Getting car insurance as a new driver in Maryland can feel confusing—and honestly, pretty expensive. To drive legally in Maryland, you need at least liability insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements. That’s what protects you if you accidentally cause damage or injury to someone else.
Finding the right insurance means comparing your options and knowing which discounts you might snag—like good student or safe driver perks.
New drivers usually face higher rates, but there are ways to lower your costs without giving up important coverage.
Understanding how claims work in Maryland helps you feel a bit more confident once you’ve got your policy.
Key Takeways
- You need minimum liability coverage to drive legally in Maryland.
- Discounts can help reduce your insurance costs as a new driver.
- Knowing how claims work helps you handle accidents smoothly.
Maryland Car Insurance Requirements for New Drivers
If you’re new to driving in Maryland, you’ll want to know the minimum coverage rules and what your policy has to include.
There are also some specific rules for teen drivers.
These requirements are designed to make sure you’re protected and following state law.
State Minimum Coverage Limits
Maryland requires your car insurance to cover at least:
- $30,000 for bodily injury per person
- $60,000 total for bodily injury per accident
- $15,000 for property damage per accident
These are the legal minimums. If you cause an accident, your insurance pays up to those amounts for injuries or damages.
You can buy higher limits, but you can’t go lower.
If you don’t carry at least the minimum coverage, you risk fines and even license suspension.
The state starts with a $200 fine for the first 30 days you’re uninsured.
Mandatory Policy Features
In Maryland, your car insurance must include liability coverage for injuries and damage you cause.
Your policy also needs to:
- Cover medical payments for accident-related injuries
- Pay for damage to other people’s property
- Include uninsured motorist coverage in case someone without insurance hits you
Without these, your insurance isn’t legal in Maryland.
Your insurer also has to file proof of insurance with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
Unique Rules for Teen Drivers
If you’re a teen driver in Maryland, there are extra rules to keep you safe.
Before you get a full license, you’ll need a learner’s permit and then an intermediate license, which comes with limits on night driving and passengers.
Insurance rates for teens are usually higher because you’re seen as a bigger risk.
Some companies require more coverage or charge more for drivers under 25.
Maryland also makes teen drivers complete a driver education course before they can get a full license.
That course might help lower your insurance costs, too.
Usually, your parents or guardians have to be involved in getting and keeping your insurance if you’re under 18.
Choosing the Best Car Insurance for New Drivers
Finding the best car insurance means comparing companies, understanding what’s in the policy, and checking how good the customer service is.
It’s not just about price—it’s about what fits your life and budget.
Comparing Insurance Providers
Look for companies that are reliable and offer decent rates.
In Maryland, names like Geico, USAA, State Farm, Travelers, and Nationwide pop up often for new drivers.
Check each company’s financial strength and customer reviews. You want a company that can actually pay out claims.
See if they offer discounts for good grades or safe driving.
Use online tools to compare quotes. Don’t just grab the cheapest one—make sure the company actually meets your needs.
Assessing Policy Options
Pay attention to coverage types and limits.
Liability is required, but you might want collision or comprehensive coverage if you want your own car protected.
Look for safety feature discounts if your car has airbags or anti-theft gear.
Check if they reward you for a clean driving record.
Understand deductibles—a higher deductible usually means a lower premium, but you’ll pay more if you have a claim.
Add-ons like roadside assistance or rental coverage can be worth it, depending on your situation.
Evaluating Customer Service
Good customer service can make a world of difference.
Check how easy it is to reach them—phone, online chat, or app.
Read reviews about how fast and fair they are with claims.
Are their agents actually helpful? Do they explain discounts or billing options clearly?
Friendly, responsive service saves you headaches when things go wrong.
Tips to Lower Car Insurance Costs for New Drivers
You can cut your car insurance costs by stacking discounts, keeping your record clean, and managing your policies wisely.
It’s about saving money without losing the coverage you need.
Available Discounts
A lot of insurance companies offer discounts just for new drivers.
Look for deals based on good grades, driver safety courses, or safety features in your car.
Common discounts include:
- Good Student Discount: Keep your grades up for lower rates.
- Driver Education: Completing approved classes can drop your premium.
- Vehicle Safety: Airbags, anti-theft systems, or automatic braking can help you qualify.
Always ask your insurer about all possible discounts.
Stacking a few together can make a real dent in your monthly payments.
Impact of Driving Record
Your driving record matters—a lot.
Tickets, accidents, or violations can push your rates up fast.
A clean record makes you less risky in the eyes of insurers.
Even one accident or ticket can stick with your premium for years.
You can keep your record clean by:
- Sticking to speed limits.
- Avoiding distractions, like your phone.
- Driving carefully, especially in bad weather.
Check your record now and then to make sure it’s accurate.
If you spot any mistakes, get them fixed so you’re not overpaying.
Bundle and Payment Strategies
Bundling your car insurance with renters or homeowners insurance can save you money.
Many insurers offer multi-policy discounts when you combine plans—sometimes 10% to 25% off.
You can also save by:
- Paying annually or semi-annually to dodge extra fees.
- Picking higher deductibles if you’re comfortable with the risk.
- Adjusting your coverage as your situation changes, like dropping coverage on older cars.
Talk to your insurer about the best payment plan for your budget.
Sometimes just asking can uncover savings you didn’t know about.
Understanding the Claims Process in Maryland
Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, but then comes the claims process. It all starts with reporting the accident to your insurance company.
Usually, you’ll call your insurer’s claims hotline—like 1-800-492-7120 for Maryland Auto Insurance—and follow the steps they lay out. Honestly, it’s not always as straightforward as you’d hope.
You’ll need to share some important details about what happened. These typically include:
- Date and time of the accident
- Where the accident took place
- Names and contact info for everyone involved
- A rundown of how the accident occurred
- Police report number, if you have one
Once you’ve reported everything, the insurance company assigns a claims adjuster. Their job is to dig into what happened and check out the damage to your car, plus any injuries.
Don’t toss out any paperwork—hang onto photos, repair quotes, medical bills, and any messages from your insurer. You never know what might come in handy.
Insurance companies use all this info to figure out what they’ll pay for damages or injuries. In Maryland, they might also look at your past claims or any traffic violations you’ve racked up.
If the process feels overwhelming or just plain confusing, it might be worth reaching out to a lawyer who knows Maryland car insurance inside and out. Sometimes, having someone in your corner makes all the difference.