Services
Insurance
Loans
Repairs
Advice
About

Why is car insurance so expensive in Maryland?

I plan on moving this fall to Maryland to attend grad school at the University of Maryland. I’m getting off my parents’ car insurance policy and getting my own, but I had no clue how expensive it would be. Why are car insurance costs so high in Maryland?

avatar
Claire Beaney · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Car insurance rates can dramatically change depending on your zip code.
Maryland car insurance
tends to be expensive due to three key factors: high population density, a substantial number of uninsured drivers, and the threat of severe weather:
  • High population density: Maryland has the 10th-highest population density in the country. More drivers on the road can lead to more accidents.
  • Uninsured drivers: As of 2019, over 14% of Maryland drivers were on the road without insurance coverage. This makes plans more expensive for those who buy insurance—and means that
    uninsured motorist coverage
    is a good idea.
  • Inclement weather: Maryland is prone to extreme weather, including hurricanes, tropical storms, and flooding. Weather events can cause large numbers of vehicles to be damaged at once. To offset expensive payouts, insurers raise rates across the board.
Drivers in Maryland pay an average of $2,402 for
liability-only coverage
and $2,717 for a full-coverage policy—which is on the expensive side! But it’s all relative because car insurance is cheaper in Maryland than in
several other states in the nation
.
How much you pay for insurance
will ultimately depend on factors like your location, age, driving history, and the type of vehicle you have. So don’t let the elevated averages for Maryland car insurance discourage you!
View full answer 
WHY YOU CAN TRUST JERRY
Jerry partners with more than 50 insurance companies, but our content is independently researched, written, and fact-checked by our team of editors and agents. We aren’t paid for reviews or other content.

Join 4M+ members in lowering their car insurance

Easiest way to compare and buy car insurance

√
No long forms
√
No spam or unwanted phone calls
√
Quotes from top insurance companies
Find insurance savings