Maryland Car Insurance Requirements: What Every Driver Needs to Know in 2026.

If you own or drive a car in Maryland, insurance isn't optional. State law requires every registered vehicle to carry a minimum amount of coverage at all times, and the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) takes lapses seriously. Below, we break down the Maryland car insurance requirements in plain English, explain what each coverage does, and share why the state minimum may not be enough to protect you.

Maryland's minimum car insurance requirements

Maryland requires three types of coverage on every auto policy:

Coverage

Minimum required

Bodily injury liability

$30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident

Property damage liability

$15,000 per accident

Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM)

Same as liability: $30,000 / $60,000 / $15,000

Personal injury protection (PIP)

$2,500 (can be limited or waived in writing)

You'll often see the liability portion written as 30/60/15. Here's what each piece means.

Bodily injury and property damage liability

Liability insurance pays for injuries and damage you cause to other people in an accident. Maryland is an at-fault state, which means the driver who causes a crash is responsible for the other party's losses. Bodily injury liability covers their medical bills, lost wages, and related costs, up to $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident at the minimum. Property damage liability covers the other driver's car or property you damage, such as a fence or mailbox, up to $15,000.

Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage

Not every driver on the road follows the rules. Uninsured motorist coverage protects you and your passengers if you're hit by a driver with no insurance, or by a hit-and-run driver. Underinsured motorist coverage helps when the at-fault driver has insurance, but not enough to cover your injuries. Maryland requires this coverage at the same limits as your liability coverage.

Personal injury protection (PIP)

PIP pays for your own medical expenses and a portion of lost income after an accident, no matter who was at fault. Maryland insurers must include at least $2,500 of PIP on every policy. You have three choices:

• Full PIP covers you, your family members, and passengers.

• Limited PIP excludes you and household members age 16 and older, and costs less.

• Waived PIP removes the coverage entirely, which you must request in writing.

Limiting or waiving PIP can lower your premium, but it also means you'll rely on your health insurance after a crash. Because PIP pays quickly and also covers lost wages, many drivers find it worth keeping.

Why the state minimum often isn't enough

The state minimum is designed to make you legal, not to fully protect you. Consider how quickly costs add up after a serious accident. A single hospital stay can exceed $30,000, and $15,000 in property damage may not cover a newer car, let alone a multi-vehicle crash. If the damages you cause exceed your limits, you could be personally responsible for the rest, which can put your savings, home, and future wages at risk.

Maryland also follows a strict rule called contributory negligence. In many cases, if you're found even slightly at fault for an accident, you may not be able to recover damages from the other driver. That makes your own coverage, like collision, PIP, and uninsured motorist protection, even more important.

Most drivers benefit from higher liability limits, such as 100/300/100, plus optional coverages like:

• Collision, which pays to repair your car after an accident, regardless of fault

• Comprehensive, which covers theft, vandalism, hail, falling trees, and hitting a deer

• Rental reimbursement, which pays for a rental car while yours is in the shop

• Roadside assistance, for towing, jump-starts, and lockouts

If you have a car loan or lease, your lender will usually require collision and comprehensive coverage.

What happens if you drive without insurance in Maryland

Maryland checks insurance electronically, and your insurance company reports cancellations to the MVA. If your coverage lapses, the MVA can charge fines for each day your vehicle is uninsured, and it may suspend your registration and tags. If you're caught driving without insurance, you may also face court penalties. The simplest way to avoid this is to keep continuous coverage and return your plates to the MVA before canceling a policy on a car you no longer drive.

You should also keep proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times. If the MVA asks for proof, your insurer can provide a Maryland Insurance Certification (Form FR-19).

What if you can't find coverage?

If you've been turned down by private insurers, often because of past accidents or claims, Maryland Auto Insurance (formerly the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund) offers coverage to residents who qualify. A licensed agent can help you explore every option before you go that route.

Get the right Maryland auto coverage with Blu

Understanding the minimum is a good start, but the right policy depends on your car, your household, and how much you have to protect. At Blu Insurance Agency, we help Maryland drivers compare coverage options and choose limits that make sense for their budget.

Learn more about our auto insurance in Maryland, see how we serve Maryland drivers and families, or get a free insurance quote today.

This article is for general information only and isn't legal advice. Coverage details vary by policy and insurer, so review your policy or talk with a licensed agent about your situation.

Sources: Insurify: Maryland minimum requirements · Nolo: Maryland car insurance requirements · Joseph, Greenwald & Laake: Maryland minimums