Maryland Auto Insurance

Whether you own a vehicle or are thinking of buying one, look for the best car insurance for Maryland that fits your needs. Find more information about auto insurance quotes for Maryland state today.

Maryland Auto Insurance Laws

According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MMMA), all drivers need to present their proof of liability insurance when they register their vehicle, as required by the state of Maryland car insurance laws. Maryland vehicle owners must certify or prove that they have insurance that meets the state minimum requirements for:

• $30,000 for bodily injury or death of one individual and 60,000 in any one accident.
• $15,000 for bodily injury to the property damage of others
• $30,000 for uninsured motorist coverage per person and 60,000 in any one accident.

Penalties For Driving Without Maryland Car Insurance

In Maryland, it is illegal to drive any vehicle without proof of liability insurance. The driver should keep their proof of continuous insurance throughout the vehicle’s registration period. The penalties for driving without car insurance include:

• Loss of license plates and registration privileges
• At least $175 fine.

Shopping For Maryland Car Insurance

Even though shopping for auto insurance Maryland does not always end up with a better deal, it is an excellent way to ensure that you are not missing the chance to save. Getting insurance quotes or credit report inquiries from insurers does not affect your credit history.

Here are some benefits of shopping for auto insurance in Maryland:

It could save you money. The average premium cost has increased by 2-3% since 2016. Insurance companies adjust their cost regularly.

It could improve your understanding of auto insurance. Every time you shop around and ask, you are improving your knowledge about the auto insurance industry and the different options available. It will help you identify opportunities to reduce costs.

It can reduce the cost of insuring teen drivers. When you include teen drivers in a family policy, shopping with comparison becomes essential. Take note of the car insurance company in Maryland that offers teen driver discounts.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Maryland Car Insurance

Auto liability coverage. The cost of coverage or premium can be influenced by gender, age, marital status, vehicles use, driving record, and the liability limits you select for your policy.

Physical damage. Factors similar to auto liability coverage, including the year the car was made and model, can affect coverage costs.

Difference Between Collision and Comprehensive Coverage in Maryland

Collision Insurance

Collision is a coverage that helps pay for the repair or replacement of your car damaged from the collision with another vehicle or object like a fence or tree. Lenders usually require this policy for leased vehicles or availed through financing.

Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive coverage is car insurance that pays for physical damage, such as vandalism, hail damage, or hitting a deer. In some instances, comprehensive covers events that collision does not cover. Hence, bundling the two together can work for you.

If you are wondering if it is necessary to have both types of coverage, consider the following factors:

• The value of your car. Knowing your car’s worth is very important. If your vehicle is new and has a high value, these coverages can keep you from spending out of your pocket if your car needs to be repaired or replaced.
• Risk of an accident. Your car’s possibility of getting into a collision is based on how frequent you are using your car. If you have a long commute or you drive frequently, you may have a higher risk.
• Your current savings. How much is your savings? Will it allow you to cover the costs of an event you might get into? Your savings should pay for the replacement of your car if stolen.
• Your area. Consider your residence area or where you mostly drive if your location is known to have more vehicular accidents due to fallen branches or collision with wildlife.

Considering the above factors will help you determine if your car is high in value. At the same time, to know if you have a long drive and your current financial status could not pay for unexpected costs, it is right to have both collision and comprehensive coverage. Some states require coverages that cover damages to other vehicles or properties if you are at fault, called liability insurance.

How Much Insurance Do You Need

Most states in the US require all drivers to carry automobile insurance, specifically liability. Car insurance Maryland protects victims of auto accidents, wherein they will receive compensation if they suffer losses because of other drivers’ negligence. The set how much will be the state minimums.

Insurance needs vary for each individual. Talk to an agent to discuss your situation, budget, and learn which insurance policies best meet your needs.

Maryland At-fault and No-fault Accident Laws

Maryland is an “at-fault” state that determines who has financial liability for harm caused by a vehicle crash. It means if you are in a vehicle accident, the driver who is found responsible for the collision will be liable for the financial costs of bodily injury and property damage. So the insurer of the at-fault driver will pay for the damage and injury resulting from the accident.

On the other hand, no-fault policy is a type of policy wherein the harm or injury to the policyholder is covered, regardless of who is at fault for the injury that resulted from the collision.

What Is At-Fault Insurance?

Maryland is one of the states that have at-fault vehicle insurance known as tort states. The majority of US states are under an at-fault system. “At-fault” cars are responsible for any resulting damages, which includes bodily injury and pain, suffering, property damage, and other medical problems. The policy pays the financial costs of the harm or injury to at-fault cars.

A three-year rate increase in the policy will be due to an at-fault claim. For the second “at-fault” claim, the insurer may not renew the liable driver’s policy in a span of three years.

Cheapest Maryland Auto Insurance Coverage

If you are looking for the cheapest car policy, you may choose the bare minimum coverage required by law. Besides those minimums, the amount of insurance you get is up to you. Some save on their monthly premiums by skimping on insurance coverage. However, opting for a discount or the least amount of policy may not actually save you much. According to some studies, going for low amount instead of high premiums will only allow you to save an average of $150 per year or around $13 per month over the amount of money you may save if your car gets involved in a collision.

Car insurance costs so much because car accidents are expensive. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2010, motor vehicle crashes in the US have cost the economy $242 billion lost in productivity, legal costs, health care, an emergency service, and property damage. A significant amount of those expenses are paid for by insurance companies. Insurers need to take in more premiums to stay in business than they pay out in claims.

Conclusion

If you get involved in a collision, you can work with an experienced car accident attorney to get the compensation you are entitled to as a resident of Maryland is an “at-fault state.” If you are a Maryland resident, for it is an “at-fault” state is a benefit for you. By working with a car accident attorney, you can get compensation for your medical expenses, pain, suffering, lost time from work, and other expenses incurred due to the accident.