Cheapest Car Insurance in Maryland (Nov 2024)

Written by Kianna Walpole and 2 others
Nov 22, 2024
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Cheapest Car Insurance in Maryland (Nov 2024)

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How to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in Maryland

The average cost of car insurance in Maryland is approximately $91 per month for liability-only coverage, and $192 per month for full coverage. Compared to the national average, Maryland drivers pay 15% for car insurance.

Keep in mind, this is an average, and not necessarily what you’ll pay. To find what your premium costs, you need to start by comparing quotes. Only, with dozens of popular insurance companies to choose from, finding the best rate can be tricky—but not with Jerry.

Thousands of Maryland drivers trust Jerry Insurance Agency to help them find the best rates on car insurance without the hassle.

Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Car
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
Progressive $517 Eva, 33, Baltimore, MD Nissan Sentra S State Minimum Yes
Electric $266 Jay, 46, Baltimore, MD Infiniti G37 State Minimum Yes
Progressive $368 Mollie, 58, Windsor Mill, MD Ford F-150 Svt Raptor State Minimum Yes
Gainsco $514 Chester, 24, Baltimore, MD Ford Taurus X Sel State Minimum No
Gainsco $92 Dennis, 34, Hagerstown, MD Dodge Nitro Slt State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Cheapest car insurance companies in Maryland

If you’re looking for the best car insurance, Jerry conducted a national insurance survey to uncover the best providers for drivers.

The study found that there’s no “best” or “cheapest” insurance provider for all drivers. Every insurance company emphasizes different variables to calculate rates, so not every company will offer the same rate for the same driving profile.

In Maryland, customers rated Kemper the highest for customer satisfaction, claims processing, and policy cost, but ROOT, USAA, State Farm, and Travelers also scored well.

Here’s what drivers have to say about these insurance providers.

Insurance CompanyDateCost rating (out of 5)What our customer said:
FarmersNovember 7, 20244“It started the 19th of October but I love how easy Jerry help me to sign up.”
-Sean
AllstateNovember 3, 20244“They gave me a super rate for both vehicles”
-Jeffrey
MercuryNovember 2, 20244“Clear Cover has great customer service, I had an issue with a payment for my insurance which was not posting in the C…(read more)”
-Johnny
AAAOctober 29, 20245“I love this. I’m not paying and arm and a leg to keep my vehicle on the road “
-Beatrice
DirectAutoOctober 26, 20244“Help me with a great deal “
-Belle

How’d we get these scores?

Jerry’s experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.

To find car insurance quotes online without the hassle of phone calls and emails, the most convenient method is to use a comparison app or website.

Jerry is the country’s leading car insurance comparison app, making finding and comparing insurance quotes online quick and hassle-free. Jerry partners with more than 50 top providers and has 100+ licensed insurance agents to help you find the best coverage for the best rate, 24/7.

Minimum car insurance requirements for liability and full coverage in Maryland

To legally drive in Maryland, all drivers must meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements before getting behind the wheel. Maryland only requires drivers to purchase liability car insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), and personal injury protection (PIP), but they may also choose to purchase full-coverage auto insurance for greater financial protection.

Cheapest minimum liability coverage in Maryland

Maryland’s car insurance laws require drivers to carry minimum liability insurance that follows a 30/60/15 pattern—drivers must have the following:

On average, Maryland drivers pay around $91 per month, or $1,090 per year for a minimum coverage policy. Although these rates are affordable, they are 16% more costly than the national average.

Do you need more than the minimum liability insurance coverage in Maryland?

Maryland law mandates that drivers must have liability insurance that meets the minimum coverage car insurance requirements, in addition to UM/UIM and PIP. While the coverage limits are higher than in some states, drivers should purchase insurance coverage that exceeds the 30/60/15 minimum.

Medical bills and vehicle damages can easily exceed the state-mandated minimum if you’re involved in an at-fault accident. A serious crash where your car is totaled can leave you with a bill of more than $50,000, meaning you’re on the hook for paying anything above the state minimum.

For better financial protection, Maryland drivers should consider purchasing a full-coverage policy—or at least increasing their liability insurance limit to 50/100/50 or even 100/200/100.

Cheapest full coverage Maryland auto insurance quotes

Generally, a full coverage policy costs about $192 per month, or $2,299 annually—which is currently 15% more than the national average. However, the benefits attached to a full coverage policy can’t be understated.

