryland), recent rate estimates typically put full coverage in Maryland in the mid-$2,000s per year for many drivers, with minimum coverage often around the $800–$1,100 range.

If you’ve ever wondered why car insurance can feel expensive in Maryland, the short answer is that the state combines higher required coverages with higher-cost areas, heavier traffic corridors, and strict enforcement around insurance lapses.

Want to find the best car insurance in Maryland for your budget? Start by comparing quotes from several insurers, then fine-tune your policy with the right deductibles, discounts, and optional coverages.

Key Takeaways

1. Maryland Requires Continuous Coverage: Your vehicle is expected to stay insured as long as it’s registered—insurance lapses can trigger penalties even if you weren’t driving.
2. Minimum Coverage Includes More Than Liability: Maryland requires liability coverage and also requires protections like uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, plus PIP options that may be waived or limited with the right forms.
3. Rates Vary a Lot by ZIP Code and Driver Profile: Full coverage in Maryland is commonly priced in the mid-$2,000s per year for many drivers, but your age, credit-based rating factors, and location can swing prices significantly.
4. Shopping Around Is the Best “Discount”: Compare 3–5 insurers, stack eligible discounts, choose sensible deductibles, and avoid coverage lapses to keep your premium as low as possible.

Top Auto Insurance Companies in Maryland

“Best” can mean different things depending on your needs—lowest price, easiest claims process, best for teen drivers, best bundling discounts, and more. These insurers are consistently strong options for Maryland drivers to compare:

1. USAA

If you qualify for USAA membership, it’s one of the best places to start. USAA is known for strong customer satisfaction, competitive pricing, and a smooth claims experience for eligible military members and their families.

2. Erie

Erie is a favorite in many Mid-Atlantic states thanks to strong service, reliable claims handling, and competitive pricing—especially for drivers who prefer working with a local agent.

3. State Farm

State Farm is a strong all-around pick in Maryland, especially if you want a large agent network, broad coverage options, and lots of discount opportunities for safe driving, students, and bundling.

4. GEICO

GEICO is a go-to quote in Maryland (especially around major metro areas) for drivers who want straightforward online tools, competitive pricing, and a wide set of discounts.

5. Progressive

Progressive is often worth quoting if you have a more complicated driving history or you want flexible policy options. Many Maryland drivers also like Progressive for bundling and usage-based insurance programs.

6. Allstate

Allstate can be a solid option if you want lots of coverage add-ons and the ability to bundle auto with homeowners, renters, or other policies. As always, the “best” Allstate pricing depends on your driver profile and ZIP code.

7. Travelers

Travelers is a strong insurer to compare in Maryland if you want a broad menu of coverage options, flexible deductibles, and good bundling potential (especially if you also need home or renters insurance). It can be especially competitive for certain “low-to-moderate risk” driver profiles.

8. Nationwide

Nationwide can be a smart quote for Maryland drivers who want bundling discounts and a more “one-stop” approach to insurance. It’s also worth checking if you already have another product with Nationwide and can stack discounts.

9. The Hartford

If you want a more premium insurance experience, The Hartford is a strong quote to compare—especially for older drivers and AARP members. It frequently ranks well in customer satisfaction studies and is commonly mentioned among the best insurance companies across multiple regions.

10. Farmers

Farmers can be a good fit if you prefer working with an agent and want a variety of optional coverages. It’s also worth quoting if you’re bundling multiple policies or you want extra protection beyond the state minimums.

Maryland Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

Maryland requires drivers to carry a certain minimum amount of liability insurance. Liability coverage helps pay for injuries and damage you cause to others—like medical bills, repairs, and even lost wages in many situations.

Minimum Required Auto Insurance Limits in Maryland

• $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $15,000 property damage liability per accident
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: Maryland requires UM/UIM protection in addition to liability coverage. This helps protect you if you’re hit by a driver without insurance (or without enough). Learn more about what happens after a crash with an uninsured driver here: Can you sue an uninsured driver?
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Maryland policies typically include PIP, which can help cover injuries regardless of fault. In many cases, PIP can be waived or limited by signing specific waiver forms. Here’s a full explainer: What is PIP coverage?

Important: “Minimum coverage” keeps you legal—but it may not fully protect your finances after a serious crash. Many drivers choose higher limits, plus optional coverages like comprehensive coverage and collision coverage (often required if you finance or lease your car).

Driving Without Insurance in Maryland

Maryland is a strict “continuous insurance” state. That means it’s not just illegal to drive without insurance—your vehicle is expected to be insured at all times while it’s registered, even if it’s parked.

If you’re caught driving without insurance, or if your insurance lapses while your registration is active, you can face court penalties and administrative penalties from the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). A conviction or lapse can also affect your premiums because traffic violations and insurance issues often impact rates for years.

