What Is the Minimum Amount of Auto Insurance I Need in Maryland?

Maryland law requires drivers to have a minimum amount of auto insurance when operating a vehicle. A driver who does not maintain the specific types of coverage and minimum amounts will face penalties. A driver must provide the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) with proof of insurance.

Liability Coverage

When a driver is at fault in an auto accident, his liability insurance pays for the other driver's and his occupant's injuries and damage to the vehicle. A driver must have $20,000 of liability coverage for one individual's injuries or death and $40,000 for all individuals injured or killed per accident. The minimum amount for property damage is $15,000, which pays for repairs to the other vehicle and any property damaged in the accident.

Personal Injury Protection

Personal Injury Protection (PIP) pays for the insured's injuries and his passenger's injuries caused by an auto accident. This coverage pays medical expenses and loss of income for injured individuals up to $2,500. PIP pays the expenses regardless of which driver is at fault. A driver can waive PIP for himself and family members who are over age 16.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage protects a driver when an uninsured driver causes an accident. Maryland law requires a policyholder to have a minimum of $20,000 liability coverage for one person and $40,000 for two or more people per accident. This coverage must also include $15,000 for property damage. The driver who is not at fault can use his uninsured motorist coverage to pay for damages and medical bills up to his policy limits.

Penalties

A driver must have continuous auto coverage to avoid penalties. The MVA can levy fines against an uninsured motorist. The penalty is $150 for the first 30 days the driver has a lapse in insurance and $7 for each day thereafter. A driver can have his license plate and registration suspended. The fee to reinstate a suspended registration is $25. The MVA can prevent a driver from renewing the registration on any vehicle he owns until the he clears all insurance violations. A driver who provides false auto insurance information can face up to one year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. If the MVA suspends a driver's registration, a tag recovery agent can confiscate the vehicle's license plates.

Requirements

When a driver registers a new vehicle or renews his registration, he must sign a Maryland Insurance Certification Form FR-19. This form certifies that a driver has the minimum auto insurance required by law. A driver agrees not to operate a vehicle without insurance when he signs the form.

References

• Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration: Insurance Requirements for Maryland Vehicles
• Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration: Maryland Insurance Certifications
• Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration: Maryland Approved Insurance Companies
• Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration: Uninsured Vehicle Owners