Buying a full coverage car insurance policy is one of the quickest and easiest ways to protect yourself against costs associated with vehicle repair or replacement if you’re involved in an accident.

A full coverage policy in Maryland usually includes comprehensive and collision coverage:

  • Collision insurance: Covers the cost of repairs to your vehicle or, in the event of a total loss, will issue you the fair market value of your car before the accident. Collision coverage is subject to a deductible.
  • Comprehensive insurance: Covers the cost of damages to your car resulting from causes other than an accident, including theft, vandalism, glass breakage not resulting from an accident, or hitting an animal or sign with a car. This coverage is also subject to a deductible.

If you lease your vehicle, most lenders will require you to purchase a full coverage policy that includes collision and comprehensive coverage.

Here are a few recent examples where Jerry helped Maryland drivers find affordable full-coverage insurance policies.

Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Car
State Minimum Yes Progressive $517 Eva, 33, Baltimore, MD Nissan Sentra S
State Minimum Yes Electric $266 Jay, 46, Baltimore, MD Infiniti G37
State Minimum Yes Progressive $368 Mollie, 58, Windsor Mill, MD Ford F-150 Svt Raptor
State Minimum No Gainsco $514 Chester, 24, Baltimore, MD Ford Taurus X Sel
State Minimum No Gainsco $92 Dennis, 34, Hagerstown, MD Dodge Nitro Slt
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Maryland car insurance: Additional coverages

Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection and personal injury protection (PIP) are mandatory in Maryland. Drivers are required, at minimum, to have uninsured motorist coverage of $30,000 per person per accident and $60,000 total per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 per accident for property damage.2 Drivers are also required to purchase minimum PIP coverage of $2,500.

In addition to the required coverages in Maryland, here are some other types of insurance coverages to consider:

  • Medical payments (MedPay) (usually won’t kick in until your PIP is exhausted)
  • Rental reimbursement
  • Towing and labor
  • Transportation expense

If you have a loan on your car: Gap insurance will cover the difference between the car’s actual cash value and the amount you still owe if the vehicle is totaled in a crash or stolen.


Learn more: Types of insurance


Car insurance premium by rating factors

Insurance providers use rating factors to determine premiums for various age groups. Some of the most common factors affecting rates include:

  • Driving record and claims history: Insurance companies charge more if you have accidents or tickets on your driving record.
  • Vehicle location: Rates for drivers in cities are usually higher than in rural areas. Rates also vary based on your ZIP code, even in the same city.
  • Vehicle make and model: Luxury, high-performance, and sports cars have higher insurance premiums than non-luxury and less expensive ones.
  • How you use your car: Cars driven for work generally have higher insurance premiums than cars driven for leisure.
  • Your credit score: Some states look at credit score before quoting insurance premiums—drivers with higher credit scores usually pay less for the same insurance coverage.

How to find cheap Maryland car insurance if you’re a high-risk driver

Whether major or minor, a driving violation on you record can have significant implications for your car insurance rates.

A driver with violations on their driving record is considered a “high-risk driver” and is subject to higher insurance rates.

Cheapest car insurance for Maryland drivers with a speeding ticket

The penalty for speeding in Maryland depends on how fast you were driving over the posted limit, but all cases of speeding come with a fine and driving points in your record:

Amount over speed limitFineDemerit points
Minor speeding$901 demerit point
1-9 mph over limit$801 demerit point
10-19 mph over limit$902 demerit points
20-29 mph over limit$1602 demerit points
30-39 mph over limit$2905 demerit points
40+ mph over limit$5305 demerit points

Speeding tickets are never ideal and can do serious damage to your driving record, and your rates. Drivers in Maryland who have a speeding ticket on their driving history can experience rate increases as high as $265 per month for full coverage.

But just because that’s the average rate increase, it doesn’t mean that’s what you have to pay—with Jerry, it’s possible to find cheaper premiums even with violations.

Check out the table below for real-life examples of how Jerry helped Maryland drivers with speeding tickets save on car insurance.

