Car Insurance in Maryland

In almost every state in the country, drivers are required to obtain and keep automobile insurance on their vehicles in order to drive them legally. The requirements and regulations may vary from state to state in terms of what type of insurance should be kept and at what levels. When relocating from one state to another it is important to be familiar with the auto insurance laws in your new home state. This article will examine the requirements of the law in regards to car insurance in Maryland.

Maryland state law requires drivers to carry minimum liability coverage. That coverage must be in a 20/40/15 ratio which means that, in the state of Maryland, you must be covered for at least $20,000 per person for injuries caused by you, up to a total of $40,000 and for $15,000 in property damage to the other party’s car. In addition to these liability coverage regulations, you must also purchase uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to protect yourself in the event you are involved in a car accident caused by a person who is not insured or is underinsured. The requirement for the uninsured motorist coverage is also set at the 20/40/15 ratio. This is the standard requirement for car insurance in Maryland.

One final insurance requirement set by Maryland law is that you must carry a minimum of $2500 personal injury protection (commonly referred to as PIP) coverage. This additional coverage is to help recoup the costs of medical expenses and lost wages after a car accident, no matter whose fault the accident was. Drivers do have the option of waiving this insurance coverage if it can be effectively replaced by their health insurance coverage.

When trying to find the right automobile insurance coverage in Maryland or any state, it is always a good idea to shop around. Different insurance companies often offer different rates for the same amount of coverage. Comparing the prices of different insurance companies is the best way to determine which company will give you the best rate. Remember, however, that the best rate does not always indicate the best coverage. It is always advisable to use a company that you know you can trust. If you find an insurance company that offers a rate that seems too good to be true, look into it before buying. Check with the state insurance board or the local chapter of the Better Business Bureau to see if the company has any complaints against them. While the proof of insurance card from a fly-by-night insurance company will prevent you from getting a ticket for not having insurance coverage if you are stopped by a police officer, you don’t want to find out after an accident that you’ve chosen an insurance company that won’t pay.