Archive for the ‘Maryland Car Insurance Rates’ Category

Save Money On Your Homeowner’s Insurance

Posted on: by Edward Harris

Get the best homeowner’s insurance rates in Maryland and pay less! Although prices seem to typically rise each year, there are several options that will help you lower premiums, and put more money in your pocket. As one of your most important assets, you need to protect the value, and make certain major repairs and damage are covered. Get instant pricing online for any properties you own by using a  free online calculator.

Prices have been increasing in recent years, and some of the rate hikes have been substantial. Although coverage on the dwelling and contents grow to keep pace with inflation, premiums typically should not go up this fast. A combination of weather-related claims and higher incidences of theft have been partially to blame. 2026 prices have remained fairly level, or slightly increased. Coverage amounts on dwelling and personal property have also slightly increased to keep pace with inflation and building costs.

Nationally, for dwelling (only) coverage, Maryland rates rank 19th (from lowest to highest). The  states with lowest average prices are Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin. The states with the highest average prices are Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, and South Dakota.

There are many ways to save money on your homeowner’s insurance rates in Maryland. And no, selling your house and moving to an apartment is not one of them! We help explain these rate reductions and show you how you can reduce your premium, and still retain and leave unchanged the core components of your policy. Although we are better recognized for writing about the best auto insurance companies in Maryland, we believe you’ll find our list of home discounts quite helpful.

 

Bundle Up!

 

The multi-policy discount will benefit you in two ways. Firstly, you will immediately see a 10%-25% reduction in your rates (the discount fluctuates between carriers) when you insure your vehicle and home with the same company. And of course, your auto insurance premium will also reduce, possibly as much as $100-$300 per year. Since vehicle insurance rates are generally higher than homeowner’s premiums, the discount is very helpful. And the reduction remains level each year.

Secondarily, having  several lines of business with a company somewhat insulates you against cancellation or termination of policies. Of course it won’t prevent your policy to be canceled after three house fires! But it will provide additional leverage if the number of claims you submit places you in a high-risk category for cancellation. Typically, three submitted claims within a 5-7 year period can create an underwriting flag that may result in a cancellation. Fire, vandalism, and theft claims cause the most underwriting concern.

But if you currently insure your automobiles and house with separate companies, combining them could make a tremendous difference in what you pay. In addition to the multi-policy discount, it’s very possible that by simply comparing car insurance rates with multiple insurers, the savings could be hundreds of dollars of savings every six months when you receive the renewal statement. Combining contracts is often a big money-saver, and provides limited insulation from an underwriting cancellation.

 

Retired Discount

 

MD Discounts For Home

Discounts For Your Maryland Home Insurance

Another big premium-saver occurs if all of the adults in the household are retired. Usually, at least one of the household members must also be 55 or older. If someone works part-time, that still may be acceptable. The rate reduction is typically in the 5%-15% range, but it is applied every year, so it’s easy money that gets put back in your pocket. Generally, retirements before age 55 do not generate a discount.

Sometimes, there will be higher reductions for persons 65 or older. The assumption is that you spend more time inside the home. At this time, there is not a major reduction given to applicants over the age of 75. However, positive claims results may sway insurers to offer a price reduction. Discounts for home monitoring may also be introduced within the next few years.

As actuarial data is studied, it’s possible a change could be made in the next five years. The biggest concern is potential health-related issues that could cause or contribute to an accident or extra liability exposure. Condo and renters policies will often offer these same Senior discounts, although the amounts may be slightly less. One of the largest factors in determining renters policy premiums is the incidence of theft in the surrounding area of the policyholder, and of course, claims history. Dead bolt locks and alarm systems (see below) can help reduce the risk of theft and break-ins.

 

Alarm Systems

 

Of course, an obvious money-saver is owning an alarm system, especially a system that is professional-monitored.  Every major Maryland homeowner’s insurance carrier offers this discount. The “central” system will save the most money. Typically, this type  will notify a local police and/or fire department if there is an attempted break-in or the smoke detectors go off. Usually this will reduce your premium about 15%. Occasionally, the reduction may be as much as 25%, depending on the effectiveness of the system.

Many system upgrades are offered by manufacturers, which could result in additional savings. SimpliSafe offers many alarm system packages that are easy to install, and provide discounts on most home policies. Outdoor cameras can also be purchased and a professional setup offer is available for a reasonable cost.

A “local” alarm system is still armed by the owners of the home from a keypad usually located  near a major entrance. However, additional keypads can also be purchased. If the alarm is tripped, an incredibly loud buzzer will go off. I know it’s loud because each of our children (when they were younger) reminded us of that (by accident)! Since the police are not automatically contacted, the discount may only be 5%. These types of systems can be easily upgraded, and installation is very simple..

Many new and inexpensive alarm systems have become available within the last five years. Several popular options are Frontpoint, Vivint, ADT, SimpliSafe (see above), Protect America, Link Interactive, Scout, Nest Secure, LifeShield, and Brinks. Homes without alarm systems are three times more likely to be burglarized than homes with an alarm system. “Ring” doorbell/alarm systems are very inexpensive and can be quickly installed with easy exterior door and window coverage.

 

Central System Is Best

 

A “central” alarm may not cost anything to install, but there will be a monthly monitoring fee. This can range from as little as $25 to as much as $150. Usually, these fees are negotiable, so shop around if you are considering buying this type of system. A local experienced company will likely offer you the best service. Never purchase a system from any type of telemarketing call you receive. Their sole purpose for calling is to obtain your credit card information.

And what about the fake alarm stickers and cameras you can purchase to place around the perimeter of your home? I don’t know of any carriers that will consider them, but it may not be a bad idea if you can’t afford an alarm. You can probably order a set of four or eight stickers very inexpensively. And the fake alarm camera does look real and is typically high enough that nobody will want to touch it. However, after about three years of  snow, rain, wind and hail, your fake “system” may need to be replaced.

 

Look Above Your Head

 

Discount Auto And Home Insurance Maryland

This Is A Very Expensive Roof!

Are you thinking of getting a new roof? If you need one, and actually replace your existing roof, many home and auto insurance companies in Maryland will cut your premium. The main reason is that the risk of damage to the roof will have reduced, and often there are warranties from the roofing companies that may pay some damages, if the shingles were faulty. Each  roofer is different and, of course, don’t buy a new roof just for the discount!

A new home (as well as a new roof) generates a big discount, often as much as 25%. Newer houses typically translate into fewer claims and a smaller chance of problems. Therefore, your rate is substantially reduced. Also, newer, and more modern shingle designs provide more protection and last longer, which helps reduce your premium.

Impact-resistant roofing materials are also a great way to cut down on potential claims. Hail claims are greatly diminished since pellets typically bounce off the roof without causing damage. It’s also possible that fallen small and medium-sized branches will not cause harm either. Each carrier has their own set of underwriting criteria, so check with the carrier before making changes to the roof.

There are also multiple options regarding how comprehensive you want your roof coverage to be. By electing a separate deductible and/or higher out-of-pocket expenses (if you submit a roof claim), you’ll save money each year, since roof claims are among the most common. However, all carriers do not offer this benefit option and the amount of premium reduction varies.

 

Additional Unusual Discounts

 

Although not as common, several companies offer a credit if most (or all) of your wiring has been recently inspected and upgraded. Since the risk of fire reduces,  everybody wins. Expect about a 2%-5% reduction every year. Proof of service and installation will probably be required. And of course, a professional electrician would have to handle the installation. Adding LED lighting will also save money, and provide more exterior light at no extra cost.

A “claim-free” reward is offered by almost every carrier, and it can easily save hundreds of dollars each year.  Although larger claims must be filed, often it’s better to raise your deductible since it’s not advisable to constantly submit smaller claims. Multiple weather or natural disaster claims are treated more favorably by underwriters than fires, thefts, and vandalism.

Many years ago, a $100 or $250 deductible was common, and recommended by most companies and brokers. But now, a $500 or $1,000 deductible is much more cost-effective since it’s unlikely you will be submitting claims under the $250 threshold. As earlier mentioned, the quantity of submitted claims, as opposed to the amount of claim dollars spent, is often what underwriters take into consideration when determining to renew or cancel an in-force policy.

If you reside in a gated community (not a condominium community), because of the increased safety, a small discount may be applied to your policy. If your vehicle is parked under a roof or in a garage, the auto insurance policy may reduce. Home improvements occasionally will lower the premium if the structure becomes more safe.

And finally, scheduled jewelry riders are expensive. Depending on how many pieces you insure, and their combined value, you could easily add hundreds of dollars of extra premium to your policy every year. Check and verify that you still own all of the jewelry and want it scheduled. Also consider cheaper riders that provide extra coverage without all-risk coverage.

Although storing your jewelry in a safety deposit box isn’t fancy, and of course, not very accessible, the cost is fairly low (sometimes free, depending on how much business you have with the bank). Safety is not an issue and you don’t necessarily have to schedule the items on your policy since they are protected. The annual cost is approximately $50-$100. Certificate of Deposit holders may earn a waiver of the fee.