Speeding Type
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Speeding Violation-Minor Progressive $318 Max, 45, Waldorf, MD State Minimum Yes
Speeding 1-5 Electric $486 Mildred, 40, New Windsor, MD State Minimum Yes
Speeding Violation-Minor Bristol West $575 Alejandro, 30, Silver Spring, MD State Minimum Yes
Speeding 21+ Electric $559 James, 31, Upper Marlboro, MD State Minimum Yes
Speeding 16-20 Gainsco $312 Timothy, 34, Glen Burnie, MD State Minimum Yes
Last Updated Nov, 2024

How to find cheap Maryland auto insurance after a DUI

A serious traffic violation like a DUI in Maryland can considerably increase your car insurance premium, as a DUI lumps you into the “high-risk driver” category. If an insurer is willing to insure you, you’ll typically pay a much higher premium than drivers without a DUI—approximately $256 per month, compared to the average $192 for full coverage.

The best way to secure an affordable rate with a DUI on your record is to shop around for car insurance quotes from various providers.

Maryland SR-22 insurance

If you have a major violation on your Maryland driving record you may need to file an SR-22 before you can regain your license. Insurance providers issue SR-22s to high-risk drivers as proof that they carry the minimum required car insurance in Maryland.

SR-22s are usually required for the following violations:

  • Driving without insurance
  • Driving without a valid driver’s license
  • DUI or DWI conviction
  • Hit-and-run
  • Reckless driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Repeated driving violations
  • An at-fault collision leading to death or injury

Once you have an SR-22 certificate, your premium costs will increase—and in Maryland, it’s generally a substantial amount. Most drivers in Maryland with an SR-22 certificate pay an average of $254 per month for full coverage car insurance.

But don’t lose hope. While it may be difficult to find insurance with an SR-22, you can still get cheaper than average rates using Jerry.

How to find cheap car insurance in Maryland after an at-fault accident

Your driving record has a significant impact on how much you pay for car insurance, and if you have any at-fault accidents, you’ll likely see a higher rate. Insurers look at any at-fault accidents you’ve had to determine how much of a risk you are. The more at-fault accidents, the more high-risk you are. When it’s time to renew your policy, you’ll likely see an increase in your premium.

Accident Type
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Insurance Coverage
Has Full Coverage
At Fault With No Injury Electric $266 Jay, 46, Baltimore, MD State Minimum Yes
Not At Fault Progressive $368 Mollie, 58, Windsor Mill, MD State Minimum Yes
At Fault With Injury Gainsco $885 Birdie, 26, Owings Mills, MD State Minimum Yes
Not At Fault Bristol West $665 Amelia, 40, Columbia, MD State Minimum Yes
At Fault With No Injury Electric $407 Florence, 77, Takoma Park, MD State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024
  • Is Maryland a no-fault state?

Cheapest auto insurance after other violations in Maryland

A DUI or speeding ticket can lead to a spike in car insurance rates for Maryland drivers. However, it’s not just major violations that cause increases. Failing to stop at a stop sign, driving without insurance, or driving without a license are all violations that can increase premiums.

The table below showcases other violations and their average monthly costs in Maryland.

ViolationAverage monthly coverage cost
Illegal turn$169
Driving on suspended license$203
Operating vehicle without permission$220
Careless driving$260

Check out some examples of how Jerry helped drivers with violations find affordable insurance.

Violation
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
Other Minor Bristol West $1,027 Effie, 29, Baltimore, MD State Minimum Yes
Other Minor Progressive $666 Lena, 21, Elkton, MD State Minimum Yes
Improper Passing Progressive $594 Agnes, 41, Glen Burnie, MD State Minimum Yes
Other Minor Bristol West $267 Todd, 35, Baltimore, MD State Minimum No
Other Minor Gainsco $396 Clayton, 32, Gwynn Oak, MD State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Cheapest Maryland auto insurance based on insurance history

Your insurance history—or how long you’ve had insurance—is also used to determine your auto insurance rate. The longer you’ve been continuously insured, the lower your car insurance premium will be.

Insurers want to know that you haven’t had a lapse in insurance coverage, which can label you as a “high-risk driver” and cause a drastic increase in your insurance premium. Did you know that on average, drivers with a lapse in their coverage pay around $385 per month for full coverage policies at renewal or reinstatement?

However, with Jerry, you will be notified when a payment is coming up to help you avoid missing a payment or having a lapse in insurance coverage.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with poor credit

Not every state uses credit score to determine car insurance premiums, but they can be used to determine the likelihood of a driver filing a claim. In Maryland, insurance companies can consider credit scores when setting premiums—but they can’t deny you coverage, cancel your policy, or increase rates upon renewal.

On average, drivers with scores under 600 pay rates that are 42% higher than drivers with scores over 700. If you have a poor credit score and want cheap car insurance, shopping around with a comparison app or website can help you find the best rate.

