Understanding Maryland Auto Insurance Requirements

When driving on Maryland public roads, you are required to carry auto insurance. Driving without insurance can lead to disastrous consequences, even if you aren’t in an accident. While drivers can customize their own policies, there is a minimum requirement for Maryland auto insurance. Failure to meet this requirement could cause financial and legal complications.

Finding Maryland Auto Insurance

Finding the right insurance policy isn’t always easy. Because insurance companies are private businesses, they have the right to deny you coverage for any reason. Most insurances, for example, will deny coverage to drivers that have a history of getting into accidents. Even if you weren’t the at-fault driver, collisions can greatly impact your insurance eligibility and premiums.

But since it’s a legal requirement to carry auto insurance, the state of Maryland does offer insurance policies for high-risk drivers. If you can prove that you were denied coverage by two or more insurance companies, then MAIF (Maryland Auto Insurance Fund) could help you get the coverage you need.

The Minimum Requirements

As a Maryland driver, you’re required to carry minimum insurance coverage for personal injury and property damage. Drivers must have a policy that covers at least:

• $30,000 for bodily injury per person
• $60,000 for bodily injury for two or more people
• $15,000 for property damage

You must have coverage in all three categories of those minimums to meet the legal requirements. Drivers may, of course, choose to get more extensive coverage from additional insurance plans.

The Dangers of Driving Uninsured

Driving without proper insurance is a serious issue. If you get into an accident, you could be paying out-of-pocket for injury and damages, even if the incident wasn’t your fault. More than that, driving without insurance is a ticketable offense. If you are found driving uninsured, you could face severe penalties, such as vehicle registration suspension and fines of up to $150/day (with an annual maximum of $2500). Making sure you have the right insurance is crucial to help avoid costly accidents or tickets.

Where to Get Affordable Insurance

If you struggle to find an insurance company that will cover your legal requirements, MAIF could be able to help. We provide affordable insurance policies for drivers regardless of their driving history or risk-factor. Contact your local MAIF insurance provider to get a free quote and ensure you have the coverage you need to legally drive in Maryland.