To drive legally on Maryland roads and freeways, you need to be able to provide proof of adequate insurance if/when you are pulled over for any reason by an officer of the law. If you do not have proper insurance, you could face fines, license suspension, and even jail time. In addition, you will have a more difficult time finding cheap car insurance in future, as insurance companies will see reckless actions as an indication that you are a high risk.

Liability Insurance

All Maryland drivers must purchase the state minimum amount of liability coverage in the amount of 20/40/40. This ratio equals to $40K in bodily injury liability for more than one driver, and $40K in property damage.

While purchasing the state minimum amount of liability will allow you to drive legally, please be advised that these numbers only represent the bare minimum amount of liability insurance needed. Because car accidents can be extremely expensive, you should strongly consider purchasing more than the minimum amount required.

Maryland Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Maryland drivers are not required to purchase Uninsured/Underinsured (UM/UIM) coverage; however, because this type of insurance covers any damage that may be done to your car if you are involved in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver, it is strongly advised that you do so.

Think you can afford to go without UM/UIM coverage? Remember: you can only control your own actions on the road—not the actions of others. With so many uninsured drivers on the roads these days, you may be left paying for damages if you are involved in an accident. So do yourself a favor and purchase it. You’ll be thankful in the long run.

No Fault vs. Tort State

As a tort state, Maryland’s car insurance laws require that if a driver is at fault, he/she must pay for the other driver’s medical expenses and/or any damages done to their vehicle. The other driver may also pursue money for lost wages, as well as pain and suffering. If you do not have insurance, the other driver may sue you in a court of law.

You simply must purchase car insurance, whether you are driving in Maryland or any other state. How much you buy is up to you, but you need to have at least the minimum amount of liability insurance coverage in order to drive legally. You should also purchase UM/UIM coverage as well. If you are looking for cheap car insurance rates, you should consider comparing quotes from different companies before purchasing a policy.