 

Sample Homeowner’s Insurance Rates In Maryland (Annual)

 

Washington County (Hagerstown) – Home insured for $198,900 with $1,000 deductible and $300,000 liability

$462 – Donegal Mutual

$494 – Cumberland Mutual

$497 – Farmers Insurance

$510 – Farmers Mutual

$512 – NGM Insurance

$569 – Unitrin

$570 – Cincinnati Casualty

$608 – Travelers

$629 – Teachers Insurance

$632 – Penn National

$655 – Allstate

$656 – CSAA

$774 – Erie

$782 – State Farm

$903 – Amica

 

Harford County (Bel Air) – Home insured for $278,100 with $1,000 deductible and $300,000 liability

$535 – Unitrin

$616 – NGM Insurance

$631 – Farmers

$651 – Donegal Mutual

$690 – Travelers

$714 – Cumberland Mutual

$732 – Cincinnati Casualty

$741 – Penn National

$799 – Frederick Mutual

$823 – Teachers Insurance

$826 – Hartford

$842 – Nationwide

$854 – Safeco

$880 – Mutual Benefit

$883 – CSAA General

 

Anne Arundel County – Home insured for $370,000 with $500 deductible and multi-policy discount

$464 – Safeco

$723 – Brethren Mutual

$780 – Farmers

$910 – Frederick Mutual

$971 – Peninsula

$1,002 – Teachers Insurance

$1,048 – AIG

$1,148 – Travelers

$1,174 – Esurance

$1,187 – Horace Mann

$1,213 – Erie

$1,296 – State Farm

$1,394 – Allstate

$1,457 – Nationwide

$1,491 – Amica

 

Carroll County – Home insured for $350,000 with $500 deductible and multi-policy discount

$464 – Safeco

$583 – Brethren Mutual

$762 – Farmers

$793 – Frederick Mutual

$898 – Erie

$846 – Travelers

$847 – Pharmacists Mutual

$915 – Penn National

$960 – Liberty Insurance

$987 – AIG

$1,071 – Unitrin

$1,123 – Esurance

$1,212  – State Farm

$1,237 – Cincinnati

$1,627 – USAA

 

Baltimore County – Home insured for $247,000 with $1,000 deductible

$701 – Pharmacists Mutual

$721 – NGM Insurance

$725 – Erie

$728 – Donegal Mutual

$763 – Farmers

$799 – Cumberland Mutual

$800 – Penn National

$831 – Esurance

$843 – Travelers

$852 – Teachers Insurance

$863 – Liberty Insurance

$895 – Unitrin

$910 – Horace Mann

$955 – Encompass

$1,008 – State Farm

 

Sample Condominium Insurance Rates In Maryland (Annual)

 

Queen Anne’s County (Stevensville) Contents covered for $50,000 with $500 deductible and $100,000 liability

$185 – Selective Insurance

$207 – Teachers Insurance

$219 – Horace Mann

$230 – State Farm

$233 – Penn National

$248 – NGM Insurance

$251 – Allstate

$251 – Cincinnati

$279 – Mutual Benefit

$284 – American Property And Casualty

$291 – Encompass

$308 – Chubb National

$313 – Hartford Fire

$358 – USAA Casualty

$389 – Nationwide

 

Talbot County (Easton) Contents covered for $50,000 with $500 deductible and $100,000 liability

$176 – Cincinnati

$207 – Teachers Insurance

$219 – Horace Mann

$230 – State Farm

$233 – Penn National

$237 – NGM Insurance

$257 – Allstate

$257 – Meridian Security

$279 – Mutual Benefit

$285 – AIG

$296 – Donegal Mutual

$313 – Hartford Fire

$321 – Encompass

$326 – Travelers

$338 – Lititz Mutual

 

Cheap homeowner’s insurance rates in Maryland are available and we’re committed to helping you find the lowest prices. Through a combination of smart shopping and utilization of available discounts, we are confident you’ll save money. Of course, when you bundle your home and auto policies with the same company, expect a generous discount.

The MD Homeowner’s Insurance Administration Guide released current annual rates which we have listed above. Prices are updated each year. Topics of the guide include tips for buying a policy, obligations after a loss, types of policies, coverage included in policies, factors in the cost of coverage, force-place coverage by lenders, why coverage is needed, and assistance for persons that can not secure coverage.

Maryland Auto Insurance Laws And Regulations – Requirements And Rate

Posted on: by Edward Harris

Maryland mandatory car insurance laws, rules, and regulations are set by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA). Auto insurance is required in Maryland since it is a mandatory vehicle insurance state. The state legislation stipulates that registered vehicles must carry the required published liability limits from an insurer licensed to do business in the state. Each mandatory state has minimum requirements and Maryland’s is $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 for more than one person, and an additional $15,000 for property damage (30/60/15). Uninsured motorist coverage is also required for $30,000/$60,000.

Higher limits are offered by all companies, although rates will vary. These limits extend to family members and persons given permission to operate your vehicle. Changes can typically be made on the anniversary date, or during the policy period if a claim is not pending. Maryland is considered an “at-fault” state for vehicle accidents, and as previously mentioned, is also a mandatory vehicle insurance state. Therefore, drivers are permitted to sue other drivers for compensation after an accident.

Additional damages may also be recoverable. Typically, you can  file a claim with your carrier, file a claim with the other driver’s carrier, or sue the other party directly to recover damages. Out-of-court settlements are quite common among most carriers. Note: Minimum liability requirements are mandatory, regardless if the vehicle is being actively driven. Note: In addition to the driver, pedestrians, household family members, and passengers are also covered.

Transportation network companies that have between 26 and 300 operators have higher limits. These requirements are $50,000 bodily injury per person, $100,000 for more than one person, and an additional $25,000 for property damage.  Commercial coverage is available from many carriers with much higher available limits. New residents must notify their current carrier to convert to a state-approved policy. Vehicle insurance is validated when you renew the registration. Coverage must be in effect before a vehicle is registered and insurance plates must be returned before a policy is canceled.

 

PIP Is Required

Uninsured motorists coverage and personal injury protection (known as PIP) are also required. PIP provides up to $2,500 of medical and disability costs arising from an accident. Both family and non-family occupants of the vehicle are covered (Full PIP). The $2,500 may be utilized for reasonable and necessary medical expenses that occur within 36 months of the accident and up to 85% of incurred and provable lost wages. Compensation is also available if the injured party was not employed. Surgery, hospital, nursing, recovery, and rehabilitation expenses are typically covered.

Persons that do not sign the PIP waiver and also are not eligible to reject coverage, receive the benefits described in the previous paragraph. Rejection of PIP is also an option. Coverage can only be waived for yourself, listed drivers on the auto policy, and family household members that are 16 years of age (or older). PIP can not be waived or other persons in your vehicle or other pedestrians you injure.  Car repairs and damage to other person’s property are not items covered along with reimbursement for taxis and buses. Note: PIP is also required in 16 other states.

There is also a “limited” alternative that excludes benefits to your family if they have reached age 16. However, the cost-savings is not significant. It should only be considered if you have private or group comprehensive healthcare benefits. Sustained injuries are covered regardless who was at fault. PIP payments are often paid quicker than reimbursements from a private or group health insurance plan. When the limited option is selected, PIP benefits may not be able to be collected under any motor vehicle liability policy.

 

PIP Rejection

Rejection of PIP is permitted if coverage does not exceed a specific limit, the carrier terminated the policy before the policy end date, and you were covered by a carrier other than the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (prior to applying).  The approximate 6-month PIP coverage cost (35 year-old male) is $40 for $2,500 of benefits, $58 for $5,000 of benefits, $73 for $7,500 of benefits, and $85 for $10,000 of benefits. When opting out of PIP, a waiver must be signed (Insurance code section 19-505a).

We help you understand different regulations in the state, and the impact any changes may have on your driving or the cost of your auto insurance. It’s important to “stay legal,”  and take advantage of any new laws or legislation that could help you save money. If you finance or lease a vehicle, requirements are often different. For example, leased vehicles typically require higher liability limits and more restrictive collision and comprehensive deductible options than a financed vehicle.

We also help you provide an FR-19 (Insurance Certification) which is required when you register or renew a vehicle. It’s important not to lose your certificate because only the original is considered valid. A copy will not be accepted if you are required to show proof. The FR-19 is valid for 30 days and must be provided by a licensed carrier and/or an authorized agent. The form is only used in several states (also Delaware), and serves a different purpose than an SR-22 Bond form. The MVA is located at 6601 Ritchie Highway Glen Burnie, MD. 21062.

 

Insurance Requirements

Your insurance must be certified and a written statement is required to verify that you will not drive without the proper coverage. This certification is the FR-19 and can be obtained directly by your insurer or a qualified broker. The form does not cost the driver any money and the original should be faxed or filed electronically with the MVA. A copy of the form is not accepted. It’s always a good idea to keep a copy at home or at your office. Also, updating the form every few years should be considered.  A USAA FR-19 is very popular.

Driving without the required insurance is not only illegal but it could be very time-consuming and expensive. About 12% of all Maryland drivers do not have coverage on their vehicle. For example, if your insurance lapses for three months, your fine will be $570. Even a one-month lapse will cost $150, with an additional $7 charge for each additional day.  The maximum per vehicle is capped at $2,500. There will be an additional cost for reinstating your car registration and to obtain new license plates. Although we can assist, it may be very time-consuming for you.

If you drive while the registration is suspended, the car may be impounded, and additional fines and penalties can be imposed. The Central Collections Unit will respond if prior notification requests are ignored. A 17% collection fee can be added to the outstanding fines. If a vehicle has been sold, your auto carrier can provide a letter that gives the date of loss and the date the vehicle was returned to the owner. Note: Geico, Allstate, USAA,  and State Farm insure the most vehicles in the state.

If you received a fine for a driving violation, and you can not immediately pay the entire amount, a suitable payment plan can be arranged. The CCU (Central Collection Unit) has many office locations that can begin the payoff process with a small initial payment. A credit card or cash can be used, but not a personal check. However, if you neglect to make the required payments, the vehicle will not be able to be driven, and no other vehicles will be allowed to be registered.

 

Penalties

Additional penalties can include paying a $25 restoration fee, not being able to renew a suspended registration, having your license plates confiscated, and paying a $1,000 penalty and risking jail time if  false proof of coverage is provided. If insurance lapse notifications are ignored, the Central Collections Unit (CCU) can collect an additional 17% of all outstanding fines. If your license plate or vehicle is stolen, a copy of the police report should be submitted so verification of the plates and date stolen can be verified. Once the plates have been found or recovered, MDOT should be contacted.

Vehicles that are repossessed, impounded, sold, totaled, junked, or sent out of the US, may require a letter from the insurance company, letter from the lien holder, bill of sale, or from the facility involved in the transaction. Information can be emailed, faxed, or sent via regular US mail. Since it is a criminal misdemeanor to drive without coverage, it’s critical to never allow your coverage to lapse. Lapse fees: $150-$200 for first 30 days. $7 for each additional day. The total maximum penalty is $3,500.

