Car insurance in Maryland costs around $63 to $71 per month for minimum coverage and approximately $127 to $158 per month for full coverage. On average, drivers pay about $1,971 per year, though rates vary based on location, driving history, credit score, and coverage level.
The cheapest car insurance companies in Maryland include GEICO, Travelers, and USAA, with some drivers qualifying for rates well below the state average depending on their profile.
Maryland requires drivers to carry liability coverage of 30/60/15, along with uninsured motorist protection and Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Because Maryland is an at-fault state, the driver responsible for an accident pays for damages through their insurance.
Comparing rates by company, coverage type, and city, especially in areas like Baltimore, Columbia, and Silver Spring, can significantly impact how much you pay each month.
You might not know this, but Maryland is the birthplace of the national anthem. But when you think about it, what’s more patriotic than getting a great deal on car insurance?
Not much, in our minds. That’s why we’ve done our homework and pulled together everything you need to know about getting affordable car insurance in Maryland, whether you’ve lived in the Free State your whole life or you’re looking to move there.
Strap in. We’re getting started.
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Finding the right car insurance company in Maryland matters, rates can vary by hundreds of dollars per year for identical coverage. Here are the top-rated insurers for Maryland drivers, based on affordability, customer satisfaction, and coverage options.
| Company | Avg. Full Coverage/Month | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Erie Insurance | $148 | Best overall + customer service |
| GEICO | $127–$158 | Cheapest for most drivers |
| Travelers | $127 | Cheapest full coverage |
| State Farm | $193 | After a ticket or at-fault accident |
| USAA | $103 | Military members & families (exclusive) |
| Progressive | $180 | High-risk / DUI drivers |
| Allstate | $200 | Bundling home & auto |
Source: J.D. Power Score
Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.
Where you live in Maryland has a big impact on what you pay for car insurance. Urban areas like Baltimore have higher rates due to more accidents, theft, and traffic density. Suburban and smaller cities tend to be cheaper. Here’s a comparison of average monthly full-coverage rates across Maryland’s major cities:
| City | Avg. Monthly Rate (Full Coverage) | vs. State Average |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | $278 | 60% higher |
| Silver Spring | $195 | 12% higher |
| Rockville | $175 | Near average |
| Columbia | $160 | Near average |
| Gaithersburg | $168 | Near average |
| Frederick | $150 | 10% lower |
| Germantown | $155 | Near average |
| Annapolis | $162 | Near average |
Source: moneygeek.com
Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.
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Your driving record, age, and credit score are the biggest factors that affect your car insurance rates in Maryland. Here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Age Group | Avg. Annual Rate (Full Coverage) |
|---|---|
| 16–17 (teen) | $4,853 |
| 18–19 | $3,800 |
| 20–24 | $2,400 |
| 25–34 | $1,800 |
| 35–49 | $1,500 |
| 50–59 | $1,056 |
| 60–69 | $1,200 |
| 70+ | $1,500 |
Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.
| Driving Record | Avg. Annual Rate |
|---|---|
| Clean record | $1,971 |
| 1 speeding ticket | $2,388 |
| At-fault accident | $2,957 |
| DUI conviction | $3,270 |
| Multiple violations | $4,000+ |
Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.
| Credit Score | Avg. Annual Rate (Full Coverage) | Difference vs. Good Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent (750+) | $1,700 | Save up to $400/yr |
| Good (670–749) | $1,971 | State average |
| Fair (580–669) | $2,600 | Pay ~$630 more per year |
| Poor (below 580) | $3,400 | Pay ~$1,400 more per year |
Note: Rates are based on averages and may not reflect your specific profile.
Maryland has some unique insurance laws that set it apart from other states. Here’s what you should know before buying a policy:
No, Maryland is an at-fault state. This means the driver who caused the accident is financially responsible for damages and injuries. The at-fault driver’s liability insurance pays for the other party’s bills. You can also sue the at-fault driver directly for damages beyond their policy limits.
The FR-19 is Maryland’s Certificate of Insurance. When you register a vehicle in Maryland, your insurer must submit an FR-19 form to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) confirming that your vehicle is insured. If your insurer reports a lapse in coverage, your registration can be suspended. This is automatic, you do not need to file it yourself, but you should make sure your insurance is active at all times.
