Minimum Coverage Requirements in Maryland
Maryland operates under a tort-based liability system, meaning the at-fault driver is responsible for damages. The state requires all drivers to carry proof of insurance and file form FR-19 with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration when registering a vehicle. Maryland also requires uninsured motorist coverage at the same limits as your liability coverage unless you reject it in writing.
Meeting the state minimum keeps you legal. See whether it's enough — get your Maryland quote.
Get your Maryland quoteHow Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Maryland?
First-time drivers in Maryland pay significantly higher premiums than experienced drivers — typically 60–110% more — because insurers view them as statistically higher crash risk. Maryland is one of 11 states where insurers can use credit-based insurance scores, meaning limited or no credit history raises rates further for young adults.
What Affects Your Rate
- Driver age: Drivers under 25 pay 75–110% more than drivers age 30+ in Maryland due to state-specific crash data showing drivers under 25 are three times more likely to file a claim.
- Location: Baltimore City drivers pay 30–50% more than Frederick or Carroll County drivers due to higher theft rates, vandalism, and uninsured driver density.
- Credit history: First-time adult drivers with limited credit files pay 20–40% higher premiums, as Maryland allows credit-based insurance scoring.
- Vehicle type: Insuring a 2020 Honda Civic costs approximately 15–25% less than a 2020 Ford Mustang for the same driver due to theft rates and repair costs.
- Coverage limits: Raising liability from 30/60/15 to 100/300/100 increases premiums by roughly 18–28%, but raising from minimum to 250/500/100 increases premiums by 40–60%.
- Deductible choice: Choosing a $1,000 deductible instead of $500 reduces collision and comprehensive premiums by approximately 12–18%.
Compare car insurance for first-time drivers
Rates are high for new drivers — but the right carrier and discounts can make a real difference.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. Maryland's 30/60/15 minimum is the legal floor, but medical costs and vehicle values far exceed these limits in most serious accidents.
Full Coverage
Bundles liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage. Required by lenders if you finance or lease, and strongly recommended if you cannot afford to replace your vehicle after a total loss.
Comprehensive Coverage
Pays for damage to your car from non-collision events: theft, vandalism, hail, flood, fire, and animal strikes. You choose a deductible; the insurer pays repair costs above that amount up to your car's actual cash value.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills and vehicle damage when you're hit by a driver with no insurance or a hit-and-run driver. Maryland requires this at the same level as your liability unless you reject it in writing.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car after an accident with another vehicle or object, regardless of fault. You select a deductible; the insurer covers the rest up to your car's actual cash value.