Court Penalties for Driving Uninsured

Maryland law allows serious consequences for knowingly driving (or allowing someone else to drive) an uninsured vehicle, including fines and possible jail time. A conviction can also lead to points being assessed on your driving record.

MVA Penalties for an Insurance Lapse

Separate from court penalties, the MVA can assess uninsured motorist penalty fees if your insurance lapses while your vehicle is registered. These fees can add up quickly—and they apply even if you weren’t driving.

• $200 for the first 30 days without insurance, plus $7 per day after that (up to an annual maximum per vehicle)
• Registration suspension (and your plates may be confiscated if a suspension is active)
• Restoration fees to reinstate registration, plus potential collection actions if fees aren’t handled

If you’re shopping or switching insurers, the safest way to avoid problems is to keep continuous coverage, confirm the effective date on your new policy, and never cancel an old policy until the replacement is active. If you already had a lapse, this guide can help: What if my car insurance lapses?

Best Car Insurance in Maryland for High-Risk Drivers

If you have a DUI, recent accident, ticket history, or other “non-standard” rating factors, shopping around matters even more. Different insurers price risk differently, so the “best” company is often the one that fits your exact profile.

Car Insurance in Maryland After a DUI or DWI

In most cases, a DUI or DWI causes one of the biggest rate increases you’ll see. If you’re dealing with impaired driving on your record, start here: Cheap DUI/DWI car insurance. Then compare quotes from insurers known for competitive high-risk pricing (often including Progressive, GEICO, and some regional carriers depending on your county).

Car Insurance in Maryland After an At-Fault Accident

At-fault crashes typically raise rates, but the size of the increase depends on the severity of the accident and your overall history. Some companies offer accident forgiveness (usually as an add-on or for long-term customers), and others price more favorably if you’ve otherwise maintained a clean driving record.

Car Insurance in Maryland After a Speeding Ticket

A single minor ticket may not move the needle much—but multiple tickets, higher speeds, or recent violations can cause noticeable increases. If you’re trying to estimate the impact, see: How much will a single speeding ticket increase your rates?

Car Insurance in Maryland for Young Drivers

Young drivers pay more because they’re statistically more likely to crash. Rates often improve with experience (and many people notice changes around age 25, although it’s not a magic switch). The fastest way to lower premiums is to build a safe driving history—these safe driving tips for teen drivers can help.

Car Insurance in Maryland with Poor Credit

In many cases, your insurance price in Maryland is influenced by credit-based rating factors. If you’re seeing surprisingly high quotes, it can help to understand what a car insurance score is and why insurers use it. If your credit is a challenge right now, comparing multiple insurers is especially important because companies weigh credit differently.

FR-19, Maryland Auto Insurance (MAIF), and SR-22 Questions

Maryland has a few insurance-related processes that confuse drivers—especially when you’re registering a vehicle, switching insurers, or resolving a lapse notice.

FR-19: Maryland’s Proof of Insurance Form

Maryland and Delaware are known for using the FR-19 process. If the MVA requests proof that your vehicle was insured, you may need help understanding the FR-19 form and how your insurer submits it.

Maryland Auto Insurance (Formerly MAIF)

If you’ve been denied by multiple insurers or you’re struggling to find coverage after a lapse or serious driving incident, you may still have options. Learn how the state-backed market works in our Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF) review (now commonly referred to as Maryland Auto Insurance).

SR-22: What Maryland Drivers Should Know

Many drivers search for “SR-22 insurance,” but SR-22 rules vary by state. If you’re told you need one (often due to a suspension, reinstatement issue, or an out-of-state requirement), it helps to know how long an SR-22 lasts and how to shop for cheap SR-22 insurance if your premiums spike.

How to Save Money on Car Insurance in Maryland

• Compare quotes from at least 3 to 5 insurers: Maryland pricing can vary dramatically by company for the same driver.
• Choose realistic deductibles: Higher deductibles usually lower premiums, but make sure you can comfortably pay your deductible if you have a claim.
• Ask about every discount: Good student, multi-car, bundling, safe driving, paid-in-full, and telematics discounts can add up.
• Avoid coverage lapses: Lapses can trigger MVA penalties and also increase insurance pricing for years.
• Right-size your coverage: Minimum coverage may be cheap now, but it can be financially risky after a serious accident. Balance affordability with protection.

FAQs on Car Insurance in Maryland

Conclusion: Finding the Best Car Insurance in Maryland

Maryland drivers must carry active insurance and keep it in force continuously. To find the best car insurance in Maryland, start with multiple quotes from reputable insurers, confirm you’re meeting state requirements, and then adjust your policy for the best mix of price and protection.