Maryland, like many other states in the United States, requires its residents to have a minimum level of car insurance coverage to ensure they are financially responsible for any damages or injuries they may cause while driving. The requirements for car insurance in Maryland are outlined in the state’s Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) regulations and are designed to protect both the driver and other parties involved in an accident. In this article, we will explore the requirements for car insurance in Maryland, including the types of coverage, minimum limits, and any additional requirements.
The Types of Car Insurance Coverage in Maryland
In Maryland, car insurance policies must include the following types of coverage:
| Coverage Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Liability Coverage | This type of coverage pays for damages or injuries to other people or property in the event of an accident. It includes bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured motorist bodily injury. |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | This type of coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages for the policyholder and their passengers, regardless of who is at fault in an accident. |
| Collision Coverage | This type of coverage pays for damages to the policyholder’s vehicle in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. |
| Comprehensive Coverage | This type of coverage pays for damages to the policyholder’s vehicle that are not related to an accident, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. |
Minimum Limits for Car Insurance in Maryland
In Maryland, the minimum limits for car insurance coverage are as follows:
| Coverage Type | Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident |
| Property Damage Liability | $15,000 per accident |
| Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury | $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident |
| PIP | $2,500 per person, $5,000 per accident |
Additional Requirements for Car Insurance in Maryland
In addition to the minimum limits and types of coverage, Maryland has several other requirements for car insurance: (See Also: Can I Use Car Insurance as Proof Of Address? Explained)
- Proof of Insurance: Maryland requires drivers to carry proof of insurance in their vehicle at all times. This can be in the form of a physical insurance card or a digital copy on a smartphone.
- SR-22 Insurance: Maryland requires drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked to file an SR-22 form with the MVA. This form certifies that the driver has obtained the minimum required level of insurance coverage.
- High-Risk Insurance: Maryland requires drivers who have been deemed high-risk to obtain high-risk insurance. This type of insurance is more expensive than regular insurance, but it provides coverage for drivers who are unable to obtain regular insurance due to their driving record or other factors.
Consequences of Not Having Car Insurance in Maryland
If you are caught driving without car insurance in Maryland, you may face several consequences:
- Fine: You may be fined up to $1,000 for driving without insurance.
- Your driver’s license may be suspended for a period of time, or until you obtain the minimum required level of insurance coverage.
- VEHICLE IMPOUNDMENT: Your vehicle may be impounded and held until you obtain the minimum required level of insurance coverage.
Recap of Requirements for Car Insurance in Maryland
In summary, the requirements for car insurance in Maryland include:
- Liability coverage with minimum limits of $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 per accident for property damage.
- PIP coverage with minimum limits of $2,500 per person, $5,000 per accident.
- Collision coverage with minimum limits of $2,500 per accident.
- Comprehensive coverage with minimum limits of $2,500 per accident.
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage with minimum limits of $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident.
- Proof of insurance must be carried in the vehicle at all times.
- SR-22 insurance may be required for drivers who have had their license suspended or revoked.
- High-risk insurance may be required for drivers who are deemed high-risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the minimum amount of liability coverage I need to carry in Maryland?
A: The minimum amount of liability coverage you need to carry in Maryland is $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 per accident for property damage.
Q: Do I need to carry PIP coverage in Maryland?
A: Yes, you need to carry PIP coverage in Maryland with minimum limits of $2,500 per person, $5,000 per accident. (See Also: How Long Does It Take To Claim Car Insurance? – A Quick Guide)
Q: What happens if I am caught driving without car insurance in Maryland?
A: If you are caught driving without car insurance in Maryland, you may face fines, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment.
Q: Do I need to carry collision and comprehensive coverage in Maryland?
A: No, you are not required to carry collision and comprehensive coverage in Maryland, but it is highly recommended to protect your vehicle from damages.
(See Also: Who Pays the Most for Car Insurance? Top Surprises Revealed)Q: Can I waive PIP coverage in Maryland?
A: No, you cannot waive PIP coverage in Maryland. It is a mandatory coverage that provides medical expenses and lost wages for the policyholder and their passengers, regardless of who is at fault in an accident.