Maryland Car Insurance

Maryland is a modified no-fault state: every auto policy must include both liability coverage and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) unless the named insured signs a written waiver. Layered on top of that is mandatory uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage at the same limits as the bodily-injury liability — making Maryland one of the more comprehensive minimum-coverage states.

Minimum coverage required

Every Maryland auto policy must include:

• Bodily Injury Liability: $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident.
• Property Damage Liability: $15,000 per accident.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $2,500 minimum (waivable in writing).
• Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI): $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident.
• Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD): $15,000 per accident.
• Underinsured Motorist (UIM): at the same liability limits, automatic unless waived.

Shorthand: 30/60/15 + PIP $2,500 + UM 30/60.

Modified no-fault — how it actually works

Maryland's PIP requirement gives the policyholder access to medical and lost-wage benefits regardless of fault, up to the $2,500 (or higher chosen) limit. Unlike pure no-fault states (Florida, Michigan), Maryland does not restrict the right to sue an at-fault driver. Maryland injured drivers can sue the at-fault driver for damages above PIP, with no tort threshold to clear. PIP simply provides faster access to medical benefits without waiting for fault determination.

The PIP waiver

Maryland is one of the few states that allows the named insured to waive PIP coverage in writing at policy initiation. Waiving PIP saves a small amount on premium ($30-$80/year typically) but shifts all medical costs to other coverage (liability, UM, health insurance, or out of pocket) at the time of a crash. Most Maryland insurance brokers recommend keeping PIP — it's small money for substantial protection. The waiver is permanent for that policy and does not transfer to a new policy.

UM/UIM at same liability limits

Maryland law requires UM/UIM at the same limits as the policy's bodily-injury liability — a default that protects the insured from drivers who carry only the state minimum (or no insurance at all). The named insured can lower UM/UIM to the state-minimum 30/60 in writing, but cannot waive it entirely. About 13% of Maryland drivers are estimated to be uninsured, making UM/UIM a critical layer for in-state coverage.

Recommended limits

The 30/60/15 minimum is genuinely tight for serious crashes — modern medical costs and vehicle replacement values blow through these limits quickly. Most Maryland insurance brokers recommend:

• 100/300/100 liability for typical drivers.
• Higher PIP ($5,000-$10,000) for drivers without strong health insurance.
• UM/UIM at the same elevated limits as liability.
• An umbrella policy ($1M-$2M) for higher-asset households.

SR-22 after a DUI/DWI

Drivers convicted of a DUI or DWI in Maryland, or with insurance-lapse suspensions, must file an SR-22 with the Maryland MVA. The SR-22 is filed by the insurance carrier directly with the MVA and certifies that the driver has continuous coverage at or above state minimums. Requirements:

• Filing typically required for 3 years after a DUI/DWI conviction (longer for repeat or aggravated offenses).
• SR-22 carriers report any policy lapse to the MVA, which immediately re-suspends the license.
• Premiums on SR-22 policies typically run 50-200% higher than standard rates for 3+ years.
• Standard carriers (Geico, State Farm, Allstate, Progressive) offer SR-22 filings; high-risk carriers (Dairyland, The General) specialize in SR-22 customers.

Maryland Auto Insurance Fund (MAIF)

For drivers turned down by standard insurers, Maryland operates the Maryland Auto Insurance Fund (MAIF) — a state-run insurer of last resort. MAIF accepts drivers with bad records, recent DUIs, multiple at-fault crashes, or other factors that disqualify them from the voluntary market. MAIF premiums are higher than standard market rates but lower than several private high-risk carriers; the fund operates independently and is funded by premiums, not state taxes.

Insurance verification

Maryland uses an electronic insurance verification system. Carriers transmit policy data to the MVA in real time; gaps in coverage are detected automatically. After a 30-day insurance gap, the MVA suspends the registration and may eventually suspend the driver's license. Reinstating requires showing current insurance, paying daily lapse fees ($7-$10/day), and possibly attending an MVA hearing. See Maryland suspended license.

How rates are set in Maryland

Maryland insurers consider:

• The driver's driving record — especially recent points and at-fault crashes.
• Credit-based insurance scores (allowed in Maryland with restrictions).
• Vehicle make, model, age, and ZIP code (urban Baltimore and DC suburbs run higher).
• Annual mileage and primary use (commute, pleasure, business).
• Years of continuous coverage and prior carrier loyalty.

For the points side of insurance pricing, see Maryland point system. For DUI-related insurance impacts, see Maryland DUI and DWI laws.