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Beth Swanson

SEO Content Strategist

Credentials
  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Beth joined The Zebra in 2022 as an Associate Content Strategist. She is a licensed insurance agent whose goal is to make insurance content easy to r…

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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

Credentials
  • 4+ years in the Insurance Industry

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

Car insurance quotes in Maryland

Maryland's average car insurance rate is $1213 for a six-month policy — about 11% more expensive than than the national average.[1] Travelers offers some of the most affordable full coverage options if you're a Maryland driver looking to save.

Car insurance rates depend on more than just where you live. Factors like your age and driving history also play a big role. Our data shows that 40% of drivers in Maryland feel they're paying too much for car insurance.[2] Shopping around and comparing quotes from different companies is the best way to find savings, and we're here to help when you're ready!

travelers
Cheapest full coverage in MD
Erie
Best customer service in MD
Travelers Insurance
Best car insurance in MD — overall
GEICO
Cheapest liability coverage in MD

Cheap full coverage insurance in Maryland

In 2024, the cost of full coverage insurance in Maryland is $1213 for a 6-month policy, based on The Zebra's data. This type of insurance, which typically includes both collision and comprehensive, is sought after by 57% of our Maryland customers.[2]

Maryland drivers looking for the cheapest full coverage should start their search with Travelers. GEICO and USAA are also solid options but remember that USAA is only available to military members and their immediate family members.

Auto insurance rates by insurance company in Maryland

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Travelers $763 $127
USAA $934 $156
GEICO $952 $159
Nationwide $1,054 $176
Progressive $1,185 $198
Erie $1,196 $199
State Farm $1,233 $206
Allstate $1,832 $305

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.

Zebra Tip: Ask about these discounts for savings on car insurance

  • Vehicle discounts: Safety features, anti-theft devices, newer cars
  • Driver discounts: Telematics, good student, good driver, homeowner, military, multi-policy
  • Payment discount: Paid-in-full, advance purchase, automatic payments

Find the best coverage and price in Maryland with The Zebra

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What are the best car insurance companies in Maryland?

We named Travelers the best insurance company in Maryland based on third-party ratings (such as JD Power), consumer reviews, and details such as coverage and discounts available.

medal
Best overall insurance company in Maryland — Travelers

Travelers Insurance offers the most affordable rates from a large company in Maryland, and they also have a reputation for great customer service.

Pros
  • Cheaper than competitors

  • Multiple discounts available

  • Variety of insurance products and services

  • Available throughout the country

Cons
  • Below-average claims satisfaction rating

  • Higher than average number of customer complaints

Best car insurance in Maryland — honorable mentions

While Travelers topped the list overall, the following companies also have much to offer customers in Maryland. For this list, we used ratings from the JD Power auto insurance survey and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, which collected responses from 2,722 drivers to help us determine which companies were making customers happiest.[4]

Best car insurance companies in Maryland

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA $934 $156
GEICO $952 $159
Erie $1,196 $199

Source: The Zebra

How did we pick what company has the "Best Value" in Maryland?

The author's recommendation for "best value" is based on:

  • The Zebra's 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey
  • J.D. Power's 2023 Regional Customer Satisfaction Study
  • Each company's average cost of car insurance in Maryland
  • Available coverage options
  • The author's 2+ years of insurance industry experience

Our reviews are based on The Zebra's unbiased and impartial editorial standards. Our ratings of insurance companies are never commissioned-based nor is our content impacted by any partnerships.

For more information, see our editorial standards page.


Cheap liability insurance in Maryland

In Maryland, drivers must carry liability, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP) at or above certain levels. According to our data, 43% carry minimum coverage. 

The minimum liability limit for liability coverage is 30/60/15, meaning $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 for property damage per accident. Uninsured motorist coverage limits are 30/60/15; the You can learnPIP minimum is $2,500 per person. Learn more about car insurance requirements in Maryland with our helpful guide.