Credit Range
Insurance Company
Premium (monthly)
Customer
Car
Liability Limits
Has Full Coverage
660-750 Progressive $517 Eva, 33, Baltimore, MD Nissan Sentra S State Minimum Yes
550-659 Electric $266 Jay, 46, Baltimore, MD Infiniti G37 State Minimum Yes
550-659 Progressive $368 Mollie, 58, Windsor Mill, MD Ford F-150 Svt Raptor State Minimum Yes
550-659 Gainsco $514 Chester, 24, Baltimore, MD Ford Taurus X Sel State Minimum No
550-659 Gainsco $92 Dennis, 34, Hagerstown, MD Dodge Nitro Slt State Minimum No
Last Updated Nov, 2024

Cheapest Maryland car insurance by age

How much you pay for car insurance depends on many factors, including your age. Drivers 16 to 19 are subject to some of the highest insurance premiums of any age group due to lack of driving experience.

After 25, more driving experience means your car insurance rates will start to decline. They’ll stay at their lowest until you reach your 60s, when your premiums will start to increase again.

USAA, GEICO, and Travelers generally offer affordable rates for drivers, but it still pays to shop around to find the best rate for you.

Cheapest Maryland car insurance for young drivers

Teen drivers aged 16-19 tend to have the highest insurance rate of any age bracket in Maryland. Less road experience leads to a higher risk of accidents and, therefore, a higher risk of claims.

Teen drivers under 18 pay an average of $633 per month for minimum coverage, compared to drivers 18 to 21, who pay around $365 per month. For a full coverage policy, these rates increase to $712 per month and $670 per month respectively.

While premiums tend to decrease by age 25, until then, young drivers can share a policy with a household member, and look into student discounts to achieve lower costs.

Still, because of the added risk that comes with being a new driver, we recommend drivers under 19 purchase a full-coverage policy that offers more financial protection.


Learn more: The best cheap car insurance for teens


Cheapest Maryland car insurance for senior drivers

Although senior drivers may have an abundance of driving experience, car insurance rates are at their highest for drivers 60+.

That’s because seniors are at a higher risk of mortality, hospitalization, and medical expenses from car accidents—and they also have slower reflexes that increase the risk of accidents. A higher risk on the road means higher costs for insurers and higher premiums for older drivers.

In Maryland, senior drivers between 55 and 64 pay approximately $100 per month for minimum coverage, while those 65 and over pay an average of $103 per month. The same pattern also shows in full coverage costs, with drivers paying $203 per month and $208 per month respectively.

How to find car insurance discounts in Maryland for your motor vehicle

Your vehicle’s make and model can heavily influence the cost of car insurance. Generally, the more expensive your car is, the more expensive insurance will be. Other factors associated with your car that can increase insurance rates include:

  • Repair or replacement costs
  • Likelihood of theft
  • Safety rating

Take a look at the table below to see the average cost of car insurance for a few of Maryland’s most popular vehicles:

Vehicle typeaAverage monthly coverage cost
Honda CR-V$153
Honda Civic$173
Honda Accord$189
Toyota Camry$190
Nissan Altima$219

Learn more: How to get car insurance before buying a car


Is it cheaper to insure a new car or a used car?

While the value of a car generally decreases with age, insurance doesn’t always follow suit. Insurance rates are determined by how much an insurer would have to pay if the car was damaged, so a more expensive car with higher repair costs means a higher insurance rate.

Newer cars with more safety features can also help to lower rates.

Generally speaking, newer cars are more expensive to insure than older cars. At Jerry, we found that Maryland’s average full coverage insurance cost for a car older than 10 years is $2,130 per year in Maryland. The average cost for insuring a car less than 4 years old goes up to $2,601 a year.

How to find cheap car insurance in Maryland in your city

Your location can also influence how much you pay for car insurance. Certain areas are subject to higher crime rates, which means a larger payout for insurance companies. Urban areas also see higher insurance rates than rural areas.

On top of that, where you park your car also contributes. If your car is parked in a secure location, there’s less risk of damage or theft, so you may see a lower insurance rate than drivers who park on the street.

In addition to crime, factors like population density, accident rates, and weather also influence insurance premiums in Maryland.

Check out the table below to see the average monthly cost for the cheapest zip codes in Maryland.

Cheapest ZIP codesAverage monthly coverage cost
21666$31
21152$40
21917$40
21640$41
21669$41

Check out the table below to see the average monthly cost for the cheapest zip codes in Maryland.