Hopefully, you won’t have any outstanding unpaid tickets, because they will also have to be paid in full. The three convenient payment options are: 1. Mail your payment (money order or check) to MVA (Insurance Compliance), PO Box 2278, Glen Burnie, MD. 21060.  2. Pay in person with money order, cash, check, or credit card. 3. Pay by phone through an interactive system that is available 24/7. Uninsured motorists fees can be paid with a credit card.

The moral of the story? Don’t go anywhere in your vehicle unless it is insured. Once you are on the road again, you can compare auto insurance rates in Maryland on our website. Checking prices every few years ensures you are not overpaying for your coverage. Bundling auto and home policies provides a discount and possible substantial savings.

 

New Drivers

If you’re a potential new driver…Congratulations! Your first step is to obtain a Maryland learner’s permit. You must be at least 15 3/4 and pass a vision exam and a written test by correctly answering at least 17 of the 20 questions. There are also several forms of identification required. Proof of both residency and identity are required.  You should also take the driving test before your learner’s permit ends. If you wait too long, you’ll have to start the process over again which will be costly and time-consuming.

Compare Auto Insurance In Maryland

Maryland Car Insurance Rates Are Affordable

Once you are licensed, of course, you must purchase your auto insurance with at least the minimum liability limits earlier discussed. You can also be added to an existing policy if the car you will be driving is owned by someone else (assuming a parent). Insurance ID cards should always be kept with you while you are driving. Keeping copies in your wallet/purse and glove compartment will satisfy just about all situations. NOTE: The National Driver Registry will be contacted, to ensure a current license is not suspended or revoked.

If you lose your ID card or your driver’s license, they should be promptly replaced. You can go to a local license and title bureau to have a duplicate made. You also can request a copy from the BMV although the process may take longer than visiting the local bureau. Temporary ID cards may be available in specific situations.

If you are a new resident of the state, you have up to 60 days to obtain a valid license (30 days for a commercial license). When you apply for a new license at a BMV location, there are a number of items you will need including identification and proof of residency. It’s possible that a vision exam may be required. Older seniors may have additional criteria to meet although a routine physical is not required.

You should also review your entire auto insurance policy with a local broker. Rates will be different in Maryland and you may want to adjust some of your coverage, including deductibles. Available discounts will differ from your old policy, so you may qualify for some new reductions. Your driving distance to your employer my also have changed, resulting in a different premium.

 

Rookie Driver Program

“Graduated Licensing”  is used to give young persons more experience at early ages. A driver education course and on-road experience helps develop confidence and experience. There are now three levels of training. They are  “Learners Permit,” “Provisional License” and “Full License.” 30 hours of classroom work and 6 hours of live driving are among the requirements.

Learners Permit

You can obtain a permit at 15 years and 9 months. You must verify your identity and show proof of school attendance. For applicants under age 18, a guardian or parent must cosign the application. Minor applicants may be required to submit multiple documents, including a tax return or health insurance ID card. Two tests are required (vision and general knowledge) before the permit is approved.

There is an available  manual with sample tests and training that can help you prepare. Driver safety facts, highway signs, and traffic laws are three of the most important topics discussed in the manual. A basic understanding of these topics is required to pass the exam. A vision screening and knowledge exam must be passed before a license is issued.

Provisional License

The provisional license requires an age of at least 16 years and 6 months. An approved driver’s education and training course must be taken and completed and 60 hours of supervised hours on the road must be documented. Driving between midnight and 5 am is prohibited, unless accompanied by  someone who is at least 21 years-old. Maryland auto insurance license changes  can be made at any time upon your request.

There are also restrictions that require all passengers be at least 18 or over. And as expected, any moving violation will result in additional training, suspension of license, or both. This will likely cause a large increase in your auto insurance premium. You must be 18 to get your full license and if you have not reached age 21, there can be no violations on your record. If you meet all of the necessary requirements, your provisional classification will be upgraded to the full classification. Each violation will restart the waiting period for a provisional license.

 

New Driver Guide

A “Rookie Driver” guide is also furnished to help prepare both parent and child. Lessons (with checklists) are provided to help cover all situations.  Guides are available free and should always be utilized. Several covered topics include:

Vehicle Entry Check – Before getting into the vehicle, check for broken glass, physical body damage, fluid leaks, and conditions and air pressure of tires. Also inspect the inside of the vehicle for unseen damage.

Dashboard controls – Understand where and what controls are, including headlights, turn signals, all brakes, steering wheel, door locks, mirror adjustments, heating/AC, hazard light, windshield wipers, horn, and seat adjustments.

Additional Topics – Entering traffic from different directions, turning at intersections, understanding lane positioning, backing up, parallel parking, entering traffic or merge lanes from shared left lanes, driving through a roundabout, driving when bicycles are in the same lane, passing vehicles, operating your vehicle in wet, icy, or snowy conditions, and passing other vehicles.

 

License Plate Options

Order Lic. Plates In Maryland

Get A Standard Or Personalized Maryland License Plate

If you wish to add a little scenery to your license plate, you have two options. An Agricultural Plate or a view of the Chesapeake Bay will convert your drab plate to a more appealing option. These plates have an initial $20 fee plus an annual $5 fee. The Chesapeake Bay plate has a yellowish-orange background while the Treasure plate features a blue background. If you lose existing plates, you can order a replacement for a $20 fee.

So far, no options are available for residents that are wishing for a Baltimore Ravens or Orioles plate. Although they would undoubtedly be very popular, most states do not have plates featuring local professional sports teams. The same applies to all of the colleges and universities in the state. We anticipate that these may become options within the next 10 years so stay patient!

Combinations of letters, numbers, and spaces are permitted, although the letter “O” will change to the number “0.” Depending on the type of plate, the number of available characters can change. Since personalized plates have become so popular, it’s possible your first choice may already be taken. Delivery of new plates typically takes about three weeks, and once received, the prior plates should be returned to an MVA office.

The following license options are available:

Agricultural or Chesapeake Bay – An initial fee is charged along with an annual fee. Proceeds from the annual fee  benefit the Chesapeake Bay Trust and/or the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation. The following vehicle Classes are eligible: A, M, EFT, EPO, and G.

Amateur Radio Operator – A copy of your FCC Amateur Radio Operator’s License is required. Passenger cars, trucks weighing 10,000 pounds or less, and multi-purpose vehicles are eligible.

Combat-Related – Only available to veterans or active members of the military that have won awards or honors. Documents needed may include  military discharge papers, Purple Heart certificate, or written documentation from the National Personal Records Center. Vehicle Classes eligible are A, M, and EPO.

Disabled – Passenger and motorcycle plates may be ordered. Placards, which are easily movable, are available for vehicles. If you have a temporary disability that will last for three weeks (or more), an application may be submitted with requested documentation. A “disability certification of information” section of the application will have to be completed by your physician. The universal wheelchair symbol is used to identify disabled persons.

Gold Star – Surviving spouses, siblings, parents, or children of fallen members of the Armed Services may apply for this plate. Passenger cars, multi-purpose vehicles, motorcycles, and trucks weighing less than 10,000 pounds are eligible.

Military – Dozens of versions are available, including Afghanistan Campaign, Air Force, Airman’s Medal, Asiatic Pacific, Coast Guard, Combat Action, Congressional Medal Of Honor, Gold Lifesaving, Honorably Discharged Veteran, Iraq Campaign, Korean Service, Kosovo Campaign, Navy Cross, Purple Heart, Silver Star, United States Army, United States Air Force, United States Navy, United States Coast Guard, and World War II Veteran.

Organizations – More than 500 organizations offer personalized license options. Logo and non-logo are available. Several available options are ABATE, Allegheny Community College, Baltimore City Fire Department, Chesapeake Bay Power Boat Association, Friends Of The Salisbury Zoo, Johns Hopkins University Alumni Association, Mount St. Mary’s University, Old Line Garrison, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Seneca Valley High School, Sheet Metal Workers, Sons Of Norway, Steamfitters Local, Temple University Alumni, UMBC Alumni Association, and Washington Nationals.

Personalized – Let your imagination take over! Vanity plates are very popular, with up to seven characters available. Offensive or duplicate requests will be declined. Typically, the process of approval takes about 4-7 weeks.

 

Driving Record Abstract

Do you need a copy of your driving record? You can order your official records for $12, as long as you pay online or by electronic check. Of course, identification will be needed. If you prefer to order a copy via US mail, you can pay by personal check, as long as your driver’s license number and phone number is on the check. Your three-year driving record can be requested, or a complete record of all information in the MVA data base.

The original issue date of the license, registration record, and certified copy of title can also be ordered. You may also use your phone to show your car insurance ID card. Mobile apps are also provided by many carriers. Maryland auto insurance laws do not place a  limit on how many times you can request a copy.

An “MVA Request For Record” form can be downloaded, printed, and mailed for quick service. If a business needs multiple records, a different form is needed (DL-015). If you move to another state, you can still order your abstract. Also available, is an expungement request form (AJ-058), which will remove a conviction from your driving record after three years. However, certain conditions must be met, including no other moving violations during the last three years, no license suspensions, and no prior convictions of major violations, such as DUI or hit and run.

 

Vehicle Inspections Maryland

Schedule Your Emissions Test

 

Vehicle Emissions

Vehicle emissions testing in Maryland is mandatory and helps clean the state’s air and water. An OBD (On-Board Diagnostics) test is required for vehicles that were manufactured in 1996 or any later year. This applies to standard cars and light trucks. The actual procedure to verify emissions is very quick and quite accurate. Pollutants can be easily detected with on-board diagnostic testing. The tool connects to the on-board diagnostic computer to check for potential emission issues. If you have a heavier vehicle manufactured after 2007, the same test would apply.

The procedure creates a direct connection with the vehicle on-board computer which is usually located underneath the dashboard. Failing components and dashboard warning lights are obvious signs of problems. NOTE: If your car or truck had a new battery installed within the last week, wait about a week so that a false emissions reading is not given. Also. Hybrid vehicles must be scheduled for testing within 36 months of the model year.

