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Maryland combines at-fault rules with a set of required first-party coverages that many states leave optional. Policies must carry 30/60/15 liability, at least $2,500 in personal injury protection unless you waive it in writing, and uninsured motorist coverage that generally matches your liability limits. Maryland's contributory negligence rule is unusually strict: even a small share of fault can bar you from recovering from the other driver.

The state's enforcement is automatic and costly. Insurers report lapses to the Motor Vehicle Administration electronically, and the registration is suspended without waiting for a roadside stop. A lapse can add a penalty of $200 for the first 30 days and $7 per day after that, up to $3,500 per violation in a year. With insurers allowed to use credit history on new policies, but not to cancel or raise renewal premiums because of it, shopping around is a common step.

Maryland at a glance
Minimum liability30/60/15 (BI per person / BI per accident / PD, in $1,000s)
Other required coveragePersonal injury protection (PIP): at least $2,500 for medical, hospital and disability benefits per person, unless waived in writing; Uninsured motorist coverage (bodily injury and property damage): generally equal to your liability limits unless waived in writing, and never lower than the required liability limits
Fault systemAt-fault (tort)
Credit-based insurance scoresRestricted

Maryland minimum liability limits

To register and drive a car in Maryland you need at least this much liability coverage:

  • $30,000 for injuries to one person in an accident you cause.
  • $60,000 in total for injuries to everyone in that accident.
  • $15,000 for damage to other people's property, such as their car.

Maryland requires $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 for property damage. PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are also built into required policies.

Tip: The minimum is a legal floor, not a recommendation. If a serious crash costs more than your limits, you could be personally responsible for the rest. See how much liability coverage you may need.

Other required and offered coverage

Besides liability, Maryland requires:

  • Personal injury protection (PIP): at least $2,500 for medical, hospital and disability benefits per person, unless waived in writing
  • Uninsured motorist coverage (bodily injury and property damage): generally equal to your liability limits unless waived in writing, and never lower than the required liability limits

PIP can be waived in writing under Insurance Article section 19-506, and uninsured motorist limits can be lowered through a waiver under section 19-510.

Learn more about uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection.

Is Maryland a no-fault state?

Maryland is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver who causes a crash is responsible for the other people's injuries and property damage, which is normally paid by that driver's liability insurance. Injured people can claim against the at-fault driver's insurer or, in some cases, sue.

Maryland is an at-fault state, but PIP pays regardless of fault. Maryland also follows contributory negligence, so being even slightly at fault can bar you from recovering damages from the other driver.

Read more: at-fault vs. no-fault states explained.

Can insurers use your credit in Maryland?

Status: Restricted. For private passenger auto insurance, insurers may not refuse to underwrite, cancel, refuse to renew or raise the renewal premium based on credit history, and may not require a payment plan based on it. They may use credit history to rate a new policy, subject to rules on how far back and what factors they may use.

See how credit affects car insurance for the bigger picture.

Penalties for driving uninsured in Maryland

If required security lapses, the vehicle's registration is suspended automatically and the MVA can charge a penalty of $200 for the first 30 days without coverage, plus $7 for each day starting on day 31, up to $3,500 per violation in a 12-month period. Knowingly driving an uninsured vehicle is also a crime: up to one year in jail or a fine up to $1,000 for a first offense, and up to two years for later offenses.

Insurers must notify the Motor Vehicle Administration electronically of final terminations or lapses of required security. The MVA then suspends the registration, and passes the information to the Uninsured Division of the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund. Registration stays suspended until you replace coverage and pay any uninsured motorist penalty fee.

If you are ordered to file proof of insurance, see what SR-22 insurance is.

Tips for Maryland drivers

  • Do not let coverage lapse, even briefly. Maryland suspends registration automatically when your insurer reports a final termination, and the MVA can assess $200 for the first 30 days and $7 a day after that.
  • If you are moving out of state, selling a vehicle or storing it, return the plates within 10 days of a lapse. The penalty is not assessed if plates are returned within that window and the vehicle is transferred, moved, salvaged or taken by a dealer.
  • Check whether you waived PIP or reduced uninsured motorist coverage. Maryland allows waivers only in writing, so confirm that your policy matches your intentions.
  • Document everything after a crash. Under Maryland's contributory negligence rule, a finding that you were even slightly at fault can bar your claim against the other driver, so photos, witnesses and a police report matter.
  • Know that the MVA shares lapse information with the Uninsured Division of the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund, so a lapse can lead to follow-up beyond the MVA penalty.

When you shop, compare quotes from several insurers using the same limits and deductibles, so the prices are like-for-like.

Official resources

Your state insurance department can answer questions about your rights and handle complaints about insurers.

Frequently asked questions

What are Maryland's minimum car insurance limits?

Maryland requires at least $30,000 for bodily injury to one person, $60,000 for two or more people, and $15,000 for property damage. Policies must also include PIP of at least $2,500 unless waived in writing, and uninsured motorist coverage. These are the minimum, and serious crashes can cost far more than these amounts.

What happens if my car insurance lapses in Maryland?

The registration is suspended automatically, and the MVA may assess a penalty of $200 if the lapse lasts 1 to 30 days, plus $7 per day beginning on day 31, up to $3,500 per violation in 12 months. Registration remains suspended until you replace coverage and pay any penalty. No penalty applies if you return the plates within 10 days in certain situations.

Is driving without insurance a crime in Maryland?

Yes. A person who knows or has reason to know a vehicle is not covered by required security may not drive it or let someone else drive it. A first offense carries up to one year in jail or a fine up to $1,000, or both; second and later offenses carry up to two years or a fine up to $1,000, or both.

Can Maryland insurers use my credit history?

For private passenger auto insurance, insurers may use credit history to rate a new policy, but they must tell you, cannot use credit factors more than five years old or the absence of a credit history, and must tell you how credit affects the rating and offer a review. They cannot refuse to underwrite, cancel, refuse to renew or raise the renewal premium based on credit history.

What is contributory negligence in Maryland?

Maryland generally follows contributory negligence, a rule from case law under which a person who is even slightly at fault for a crash may be barred from recovering damages from the other driver. PIP benefits are paid regardless of fault, so they remain available to you. A lawyer can explain how the rule applies to a specific crash.

Sources

General information only. State rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Maryland Insurance Administration or your insurer before you buy. This page is not insurance or legal advice.