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J.J. Starr is an insurance and personal finance expert who has been writing for Compare.com since 2022. Her work has been published across the web, appearing on sites such as Insurify.
Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J. was a registered banker and life insurance consultant, holding a Series 6, FINRA, and life insurance license. She also earned a master’s degree in writing from New York University.
J.J. has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
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Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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Maryland has some of the most expensive car insurance rates in the U.S. The average cost of car insurance in Maryland is $271 per month, according to Compare.com data — higher than the national average of $150.
The state’s high minimum liability requirements are a key reason why Maryland drivers pay so much more for car insurance, according to the nonprofit Economic Action Maryland. Still, it’s possible to find cheaper car insurance if you know where to look.
This article breaks down Maryland auto insurance rates by driver profile, coverage type, and location to help you compare your options and find the best rates for your needs.
The cheapest insurer in Maryland is USAA, with monthly rates averaging $117.
Maryland drivers must have 30/60/15 in liability insurance, plus uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages.
Urban areas like Baltimore often see higher insurance premiums due to increased traffic and accident rates, while rural areas in Maryland generally experience lower costs.
Where you live can affect your car insurance costs. So can other factors like your age, coverage levels, and more.
The table below shows average monthly insurance premiums in Maryland for different driver profiles and coverage types and how they compare to the national average, according to Compare.com data.
Driver/Coverage Type  | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| All Maryland drivers | $271 |
| State-minimum coverage | $212 |
| Full coverage | $330 |
| Teens | $435 |
| Seniors | $231 |
| Clean driving record | $271 |
| Recent ticket | $341 |
| Recent at-fault accident | $355 |
| DUI conviction | $410 |
| Poor credit | $307 |
The average Maryland driver pays $271 per month for car insurance. But other factors can have a big effect on rates.
For example, drivers poor credit pay $307, while drivers with a recent speeding ticket pay $341 per month.
Remember that these rates are broad estimates, and your premiums can vary widely based on your unique driving profile, location, and coverage needs.
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Like nearly every U.S. state, Maryland requires all drivers to have car insurance to operate a vehicle legally. Here are the state’s minimum requirements:
Bodily injury liability: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident
Property damage liability: $15,000 per accident
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 in property damage protection
Failure to meet these requirements can result in fines, license suspension, and penalties. For additional details, visit the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration website.
Note that in Maryland, insurance companies must offer at least $2,500 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, which reimburses you for medical expenses and lost wages from an auto accident, regardless of fault.
You can waive PIP coverage, but keep in mind that it can offer protection that your health insurance may not.
While you may meet Maryland’s minimum-coverage requirements, most experts recommend purchasing higher limits to ensure adequate financial protection. And lenders typically require comprehensive and collision coverage if you finance or lease your vehicle.
The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration recommends that you understand your auto coverage options and consider your specific needs when selecting insurance policies.
When in doubt, opt for higher coverage levels. You can also consider getting an umbrella policy.
No matter the average rate, you can always find ways to save money on car insurance. First and foremost, get a quote from the state’s cheapest car insurance companies.
Here are the five cheapest insurers in Maryland, according to Compare.com data.
Maryland’s cheapest auto insurance company is USAA, offering an average rate of $117 per month.
But remember that the most affordable option doesn’t always mean the most inexpensive option for your unique profile. Always compare personalized quotes to find your best rate.
Let’s look at why getting personalized quotes is so important.
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While the companies above are a good starting point, their average rates likely don’t reflect the rates these companies will offer you. Personal factors such as age, location, driving record, vehicle type, and more affect pricing. For example, young drivers (25 and younger) tend to pay higher rates than older drivers.
Here are the cheapest insurers based on various backgrounds and coverage levels, according to Compare.com data.
Driver/Coverage Type | Cheapest Insurer | Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| State-minimum coverage | USAA | $117 |
| Full coverage | USAA | $161 |
| Teens | USAA | $197 |
| Seniors | USAA | $95 |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | USAA | $144 |
| Drivers with an at-fault accident | USAA | $151 |
| Drivers with a DUI | USAA | $183 |
| Drivers with excellent credit | USAA | $110 |
| Drivers with poor credit | USAA | $134 |
You should gather several quotes if you want the best chance of getting the lowest price. The more quotes you get, the greater your chances of getting cheap rates. Insurance comparison sites provide an easy way to get quotes from insurers in just a few minutes.
Next, let’s take a look at how location affects rates in Maryland.
Compare personalized quotes from Maryland’s top insurers.
Car insurance rates vary from city to city because each has different traffic patterns, claim frequencies, and crime rates. Insurers consider these factors when pricing policies. For example, a city with dense traffic and poor road conditions is usually more expensive than cities with better roads and fewer drivers.
The table below shows the cheapest insurance companies and average rates for Maryland’s largest cities, according to Compare.com data.
City | Citywide Average Monthly Premium | Cheapest Insurer | Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baltimore | $385 | USAA | $161 |
| Silver Spring | $273 | USAA | $114 |
| Frederick | $204 | USAA | $85 |
The cheapest insurance company in Baltimore — Maryland’s largest city — is USAA. Its monthly average rate is $161.
