Maryland Car Insurance Laws
As of January 1, 2011, the state of Maryland requires drivers to have a minimum liability coverage of 30/60/15:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident for two or more people
- $15,000 for property damage per accident
However, we recommend considering higher limits and additional coverage options to ensure adequate protection. Roadway Insurance providers are car insurance experts. Our trained team will help you choose the coverage that best suits your needs. We offer a variety of My MD Auto policies to Maryland and DC drivers with different types of coverage.
Roadway Auto offers discount car insurance even if you have a less-than-perfect driving record. Roadway Auto covers drivers needing My MD Auto (MAIF) insurance.
Auto Liability Insurance
Each state requires minimum coverage of auto liability insurance. Maryland car insurance laws require 30/60/15. Liability protects you from damage you do to others, including bodily injury and property damage. Liability car insurance can also cover legal fees.
- ‘Bodily injury liability’ pays for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
- ‘Property damage liability’ pays to repair or replace the damaged property.
Comprehensive Auto Insurance Coverage
Maryland car insurance law does not require comprehensive auto insurance coverage. However, many drivers benefit from this added coverage.
Comprehensive auto insurance protects you from incidents that are not because of a collision or vehicle rollover, including:
- Fire
- Natural Disaster
- Vandalism
- Theft
Comprehensive auto insurance will pay you the actual cash value of the vehicle, less your deductible. Remember, the higher your deductible, the lower the price of your car insurance. The lower the deductible, the more expensive the car insurance will be.
Collision Auto Coverage
Collision auto insurance pays for damages to your vehicle caused by at-fault accidents. It may pay for the vehicle’s repair or replacement if the vehicle is a total loss. Lastly, collision coverage will pay the vehicle’s actual cash value less the deductible.
Full Coverage combines liability, comprehensive, and collision auto insurance.
FR–19 and SR–22
Roadway Insurance can help you with your FR–19 and SR–22 needs.
- An FR–19 is a Maryland Insurance Certificate required when registering or renewing a vehicle. This certificate ensures that you meet the minimum vehicle liability requirements.
- An SR–22, or a Certificate of Financial Responsibility (CFR), is a certificate mandated by Maryland. The certificate will verify that you have auto insurance liability coverage. A CFR is usually required by state mandate for specific driving-related violations. Violations such as DUI conviction, reckless driving, and accidents because of uninsured drivers.
Maryland Auto Insurance Requirements FAQs
It is important to know the exact coverage you need for your vehicles in Maryland. Learn more by reading the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Is it illegal to drive without insurance in Maryland?
Yes, you will face a misdemeanor if driving without insurance. Not only will you have to pay the required fines, but you may also have to give up your license or do some jail time.
Does car insurance follow the car or the driver in Maryland?
In Maryland, car insurance follows the car rather than the driver. This means the insurance on the vehicle is the primary coverage, regardless of who the driver was after an accident. If your friend doesn’t have auto insurance and wrecks your car while driving it, your policy would still cover the car. However, the driver’s insurance may come into play as secondary coverage in certain situations.
Is Maryland a no-fault state?
No, Maryland is not a no-fault state. Drivers have to buy personal injury protection insurance and make their claim under PIP coverage with their insurer. All insurance agencies in Maryland are required by law to offer PIP insurance, but drivers can waive the coverage.
Can I insure a car that’s not in my name in Maryland?
Not all insurance agencies in Maryland offer non-owner insurance policies. Those that do can’t provide quotes over the internet. You have to call an insurance agency and talk to an agent directly to see if they provide those policies.
What happens if a friend drives my car and gets into an accident in Maryland?
Car insurance generally ties to the car instead of the specific driver. If your friend has permission to drive the car and gets in an accident, your insurance should cover it. However, if the car is stolen and is involved in an accident, the policy won’t cover them.
Do insurance rates in Maryland go up if I get in a no-fault accident?
The only time your insurance rate should go up after an accident is if you’re found to be at fault and identified. If they don’t find you at fault, your insurance shouldn’t go up after the incident.