A gas cap and tailpipe examination are also required for vehicle model years 1977 and newer. This includes cars, light-duty trucks and heavy-duty trucks. Any holes in the exhaust system (or leaks) will cause a failure in the test. It’s also important to have the proper gas cap, and to ensure the seal is snug. Otherwise, it will not pass. And of course, the catalytic converter must be working properly. A missing or loose gas cap will also result in a failed test.

The MVA sends written notification about two months before the scheduled test date. You can schedule the test at any time, once the notice is received. Testing facilities are conveniently located throughout the state. After paying the $14 fee, once a successful test is completed, a certificate will be issued indicating the results of the test. Following a failed test, the cost of a second test is free.

 

Distracted Driving

Don’t text while you drive! But you know that already. There are many other tasks you should also avoid, such as eating or drinking, taking on your cellphone or Smartphone, reading a map, looking at passengers, or adjusting your radio settings. When your eyes are off the road, often you are endangering yourself, your passengers, other drivers, and innocent pedestrians. And of course, it is illegal to use a hand-held phone or electronic device while operating a vehicle in Maryland.

A first-time conviction can result in a maximum fine of $83. However, the second conviction can increase the fine to $140, and the third conviction can increase the amount to $160. If an accident occurs, points can be added to your driver’s license.  Simply writing or reading a text message while driving is also illegal, and the resulting fine is $70. If death or serious injury occurs,  up to a $5,000 fine can be imposed and a three-year prison sentence.

The four most common types of distractions are visual, cognitive, manual, and auditory.  Although not all distractions are illegal, they can cause an increased chance of having an at-fault accident. Most major Metropolitan areas (Baltimore and Washington D.C.) have the highest concentration of distracted driver crashes. The times of the day with the most reported crashes are early evening and  late afternoon. Fridays have the highest frequency of incidents while Sundays have the lowest. Males typically text more than females and account for 80% of the fatalities.

Jakes Law mandates that a driver that caused serious death or injury while texting or speaking on a handheld cell phone can be convicted with a resulting prison sentence of  36 months and a fine of $5,000. The legislation became effective four years ago, and was named after five year-old Jake Owen, who was killed in a car accident in Baltimore in 2011. The driver was talking on the phone at the time of the accident, and was previously texting. The driver served no jail time and only received a $1,000 fine.

 

Senate Bill 743

This legislation is the first state law that requires peer-to-peer car rental companies to adhere to state insurance, tax, and safety regulations and laws. Although not endorsed by all interested parties, the law offers the needed regulation that benefits consumers. An 8% sales tax applies to p2p carsharing companies, although it increased to 11.5% in 2020. When conducting business at an airport, the usual airport fees will also be imposed, and required insurance licenses must be maintained. Also, the national safety recall law must apply to any vehicles operating in Maryland.

Parity among peer-to-peer carsharing companies is the ultimate goal, so that all parties comply with the same regulations, tax laws, and guidelines. Companies that operate at airports are subject to separate contracts and any applicable airport fees. National safety recall laws must also be followed, including the grounding of vehicles.

 

Review

Auto insurance laws in Maryland are designed to keep drivers and passengers safe and protect victims in accidents. Minimum liability limits are established for all registered vehicles. By knowing the regulations, you’ll save money on your insurance. This website regularly updates any changes regarding legislation or carrier underwriting. If your policy is non-renewed, we also review your best options.

 

PAST UPDATES:

Undocumented immigrants can now register vehicles, purchase auto insurance coverage and drive on state highways. Of course, the required written and driving tests must be taken and passed. Thus, immigration status will no longer be a reason to deny driving privileges and minimum safety standards for all persons will have to be met.

In a recent comprehensive study of Maryland car insurance rates (research provided by NWallet), the cities with the lowest prices include: Fairplay, Williamsport, Hagerstown, Smithburg, Rocky Ridge, Hancock, Maugansville and Cascade. Prices, however, will vary, depending on age of persons that are listed on policy, the number of reported violations and accidents, and type of vehicles that are covered.

After facing mounting  criticism and concern from policyholders and the Insurance Administration, State farm will no longer raise premiums for non at-fault accidents and utilizing the emergency road and hazard service on most policies. Also, many previous rate increases will either be rescinded, or a refund will be sent to effected policyholders.

An unusually-high number of consumer complaints related to rate increases led to the investigation. While it is legal to increase premiums for these types of situations, most other carriers refrain from increasing prices. Also, the correspondence sent by State Farm to customers was determined to be confusing, with some details missing.

Full Coverage Or Just Liability On Your Vehicles? Compare Options

Posted on: by Edward Harris

Full coverage or just liability insurance on your vehicles? This is a common dilemma that many car-owners face when one or more cars (or trucks) are no longer financed. It’s great to save hundreds of dollars per year (or thousands) on your car insurance rates. But is the risk worth it? Can you afford to replace a vehicle and start making monthly payments? Is state-minimum coverage enough? In most states, liability coverage or a financial responsibility bond is required. Do you have an emergency cash fund that can pay the deductible and other related expenses?

And when is the best time to remove your comprehensive and collision coverage? Which deductibles are the most cost-effective? Although full coverage protects against a wide variety of risks, your total out-of-pocket costs may be higher, depending upon the drivers and vehicles in your household. Liability is legally required in all states. Collision and comprehensive benefits are not.

In most states, the minimum required bodily injury liability limits are at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, although higher coverage is recommended. $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 limits are very suitable for today’s liability environment. A “Personal Excess Liability Umbrella) should always be considered.

If you remove full coverage from your vehicle, collision and comprehensive benefits may be returned, assuming there has been no damage to the car or truck. Selecting “comprehensive only” is also an option, especially for older vehicles that are regularly driven. The most common comprehensive deductibles are $0, $50, and $100. The most popular collision deductibles are $250, $500, and $1,000. Luxury and commercial vehicles often have a $2,500 collision deductible. Commercial fleet or self-insured policies often include higher deductibles to reduce costs. Common examples are $1,500, $2,500, and $5,000.

 

Important Facts To Consider

 

Your financial situation may be the most important variable. If you’re in a position which you can neither afford to make an additional car payment, or are not able or willing to pay thousands of dollars for repairs, then removing collision coverage would not be a good idea. You will be faced with either paying to repair a vehicle with money you don’t have, or spending $200-$600 per month that was not in your budget. The number of available vehicles in the household also must be considered, since an alternative mode of transportation may not be available.

Utilizing ride-share companies can reduce the number of miles driven on your vehicles. Although the cost of gasoline is still higher than it was several years ago, and electric vehicles are very expensive, paying for your transportation may still be very cost-effective. The Uber app is quite popular, and easy of usage has improved over the last 10 years.

The availability of Uber, Lyft, and other ride-sharing companies help, but does not completely solve the problem. Although occasional driving issues are solved,  these types of companies can not offer distance-driving needs. Hiring a driver or a limousine service also will not likely eliminate your concerns. However, if driving privileges are temporarily or permanently  revoked, these options will need to be considered. Note: Uber also is heavily involved in food and meal delivery, and has recently increased their share in the prescription delivery market. $0 delivery fees are available in many areas.

 

Leasing A New Vehicle

Leasing a new vehicle will cost less, and low and no down-payments are always available. Of course, maintenance and repair costs for the term of your lease (assuming between 24 and 42 months) should be very low. Many new lease agreements now offer 100% maintenance coverage for either 24 or 36 months, resulting in a low lease payment as your only out-of-pocket expense. Routine maintenance (oil changes and tire rotation) are often provided at no charge. Most major repairs are covered under the standard 36-month warranty, and extensions are offered on most leases.

Take Collision Coverage Off Insurance?

Consider The Age Of Your Vehicle

Naturally, the age of the vehicle is perhaps the biggest factor. Typically, when the age is between 8 and 10 years old, it’s the right time to look into removing collision and/or comprehensive benefits. At 12-years-old and higher, it generally is cost-effective to remove some of the coverage. At the 14-year mark,  the value has depreciated to a point that it no longer makes good economic sense to have any physical benefit other than liability coverage (and perhaps fire and theft).

Low-mileage vehicles should be considered on an individual basis. Despite the age of the vehicle, much of the resale value may have been retained because of the lack of driving and demand for this type of car or truck. Also, especially with older vehicles, the collision and comprehensive deductibles do no have to be identical. Often, the collision deductible is much higher than the comprehensive deductible. $500/$0, $500/$100, and $250/$0 combinations are common. Full coverage on glass breakage has become very popular.

Antique and custom vehicles may be able to be insured for their market value. An appraisal will be needed, but the cost of coverage is typically less than a car or truck. The wear and tear will impact your choices. Vehicles in poor condition only need liability protection. However, if the car or truck can not pass a required inspection, that vehicle will not be allowed to be driven, and liability coverage can be removed (assuming the vehicle never becomes drivable again). Note: Flood vehicles are often sold and should be avoided, if possible.

 

Each Company Offers Different Savings

 

The amount of savings will vary from one carrier to another. For example, if you own a pair of vehicles that are seven years old, you would be at the point where altering your coverage should be examined. Company A may charge you $1,500 per year for your premium while Company B only charges $1,300.  Having additional lines of business with the same carrier may help to reduce the premium. Several customer-loyalty discounts are offered by most carriers that can reduce the premium up to 20%. Group payroll-deduction (if available) may provide additional savings. MetLife previously offered low-cost group rates until Farmers purchased their book of business.

If you place “liability only” on both vehicles, Company A’s rate may change to $900 while Company B’s rate may only reduce to $1,100. We wrote an article about the best car insurance companies in Maryland that may help. All of the companies we listed are very highly-rated. Additional carriers are available for small and large group payroll-deduction. Underwriting guidelines are often more relaxed with employer-provided policies. Seniors with more than one at-fault accident in the last three years may be more susceptible to cancellations.

