Note from the editor: Perhaps you are looking for car insurance for your first time, or want to shop for insurance to lower your monthly premium. This article is a good starting point to your research on car insurance. There are many factors that affect the cost of car insurance. While you might not be able to see exact premiums, they will give you an idea about the best rates available in your area.
Marylanders need to have car insurance, regardless of whether they drive the Historic National Road or Beltway.
Are you getting the most value? We compared rates from several insurance companies to determine the average cost of car coverage and found the best basic-coverage options available for Maryland drivers.
Except where noted, our calculations were based on a fairly neutral driver profile. This means that there was no accident, ticket, or claim. This allows us to compare auto insurance companies evenly and calculate the average state-level cost of minimum coverage (see our complete methodology). We know that not all drivers are the same. Your rates will vary depending on many factors, including age, vehicle type and mileage, as well as coverage options. We also found the most affordable options for drivers with differing needs.
Continue reading to find out Maryland’s average car-insurance rates. We also have our findings on the best options for minimal coverage.
Car insurance costs in Maryland
The average monthly premium for minimum-coverage Maryland car insurance is just over $75. However, it can rise to the $200s depending on what type of coverage you choose and who your driver profile is.
Monthly average auto insurance premiums in Maryland
|
Driver and coverage |
Avg. Monthly cost |
|---|---|
| Maryland offers full-coverage auto insurance | $227.07 |
| Maryland’s minimum state-required car insurance | $88.95 |
| Maryland drivers with bad credit | $139.80 |
| Maryland drivers with multiple claims | $75.44 |
| Young drivers in Maryland | $153.81 |
Based upon our standard driver profile, minimum coverage, and unless otherwise noted
The cheapest car insurance in Maryland
Cumberland Insurance Group was the most affordable basic auto insurance policy for our standard Maryland driver profile. It also covers a wide variety of Maryland driver needs.
We based these rates on an individual driver profile, as detailed in our methodology. This gives you an idea of what it would cost to drive an average car. Except where noted, the Maryland driver is 36-45 years old, has no tickets or coverage gaps, has a car worth $20,000-$30,000, and has a 680-719 credit score. Rates will vary depending on your driver profile. We calculated minimum coverage rates for different driver needs.
These are the Maryland’s five cheapest car insurers for basic coverage.
1. Cumberland Insurance Group
Cumberland Mutual, also known as Cumberland Insurance Group could provide Maryland driver profile insurance starting at $46.50 per monthly for basic coverage. Cumberland offers coverage for bodily injuries and property damage, collisions and uninsured or underinsured motorists. They also offer medical payments, towing and labor costs, and basic coverage. You might also be eligible for discounts for bundling policies or certain anti-theft/safety devices. Cumberland also offers forgiveness for first-accidents.
2. USAA
Our Maryland driver profile could pay $60.78 per month for minimum-coverage auto insurance through USAA. USAA offers insurance and other benefits for U.S. military personnel and their families. Drivers can also add collision, comprehensive, liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. USAA offers several discounts and the SafePilot usage-based policy.
Review USAA auto insurance.
3. Erie
Erie could offer minimum coverage car insurance rates starting at $61.50 per monthly for a Maryland driver profile. Erie offers car insurance through a network that includes more than 13,000 agents. They also offer a rate lock program which ensures that drivers have the same rate every year, regardless of whether they add, change, or remove a driver or address. You get all the standard coverage, plus additional coverage such as windshield repair, first accident forgiveness, pet injury coverage, and travel expense insurance.
Review Erie auto insurance.
4. Geico
Geico could offer basic-coverage Maryland driver profiles car insurance starting at $63.25 per monthly. Geico offers a variety of coverage options, discounts, 24/7 customer service, claims access, and a robust mobile application. Geico also offers vehicle insurance for boats, motorcycles, RVs, ATVs, and collector cars.
Review Geico insurance.
5. Travelers
Our Maryland driver profile could be eligible for insurance from Travelers at $69.83 per month, for minimum coverage. Travelers provides a complete suite of coverage options as well as add-ons such as roadside assistance, rideshare insurance, gap insurance, and rental coverage. Drivers can also save up to 30% on their safe driving premium by joining the Travelers IntelliDrive program.
Review Travelers Auto Insurance.
The cheapest full-coverage auto insurance in Maryland
Full coverage covers bodily injury, property loss, uninsured driver, personal injury protection, collision, and comprehensive coverages. Maryland requires a minimum of 30/60/15 auto coverage. This is not considered to be full coverage. Your lender might require full coverage if you have a vehicle loan.
These companies offer the best rates for full-coverage insurance.
5 Best Full-Coverage Car Insurance Companies in Maryland
|
1 |
Cumberland Insurance Group |
$117.17 |
|
2 |
USAA |
$137.56 |
|
3 |
Penn National |
$139.83 |
|
4 |
Travelers |
$168.42 |
|
5 |
Erie |
$173.25 |
Based upon our standard driver profile, seeking full coverage in Maryland rather than minimum coverage
The cheapest state-minimum auto insurance in Maryland
State-minimum insurance, as its name suggests, is the simplest coverage that you can have according to Maryland law. Although state-minimum insurance usually has lower premiums than other types of insurance, you might end up spending more if there is an accident or significant damage.
These are the five most affordable insurers for drivers who need minimum coverage.