Cheapest auto insurance companies in Maryland for minimum coverage

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
GEICO $378 $63
USAA $389 $65
Travelers $395 $66
Progressive $560 $93
Erie $586 $98
State Farm $591 $98
Nationwide $595 $99
Allstate $960 $160

Source: The Zebra

Liability coverage is a way to meet state minimum standards without spending too much. However, there are a few things to think about before choosing it as your only car insurance. Liability covers damages to other people and their vehicles if you're at fault in an accident. It won't cover your own car, so we don't recommend it as your only coverage if you have a fairly expensive vehicle. A good rule of thumb is that if your car is worth $4,000 or less, you can probably skip collision and comprehensive coverage.

Ask an agent-- expert insurance agents
Ask an expert: Is the minimum liability requirement in Maryland enough coverage?

The minimum requirement in Maryland for PIP is $2,500. But depending on the carrier, they could offer to cover higher limits (such as $5,000 or $10,000). This is important because PIP covers medical expenses, income continuation, and loss of essential services incurred by the insured or any eligible person injured. Most importantly, this coverage protects you regardless of who is at fault in the accident.

Also, if trying to decide between Limited and Full PIP, I would suggest the Full PIP since it covers the name insured, relatives 16 and older, and any other person listed on the policy as a permissive user. Limited PIP only covers minor children in the household.

Monica Monroy-Adams, Licensed Insurance Advisor at The Zebra

Cheapest Liability & Full Coverage Quotes in Maryland

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Company Liability Coverage Full Coverage
GEICO $378 $952
USAA $389 $934
Travelers $395 $763
Progressive $560 $1,185
Erie $586 $1,196
State Farm $591 $1,233
Nationwide $595 $1,054
Allstate $960 $1,832

Source: The Zebra

Compare car insurance rates from the best companies in Maryland.

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Car insurance price trends in Maryland

In Maryland, average annual auto insurance costs increased by over $700 in the past year. A typical Maryland driver pays an average of $2,129 per year.

The recent pricing trend in Maryland and most of the U.S. has been increased car insurance costs. The steepest increase occurred over the past year. The past several years have included volatile rate shifts, so if you feel like your insurance premiums have been unsteady for a while, you aren't alone.

Car insurance costs in Maryland since 2015
Year Avg. Annual Premium Yearly Change
2024 $2,129 $732
2023 $1,397 -$617
2022 $2,017 $702
2021 $1,305 -$131
2020 $1,498 $24
2019 $1,412 $67
2018 $1,345 $451
2017 $1,796 $234
2016 $1,562 -$323
2015 $1,885 $216

Car insurance in popular Maryland cities

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, including the vehicle's location. Baltimore is the major city with the most expensive insurance, which may not surprise residents.

The table below shows average car insurance costs in some of Maryland's biggest cities.

Auto insurance quotes in Maryland's biggest cities

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City Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Germantown $1,172 $195
Columbia $1,180 $197
Silver Spring $1,308 $218
Waldorf $1,308 $218
Baltimore $1,823 $304

Source: The Zebra


Cheap auto insurance for teens and young drivers in Maryland

Teen drivers between 16 and 19 face the highest car insurance rates across the U.S. Because inexperienced drivers are riskier to insure, teens pay more than three times the national average. In Maryland, teens aged 16 to 19 pay $6,565 per year, which is $1,225 more than the national average and 171% higher than what a 30-year-old Maryland driver would pay.

Cheapest car insurance quotes for young drivers in MD

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Travelers $2,180 $363
GEICO $2,874 $479
USAA $2,882 $480
Nationwide $3,554 $592
Progressive $4,143 $691
State Farm $4,944 $824
Allstate $7,509 $1,251

Source: The Zebra

Top companies in Maryland for Teens
Filter by:

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Allstate $9,297 $1,549
State Farm $6,543 $1,090
Progressive $5,303 $884
USAA $4,113 $686
Nationwide $4,068 $678
Erie $3,356 $559
GEICO $3,302 $550
Travelers $2,841 $473

Source: The Zebra

Zebra Tip: 3 ways young drivers can save on car insurance

  • Complete an approved defensive driving course to qualify for discounts and reduce accident risk.
  • Choose a less expensive car with good safety ratings and low repair costs over high-performance models.
  • Stay on a parent's policy to save money and benefit from their longer insurance history.

Find your best value insurance match with The Zebra.

