Here's what you need to know when driving in Maryland
Across the Old Line State, there are 68,889 miles of road just waiting to be driven. The average car insurance rate in Maryland is $1,305 per year — 15% less than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history.
Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Maryland based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive free quotes from top insurers so you can safely hit the road without breaking the bank.
The best car insurance companies in Maryland
Along with topping The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, USAA received a score of 879 (out of 1,000) in J.D. Powers' 2021 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for the state of Maryland.
As a highly-rated regional carrier, NJM Insurance scored an 867 on J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Insurance Study.
Erie Insurance placed third with a score of 856 in J.D. Power's 2021 customer satisfaction survey.
- Maryland residents pay about 15% less for car insurance on average
- The cheapest major car insurance company in Maryland is Travelers.
The cheapest car insurance companies in Maryland
These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.
The cheapest rates are from Travelers at $1,250 annually, or $104 per month.
For the minimum required coverage in Maryland, USAA is cheapest on average.
If you have a DUI on your record, check out Travelers for the cheapest average rates.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,250 |
| USAA | $1,411 |
| GEICO | $1,717 |
| Nationwide | $1,736 |
| State Farm | $2,072 |
| Progressive | $2,287 |
| Allstate | $2,516 |
Dynamic auto insurance data methodology
Methodology: The auto insurance rates displayed above and throughout this page are dynamic, meaning the data will refresh when the most recent information is made available. Rates are based on a sample driver profile — a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord and full coverage. This profile was adjusted based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies, like age, coverage level, driving record and others.
Maryland auto insurance laws
Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including Maryland. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in Maryland, expect to pay an average of $655 annually. This expenditure is more expensive than the nationwide average by 22%.
For the legal minimum coverage level in Maryland, expect to pay about $655 per year.
State minimum coverage
In Maryland, drivers are required to carry liability, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection at or above the following minimum levels:
Liability
- Bodily injury liability: $30,000 per person
- Bodily injury liability: $60,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $15,000 per accident
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage
- Bodily injury: $30,000 per person
- Bodily injury: $60,000 per accident
- Property damage: $15,000 per accident
Personal Injury Protection
- $2,500 per person (full or limited)
Optional coverage in Maryland (varies by carrier):
- Comprehensive
- Collision
- Loan/Lease Payoff
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Roadside Assistance
If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in Maryland, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,199, 83% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 111% more than you would for basic coverage.
in Maryland, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,199, 83% more than liability-only car insurance
The Zebra's guide to Maryland car insurance laws
Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Maryland with our helpful guide.
Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Maryland.
Maryland car insurance premiums by rating factor
Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location, and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Maryland.
Cheap auto insurance in Maryland for minimum coverage
Forgoing full coverage for liability-only at the state minimum level will make your car insurance significantly cheaper. In Maryland, the average cost for minimum coverage is $55 per month, or $655 yearly — a savings of $725 compared to full coverage.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $399 |
| GEICO | $444 |
| State Farm | $484 |
| Nationwide | $644 |
| Progressive | $687 |
| Allstate | $807 |
Cheap auto insurance in Maryland with bad credit
While most states use your credit history in the underwriting process, Maryland has banned the practice. This means that those with a poor credit history do not have to worry about it affecting how much they pay for auto insurance.
Cheap auto insurance in Maryland with an at-fault accident
Your driving history plays a big part in how much you pay. Insurance companies look for previous accidents for which you have been at fault to gauge the level of risk you pose as a customer. An at-fault accident in recent years could see your car insurance rates increase by as much as $656 per year.
Safe driver discounts
In addition to having a cheaper premium, some companies offer a safe driving discount. While the amount varies based on your company, it can range between 5 and 10%.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,695 |
| USAA | $2,222 |
| GEICO | $2,368 |
| State Farm | $3,062 |
| Nationwide | $3,191 |
| Progressive | $3,330 |
| Allstate | $4,153 |
Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Maryland
Young drivers between the ages of 16 and 25 pay the most for car insurance across the U.S. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Maryland, teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 19 pay $4,433 per year — which is $2,904 more than the national average and 240% higher than what a 30-year-old Maryland driver would pay.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $3,532 |
| USAA | $4,358 |
| GEICO | $5,079 |
| Nationwide | $7,395 |
| Progressive | $7,876 |
| State Farm | $8,252 |
| Allstate | $9,055 |
Maryland auto insurance rate by violation
In Maryland, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. By how much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average. Car insurance premiums typically increase by 54% after a DUI and 9% after a speeding ticket.
Maryland DUI laws
In Maryland, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $881. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Maryland
If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in Maryland, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Maryland, Travelers, advertises annual rates 17% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Maryland is GEICO, while the priciest firm is State Farm, with prices 110% above average.
| Company | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Travelers | $1,849 |
| GEICO | $1,870 |
| Allstate | $2,625 |
| Progressive | $2,897 |
| USAA | $3,748 |
| Nationwide | $4,014 |
| State Farm | $4,671 |
There is no car insurer in particular that offers cheap DUI auto insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.
Maryland SR-22 insurance
An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license, or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company to ensure that you remain insured. Most states require an SR-22, but Maryland is one exception. The state of Maryland does not require you to file an SR-22 in order to apply for insurance.
If you move from a state that requires an SR-22 to a state that does not, you will typically still need to follow the requirements of the state that first required you to file an SR-22.
Find an affordable policy in Maryland in minutes!
Rates by city
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Leitersburg, Maryland, and the most expensive in Gwynn Oak, Maryland.
Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Maryland biggest cities.
| City | Avg. Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Germantown | $1,953 |
| Columbia | $2,009 |
| Waldorf | $2,202 |
| Silver Spring | $2,206 |
| Baltimore | $2,971 |
Car insurance price trends in Maryland
In Maryland, average annual auto insurance costs decreased by $131 in the past year. A typical Maryland driver pays an average of $1,305 per year.
The recent pricing trend in Maryland leans toward slightly cheaper car insurance costs. The steepest decrease occurred from 2015 to 2016, while the highest surge took place from 2017 to 2018. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.
| Year | Avg. Annual Premium — Maryland | Yearly Change — Maryland | Avg. Annual Premium — US | Yearly Change — US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $1,305 | -$131 | $1,529 | $46 |
| 2020 | $1,498 | $24 | $1,483 | -$61 |
| 2019 | $1,412 | $67 | $1,544 | $23 |
| 2018 | $1,345 | $451 | $1,521 | $84 |
| 2017 | $1,796 | $234 | $1,437 | $69 |
| 2016 | $1,562 | -$323 | $1,368 | $88 |
| 2015 | $1,885 | $216 | $1,280 | $51 |
| 2014 | $1,669 | $155 | $1,229 | $34 |
| 2013 | $1,514 | -$63 | $1,195 | -$80 |
| 2012 | $1,577 | $323 | $1,276 | $82 |
If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.
Maryland car insurance FAQs
Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Maryland auto insurance.
Save money on your next car insurance policy!
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.