Best car insurance in Maryland for 2023

Our 2023 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.

Like our previous Bankrate Scores, each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. This year, our 2023 scoring model provides a more comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and better highlighting where they fall short.

• Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, 2023 quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best and the NAIC, were analyzed.
• Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
• Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.

In Maryland, motorists are required to carry at least minimum levels of some car insurance coverages to drive legally. Bodily injury liability, property damage liability, uninsured motorist bodily injury, uninsured motorist property damage and personal injury protection (PIP) are all required coverage types. While you do not need to memorize Maryland’s car insurance laws — you will not be able to buy a policy with limits lower than the state minimum — understanding the state’s financial responsibility law could help you decide if you need higher limits. Most insurance experts agree that minimum limits do not provide sufficient coverage and encourage drivers to purchase higher amounts for greater financial protection.

If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, you likely have additional car insurance requirements to think about. Minimum coverage does not provide any coverage for damage to your own vehicle, which lenders typically require to protect their financial stake in your auto. For this financial protection, you would need to purchase full coverage, which includes comprehensive and collision coverage.

Lenders and leasing companies typically require full coverage and may also stipulate how high your deductibles can be. You may also want to consider purchasing gap insurance, which is designed to pay the difference between your new vehicle’s actual market value and your loan amount if your vehicle is totaled.

Understanding what you are looking for in your auto insurance could help you narrow down your options. Budget may be your primary concern, or maybe you want a company with strong digital assets and a user-friendly mobile app. You might also have a teen driver and be looking for companies that offer numerous teen discounts. If you have accidents, tickets or DUI/DWI convictions on your record, you may need to find a company that will insure high-risk drivers. Taking the time to understand your unique situation, wants and needs could help you determine what companies best fit your circumstances.

Allstate, USAA and Geico offer some of the cheapest car insurance in Maryland for minimum coverage, while USAA and Nationwide are among the cheapest for full coverage, according to Bankrate’s research. While finding cheap auto insurance in Maryland may go a long way toward getting affordable car insurance, you may want to keep in mind that rates depend on your personal factors. Your premium will depend on your individual rating factors, like the coverages you choose, the vehicle you drive and your driving record.

While you can call individual agencies to get a quote, shopping for car insurance quotes online may be more efficient. You’ll be asked to give some personal information, like your name, date of birth, drivers license number and some questions about your driving history. Do you have a speeding ticket, DUI/DWI or other infraction on your record? If so, the quotes process is usually a good time to let a potential insurer know to get the most accurate estimate possible. You’ll also need to provide the vehicle identification number for the vehicles you want to insure, as well as information about the other drivers you wish to add to your policy.

Full coverage means that you are purchasing coverage for damage to your own vehicle. This includes both comprehensive coverage and collision coverage. Collision coverage pays for damages to your car caused by you colliding with another vehicle or other object. Comprehensive coverage is often called “other than collision” and pays for damages caused by you hitting an animal, severe weather, theft, vandalism and glass breakage. Neither coverage provides financial protection for intentional damage or maintenance.

The process for filing a car insurance claim depends on your carrier. Many carriers allow policyholders to file claims via a digital portal or mobile app. Some mobile apps have the ability to capture and send photos of vehicle damage to your claims adjuster. However, some car insurance providers require you to call an insurance agent or the company during business hours to file your claim. You may want to check with your car insurance provider to see which claims filing method they use.