Maryland Auto Insurance Guide for First-Time Drivers
Maryland requires 30/60/15 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Maryland at a Glance
30/60/15
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Required
PIP and Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy
15½
Minimum learner's permit age, 60 supervised driving hours
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
Maryland operates under a traditional tort system, meaning the at-fault driver is financially responsible for damages in an accident. All drivers must carry proof of insurance and present it during traffic stops or at accident scenes. Maryland law also mandates uninsured motorist coverage at the same limits as your liability coverage unless you reject it in writing, a requirement unique to few states.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Collision Coverage
Comprehensive Coverage
Cost Overview
$458/mo
Typical monthly rate in Maryland, new drivers
Rate data: Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Prior insurance history: Drivers coming off a parent's policy without a lapse in coverage pay significantly less than those with a gap in coverage, as Maryland insurers treat gaps as high-risk indicators.
Start Your First Policy on the Right Foot
Get Your First Auto QuoteRules for new drivers
Night driving
midnight-5am
Passengers
no passengers younger than 18 for first 151 days (age 18+ exempt)
Source: IIHS and state DMV records, verified July 2026
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. This is the foundation of your policy — the only coverage Maryland law requires — and it protects your personal assets from lawsuits after serious accidents.
Full Coverage
Bundles liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage to protect both your legal liability and your vehicle's value. Full coverage is a term used by drivers and lenders, not a separate policy type — it refers to carrying all major coverage components together.
Comprehensive Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car after non-collision damage — theft, vandalism, weather events, fire, or animal strikes. You choose a deductible (typically $500 or $1,000), which is the amount you pay before insurance covers the rest.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Covers your medical bills, lost income, and vehicle damage when you're hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage, or in a hit-and-run scenario. Maryland automatically includes this unless you reject it in writing.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair your vehicle after a crash with another car or a stationary object like a guardrail or pole, minus your deductible. If you lease or finance your car, your lender requires this coverage.
SR-22 Insurance
Not a separate coverage type, but a certificate your insurer files with the Maryland MVA proving you carry at least minimum liability coverage. Maryland requires SR-22 filing after DUI convictions, multiple at-fault accidents, or driving uninsured.