Thus, in this example, keeping full coverage is beneficial when you are insured with Company A. Yet, when a different set of deductibles is used (on the same vehicles), another carrier now charges a lower premium. And although we didn’t consider any additional companies, there may be up to 10 more carriers that now have better rates. A helpful factor is that insurers are required to post rate-increase request publicly.

And although the entire amount may not be approved by the DOI, you will have as much as six months advanced notice. It’s also possible that a carrier will not change pricing for more than 12 months. Changes in vehicles, coverage, and drivers in the household will impact your rate.

Carriers that often offer low premiums for vehicles with full coverage (collision and comprehensive coverage) include Progressive, Nationwide, Geico, Allstate, Penn National, Donegal, and Esurance. Carriers with low rates for vehicles with only basic liability coverage include Allstate, Erie, Progressive, Nationwide, and Farmers. Specialty and commercial coverage is offered through selected carriers.

 

Do You Have Alternate Transportation?

 

An important consideration is to create a scenario where you remove collision coverage from your car or truck and you’re involved in an accident that is your fault. Your vehicle is totaled. Of course, the damages to the other party are paid by your insurer and you have no out-of-pocket cost (assuming you have sufficient bodily injury and property damage limits). Note: The actual value of the vehicle may have to be negotiated between yourself and the covering carrier.

However, you are now without transportation on one vehicle. How much of a change in lifestyle will that cause? If you don’t think your household can afford an additional $250-$750 per month for replacement transportation, then you better leave your collision and comprehensive coverage in tact. Otherwise, consider removing them. And revisit this option each year as your financial situation changes. Leasing a vehicle is often less expensive than purchasing an older financed vehicle, that also requires full coverage.

For a temporary fix to a situation where you need a quick replacement, leasing a vehicle will allow you to avoid a large down-payment and keep your monthly premium in the $200-$350 per month for very reliable options. Maintenance expenses will be nominal and you can walk away from the lease without any obligation (or elect to purchase at the end of the lease). However, you build no equity and are starting from scratch when the least period ends. NOTE: If your residual value is lower than the market value of the vehicle, you may be able to sell the vehicle for a small profit.

 

Condition And Mileage

 

A 12-year old vehicle purchased new for $35,000 may still be worth $10,000. It also may be worth less than $5,000. Some of the major determinants of the value are mileage, condition (including exterior body damage and interior), reliability, and demand for that specific make and model. If the vehicle has held its value, it’s worth keeping collision coverage in place. But your own perception of the current market value may differ greatly with the actual Blue or Grey Book value. Accurate estimates are provided free online.

For example, a 2015 Toyota Camry (very popular older car) in excellent condition with about 100,000 miles could be worth as much as $6,000-$7,000. But the same vehicle in rough condition with $175,000 miles may only be worth about $1,000. That’s a big difference. We use Edmunds to help determine the market value of any vehicle referenced in our website, although there are several other reputable resources. Prices generally reduce each year, so it’s important to constantly update values.

NOTE: Since the value of your car or truck reduces every year, your premiums may also slightly reduce. But once a vehicle is about 10-15 years old, the reductions in your rate may stop, or perhaps start increasing. Typically, that’s a good time to consider stripping the “full coverage” and calculating the savings with “liability only” coverage. You can also keep fire, theft, and vandalism benefits (only) and delete the collision coverage. Towing and substitute transportation benefits are often packed with the collision coverage.

 

Who Is Driving  The Vehicle?

 

Maryland Car insurance Help

Is A Teenager Driving Your Car?

A major determinant in the decision is simply who the principal driver is of the car in question. If it is a teenager or someone with very little practical driving experience, you may wish to hesitate or postpone taking collision coverage off. After all, the risk of an at-fault accident is high. If there are multiple inexperienced drivers in the household, more than one vehicle will be impacted.

Conversely, if the vehicle is rarely driven, and the risk of an incident is fairly low, having just liability, medical payments and uninsured motorists protection (only) may result in substantial savings. There is always the risk that as soon as you delete the collision coverage, you’ll have an accident. However, if the other driver is at fault, their coverage will pay for the repair to your vehicle.

If you are currently covered with a company that bases its rates on the number of miles the vehicle is driven, the cost of keeping collision coverage may be nominal. This would occur if the number of miles driven is less than 3,000 and especially if an additional vehicle is in the household. When the number of vehicles in the household exceeds the number of drivers, typically, the average miles driven is lower.

 

Will You Be Selling The Vehicle?

 

Tips For Selling Your Car

 

This is another big factor. If you are selling the car, there’s a good chance you will not be the owner within the next few months or perhaps longer. In this scenario, since it is such a short period of time, it would not be advisable to change the policy. The extra money you pay for a few months is not worth the  risk you would take of not only losing the sale, but getting stuck with a badly damaged car and having to pay for a newer vehicle. In this scenario, leave liability, collision and comprehensive benefits on your vehicle.

If subsequently you decide to keep the car (or truck), it may be a better time to consider removing coverage. The cost of collision and comprehensive coverage can be substantial over a period of 5-10 years (or longer). If a youthful driver is present in the household, the cost will be higher. The existence of a high-risk driver in the household will also raise the premium. Although a driver-exclusion may be available, the risk of the driver operating your vehicles is a valid underwriting concern of the carrier.

You should also be concerned with a potential buyer test-driving the vehicle. In most states, if they have an accident and cause damage, your insurance will be liable and responsible for covered expenses. If you have “just liability,” you’ll have to pay for the repair of the vehicle out of your own pocket before selling it. You also may lose a few potential sales if the buyer can’t test-drive the vehicle. However, it’s possible that their coverage may pay for physical damage while operating your vehicle.

 

How Quickly Do Vehicles Lose Their Value?

 

A new car or truck instantly depreciates once it is driven by the new owner. The percentage is approximately 6%-12%. For the next four years, the average depreciation is approximately 12%-22% per year.  If you purchase a used vehicle, the rate of depreciation will be slower. Higher-value vehicles are more expensive to insure, but retaining collision coverage is a more popular option. Deductibles of $1,000 and above are more common with luxury vehicles.

Vehicles that appreciate are typically antique or classic. Special policies are offered for these types of cars (and trucks) that allow you to insure for the market value of the vehicle. An appraisal may be needed. Classic car rates are typically about 35% less than standard rates. Coverage is guaranteed to match the value of the vehicle. You can utilize several reputable resources to determine the value of your vehicle. Examples are the Kelley Blue Book and N.A.D.A.

 

You Can Keep Comprehensive Coverage Without Collision Coverage

Higher-mileage vehicles that are more than 10 years old are popular options for removing collision and retaining comprehensive benefits. Your premium will reduce, and the vehicle can still be repaired from an accident that is not your fault (assuming the other party has coverage). Common claims that are covered under the comprehensive section of the policy include falling objects, fire, theft, vandalism, weather damage, and many animal-damage incidents.

Savings will vary, depending upon the age and value of the car or truck. Vehicles that are financed or leased will not be able to remove this coverage. The most cost-effective situations are when the vehicle is worth at least $10,000. Glass-breakage may be covered at 100%, regardless of your deductible. Note: Keeping full coverage on a vehicle may allow you to include several free benefits, including towing, small amounts of life insurance, or accidental medical coverage.

 

Additional Information:

Increasing your potential out-of-pocket expense on the most expensive vehicles to insure, will of course, save the most money. Of course, if you have a propensity for hitting other vehicles, then keep low deductibles!  The following vehicles (below) should always be considered for increased collision and comprehensive deductibles. For example, increasing deductibles by $250 could easily result in annual savings of $250 or more.

Dodge SRT Viper, BMW 760Li, Nissan GT-R Nismo, BMW M6, Audi A8L, and the Mercedes GL63 AMG.

Car Insurance Rankings And Reviews In Maryland – Free Quotes

Posted on: by Edward Harris

Who are the biggest writers of car insurance policies in Maryland and where do they rank? And do the largest companies offer the cheapest rates? Biggest is often the best, but not 100% of the time, as you quickly see with our free quote request. Compare multiple companies in minutes and view your personalized price report for all vehicles and carriers. Our side-by-side comparisons instantly show you how you can save money on your current coverage. The helpful and accurate reviews will show you which policies are the most budget-friendly.

We have listed below the 50 (We expanded our Top-40 list)  insurance Groups that issue the most auto policies in the state (based on premium dollars). There are about 160 companies that write business, although most carriers outside of the Top-50 do not issue a significant number of contracts. We utilize information from J.D. Power, consumer rating agencies, and claim data reports to help determine your best options. We also update information biannually for single, couple, family, and self-employed policies.

 

1. Berkshire Hathaway

2. State Farm

3. Progressive

4. Allstate

5. USAA

6. Erie

7. Nationwide

8. Travelers

9. Liberty Mutual

10. MAIF

11. Agency Insurance Company Of MD Inc

12. Hartford

13. Farmers

14. Root Insurance

15. Amica Mutual

16. Elephant Insurance

17. Cincinnati Financial Group

18. CSAA

19. Tesla Group

20. Brethren Mutual

21. American Family

22. Chubb Group

23. Donegal Group

24. Hanover Insurance

25. Pennsylvania National

26. Selective Insurance

27. New Jersey Manufacturers Group

28. Markel Group

29. Mutual Benefit

30. Cumberland Group

31. Tokio Marine Holdings

32. Brookfield Wealth Solutions

33. Horace Mann

34. Sentry Insurance

35. American International

36. Clearcover Insurance

37. Munich Re

38. Kemper

39. WR Berkley

40. Tiptree Financial

41. Branch Insurance Exchange

42. Riverstone International Group

43. California Casualty

44. Assurant

45. SH1 Holdings

 

Each year, the Maryland Insurance Commissioner must publish a written report detailing the impact that both auto and homeowner’s prices have on consumers in the state. The General Assembly and Governor receive the findings, and typically, the results are made available to the general public. Brokers and reputable websites (like us) utilize this information to help customers find the best offers in their areas. We customize proposals so they can match your personal budget and benefit needs. If vehicles or drivers in your household change, the cost of coverage will also change.

