Auto Coverage in Maryland
Maryland Auto Insurance
Drivers in Maryland State are required to carry liability coverage for their vehicles, but they aren't required to carry it with them in the vehicle. If you're on the lookout for auto insurance in Maryland, then we can help you obtain quotes from leading auto insurance companies in Maryland. Get started; request a free quote for Maryland auto insurance right here today!
Minimum Maryland auto insurance
Drivers in Maryland are required to carry basic liability coverage in the following amounts:
- Bodily Injury and Death: $20,000 to cover one person in any one accident, and $40,000 to cover all injuries
- Property Damages: $15,000
You may want to purchase more than these amounts, in case there's an accident and your costs for damages go beyond these minimums.
Maryland auto insurance in case of accident
If you're pulled over by a police officer or involved in an accident, you will have to exchange insurance information with the other party and notify the insurance carrier, but won't have to produce evidence of insurance at the scene. This is because police officers can check whether drivers have valid insurance information through radio contact with a police dispatcher or through a data terminal, and they can also check whether their insurance has been cancelled.
Maryland has a different system for covering the cost of damages in case of an accident than most other states. In most cases, each driver's auto insurance needs to cover their own costs, rather than finding one of the drivers to be at fault. However, drivers also have the option of going to court if they believe the other driver is at fault and should pay for their damages.
In an accident, you will probably need enough insurance to pay for your own costs for vehicle repair and medical bills, and possibly to pay for the other driver's damages if they should choose to take you to court as well. This can be quite costly so it is important to have sufficient insurance to cover all possible costs.
Penalties without Maryland auto insurance
If a driver doesn't have insurance, drivers can be fined $150, your license plates can be seized, and your vehicle registration can be canceled. In addition, you can receive a traffic citation or be required to appear in a court, plus the vehicle may be towed or even impounded.
If you show fraudulent insurance documents to an officer in Maryland, you will be investigated by the MVA Investigation Division and face suspension of driving and registration privileges.