Remember that you may get a cheaper rate or find a better fit with an alternative insurer when you comparison shop.
Choosing the right car insurance company in Maryland depends on your unique needs — there’s no one best insurer for everyone. Below, we highlight some of the state’s best auto insurance companies selected based on average rates, available discounts, customer ratings, and coverage options in Maryland.
The following three companies stand out for affordability, customer service, and perks, making them excellent choices for a wide range of Maryland drivers.
Cheap average rates across the state
Great mobile app and website
Many available coverage options
No local agents
Higher rates for high-risk drivers
Fewer discounts than competitors
GEICO offers a comprehensive suite of insurance products, including auto, home, and renters. And its highly rated mobile app allows for easy policy management and claims filing. AM Best gives the insurer a financial strength rating of A++ (Superior), reinforcing its strong standing in the industry.
But the company doesn’t offer gap insurance, which is valuable for drivers who owe more on their vehicle than its current value. And according to J.D. Power, its customer and claims satisfaction lags behind competitors.
Extensive network of local agents
Many available coverage options
Strong customer satisfaction
Not always the cheapest for good drivers
Not many available discounts
Mixed reviews of online experience
State Farm is the largest auto insurance company in the U.S. in terms of total premiums, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I). It offers affordable rates and highly rated customer satisfaction.
State Farm is particularly well-suited for drivers with DUIs, offering some of the cheapest average rates for this group.
Lower-than-average rates
High claims satisfaction
Rate Lock and diminishing deductible perks
Limited online tools
Fewer available discounts
Some perks only come with premium plans
Erie Insurance is a top-rated insurance company in Maryland, known for its strong customer service. J.D. Power ranks the company first in customer service satisfaction in the Mid-Atlantic region. You’ll also find customizable policies with many options for add-ons and perks.
That said, its digital tools are lacking, and it reserves its best perks for premium plans. Erie also offers fewer discounts than other major insurers, which may limit savings for budget-conscious drivers.
Compare quotes side-by-side and lock in cheaper rates.
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Although Maryland doesn’t have state-mandated car insurance discounts, you can generally find various discount opportunities with companies.
Common discounts include:
Telematics: You can save up to 40% by using a telematics device or app that monitors safe driving habits, such as speed, braking, and mileage.
Safe driver: Earn discounts of up to 30% for maintaining a clean driving record with no accidents or traffic violations.
Bundling: Save up to 30% by combining multiple policies, such as auto and homeowners or renters insurance, with the same company.
Anti-theft: Installing an anti-theft device can save you up to 23%.
Paid in full: Paying your entire premium up front can result in up to 10% savings.
Let’s review some additional strategies to lower your car insurance rate.
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Here are five strategies Maryland drivers can use to unlock cheaper car insurance.
Adjust your coverage levels: Lowering coverage limits or eliminating certain coverages (such as gap insurance) can reduce your premium. Buying only state-minimum coverage means you’ll pay less, but you’ll also have less protection if you get into a serious accident.
Increase your deductible: A deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket when you file a claim. While raising it is an easy way to save on premiums, you take on more financial responsibility if you file a claim.
Maintain a clean driving record. Avoiding accidents and tickets can reduce your premiums (and earn you the safe driver discount).
Improve your credit: Maryland insurers can review your credit when determining rates. Drivers with good credit usually get lower rates.
Shop regularly and compare quotes. Average rates differ across companies, so shopping around every six months is one of the best ways to find the best deal.
Compare personalized quotes and get cheaper rates in minutes.
If you’re looking for more information on how car insurance works in Maryland, check out the answers below.
Maryland’s cheapest car insurance company is USAA, with an average rate of $117 per month, according to our research. But rates may vary depending on your driving history, coverage needs, and other factors.
Maryland drivers pay an average of $271 per month, according to our data. Liability coverage averages $212, while full-coverage car insurance averages $330. But your car insurance premium may differ depending on your profile.
USAA offers the cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Maryland — just $161 per month, according to our research. Full coverage provides more protection since it includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage.
Car insurance rates in Maryland are higher in some areas due to dense traffic, frequent accidents, and higher-than-average vehicle values. These areas of increased risk can raise insurance premiums for Maryland drivers.
Economic Action MD, “Factsheet Low Cost Auto Insurance Program 2023,” January 17, 2025.
Maryland.gov, “Insurance Requirements for Maryland Vehicles,” accessed January 17, 2025.
AM Best, “GEICO Secure Insurance Company,” accessed January 17, 2025.
J.D. Power, “2024 Auto Insurance Study,” accessed January 17, 2025.
J.D. Power, “2024 Auto Claims Satisfaction Study,” accessed January 17, 2025.
Insurance Information Institute, “Facts + Statistics: Auto insurance,” accessed January 17, 2025.
Maryland Insurance Administration, “Use of Your Credit History for Auto Insurance,” accessed January 17, 2025.
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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J.J. Starr is an insurance and personal finance expert who has been writing for Compare.com since 2022. Her work has been published across the web, appearing on sites such as Insurify.
Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J. was a registered banker and life insurance consultant, holding a Series 6, FINRA, and life insurance license. She also earned a master’s degree in writing from New York University.
J.J. has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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