Since auto and homeowner’s policies are frequently packaged together, listed below are the top Maryland writers (market share) of home policies:

  1. State Farm
  2. Travelers
  3. Erie
  4. USAA

 

Pay-Per-Mile

If you move, change vehicles, add or subtract drivers, or change coverage, we can easily adjust our quotes to maximize savings. Prices can increase (or decrease) if you move to a different county. Note: “Pay-Per-Mile” companies are becoming more popular. The driver pays a low monthly per-mile rate that can often save hundreds of dollars per year in premiums. This low-mileage coverage may be ideal for Seniors who rarely operate a vehicle. Pay-as-you-drive (PAYD) plans determine pricing on how you drive, along with how far you drive.

Telematics is the current technology that tracks your driving habits, including speed length of trips, quick accelerating, sudden braking, and other habits. Coverage without a plug-in device may be available, although the savings won’t be as substantial.

College students, persons that work from home, and persons that regularly utilize mass transit systems, are often ideal candidates for this type of coverage. You can also use a separate policy if its cost-effective to use just one vehicle for these types of benefits. Calculating your cost is very simple so you can determine potential savings before you sign up.

“Pay-Per-Mile” policies are often available through the following companies:

Esurance

Mile Auto

MileWise (Allstate)

Noblr (USAA)

SmartMiles (Nationwide)

Note: SmartMiles works ideally with customers that drive less than 7,000 miles per year. The policy has two parts – a variable rate that changes, depending upon how often you drive, and a base rate that remains level throughout the term of the policy. Living close to work, not driving to work (retired), or having an extra vehicle in the household are situations that may be good reasons to consider “pay-per-mile” policies. The small device that is connected to the vehicle can easily be removed if you terminate the service.

 

 

Quick Observations About Several Carriers On The List

Insurance Companies In Maryland

Elephant Insurance Really Owns An Elephant!

Elephant doesn’t write business in many states. But this British-domiciled company is expanding, and we expect them to offer coverage in twice as many states within 10 years. And yes, they really do own an elephant! And they are also annually recognized for treating employees well.  The parent company (Admiral Group) is one of the biggest insurers in the United Kingdom, so the financial backing is available.

Expansion to all parts of the US is unlikely, although additional states will be added by 2026. A bundling discount is offered when home, umbrella, and motorcycle policies are combined with the vehicle policy. Like many carriers, “green” discounts (although not substantial) are offered when paperless billing and e-signature are used.

Amica is one of the oldest and most established companies, although not as well-known as some of the other “name” options. They systematically maintain high ratings for customer-service and financial safety (J.D. Power and A.M. Best) and tend to avoid major price fluctuations. They offer “no-frills” policies in may areas. Typically, you can only purchase coverage online, but their internet quoting system is very functional. 24/7 customer service is available, and consumer satisfaction for claims is generally very positive. The Baltimore Regional office is located on Columbia Gateway Drive.

Erie is another “quiet” company that doesn’t have a large advertising budget. But  in many pockets of the state, they have very low rates. Their offices are often smaller 1-2 person operations, but it doesn’t  impact their service. While Northwestern is the “Quiet Company” for life insurance, Erie is the “Quiet Company” in the property and casualty business. They also offer competitive term life insurance coverage for face amounts of $250,000 and less. Often, their term rates are competitive with major carriers such as Protective Life and Banner Life. There are many Erie agents conveniently located throughout the state.  Erie writes business in 12 states (including Maryland) and is  the 15th-largest property and casualty carrier in the US.

Geico has terrific commercials, although their prices aren’t so terrific in all areas of the state. And in case you were wondering, “G-E-I-C-O” stands for Government Employees Insurance Company. The original owner sought to cover as many government employees as possible, so the name has not changed. Berkshire Hathaway owns Geico, and the world headquarters are located in Chevy Chase. Coverage is offered countrywide and in many areas, the prices are the lowest among major carriers. Boat coverage is available for all state waterways.

Metropolitan, perhaps better known as MetLife, is the nation’s largest life insurance company. Although they no longer utilize agents, their group property and casualty business is quite active, especially through large companies. “Met P&C” offers attractive payroll-deduction options to many corporate clients. Reductions are often as much as 10%, along with getting an easy payment method. Many retired MetLife employees continue to payroll-deduct auto and home premiums through their pension checks. Although Farmers recently purchased the auto and home business, coverage is still offered.

State Farm lives up to their “Good Neighbor” nickname since they seem to be on every corner!  Always verify you are getting their discounts since there are  many. In the past their offices have sold health insurance (not their own product), although an experienced broker is a much better choice for purchasing Exchange plans. Their investment and rental property rates are also very competitively priced. Additional commercial plans are available through local brokers and corporate offices. Small business and banking products are also offered.

Zurich  may not be a familiar name, but you probably recognize the Farmers Group (and their catchy commercials). Zurich is the parent company to Farmers, who happens to be the parent company to 21st Century. The combination of their assets and market-share propels them to the Number 12 spot. Farmers commercials are very popular and easily-recognized. Farmers agents typically work very closely  with the local community, and offer extremely competitive rental property rates in many areas.

Ameriprise (no longer in the top 50) offers lifetime renewals (subject to certain conditions). Also, if you are a member of Costco, a small discount applies to your premium. Ameriprise also provides financial planning through their field force of brokers. 401k and IRA rollovers are popular products offered along with many retirement-oriented products for Seniors. Individual stocks can also be purchased and sold from certified financial planners. Fidelity, Ameritrade, and other investment companies can also provide excellent investment advice. Self-management  is also a popular option through their many online tools.

Brethren Mutual is a 100-year-old company that provides coverage in Maryland, District Of Columbia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The main office is in Hagerstown on North Edgewood Drive. Along with the standard auto and home policies, Brethren Mutual also offers personal umbrella, commercial umbrella, commercial auto, workers’ compensation, farm auto, and farm umbrella policies.

Allianz (also no longer in the top 50) insures more than 70 million persons (mostly outside the US) and was founded more than 100 years ago. They own Fireman’s Fund, which is a large property and casualty insurer, and provide investment products for many financial planners. Their tax-deferred annuities have been very popular since the 1990s.

Cincinnati Financial  is, of course, based in Ohio. But they offer respectable rates in many states, including Maryland. Mostly available through independent brokers (and our website), they also offer a wide range of, as you may expect, financial products! CinFin (their industry-recognizable name) was named by Forbes Magazine as one of the 50 most trustworthy financial companies in the US. When bundling their auto and home policies, rates are very competitive.

Encompass  is marketed through 2,600 independent brokers. Coverage is offered in 39 states, and market share has been slowly expanding. A,M. Best has assigned an “A+” rating to the carrier and several of its subsidiaries. Along with auto and home insurance products, additional lines of business include personal umbrellas, home businesses, motorcycles, RVs, boats and watercraft, and identity theft.

A “Lifestyle Endorsement” provides the following benefits: extended care facility coverage, cost of alternative school (if needed), advanced payment reimbursement, traveler’s coverage, live-in home care reimbursement, open peril coverage for sports and hobby equipment, and increased jewelry coverage.

 

Md car insurance companies set rates

Maryland Department Of Insurance Monitors Companies

Reform Act Of 1995

The Reform Act of 1995 requires that companies must offer pricing that is not unfairly discriminatory or excessive. If a Maryland car insurance rate is high, unless it is considered unfair and unjustified, it will remain in place. Normal competition among carriers will also naturally force down any unnatural pricing. If a rate is artificially-priced too low in an effort to secure market-share, generally, the premium will come back up quickly. The concept of “competitive rating” eliminates the process of requesting prior approval of rate changes.

If an insurer wishes to increase or decrease rates, they are no longer required to wait to receive approval after officially filing a request. This allows companies to react quicker to changes to market, economic or natural conditions that impact claims and expenses. Presumably, when less claims are filed than originally estimated, often we will see a small rate reduction. However, the competitiveness of other companies in that zip code (or county) will have an impact. Also, it’s possible that a period of low claims will be a result of unseasonably-favorable weather, instead of underwriting reasons.

Often,  a “holding company” owns several insurance companies that offer similar but different products. Several of the larger holding companies include State Farm, Geico, Allstate, and Nationwide. The 10 largest companies generally represent 80%-85% of all policies written in the state. These carriers typically feature separate companies for their preferred, high-risk, and commercial business.

This legislation also applies to homeowner’s insurance in the state. About 120 companies write this type of business, although the biggest 10 carriers account for about 80% of market share. When companies are not willing to offer competitive pricing in some areas, it’s important that the reason is justified and backed up by financial loss-ratio data. To maintain a competitive environment, typically, products and carriers must be able to easily enter the market, and the number of writers and their concentration of policies must be monitored.

The Administration monitors homeowner’s prices to ensure “healthy” competition. Obviously, there are going to be differences in premiums from one carrier to another. Almost always, this is entirely justified. The old practice of redlining (more popular in the 1980s and 1990s) is of course, illegal. This occurred when carriers were extremely reluctant to write business in specific areas. Often, it was urban areas with higher crime rates.

 

Future Changes To Top-50

Over the next decade, it is unlikely that you will see major changes to the list. Although some of the larger carriers, such as Geico, USAA, Allstate, and Progressive may shift several positions, it’s unlikely that one specific company will leapfrog five spots and gather a significant increase in market share. The exception occurs when corporate takeovers, mergers, or sales quickly move one company above many others.

However, Elephant Insurance (part of Admiral Group) could become a viable force in the state in about 5-10 years. Although their home office is not in the US, they have slowly been expanding and gaining market share. If they do start writing policies in Maryland, we’ll publish an in-depth analysis about their initial rates, and the way they have conducted business in other states. So far, in other areas, their pricing is competitive, but brokers and agents are more comfortable recommending other companies.

Elephant offers some unique discounts for their policyholders. We published an article detailing the best discounts for your car insurance  that will help anyone, regardless of which company provides their coverage. While some discounts are automatic, there are several you should ask for, including “good credit,” “good student,” and “55 and retired.” Headquartered in Richmond, they offer 10-minute online quotes, and  a “repair Assistance Program” that offers a streamlined process.

