Best car insurance in Maryland for 2024

Our 2024 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories. 

Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlighting where they fall short.

• Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, average quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, Demotech and the NAIC, were analyzed.
• Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
• Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto and home insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.

In Maryland, motorists are required to carry at least minimum levels of car insurance to drive legally. Bodily injury liability, property damage liability, uninsured motorist bodily injury, uninsured motorist property damage and personal injury protection (PIP) are all required coverage types. While you do not need to memorize Maryland’s car insurance laws — you will not be able to buy a policy with limits lower than the state minimum — understanding the state’s financial responsibility law could help you decide if you need higher limits. Most insurance experts agree that minimum limits do not provide sufficient coverage and encourage drivers to purchase higher amounts for greater financial protection.

If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, you likely have additional car insurance requirements to think about. Minimum coverage does not provide any coverage for damage to your own vehicle, which lenders typically require to protect their financial stake in your auto. For this financial protection, you would need to purchase full coverage, which includes comprehensive and collision coverage.

Lenders and leasing companies typically require full coverage and may also stipulate how high your deductibles can be. You may also want to consider purchasing gap insurance, which is designed to pay the difference between your new vehicle’s actual market value and your loan amount if your vehicle is totaled.

Understanding what you are looking for in your auto insurance could help you narrow down your options. Budget may be your primary concern, or maybe you want a company with strong digital assets and a user-friendly mobile app. You might also have a teen driver and be looking for companies that offer numerous teen discounts. If you have accidents, tickets or DUI/DWI convictions on your record, you may need to find a company that will insure high-risk drivers. Taking the time to understand your unique situation, wants and needs could help you determine what companies best fit your circumstances.

According to Bankrate’s research, the cheapest car insurance companies in Maryland include Geico, USAA and Nationwide. However, rates vary from driver to driver and company to company. Premiums depend on individual rating factors like the coverage you choose and the vehicle you drive, plus your driving record, age, ZIP code and more. Insurers weigh these factors differently, so your rate will vary by company, as well. To find the best rate, experts recommend comparing quotes from several insurers for the same coverage types and policy limits.

While you can call individual agencies to get a quote, shopping for car insurance quotes online may be more efficient. You’ll be asked to provide some personal information like your name, date of birth and driver's license number and answer some questions about your driving history. Do you have a speeding ticket, DUI/DWI or other infraction on your record? If so, the quoting process is usually a good time to let a potential insurer know to get the most accurate estimate possible. You’ll also need to provide the vehicle identification number of the car(s) you want to insure, as well as information about other drivers you may wish to add to your policy.

Full coverage means that you are purchasing coverage for damage to your own vehicle. This typically includes both comprehensive coverage and collision coverage. Collision coverage helps pay for damage to your car caused by collisions with another vehicle or stationary object. Comprehensive coverage is often called “other than collision” and helps pay for damage caused by hitting an animal, severe weather, theft, vandalism and more. Neither coverage provides financial protection for intentional damage or maintenance.

The process for filing a car insurance claim depends on your carrier. Many carriers allow policyholders to file claims via a digital portal or mobile app. Some mobile apps have the ability to capture and send photos of vehicle damage to your claims adjuster. However, some car insurance providers require you to call an insurance agent or the company during business hours to file your claim. You may want to check with your car insurance provider to see which claims filing method they use.