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Maryland Requirements & the MVA
Required coverage, lapses, FR-19s and moving to Maryland.
What car insurance is required in Maryland?
Every vehicle registered in Maryland must carry liability insurance of at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury and $15,000 for property damage. Policies must also include uninsured motorist coverage, and insurers must offer personal injury protection (PIP). The insurer must be licensed in Maryland.
What is PIP and can I waive it?
Personal injury protection pays medical bills and lost wages for you and your passengers no matter who caused the accident. Maryland insurers must offer at least $2,500 of PIP. You may be able to waive it in some situations, but keeping it is usually worth the small cost.
What is uninsured motorist coverage?
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage protects you when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough insurance. Maryland requires it, and you can choose higher or enhanced limits so your coverage matches your own liability limits.
What happens if my insurance lapses in Maryland?
Your insurance company notifies the MVA electronically. The MVA charges a fine for every day the vehicle was uninsured and can suspend your registration and tags. If you no longer need the car, turn in the plates before canceling insurance.
What is an FR-19 and how do I get one?
An FR-19 is a certification that a vehicle is insured. The MVA may ask for one to resolve an insurance lapse case. As licensed agents, we can submit an eFR-19 to the MVA for our clients.
Does Maryland use SR-22 insurance?
Maryland generally does not use the SR-22 form for its own drivers; insurance is verified electronically through the MVA. If another state requires an SR-22 from you, call us and we will find an insurance company that can file it.
Can I keep my out-of-state insurance after moving to Maryland?
Once your vehicle is registered in Maryland it must be insured by a company licensed in Maryland. When you move here, update your policy to a Maryland policy before or when you register the car.
Rates, High-Risk Drivers & Quotes
Getting covered and paying less as a Maryland driver.
Where can high-risk drivers get insurance in Maryland?
We start by shopping standard and non-standard insurance companies. If no private company will offer coverage, Maryland Auto Insurance (the state's insurer of last resort) may be an option, and we can help with that application too.
Does Maryland require insurance on a car I am not driving?
Yes. Maryland requires insurance on every registered vehicle, even if it is parked. If you are storing a car long term, talk to us about turning in the plates or keeping comprehensive-only coverage where allowed.
Why is car insurance so expensive in Maryland?
Rates reflect repair and medical costs, traffic density, theft and claims in your area, plus your vehicle, driving record and coverage choices. Because each insurance company prices risk differently, shopping multiple companies is the most effective way to save.
How much car insurance should I really carry?
We usually recommend liability limits well above the state minimum, such as 100/300/100 or higher, especially if you own a home or have savings. An umbrella policy can add another $1 million or more for a modest cost.
Does my Maryland policy cover me in DC and Virginia?
Yes. Your auto policy follows you when you drive in other states, and it automatically meets the minimum limits of the state you are driving in.
Do I need to tell my insurer if I get a ticket?
Your insurance company will usually see violations when it checks your motor vehicle record at renewal. Keeping your agent informed lets us shop your policy proactively if your rate is likely to change.
How do I get a Maryland auto insurance quote?
Use our free quote form or call (301) 386-0900. We compare top insurance companies like Progressive, Travelers, Nationwide, GEICO and more to find the right coverage at the best price.