Most expensive ZIP codesAverage monthly coverage cost
20757$228
21223$234
21205$245
21284$255
21084$374
21733$397

How to lower the cost of car insurance in Maryland

Finding affordable car insurance can be tricky, but with the right tips, you can find the best rate without sacrificing coverage. Jerry’s team of experts has gathered the best tips to help you save on car insurance:

  • Shop around and compare quotes between auto insurance companies.
  • Look at insurance policy costs before buying a car.
  • Increase your deductible for comprehensive and collision insurance.
  • Reduce coverage on older vehicles.
  • Bundle your car and homeowners insurance to get a discount.
  • Improve your credit score.
  • Take a defensive driving course.
  • Ask about car insurance discounts, such as good driver discounts, online payment discounts, or low mileage discounts.

Learn more: 11 Ways to lower car insurance


Why is car insurance so expensive in Maryland?

Maryland is the fifth-most expensive state for car insurance. Here are some contributing factors to high insurance rates:

  • High highway density
  • Large urban population density
  • High state minimum car insurance requirements
  • High vehicle theft rates
  • High uninsured driver rate

FAQ

  • How much is car insurance in Maryland?
  • Who has the best cheap car insurance in Maryland?
  • Can you get car insurance without a license in Maryland?
  • What is the cheapest form of insurance in Maryland?
  • Do you need insurance to register a car in Maryland?
  • What is the minimum car insurance required in Maryland?
  • Do I need uninsured/underinsured motorist protection in Maryland?
  • Does insurance follow the car or the driver in Maryland?
  • What does full coverage car insurance consist of in Maryland?
  • Can you have out-of-state car insurance in Maryland?
  • Is PIP required in Maryland?
MEET OUR EXPERTS
meet-experts-thumbnail
Kianna Walpole

Kianna Walpole is an insurance writer and editor with a comprehensive background in consumer behavior and online publishing. With experience in car insurance, maintenance, and repair, she is dedicated to building informative content that helps customers reduce costs while achieving the best service. Prior to joining the Jerry editorial team, Kianna worked as a junior editor in the content marketing industry, using consumer data and key insights to create and edit content for an array of large-scale clients in the real estate, cybersecurity, and healthcare industries.

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Sarah Gray

Sarah Gray is an insurance writer with nearly a decade of experience in publishing and writing. Sarah specializes in writing articles that educate car owners and buyers on the full scope of car ownership—from shopping for and buying a new car to scrapping one that’s breathed its last and everything in between. Sarah has authored over 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to how to get a salvage title for a totaled car. Prior to joining Jerry, Sarah was a full-time professor of English literature and composition with multiple academic writing publications.

meet-experts-thumbnail
Josh Damico

As Vice President of Insurance Operations at Jerry, Josh Damico leads teams across product development, operations and carrier relations, integrating Jerry’s smart and fast car insurance customer experience with that of traditional carriers to help customers find savings and coverage. Josh’s nearly 20 years of insurance-industry experience and knowledge generate partnerships with more than 55 name-brand and specialty insurance partners that enable Jerry to serve customers with all types of vehicle and policy needs.

Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. In his most recent role as director of sales, servicing, and underwriting, Josh developed and executed profit and growth strategy for the New England states and New Jersey.

Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College.

Methodology

The Insurance Research Team analyzes insurance products and services to drive insights and help consumers make informed purchase decisions.

Insurance research

We analyzed over 25 million car insurance quotes; conducted the largest insurance shopping survey (over 15,000 customers surveyed and 85 carriers reviewed in the past 18 months).

We surveyed insurance policyholders for their experience with their insurers in the following areas: (1) insurance cost (2) customer service (3) insurance buying experience (4) insurance renewal experience (5) claim experience. In addition, we asked people what they like about their insurers and what areas in which their insurers could improve. The driver characteristics used in calculating average rates for auto insurance include: single driver, single car, currently insured, clean driving record.

For the quotes and sold policies included in this article, please note that personal information has been hidden. Not all customers find savings.

Team

The team consists of licensed insurance agents, insurance industry veterans, and data scientists.

For illustrative purposes only, results may vary

Editorial Note: This article was written by a paid member of Jerry’s editorial team. Statements in this article represent the author’s personal opinions and do not constitute advice or recommendations. You should consult with an insurance professional about your specific circumstances and needs before making any insurance decisions.