Maryland Auto Insurance - (MD)

If you intend to drive a vehicle in Maryland while staying on the right side of the law, you must abide by some relatively strict regulations regarding minimum auto insurance coverage. While many states require only a minimum level of liability insurance according to the law, and considers other insurance types to be optional, Maryland makes mandatory two other types of insurance: personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured motorist. Given that part of Maryland encompasses the area around DC and Baltimore which are rated as the second most congested in the country, these insurance requirements can be quite a bit more understandable.

Liability Insurance Requirements

As mentioned earlier, liability insurance is only one of three types of insurance coverage you are required to carry while driving in the state. The minimum levels required are:

• $20,000 bodily injury per person
• $40,000 bodily injury per accident
• $15,000 per accident property damage

Uninsured Motorists Coverage

This insurance is designed to make sure that there are no gaps in coverage in the case of an accident where someone will walk away without the protection or coverage they need. By requiring all drivers to carry this type of insurance, they can rest assured that if they are involved in an accident with a person who is in violation of the law and has no insurance and no assets to sue for, they can still be protected for their injuries and damage.

The state law mandates the same minimum levels of coverage for uninsured motorist insurance as they do for liability protection: $20K injury/$40K max injury/$15K property damage.

Personal Injury Protection

Personal Injury Protection (also known as PIP) is a popular type of insurance that protects you if you are involved in an accident that leaves you unable to work. The insurance will pay you a certain amount per month up to the maximum amounts if you unable to work for a period of time. The minimum amount of coverage required is $2,500.

Keep in mind that the levels of insurance required as discussed here are only the minimums and they are unlikely to protect you if you are involved in a serious accident or a lawsuit filed against you for an excessive amount of personal liability. Consider increasing your coverage amounts, especially if you have substantial assets or own a home.

Department Of Maryland (MD) State Government That Regulates Auto Insurance:

Web Site: www.mdinsurance.state.md.us

How To Contact Directly:

Maryland Insurance Admin.
525 Saint Paul Place
Baltimore, MD 21202-2272
Phone: 1-410-468-2000
Toll Free: 1-800-492-6116

Maryland (MD) Mandatory Auto Insurance Minimums

• Liability: 20/40/15 = Bodily Injury Individual/Bodily Injury Total Per Accident/Property Damage
• Other Mandatory Insurance: Personal Injury Protection, Uninsured Motorist
• Regulations Regarding Proof of Insurance: Proof Required - When Obtaining Registration
• Penalties For Not Carrying Mandatory car insurance: Fine up to $1000 and up to one year in jail

How To File A Complaint About An Insurer:

Online Instructions For Filing An Insurance Complaint With The Maryland Insurance Administration

File Online