 

What About The Companies With The Lowest 2023 Rates?

Compare cheapest car insurance in Maryland

Save Money On Your MD Car Insurance And Be Happy!

 

Prices, of course will dramatically vary, depending on age, where you live, how many tickets you have, the type of vehicle you drive and several other factors. However, we created a few scenarios (below) that provide a baseline comparison of rates among different companies licensed and approved to write business in the state.

The MD Insurance Administration provided the raw data. Premiums shown are for a six-month period. Seven random companies were chosen among the carriers offering the most competitive offers. In future years, more companies will be participating. Also, additional age and vehicle scenarios will be used. Newer vehicles will also be used in the quoting process.

Situation 1 – 30 Year-old Male in Hagerstown area. Vehicle is 2006 Subaru Forester with $100,000/$300,000 liability and $250 and $500 deductibles on comprehensive and collision:

$814 – AIG

$978 – Allstate

$765 – Amco

$967 – Amica

$810 – Cincinnati

$771 – Cumberland

$916 – Encompass

$944 – Erie

$1132 – Farmers

$734 – Geico

$643 – Horace Mann

$1224 – Metropolitan Group Property & Casualty

$961 – Nationwide

$675 – Peninsula Insurance

$1341 – Travelers

$1037 – USAA

 

Situation 2 – 50 Year-old Female in Cumberland area. Vehicle is 2010 Ford Explorer  with $250,000/$500,000 liability and $250 and $500 deductibles on comprehensive and collision:

$796 – Amco

$983 – Amica

$815 – Cincinnati

$647 – CSAA

$791 – Cumberland Insurance

$665 – Erie

$676 – Geico

$537 – Horace Mann

$774 – Meridian

$794 – Metropolitan

$650 – Mutual Benefit

$893 – National General

$1012 – Nationwide

$674 – Old Dominion

$851 – Travelers

$839 – Unitrin

$597 – USAA

 

Situation 3 – Married couple (ages 35 and 32) with two non-driving children in Oakland area. Vehicles are 2005 Nissan Altima and 2010 Dodge Dakota  with $250,000/$500,000 liability and $250 and $500 deductibles on comprehensive and collision:

1422 – Allstate

1377 – Amco

1018 – American National

1112 – CSA General

1252 – Encompass

$1213 – Erie

$1513 – Farmers

$1430 – Foremost

$1254 – Geico

$764 – Harleysville

$951 – Horace Mann

$1416 – Meridian Security

1308 – Metropolitan Direct

$774 – Old Dominion

$806 – Peninsula

$1189 – Selective Insurance of SC

$1496 – State Farm

$1536 – Travelers

$1037 – Unitrin

$1313 – USAA

 

Situation 4 – Married couple (ages 29 and 29) with two non-driving children in the Annapolis area. Vehicles are 2011 Chevrolet Silverado and 2007 Ford Taurus  with $30,000/$60,000 liability and $250 and $500 deductibles on comprehensive and collision:

$1495 – AIG

$1204 – American National

$1626 – Cincinnati

$1977 – Erie

$1500 – Geico

$1848 – Horace Mann

$1562 – IDS

$2229 – Meridian Security

$2230 – Metropolitan Direct

$2015 – Mutual Benefit

$2610 – Nationwide

$2408 – Old Dominion

$2612 – Progressive

$2243 – State Farm

$2565 – Teachers Insurance

$2380 – Unitrin

$1992 – USAA

 

Situation 5 – 65 Year-old Male in Queen Anne’s County. Vehicle is 2012 Ford Escape XLS with $100,000/$300,000 liability with $250 and $500 deductibles on collision and comprehensive.

$745 – AIG

$951 – Allstate

$452 – American National

$632 – Cincinnati

$664 – CSAA

$890 – Encompass

$591 – Erie

$471 – Geico

$462 – Horace Mann

$606 – IDS

$670 – Metropolitan Direct

$545 – Mutual Benefit

$548 – Old Dominion

$596 – Penn National

$716 – State Farm

$521 – USAA

 

Buying Business

Sometimes, business is “bought,” by artificially and temporarily lowering rates. When this phenomena occurs, initially, prices decrease, and new policy written business often sharply increases. Of course,  liberal underwriting can also contribute to many policies being written that should have been declined or charged a higher rate. Ultimately, much of the business falls by the wayside, but just enough is kept in-force to make the process somewhat profitable. Retaining the most profitable business is critical to the insurer to maintain competitive rates.

Within the next 12 months, we will also be publishing our customized ratings, based on customer comments and experiences, proposed rate changes, past fluctuations in prices, and anticipated changes in policy and coverage. We will be utilizing written and voicemail responses from 500 random Maryland residents recently contacted. No names, personal, or financial data will be requested or used.

 

Maryland All-Terrain Vehicle Coverage – Companies Offering Policies

Agency Insurance

AIG Property Casualty

Allstate Property And Casualty

Amco

American National Property And Casualty

American Property And Casualty

Amica Mutual

Chubb National

Cincinnati Insurance

Donegal Mutual

Encompass

Erie

Esurance

Foremost

Geico Indemnity

Hartford Casualty

Markel American

Meridian Security

Metropolitan Casualty

National General

Nationwide

Pharmacists Mutual

Privilege Underwriters

Progressive Casualty

Rider Insurance

Selective Insurance

State Farm Mutual

Travelers Property Casualty

 

Additional Information:

Speaking of lists…A recent study revealed the states with the rudest drivers. Maryland was rated 32nd (above average) well behind nearby New Jersey and Washington DC. Interestingly, MD drivers seem to despite Pennsylvanians the most while DC drivers list Maryland residents their biggest nemesis on the road. By the way, North Dakota and Maine were determined to be the the most well-behaved states.

Not a positive ranking, but you should still know. Baltimore was selected as one of the 10 most dangerous cities when driving in rain or snow. The study, released by Allstate, highlights areas of the country with a combination of bad weather and high incidences of accidents. Certainly, this season’s snowfall is not helping, especially in Eastern cities that are experiencing record snowfalls.

Vehicle Discounts That Will Lower Your Rates

Posted on: by Edward Harris

Are you paying too much for your auto or truck insurance in Maryland. Perhaps you’re not qualifying for many of the available discounts. Whether you’re insured with State Farm, Allstate, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, USAA, or Erie, you always are going to search for ways to reduce your premiums. Maryland drivers have many available reductions that can potentially save hundreds of dollars per year. Also, new programs are periodically introduced that can lower prices of coverage for young and Senior drivers.

Safety, bundling, loyalty, and group discounts are the most common ways to reduce prices, and they provide consistent savings. Group and employer-provided policies to active and retired workers can reduce rates by 5%-15%. Additional savings are provided when policies are paid through active payroll or retirement checks or deposits. Prepaying  premiums can also result in large savings with selective carriers. Utilizing paperless billing options may also provide savings with many carriers.

We briefly discuss the major options in our complete guide, so perhaps you can get in on the savings! Our website is designed to reduce your auto insurance rates by offering sound advice and free comparisons (in the quote box near the top of the page). You can also compare costs with multiple carriers for vehicles that you are contemplating buying, but have not purchased yet. Many deductions are also available that are not discussed, including Military membership (active or retired), pay-in-full, paperless, low-income (in some states), and electronic debit.

The “base rate” that carriers charge for policy coverage is the starting point that the consumer pays. Surcharges increase the rate, and generally are the result of moving violations, at-fault accidents, or high-performance vehicles. Discounts will reduce premiums, based on the amount of risk that can be eliminated. If a risk is permanently removed, the premium reduction will be larger. A temporary discount can still save hundreds of dollars.

These are the types of discounts we teach you to ask for. Newer vehicles may feature discounts that you previously did not qualify for, and low-mileage reductions have also been added by many carriers. Leased vehicles may be eligible for additional perks by the vehicle manufacturer. However, extended warranty options generally need to be purchased.

Slow Down!

Reduce Your MD Car Insurance Rates With Discounts

Don’t drive so fast! We know. That’s not really a discount, but by slowing down, you’ll likely save a lot of money. Here’s how: Insurance companies will routinely check your driving record. Any claims that involve vehicles you own will also be checked. Although the first violation may not result in a premium increase, additional moving violations may be treated differently by an underwriter.

Although they are looking for major violations such as a DUI, DWI, hit and run, reckless operation or license suspensions, they will document other minor violations. Future eligibility of discounts can be impacted. Multiple speeding violations can result in bigger rate increases, especially if a driver’s license was suspended. Excessive speeding can also result in an immediate lice suspension.

Going through a stop sign or failing to yield will hurt your record just as much as a speeding ticket. And since it takes about 36-42 months to be erased from your official record, you may be forfeiting a lot of money. Fortunately, parking tickets do to have any impact on your policy. Registration infractions also do not impact the cost you pay to cover your vehicle. However, the car or truck you drive must remain legally-registered or the vehicle will not be allowed to be operated.

Even if you’re not considering changing carriers, having a ticket on your record may keep you from qualifying for “good driver” discounts that every company offers. So, although you won’t be charged more for the blip on your driving record, it may keep you from earning a rate reduction. And it has the same effect. For example, you may become ineligible for up to 20% in superior driving discounts and deductible-reduction options. Although they can be earned again, the delay may be as long as 60 months.

If you have more than one moving violation (especially more than two), it will become very difficult to find lower prices. Not impossible, but harder. As the violations slowly disappear from the BMV records, you’ll start to pay less for your coverage. When your record is clean, you’ll notice even bigger savings, and possible eligibility for additional discounts. Multiple comprehensive claims (fire, theft, or vandalism) may also negatively impact your cost of coverage.

