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Maryland is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver who causes an accident is responsible for the resulting injuries and property damage. Maryland requires minimum liability coverage of 30/60/15, plus mandatory personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured motorist coverage. PIP in Maryland can be waived in writing, but UM/UIM cannot.
Maryland Minimum Coverage Requirements
| Coverage | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability (per person) | $30,000 |
| Bodily injury liability (per accident) | $60,000 |
| Property damage liability | $15,000 |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | $2,500 (waivable) |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury (per person) | $30,000 |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury (per accident) | $60,000 |
| Uninsured motorist property damage | $15,000 |
Expert Tip: Don't Waive PIP Without a Plan
Maryland allows you to waive PIP to save on premiums, but this leaves you without first-party medical coverage after an accident. If you have strong health insurance with low deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums, waiving PIP may be reasonable. If your health coverage is limited or has high cost-sharing, keep PIP — $2,500 in coverage is inexpensive and pays quickly after an accident without a fault determination.
—Brad Cummins
PIP waiver: Maryland drivers can waive PIP coverage in writing. However, waiving PIP means you have no first-party medical coverage after an accident unless you carry MedPay or have health insurance.
What's Required vs. Optional
Required:
- Bodily injury liability (BI) — Pays for injuries you cause to others. Does not cover you or your passengers.
- Property damage liability (PD) — Covers damage you cause to another person's vehicle or property.
- Personal injury protection (PIP) — Covers your own medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of fault. Minimum $2,500; can be waived in writing. See our PIP coverage guide.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) — Required at the same limits as liability. Cannot be waived. See our UM/UIM guide.
Not required but worth considering:
- Collision — Covers damage to your own vehicle from a crash. Required by most lenders. See collision coverage.
- Comprehensive — Covers non-collision losses: theft, weather, animal strikes, vandalism. See comprehensive coverage.
Proof of Insurance & Vehicle Registration
Maryland requires proof of insurance at vehicle registration and at any traffic stop. Acceptable proof includes:
- Insurance ID card (physical or digital)
- Policy declarations page
Maryland uses an electronic verification system. Insurers report policy status to the MVA, and a lapse can trigger a registration suspension and an uninsured motorist fee.
SR-22: If your license is suspended for an insurance violation or certain driving offenses, Maryland may require an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility. SR-22 requirements typically last three years.
Penalties for Driving Uninsured
| Violation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Lapse in coverage | $150 fine for first 30 days; $7/day thereafter |
| Driving uninsured | $1,000 fine; license and registration suspension |
| Subsequent offenses | Higher fines; extended suspension |
Maryland's uninsured motorist fee structure means that even a brief lapse in coverage can result in significant fines, even if you're never stopped by police.
Cost of Car Insurance in Maryland
Maryland's average annual premium for full coverage runs roughly $1,500–$2,000 per year, depending on driver profile and ZIP code. Baltimore City and the Washington, D.C. suburbs (Prince George's and Montgomery counties) typically see the highest rates in the state.
Rates vary most by:
- Driving record — At-fault accidents and major violations raise premiums significantly.
- Location — Urban areas and high-theft ZIP codes see higher rates.
- Vehicle — Financed vehicles require collision and comprehensive.
- Credit history — Maryland allows credit-based insurance scoring.
Use our car insurance calculator to estimate your costs.
Get Free Maryland Car Insurance Quotes
Maryland's PIP waiver option is a legitimate cost-saving choice for some drivers — and a coverage gap for others. The right answer depends on your health insurance and how much first-party medical protection you actually need. Share your policy with a licensed agent through Canopy Connect and get a clear comparison in minutes.
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Share your current policy declarations pages with us in two clicks. Takes about 30 seconds. We'll review your coverage, find gaps, and compare our carriers to your current policy.
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About Brad Cummins
Brad Cummins is the founder of Insurance Geek and primary author of its educational content. Licensed since 2004, he brings over 21 years of experience structuring life insurance and IUL strategies for clients nationwide.
Fact checked by Brianna Baiocco
Brianna Baiocco runs P&C operations at Insurance Geek and fact-checks property and casualty content. Licensed since 2009, she brings over 16 years of experience in auto, home, renters, and commercial insurance.