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Maryland auto insurance quotes after an accident or ticket

In Maryland, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. Your auto insurance premiums will probably rise if you receive a ticket or citation. 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. Typically, the violations that will cause the highest increase will be DUI or hit-and-run charges, whereas an incident such as a speeding ticket will cause less of a rate hike.

Cheapest auto insurance companies for at-fault accidents in Maryland

Updating data...

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Allstate $3,308 $551
State Farm $1,911 $319
Nationwide $1,843 $307
Progressive $1,737 $289
USAA $1,475 $246
GEICO $1,321 $220
Travelers $1,034 $172

Source: The Zebra

Zebra Tip: Don't forget about claims satisfaction

The goal with insurance is to have it in case you need it; if you ever do, having a low-stress experience is critical. In our 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey, we asked about the claims experience of various companies. Erie was the top choice and is worth considering if you live in Maryland.

Auto insurance rates by violation in Maryland

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Accident/Violation Avg. Annual Premium $ Rate Increase
None $2,425 $0
One Med/PIP claim $2,506 $81
Not-at-fault accident $2,601 $175
One comp claim $2,613 $188
Two Med/PIP claims $2,668 $242
Failure to wear a seat belt $2,743 $318
Failure to show documents $2,821 $395
Two comp claims $2,842 $417
Child safety restraint $2,847 $421
Driving with expired registration $2,919 $494
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $2,946 $520
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $2,947 $521
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $2,947 $521
Driving too slowly $2,948 $522
Cell phone violation $2,948 $522
Texting while driving $2,948 $522
Following too closely $2,955 $530
Wrong way/wrong lane $2,955 $530
Failure to yield $2,955 $530
Failure to stop at a red light $2,955 $530
Improper passing $2,957 $531
Illegal turn $2,957 $531
Speeding in school zone $2,983 $558
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $3,044 $619
Passing school bus $3,064 $638
Driving without lights $3,066 $640
Open container $3,080 $654
Operating a vehicle without permission $3,120 $695
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $3,224 $799
In 65 MPH zone $3,531 $1,106
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $3,637 $1,212
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $3,637 $1,212
Reckless driving $4,149 $1,724
Racing $4,459 $2,034
Driving with a suspended license $4,532 $2,107
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $4,685 $2,260
DUI $4,698 $2,272
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $4,741 $2,316

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra's guide to Maryland car insurance laws for high-risk drivers

Certain tickets or violations will affect your insurance differently, and not just through the cost. We've outlined the details for DUI violations and SR-22 requirements below.

Maryland DUI laws

In Maryland, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of $2,272. Finding affordable auto insurance after a DUI violation isn’t simple. A DUI often brings about a more significant premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

No car insurer in particular offers cheap DUI auto insurance. The recommended way to save money after a DUI citation is to shop around.

 

Lower-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.

Auto insurance rates by companies in Maryland for DUIs

Updating data...

Company Avg. Annual Premium
GEICO $2,086
Travelers $2,268
Progressive $3,392
Allstate $3,822
Nationwide $4,918
USAA $5,011
State Farm $5,907

Source: The Zebra

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 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 state's requirements that first require you to file an SR-22.


If your rates are increasing more rapidly than the state average in Maryland, then we suggest getting multiple quotes so you can compare rates. Even if you haven't noticed a huge cost jump, it's a good idea to get new quotes a few times per year. The Zebra’s car insurance comparison tool provides personalized quotes based on your unique profile — simply enter your ZIP code below to begin


Maryland car insurance FAQs

Below, you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Maryland auto insurance.

Travelers offers Maryland drivers the cheapest auto insurance premiums, with an average rate of $763 for a six-month policy ($127 per month). Use our comparison tool to get quotes from multiple insurance companies in Maryland.

Our data showed that the average car insurance policy in MD was $1,213 per six-month period or about $202 per month.

Car insurance in Maryland is about 11% more expensive than the average. This is due to the state's population size, the number of uninsured drivers, and insurance companies' revenue loss from claims.

Maryland is an at-fault state, which means the driver at fault is responsible for damages in an accident, and victims are legally allowed to file a lawsuit. However, the state requires personal injury protection coverage (PIP), usually required in no-fault states. PIP claims are often paid out more quickly than others because they don't require a driver to be shown as "at fault."

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 editorial 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.