In Maryland, shopping for car insurance can be overwhelming. BuyCarInsurance.com is here to help you along the way! We have compiled this guide that lists what you need to know so that you can easily get the car insurance plan that fits your personal needs - at the lowest rate.

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Minimum Requirements

The car insurance minimum requirements are comparable with the rest of the country. You may get the first impression that Maryland is a no-fault state based on the requirements, but it is not. If you have adequate healthcare coverage you may be able to waive the personal injury protection requirement. Here is a list of the required car insurance coverages for Maryland: 

Is the Minimum Coverage Enough?

Having more than the minimum coverage will obviously provide more protection. There are many additional coverages out there that are worth taking a look into, this will help round out your coverage. We always encourage to purchase the most insurance you can afford. By doing this you are guaranteeing you have the most coverage you can afford. 

Additional Coverages Available

To make it easy to understand we have put together a list of additional car insurance coverages and how they will protect you:

• Collision Coverage- Collision insurance will cover repairs to your vehicle in an accident you are at fault for. 

• Comprehensive Coverage- Comprehensive insurance covers you for other situations than a car accident; if you hit an animal, vandalism, fire, hail, flooding, or of your car is stolen. 

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists- Optional coverage that protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or too little insurance to cover the accident. 

• Medical Coverage- Optional coverage that will pay for medical bills when health insurance exceeds coverage amounts and covers medical expenses for you and your passengers. Do you walk or bike? This policy offers additional coverage if you are struck by a car in those instances. 

• Gap Insurance- Optional coverage that will pay if you don’t own your car outright and have an accident. Gap insurance will pay the difference between the cash value of your car and the current balance on your loan or lease. This policy is best for newer non-owned cars. 

• Personal Injury Protection- Depending on your state this type of insurance can be a requirement or an add on. Regardless of fault personal injury protection will cover medical expenses and loss of wages for you and your passengers (up to your limit). It also includes up to $5,000 for funeral expenses.

Teen Drivers in Maryland

In Maryland, a teen can begin their driving journey at 15 years and 9 months old. They must follow the guidelines of a graduated licensing system in Maryland. When a teen starts this journey it is important to get car insurance. Teens are held to the same standards as adult drivers and require the same minimum car insurance. Typically adding a teen to an existing policy is the cheapest option. However, a teen can have their own insurance policy, it just may not be the most cost-efficient. There are discounts to help ease the crunch of car insurance rates for teens, just ask your insurance agent and they can direct you. 

Do You Have Multiple Drivers in Your Home?

In most households, there is more than one driver. It is imperative to disclose all drivers in your home to your insurance company to avoid lack of coverage, additional charges, or the potential they will no longer provide insurance for you. 

If you do not want everyone on your home listed on your policy you can exclude them. By doing this the insurance company will not cover them or your vehicle while they are driving it. You should never let an excluded driver use your vehicle because you will be responsible for any monetary expenses out-of-pocket.

Penalties for Driving Without Car Insurance 

The minimum required car insurance is pretty comparable with other states, but the penalties for not having car insurance in Maryland are going to affect your bank account. It is important to be in compliance with state law to avoid these penalties. If you are not in compliance you will have to pay a hefty penny to have the ability to legally drive again. Here is a list of penalties for driving without insurance in Maryland:

• First Offense- You will pay a $1,000 fine. You will be issued administrative fees of $150 for the first 30 days and $7 for each additional day. You will have 5 points added to your driver’s license. You could also spend up to a year in jail. 

• Second and Subsequent Offenses- You will pay a $2,000 fine. You will be issued administrative fees of $150 for the first 30 days and $7 for each additional day. Your driver’s license and/or vehicle registration will be suspended. You will have 5 points added to your driver’s license. You could also spend up to two years in jail.

Car Insurance Discounts in Maryland

Almost every car insurance company offers car insurance discounts in some capacity. Finding the discounts that meet your needs is easier than you think. Ask your insurance company for a complete list of discounts, you never know what savings you will dig up. We have a short list of common discounts found in Maryland to get you started:

• Good Driver- Maintain a good driving record free of accidents, tickets, and any moving violations. 

• Multiple Policy- Most insurance companies will offer a discount for having multiple policies such as car insurance, renters insurance, homeowners insurance, or motorcycle insurance. 

• Good Student- If you are a student enrolled in high school or college curriculum and maintaining a B average most companies offer a discount.

Get a Quote for Car Insurance in Maryland

Looking for the best car insurance at rates can be a time-consuming task. BuyCarinsurance.com is here to make it easy. We will provide competitive quotes from top car insurance companies in minutes, no more comparing and analyzing. Just follow the three easy steps and you will have a quote in minutes.