Compare Cheap Auto Insurance in Maryland

Military drivers looking for full coverage auto insurance in Maryland will likely get the best rates from USAA. Drivers without a military affiliation should look to GEICO and Travelers, which have average annual rates of $1,679 and $1,781, respectively — well below the state average of $2,435.

USAA also offers the cheapest minimum coverage in Maryland at $561 per year, which is 46 percent lower than the state average. GEICO and State Farm follow with average annual premiums of $651 and $773, respectively, both also below the state average.

Households in Maryland that are eligible for USAA can get cheap rates from this provider, which has an average annual rate of $4,191 for teen drivers. Erie and Travelers also offer competitive rates at $4,729 per year and $5,110 per year — both of which are significantly lower than the state average of $7,107. Auto insurance for teens can be pricey, so it’s a good idea to add them to a family policy (rather than buy them a separate policy) to save money on your premiums.

USAA has the cheapest average rate for drivers with a speeding ticket in Maryland at $1,752 per year. For drivers who are not eligible for USAA, GEICO and State Farm also offer competitive rates over 25 percent below the state average.

Travelers offers the best rates for drivers in Maryland with an at-fault accident at $2,460, which is 22 percent below the statewide average. USAA and GEICO follow with annual average rates of $2,500 annually and $2,535 annually, respectively.

Maryland drivers with a DUI pay around 22 percent more for car insurance than drivers with clean records. GEICO offers the cheapest coverage for drivers with a DUI, with an average annual rate of $2,019 annually —  42 percent below the state average of $3,509. Erie and Travelers also have competitive rates.

GEICO also offers the cheapest rates for Maryland drivers with low credit at $2,028 per year on average, which is 52 percent lower than the state average. USAA also has affordable rates for military-affiliated drivers.

Erie has the best customer service scores in Maryland along with USAA, which is only available to veterans, military members, and their families. Erie doesn’t have the cheapest average rates in Maryland, but their rates still tend to be cheaper than average. It’s worth getting a quote from several companies to see how rates stack up and weigh companies’ customer service records. State Farm also has solid customer satisfaction ratings.

1. Look for discounts: Lots of auto insurers offer discounts on their insurance plans, so make sure you ask about ways to save when getting quotes. In most cases, you’ll be able to get a discount if you bundle your policy with other insurance products.
2. Drive safely: When you maintain a clean driving record, you’re seen as less of a risk to your insurer, and that saves them money. That’s why most insurers have discounts for clean records. People who are generally safe drivers but have a violation on their record can often save through telematics programs, which track your driving habits via a mobile app for a discount.
3. Increase your deductibles: When you lower your comprehensive and/or collision deductibles, you’re essentially agreeing to pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim. That means you assume some of the risk that your insurer would otherwise, and that gives them room to give you a lower rate.
4. Drop unnecessary coverages: Although it’s generally a good idea to get more than just minimum coverage insurance, that doesn’t mean you need to go all out. Evaluate whether there are any coverages that you don’t really need. For example, if you have an older car, you may not need full coverage if you’re looking to get a new one soon anyway.

Within Maryland, auto insurance is most expensive in Baltimore, which has an average annual rate of $3,992, over $1,000 above the state average. Potomac has more affordable rates at $2,534 per year.

Maryland has relatively robust minimum coverage requirements compared to many other states — they include not only the standard liability coverages but also uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection (PIP):

• Bodily injury liability: $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident
• Property damage liability: $15,000 per accident
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury liability: $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage liability: $15,000 per accident
• PIP: $2,500

Personal injury protection is usually required in no-fault states, but some at-fault states, such as Maryland, require it as well. PIP helps pay for your own injuries if you’re in an accident. Although minimum coverage provides some financial protection, it does not cover damage to your own vehicle, and the PIP requirements are relatively low. For greater protection, consider increasing your liability limits and getting full coverage.

We analyze average auto insurance premiums in Maryland for full and minimum coverage for good drivers with good credit as well as other driver profiles, including those with DUIs, speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, low credit, and teenagers. Full coverage averages use the following limits:

• Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
• Property damage liability: $100,000 per accident
• Personal injury protection (PIP): $2,500
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
• Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible