The Complete Guide to Maryland Car Insurance
Lemonade is on the way to the Old Line State and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things MD car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.
How much does car insurance cost in Maryland?
Car insurance in Maryland averages $211/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record.
Here’s what drivers pay in major cities:
| City | Average cost of car insurance |
|---|---|
| Baltimore | $321 |
| Columbia | $227 |
| Germantown | $221 |
| Frederick | $195 |
| Waldorf | $242 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Why is car insurance so high in Maryland?
Maryland drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs
Uninsured drivers
14.1% of drivers in Maryland are uninsured vs. 13% nationally, raising costs for everyone else.
Car theft
FBI data shows there were 25,962 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in MD, down 25% from the previous year.
Natural disasters
MD has a relatively low FEMA disaster rating of 34, lowering comprehensive coverage costs, though hurricane and inland flooding are still threats.
What car insurance do I need in Maryland?
All Maryland drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive.
Here’s what the state requires:
| Required minimum coverages for Maryland drivers | Minimum amount required | What’s covered | What’s not covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $30,000 (per person) $60,000 (per accident) | Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs when you hurt someone else in an accident | Your own injuries, damage to your car, amounts above your policy limits |
| Property damage liability | $15,000 | Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property | Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits |
| Uninsured Motorist Property Damage | $15,000 | Damage to your car when an uninsured driver is at fault | Your injuries, may have deductibles, hit-and-run rules vary by state |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury | $30,000 (per person) $60,000 (per accident) | Your injuries caused by drivers with no insurance OR not enough insurance | Car damage, amounts above your limits |
What additional car insurance coverages are offered in Maryland?
Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide
extra protection for Maryland drivers
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.
Read moreComprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.
Read moreRental car reimbursement
Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer
Read moreWhat does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in Maryland?
Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Injuries to other people
- Damage to property
- Damage from a collision
- Fender benders
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Windshield damage
Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from back road mudding
How much car insurance do I need in Maryland?
You need enough coverage to protect yourself financially when accidents happen. If your car needed major repairs, could you afford these local Maryland labor rates? Keep in mind, parts and materials cost extra.
| City | Body repair | Frame repair | Mechanical repair | Paint repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silver Spring | $71 | $104 | $168 | $71 |
| Parkville | $68 | $86 | $171 | $68 |
| Gaithersburg | $71 | $104 | $168 | $71 |
| Hagerstown | $68 | $83 | $169 | $68 |
| Germantown | $71 | $104 | $168 | $71 |
Source: Caliber
What happens if I drive without insurance in Maryland?
Maryland takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.
Fines
Up to $1,000 plus administrative fees starting at $150 for first 30 days, then $7 daily.
Suspension
No definite driving privilege suspension for basic violations.
Jail time
Up to one year in prison possible, plus five points on your license.
What do you need to get a car insurance quote in Maryland?
You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:
Your Details
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number (for credit check)
Your Car
- VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
- Current registration or title
Your History
- Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
- Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)
Your Preferences
- How much coverage you want
- Deductible amount you're comfortable with
- Monthly budget range
How does car insurance work in Maryland?
Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.
Pick your protection
Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Make payments
Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.
When S%!t happens
File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.
Maryland car insurance FAQs
Is Maryland a no-fault state?
No, Maryland isn’t a no-fault state. Maryland uses at-fault insurance where the responsible driver pays for damages. Maryland also follows contributory negligence rules, which can prevent recovery if you’re even slightly at fault. PIP coverage is optional.
Do I need insurance to register a car in Maryland?
Yes, Maryland requires proof of auto insurance to register a vehicle. You must carry minimum liability coverage. Insurance is verified electronically by the state — registration will be suspended if coverage lapses.
What are the top risks for driving in Maryland?
Maryland’s traffic congestion promotes aggressive driving behaviors on busy highways and commuter routes, leading to frequent rear-end collisions. Distracted driving and speeding are persistent problems, while winter weather creates additional hazardous conditions on already challenging roadways.
How long do I have to report an accident in Maryland?
Maryland requires accidents involving injury, death, or property damage to be reported immediately to law enforcement. Police officers typically complete the accident report. You should still notify your insurer as soon as possible. Failure to report may result in penalties.
What are the top safety tips for driving in Maryland?
In Maryland, don’t get aggressive in that heavy traffic, and give yourself extra time. Stay focused during rush hour to avoid rear-ending someone. Winter weather makes roads slick. Keep your distance on packed highways.
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026
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