The cheapest car insurance providers in Maryland that offer state-minimum coverage
|
1 |
Cumberland Insurance Group |
$46.50 |
|
2 |
USAA |
$60.78 |
|
3 |
Erie |
$61.50 |
|
4 |
Geico |
$63.25 |
|
5 |
Travelers |
$69.83 |
Based upon our standard driver profile, seeking minimum coverage for Maryland
Best car insurance for people with good credit in Maryland
Your credit score is one of the many factors that can affect your car insurance costs. Drivers with excellent credit score pay less for insurance premiums than drivers with bad credit.
You may be able to find basic-coverage insurance at the lowest price if you have better credit ratings.
The cheapest car insurance in Maryland for people with good credit
|
1 |
Cumberland Insurance Group |
$44.81 |
|
2 |
Erie |
$47.75 |
|
3 |
USAA |
$52.47 |
|
4 |
Travelers |
$54.72 |
|
5 |
Geico |
$55.00 |
Based upon our standard driver profile, adjusted so that basic-coverage rates are displayed for Maryland drivers with a credit score greater than 720
Lowest car insurance for people with poor credit in Maryland
Insurers may consider drivers with bad credit to be more risky and charge them more for insurance. Remember that credit is just one factor in determining the cost for car insurance. There are other ways to lower your costs, such as maintaining a clean driving record, choosing the right amount of coverage, and keeping your credit score under control.
These are the five lowest-cost car insurance companies in Maryland for drivers with less than perfect credit. They are based on minimum coverage rates.
5 Best Car Insurance Companies in Maryland for People with Poor Credit
|
1 |
Cumberland Insurance Group |
$70.42 |
|
2 |
Geico |
$95.25 |
|
3 |
Maryland Auto Insurance Fund |
$108.00 |
|
4 |
Nationwide |
$113.00 |
|
5 |
Travelers |
$113.83 |
Based upon our standard driver profile, modified to show basic-coverage rates Maryland drivers with a credit score of less than 580
Cheapest car Insurance for Drivers with Multiple Claims in Maryland
When calculating your insurance premium, insurance companies will also consider your claims history. Car insurance premiums will be lower for drivers who have no previous claims history than those with multiple claims.
These insurance companies offer the lowest basic-coverage rates to drivers who have multiple claims.
5 Best Car Insurance Companies in Maryland for Multiple Claims
|
1 |
Cumberland Insurance Group |
$61.42 |
|
2 |
Travelers |
$119.17 |
|
3 |
Geico |
$122.42 |
|
4 |
Erie |
$128.92 |
|
5 |
Allstate |
$163.58 |
Based upon our standard driver profile, modified to show minimum-coverage rates Maryland drivers with two claims rather than zero
Cheapest car Insurance for Young Drivers in Maryland
Insurance prices can be affected by your age. Insurance companies view younger drivers as more risky, which is why policies for younger drivers tend to be more expensive.
These five insurers may offer basic-coverage insurance for those aged between 18 and 21.
The cheapest car insurance in Maryland for young drivers
|
1 |
Cumberland Insurance Group |
$79.08 |
|
2 |
Travelers |
$88.92 |
|
3 |
Geico |
$96.11 |
|
4 |
Allstate |
$110.29 |
|
5 |
Erie |
$120.71 |
Based upon our standard driver profile, modified to show minimum coverage rates for Maryland drivers aged 18-21 instead of 36-45
Maryland car insurance requirements
Maryland law prohibits drivers from driving without insurance. Maryland requires that drivers have insurance coverage of at least $30,000 per driver and $60,000 per accident for bodily injuries. Additional $15,000 is required for property damage. Your lender might require stronger coverage if you lease your vehicle.
Maryland has usage-based insurance.
Usage-based insurance, also known as vehicle insurance, allows customers to pay premiums according to their driving habits. Maryland drivers might be eligible to take advantage their insurance provider’s UBI, also known as telematics insurance or pay-as you-drive insurance programs, to lower their premiums for safe driving or low mileage driving.
FAQs regarding the lowest car insurance rates in Maryland
Is Maryland a state of no-fault?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, Maryland is considered an additional state. Maryland is not considered a state that is truly no-fault. However, drivers in Maryland may still be eligible for some compensation from their insurance company in the event they are involved in an accident. This includes things such as medical bills and wage loss.
What is the cost of car insurance in Maryland per calendar month?
Maryland’s average monthly premiums for car coverage range from less than $75 for basic coverage to the $200s depending on what type of coverage is chosen and who the driver is.
What is the cost of a ticket without insurance in Maryland?
Maryland drivers without insurance could be subject to fines of up to $150 and $2,500 respectively, as well as additional fees. If you have a suspended registration, your registration could be suspended and your vehicle impounded.
Methodology
Based on a profile of a Maryland driver between 36 and 45, the rates shown in this article are the lowest possible for minimum coverage. The rates shown assume that there is only one driver on the policy, with no driving tickets and no coverage lapses. This estimate assumes that the vehicle is worth between $20,000 to $30,000 with an annual mileage of 12,000-15,000 and has an annual value between $20,000 and $30,000 Rates for insurance for good credit are based on scores of 720 and higher. Rates for insurance for people with poor credit range from 350 to 579. The estimated rates for young drivers are those aged 18-21. Rates for multiple claims are based on two claims.
Quadrant Information Services provides rates every six months. Quadrant Information Services does not include all insurance companies in the rate data. These rates are estimates and are not intended to be used as a comparison or frame of reference. Rates can vary depending on many factors such as your age, driving habits, and past.
Full coverage car insurance covers bodily injury, property damages, personal injury protection, collision, and comprehensive coverages. Maryland’s 30/60/15 insurance policy is included in the average monthly premium for minimum car insurance.