Maryland asks more of its drivers than most states do. It is one of the few places where you cannot waive uninsured motorist coverage, which shapes both what you buy and what you pay. Understanding car insurance in Maryland starts with those rules, because they set the floor for every policy sold here.
This guide walks through what Maryland requires, what drivers typically pay, and how to find a lower rate without cutting corners.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Detail | Maryland |
|---|---|
| Minimum bodily injury | $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident |
| Minimum property damage | $15,000 |
| Uninsured motorist | Required, matching liability limits |
| Personal Injury Protection | $2,500 minimum |
| Average liability-only cost | About $193 per month (as of July 2026) |
Rates vary by driver, so use these figures as a baseline for your own search.
What Maryland Requires
Before you shop, know the legal floor. As of July 2026, Maryland requires liability limits of 30/60/15. That means $30,000 for injury to one person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage.
Maryland also requires uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage that matches your liability limits. On top of that, drivers must carry at least $2,500 in Personal Injury Protection to cover their own medical bills after a crash.
Why Uninsured Motorist Coverage Matters Here
Maryland is one of the few states that does not allow drivers to waive uninsured motorist coverage. If someone with no insurance hits you, this coverage steps in to pay for your injuries. Because it is mandatory and tied to your liability limits, raising one raises the other.
What Drivers Typically Pay in Maryland
Maryland's stricter requirements help push premiums above the national average. As of July 2026, liability-only coverage in the state averages around $193 per month.
That is higher than many nearby states, largely because of the mandatory uninsured motorist coverage and higher minimum limits. Full coverage, which adds collision and comprehensive protection, costs more still.
Your own rate depends on your ZIP code, car, age, and driving history. A clean record in a lower-cost county can land well below the average, while a busy urban ZIP code can run higher.
Choosing Your Coverage Level
Your coverage choice drives your price more than almost anything else. Weigh your car's value and your budget before you decide.
When Minimum Coverage Fits
State-minimum coverage keeps you legal at the lowest price. It can be a fair pick for an older car that is paid off and worth little. It does not, however, repair your own vehicle after a crash you cause.
When to Add Full Coverage
Full coverage adds collision and comprehensive protection. Lenders require it on financed or leased cars. It also makes sense for a newer vehicle you could not easily afford to replace on your own.
How to Find Cheaper Car Insurance in Maryland
The most reliable way to lower your rate is to compare several quotes using the same coverage details. When every quote uses matching limits and deductibles, price differences are easy to spot.
Comparison platforms like Insurify let you view rates from many Maryland carriers at once.
Insurify
Insurify
Finding the best insurance shouldn't feel overwhelming. Insurify compares personalized quotes from 120+ top-rated providers in minutes — so you can save up to 50% on auto, home, renters, and pet insurance without the hassle.
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Compares 120+ carriers in real-time. Save up to 50% on premiums. BBB A+ rated.
Cons
Some users report unwanted communications from third-party providers.
Digital-first insurers such as Lemonade also quote quickly online, so add them to your list. Aim for at least three quotes before you commit.
Lemonade
Lemonade
Insurance that's fast, affordable, and actually feels good. Lemonade uses AI to process claims in seconds and donates leftover premiums to causes you care about. Get renters, home, pet, life, or car insurance — all from one app.
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Fees
Varies by policy (renters insurance from ~$5/mo)
Pros
Lightning-fast AI claims processing. Social impact through Giveback program. Beautiful, easy-to-use app (4.9★ App Store).
Cons
Limited home insurance availability (28 states + DC only).
Discounts to Ask About
Insurers do not always apply discounts automatically, so ask about them. Common savers include:
- Bundling auto with home or renters coverage
- Insuring more than one vehicle
- Setting up automatic payments
- Good-student and defensive-driving discounts
Raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 also lowers your premium, as long as you can cover that amount after a claim.
Factors That Take Time to Improve
Some savings build slowly. Your credit history affects rates in Maryland, so paying bills on time and lowering balances can help over months. Firstcard is one tool people use to build steady credit habits that support goals like this.
A clean driving record is the other slow lever. As tickets and at-fault accidents age off, usually after three to five years, your rate should ease. Ask your insurer when those marks fall off, then re-shop at that point. Terms and conditions apply, and each insurer sets its own rules.
Review Your Policy Every Year
The cheapest carrier this year may not be the cheapest next year. Insurers adjust pricing constantly, so staying put out of habit can cost you.
Set a reminder to gather three fresh quotes before each renewal. Twenty minutes of comparison can protect real money over the life of your policy. Rates vary, so checking regularly is the best way to keep your premium in check.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum car insurance required in Maryland?
As of July 2026, Maryland requires liability limits of 30/60/15, plus uninsured motorist coverage matching those limits and at least $2,500 in Personal Injury Protection. That means $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. Many drivers choose higher limits for stronger protection.
Why is car insurance more expensive in Maryland?
Maryland's higher minimum limits and mandatory uninsured motorist coverage push premiums above the national average. As of July 2026, liability-only coverage averages around $193 per month. Local factors like traffic density and repair costs also play a role in your rate.
Can I waive uninsured motorist coverage in Maryland?
No. Maryland is one of the few states that does not allow drivers to waive uninsured motorist coverage. You must carry it at limits matching your liability coverage. This protects you if an uninsured driver causes a crash.
How can I lower my Maryland car insurance rate?
Start by comparing at least three quotes with the same coverage details, then ask about every discount you qualify for. Bundling policies, insuring multiple cars, and raising your deductible can all help. Building better credit and keeping a clean record lower rates over time.
Ready to save? Compare at least three car insurance quotes in Maryland today using the same coverage details, ask about every discount, and set a renewal reminder so you never overpay.