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Maryland requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP) at a minimum of $2,500. However, you can choose to limit your PIP coverage in writing, which reduces your premium. Here is the key difference:
| Comparison | Full PIP | Limited PIP |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Pays your medical bills up to $2,500 | Waived — you rely on health insurance |
| Lost wages | Covered (85% of lost income) | Not covered |
| Household help | Covered | Not covered |
| Effect on others | Household members covered under your policy | Household members excluded |
| Best for | No health insurance or self-employed | Those with strong health insurance |
Note: Coverage details may vary by state and insurer.
If you have been rejected by multiple standard insurers, due to a poor driving record or other high-risk factors, Maryland’s state-run insurer, Maryland Auto Insurance (formerly MAIF), may be an option. Rates are typically higher than standard market rates, but it ensures you can meet the legal requirement to drive. Contact a licensed Maryland independent insurance agent to explore this option.
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You’re now ready to start looking at car insurance quotes. You know the coverage you need, you have a better sense of cost, and you have some handy tricks up your sleeve to rack up the savings.
Maryland car insurance is above the national average for several reasons: the state has a high rate of uninsured drivers (around 15%), its urban areas like Baltimore have high accident and theft rates, and the state requires more coverage than many others (including mandatory PIP and uninsured motorist coverage). Maryland also sits in a high-risk weather corridor for hurricanes and flooding, which raises comprehensive coverage costs.
Maryland drivers must carry:
1. Liability insurance at 30/60/15, meaning $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 property damage;
2. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage at the same limits; and
3. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) of at least $2,500. You can waive PIP in writing, but all other coverages are mandatory.
For most Maryland drivers, GEICO and Travelers offer the most affordable rates. GEICO’s liability-only coverage starts around $63–$71 per month, and Travelers is the cheapest for full coverage at approximately $127 per month. USAA offers even lower rates but is only available to military members and their families.
On average, a single speeding ticket increases car insurance rates in Maryland by about 21%, or roughly $417 per year on a full-coverage policy. State Farm and Allstate tend to offer the most competitive rates for drivers with a recent speeding violation. Shopping around after a ticket is always recommended, not all insurers penalize the same way.
A DUI conviction in Maryland typically raises car insurance rates by 60–70%, or roughly $1,300 more per year on a full-coverage policy. You will also likely need to file an SR-22 certificate with the MVA. Erie and State Farm tend to offer more competitive post-DUI rates compared to other carriers in Maryland.
Yes. Maryland is one of a minority of states that mandates uninsured motorist coverage. With an estimated 15% of Maryland drivers uninsured, this coverage is important protection. Your uninsured motorist limits must match your liability limits (minimum 30/60/15). Maryland also specifically requires Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) to cover your vehicle if hit by an uninsured driver.
Most standard car insurance policies provide coverage in all 50 states, so your Maryland policy will protect you when driving through Virginia, Washington D.C., or Pennsylvania. However, minimum coverage requirements differ by state. If you drive in DC regularly, confirm your policy limits are sufficient, DC’s requirements differ from Maryland’s.
The most effective ways to lower your rate in Maryland are:
1. Compare quotes from at least 3 insurers;
2. Bundle auto and home insurance with the same company for up to a $109/year discount;
3. Ask about all available discounts, good driver, good student, multi-car, anti-theft, and paperless discounts;
4. Raise your deductible if you have an emergency fund;
5. Maintain a clean driving record; and
6. Improve your credit score over time, as Maryland insurers are permitted to use credit as a rating factor.
For most Maryland drivers, yes. Full coverage in Maryland costs around $1,971 per year, actually slightly below the national average, while minimum coverage costs $815 per year. If your car is worth more than $4,000–$5,000, or if you are financing or leasing your vehicle, full coverage is highly recommended. The relatively small premium difference provides substantial financial protection.
An SR-22 is not an insurance policy, it is a certificate your insurer files with the Maryland MVA proving you carry the state-required minimum liability coverage. Maryland courts or the MVA require SR-22 filing after serious violations like DUI convictions, driving uninsured, or license suspension. Expect your premiums to increase while the SR-22 is required (typically 3 years). Not all insurers file SR-22s, so you may need to switch carriers.
Yes. Maryland allows insurers to use credit-based insurance scores as a rating factor. Drivers with poor credit can pay up to $1,400 more per year compared to drivers with excellent credit for the same coverage. Improving your credit score, paying bills on time, reducing credit card balances, is one of the most impactful long-term ways to reduce your car insurance costs.
Lauren Lewthwaite Lauren Lewthwaite has been freelance writing for almost five years writing content that ranges from health to insurance and everything in between. Lauren is also a trained translator in French and English and is a dog-mom to an adorable Australian Shepherd.
