Every driver in the state of Maryland is required to have at least the minimum levels of liability insurance, but some drivers are considered too high risk and can’t find coverage through a standard insurance company. Enter the Maryland Auto Insurance Fund (MAIF).
Drivers who are unable to find insurance through more traditional means are able to sign up for coverage through MAIF.
What is the Maryland auto insurance fund?
The Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund provides insurance for people who can’t get a private insurance policy. The fund is subject to regulation by the Maryland Insurance Commissioner, just like any private insurance company, but it is designed for those who can’t find insurance elsewhere.
To be eligible for the fund, drivers must:
Have at least two rejections from private insurance companies, or
Have their insurance policy canceled for a reason that isn’t non-payment of premiums
Does Maryland Auto compete with standard insurers?
MAIF does not compete as part of the larger insurance market. An average driver in the state of Maryland can’t just sign up for a policy through the fund if they’re eligible for coverage through other insurance companies. If the private insurers in the state won’t sell you a policy, that’s when you’re eligible to reach out to the Maryland Auto Insurance Fund for car insurance.
MAIF provides more than just insurance policies for people who are otherwise uninsurable; it also processes and pays claims for residents who are hit by uninsured motorists or involved in a hit-and-run accident where the other driver can’t be identified.
What is the state minimum for car insurance in Maryland?
The minimum car insurance requirements in the state of Maryland are broken down into three parts:
1. Liability coverage: This is the damage you cause to someone else, including both bodily injury and property damage.
The minimum level of liability coverage in Maryland is:
$30,000 for bodily injury
$60,000 for bodily injury to two or more people
$15,000 for property damage
2. Uninsured motorist coverage: This is the damage an uninsured driver causes to you, including both bodily injury and property damage.
The minimum level of uninsured motorist coverage in Maryland is:
$30,000 for bodily injury
$60,000 for bodily injury to two or more people
$15,000 for property damage
3. Personal injury protection: Also called PIP, this is coverage to pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers.
The minimum level of PIP coverage in Maryland is:
$2,500 per person
Is car insurance higher in Maryland?
Car insurance rates in Maryland are on the high side, but they aren’t nearly as expensive as some other states. We break down the 15 most expensive — and least expensive — states for car insurance below. If you think you're paying too much for coverage, compare your rates to find the cheapest company.
15 most expensive states for car insurance
State | Average monthly cost | Average annual cost |
|---|---|---|
Florida | $233 | $2,794 |
Louisiana | $211 | $2,531 |
Michigan | $202 | $2,425 |
New Jersey | $185 | $2,225 |
Nevada | $183 | $2,198 |
Kentucky | $182 | $2,181 |
Delaware | $179 | $2,144 |
New York | $171 | $2,048 |
South Carolina | $168 | $2,018 |
Montana | $159 | $1,902 |
Connecticut | $155 | $1,856 |
Colorado | $154 | $1,852 |
California | $153 | $1,837 |
Rhode Island | $153 | $1,830 |
Texas | $152 | $1,818 |
15 least expensive states for car insurance
State | Average monthly cost | Average annual cost |
|---|---|---|
Ohio | $84 | $1,008 |
Vermont | $87 | $1,047 |
North Carolina | $90 | $1,084 |
Idaho | $91 | $1,094 |
Maine | $91 | $1,096 |
Wisconsin | $92 | $1,109 |
Iowa | $97 | $1,158 |
Hawaii | $101 | $1,208 |
Indiana | $101 | $1,215 |
New Hampshire | $107 | $1,284 |
Tennessee | $111 | $1,329 |
Illinois | $111 | $1,332 |
Virginia | $112 | $1,349 |
Alaska | $116 | $1,393 |
Wyoming | $116 | $1,394 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the Maryland Uninsured Motorist Fund?
Also known as the Uninsured Motorist Education and Enforcement Fund, this fund is designed to educate drivers about the importance of carrying car insurance and help enforce motor vehicle security requirements under state law. It’s not part of MAIF.
Does Maryland have uninsured motorist coverage?
Yes, uninsured motorist (UM) coverage is available in Maryland. In fact, the state requires you to purchase uninsured motorist coverage as part of its mandated minimum insurance levels. The amount of UM insurance you can have is tied to your levels of liability coverage, which means the more liability coverage you have, the more UM protection is available to you.
What is MVA amnesty?
In 2019, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) arranged an amnesty plan for drivers with unpaid insurance fines. The program waived 80% of the fees and allowed drivers to pay off the balance in one lump sum. The program was not extended, but it’s possible the program could be reinstated in the future. You can check the Maryland MVA website to verify what programs, if any, are available and how to pay your fines.
Methodology: How we calculated the average annual insurance premiums by state
Policygenius has analyzed car insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for every ZIP code in all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C.
For full coverage policies, the following coverage limits were used:
Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
Property damage liability: $50,000
Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
Comprehensive: $500 deductible
Collision: $500 deductible
In some cases, additional coverages were added where required by the state or insurer.
Rates for overall average rate, rates by ZIP code, and cheapest companies determined using averages for single drivers age 30, 35, and 45. Our sample vehicle was a 2017 Toyota Camry LE driven 10,000 miles per year.
Rates for driving violations and “poor” credit were determined using average rates for a single male 30-year-old driver with a credit score under 578.
Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.
