Car insurance is not only legally required in Maryland but also provides crucial financial protection in the event of an accident or unforeseen incident. Here are some common reasons why car insurance Maryland drivers can rely on is so important: 

• Urban Traffic Congestion: Cities like Baltimore and Annapolis experience heavy traffic, increasing the likelihood of accidents and fender benders. 
• Unpredictable Weather: Maryland drivers face a mix of weather conditions, including snow, ice, and heavy rain, all of which can lead to hazardous driving situations. 
• High Population Density: Maryland's densely populated areas mean more vehicles on the road, which elevates the risk of collisions. 
• Coastal Storm Risks: Proximity to the Atlantic Ocean makes Maryland vulnerable to severe storms, which can damage vehicles and complicate driving conditions. 

Maryland is an “at-fault” state, meaning drivers who are found responsible for an accident are financially liable for any resulting damages. The state also enforces specific minimum car insurance requirements to ensure that drivers are adequately protected. Maryland’s minimums include: 

• Bodily Injury Liability: Coverage for others’ medical costs when you’re at fault. Minimum limits are $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident. 
• Property Damage Liability: Coverage for others’ vehicles or property when you’re at fault. Minimum requirement of $15,000. 
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: Coverage that’s equal to the bodily injury and property damage limits, ensuring protection if you're in an accident with an driver who doesn’t have sufficient insurance to cover damages. 
  • Drivers have the option to select enhanced UIM. This means that the underinsured party’s coverage is added to your UIM coverage. This is also referred to as “stacking.” 
  • Additionally, this coverage is typically added to standard policies and can only be removed by a request in writing with your agent. 
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Maryland requires a minimum of $2,500 to cover medical expenses and lost wages for you or passengers, regardless of fault. 
  • Included in standard policies, you can choose to opt for a limited PIP coverage called Guest PIP. Must do so in writing. 
  • Guest PIP provides coverage to guests in the car and pedestrians injured by your vehicle only. Guest PIP does not provide benefits for yourself, drivers on your policy, or people in your household over the age of 16 if you choose Guest PIP. 

If you're found to be at fault, only your injuries (if any) would be covered by PIP. Liability coverage only applies to the other party, meaning your car's repairs are your responsibility. Because of this, additional coverage is recommended.

To safeguard against costly repairs or unexpected events, consider enhancing your policy with additional options. Popular add-ons for Maryland drivers include: 

• Collision Coverage: Helps pay for damages to your vehicle caused by a covered accident based on your deductible.  
• Comprehensive Coverage: Helps pay for non-collision damages to your vehicle caused by a covered accident based on your deductible.  
• Roadside Assistance: Helps pay for the cost of towing your vehicle if it cannot be driven due to an accident or breakdown.  
• Rental Car Reimbursement: Helps pay for the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident.  
• Increase Liability Limits: Some drivers see the benefit of increasing their liability limits to avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses if they’re found to be at fault. 

Some drivers may find themselves in more unique situations that the above coverage doesn’t account for. Because Goosehead Insurance specializes in customized car insurance for Maryland, it’s best to bring up specific situations (such as usage-based coverage or coverage for modified cars). 

Auto insurance costs in Maryland vary depending on several factors, including coverage levels, personal circumstances, and vehicle type. Here are some key factors that may influence your premiums: 

• Prior Insurance History: Insurers will inquire about prior coverage, whether you have existing coverage, or whether you’ve ever been cancelled or nonrenewed. Lapses in coverage often result in higher premiums. 
• Age and Gender: Younger drivers, particularly males, often face higher premiums due to inexperience and higher statistical accident rates, while older, more experienced drivers generally enjoy lower rates. 
• Credit: A strong credit score can lead to lower insurance costs, while poor credit may result in higher premiums.  
• Driving Record: A clean driving history helps keep premiums low, while violations or accidents can increase costs.  
• Claims History: A history of prior claims may indicate higher risk, leading to higher premiums, while claim-free drivers often benefit from discounts. 

Premiums for minimum coverage in Maryland cost an average of $1,000 annually, while plans that have more coverage average out to $3,000 annually. 

Goosehead Insurance helps Maryland drivers uncover potential savings without compromising necessary coverage. Use the following tips to lower your premiums: 

• Bundle Policies: Combine your auto and home insurance for discounts. 
• Safe Driving Discounts: Avoid violations and accidents to keep costs low. 
• Upgrade Your Vehicle: Cars with safety or anti-theft equipment qualify for financial incentives. 
• Regular Policy Reviews: We’ll help reassess your coverage needs to update your plan and identify savings opportunities. 

Maryland car owners rely on Goosehead Insurance for excellent service and tailored coverage. Here’s what sets us apart: 

• Partner Network: We collaborate with top insurers to deliver competitive rates with broad coverage options. 
• Customized Policies: Goosehead agents work to identify the perfect blend of coverage and affordability for your situation. 
• Local Knowledge: Our expertise in Maryland’s driving conditions ensures your policy is designed to address unique risks, such as coastal weather and urban traffic. 
• Responsive Service: From selecting policies to processing claims, we prioritize your convenience at every step.