 

Impact Of Youthful Drivers

A sports car and a youthful driver in the household can be a very expensive combination. No, we’re not going to tell you to get rid of either one! However, often, higher rates are a result of a particular vehicle being assigned to the wrong driver. For instance, if your son or daughter don’t drive that sports car very often (and we assume they do not), perhaps they should be assigned to less- expensive vehicles on your policy. The savings is often significant, especially when the youthful driver is no longer a member of the household.

However, several companies do not assign specific drivers to specific vehicles. Younger drivers can operate any vehicle in the household, unless specifically excluded. If the child is away at school most (or all) of the year, a rate reduction is possible. If the vehicle is housed at the location of the school, the discount may not be offered. Students in graduate school or medical school will also be eligible for a premium reduction. However a medical resident in a hospital will not be eligible.

You may have a specific designated vehicle that is mostly driven by one or all of your children. It’s probably an older vehicle. If that fits your household situation, it’s important to make sure your broker or agent knows that. You’ll save a lot of money by assigning the right driver to the vehicles that will minimize the rates. And of course, knowing teenage driving rules in the state helps. Our article (here) will help you better understand the rules and regulations. Driving laws are periodically updated.

Avoid The Overcharge

Since it’s not automatically completed by the carrier, often, you do have to ask. And since underwriters often re-rate policies every few years, it’s important to verify that you’re not being overcharged by having the wrong persons assigned to the wrong vehicles. Also, renewing a specific reduction (good-student, for example) may not be automatic. Each six months, continuation of existing discounts  should be verified. It’s also wise to compare your new declarations page to the previous page, to verify that no discounts have been removed.

By having your teenagers stay away from your expensive cars, you’ll come out ahead. He/she can still drive the higher-valued vehicle, but must not drive it on a regular basis. Naturally, each driver in the household would be covered in every situation. By getting rated as an “occasional”  instead of “principal” driver, the premium reduction could be very large. If their driving preference changes, the insurer should be notified. If one of the vehicles is titled in a child’s name, a separate policy may be needed.

 

Your Zip Code

Do you live in a zip code that is located in more than one county? Perhaps you’re located near the border of Howard or Montgomery County? Or perhaps Baltimore and Harford Counties? You may not be aware that many insurers utilize your county of residence to calculate your rate. Sometimes, if you live in a zip code close to another county, you may be accidentally (and unintentionally)  receiving rates based on the wrong county. If you recently moved, and did not notify the carrier, current pricing may not be accurate. Also, distances to/from work may need to be adjusted.

MD Auto Insurance Comparisons

Don’t Gamble By Neglecting To Shop Different Companies

There are several carriers that calculate prices on the county, instead of the zip code. Since many households are located near multiple counties, it’s important to ensure you are being rated correctly. Often, the area that is within a large city limit, will receive the higher prices. If you are in a “township,” you may be incorrectly placed in the wrong rating area.

Statistically, rural areas have fewer claims than urban areas, and the number of vehicle thefts is typically substantially lower. Vandalism and glass breakage claims are also less frequent. Other weather-related comprehensive claims are not impacted, including hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and snow storms. Epidemics (COVID)  result in fewer vehicles driven, and may result in a small reduction offered by insurers.

This is another reason why it’s always smart to shop (we recommend comparing at least three other carriers) if you move from one area to the other. You may find you were very satisfied with your pricing on one side of the state, but faced a large increase after you moved. Sometimes, MD car insurers simply handle more claims in a given area (and it may be just coincidence) and therefore must charge a higher rate. Often, the higher prices are cyclical, and premiums eventually reduce.

Several MD zip codes with the lowest rates include: 21701, 21702, 21703, 21704, 21705, 21709, 21740, 21741, 21742, 21749, 21601, 21620, and 21690. Companies utilize different rating methods, so area prices will not be identical when comparing multiple carriers.

 

Are You A Senior?

If you have reached age 65, most companies will reduce premiums by as much as 10%, although often, some (or most) of the discount is applied at age 55.  Senior defensive driver courses can also be quite cost-effective since the completion of an authorized and approved course can often result in savings as much as $100 per year. Typically, the cost of the course costs much less, or is free. The rate reduction also continues for multiple years, unless a change in health impacts driving ability, or a loss of driving privileges occurs. AARP also offers cost-saving ideas for Seniors.

A resource guide for aging Seniors is also provided by the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).  Some of the topics discussed are aging driver education and rehabilitation, older driver statistics, recognizing changes, safe mobility, driver wellness, including health skills and making good choices, and training workshops. A hard-copy can be sent if requested. Training workshops are offered throughout the year at many locations. During pandemics (COVID), online options are offered, and often the cost is discounted.

 

Vehicle Factory-Installed Items

Although most insurers automatically apply discounts for most factory-installed items, such as air bags, head-injury protective devices, anti-lock brake systems, alarm systems, traction control, and favorable crash-test reports, occasionally, a device or feature is missed. Therefore, once the vehicle is added to the policy, it’s advisable to check your declarations page for any missing items. You can also request to receive a complete list of passenger vehicle discounts that are available from your existing carrier.

We understand it’s not always easy to find the cheapest rates. But a combination of smart shopping and maximizing the best discounts that are available, will help reduce what you pay and put more of your hard-earned money where it belongs. In your own pocket! Providing the VIN will help locate hidden discounts.

An early signing/renewal discount is often applied if you continue your policy a specific number of days before the new policy period begins. The discount is typically 10%. However, as interest rates remain fairly low, many insurers are reducing the discount. However, discounts continue for long-term customers.

 

The Importance Of Comparisons

It  becomes more important to compare prices if you move to or from a different state, where there can be huge differences in premium. And you also may be faced with a situation that a company offered some of the lowest rates before you moved and was now substantially more expensive than all of the other carriers after you changed locations. It is not uncommon to see price differences of 20% or more within a 30-mile radius. Also, age restrictions may impact availability of some discounts. An early retirement may trigger eligibility of new premium reductions.

The minimum liability requirements for your new state may be substantially higher than your previous requirements. Recently, many states (Ohio, for example) have raised their minimum legal limits. If you are planning to move, we can provide the new legal bodily injury and property damage  mandates that you will have to have. Or if you just moved to this state, there may be a specific part of your previous policy that is no longer applicable. If you have a personal excess liability umbrella policy, minor changes may have to be made, if you move from one state to another.

Comparing prices from different Maryland companies will help you reduce your costs by at least 10%. Underwriting criteria can be very different and costs  in particular areas of the state can change very quickly. We make it easy for you to find, and subsequently view the best choices. We do the research, numbers-crunching, and verifying of the accuracy of prices, so you can be confident that our quotes will save  hours of time and aggravation. We also review customer loyalty discounts from major carriers, and show you which companies offer the biggest reductions.

Examples include early renewal and several bundling options.

 

Summary Of Best Auto Insurance Discounts

Affiliated/organization – Offered through work, school, paid and unpaid memberships, or organization. 15%-20%.

Anti-lock brakes – 5%-10%.

Anti-theft/alarm system – factory-installed and privately-installed systems qualify. 5%-25%

Automatic bill-pay or E-bill – electronic payments from checking or savings accounts. 3%-5%.

Defensive-driving – Completing qualified classes and training (national Safety Council is one resource) provides the discount. 10%-15%.

Good student – Typically, a 3.0 GPA is required (or a “B” average). 10%-15%.

Homeowner – Must own, and not rent a home. 5%-15%.

Hybrid – Hybrid and electric vehicles. 7%-10%. Each year, the cost of these types of vehicles slightly reduces.

Low mileage – Depending on the carrier, less than 7,500 miles driven per year may qualify. Less than 5,000 miles driven will increase the discount. 5%-20%.

Military – Active and retired qualify. 3%-7%.

Multi-car – Two or more vehicles are covered by the same carrier. 5%-20%.

New-car – Purchasing a current model year (must be new) will reduce rate. 5%-10%.

Paid-in-full – Paying full 6-month premium. 2%-10%.

Safe driver (accident-free) – Awarded to drivers that don’t have at-fault accidents. 5%-30%.

Senior – Age qualification varies, but typically between ages 55-65. 5%-10%.

Student away – Depending on the distance to school (without a car), a savings may apply. 10%-20%.

 

Additional Information:

Since youthful drivers are the most expensive risk to cover, any additional discounts can make a substantial difference. In addition to the traditional “good-student” and “student-away” discounts, teen driver-safety courses are now being accepted by many carriers.

TeenSMART is one of several available driver crash reduction programs that reduce the number of claims, accidents, and injuries. Some of the national carriers that recognize TeenSMART (not in all states) include Allstate, Liberty Mutual, Central, and AAA.

Maryland Auto Insurance Shopping Guide – How To Pay Less

Posted on: by Edward Harris

You don’t have to pay a lot of money for your car insurance coverage. Although rates in Maryland aren’t cheap for most consumers, especially if you have more than one vehicle and/or teenage drivers in your household, affordable prices can be found. Understanding the factors that impact premiums  make the shopping process easier, and help you lower your cost. It will also allow you to switch companies (if applicable) and get a better deal.

Our in-depth guide is available online and can also be downloaded and printed. Our goal is to help you become an informed shopper with access to the most current and helpful information needed to lower your premium. Both big national and smaller local and regional carriers are reviewed in the most safe and secure format. When companies file rate change requests with the DOI, we promptly notify consumers  of any price increases and decreases. We also review any new carriers that are licensed to conduct business in the state.

 

The Best Shopping Tips

Compare rates from multiple companies. There is a tremendous variance in prices from the Top-10 carriers. Rates can often change, and the type of car you drive, and where you reside, can increase or decrease your premium by as much as 50%. Remember that all price quotes are free. Also, some carriers specialize in high-risk situations, while other carriers are most competitive in niche markets, such as antique vehicles, classic vehicles, or households with superior credit scores.

Typically, within minutes, you can review premiums from several carriers. The format is simplified and you can easily edit liability limits, deductibles, and other benefits in seconds. Comparing multiple vehicles is also an available feature if you are contemplating leasing or purchasing different cars or trucks. Due to recent shortages of manufacturing capability, used vehicle prices had substantially increased, and less new vehicles were being manufactured. The shortage greatly diminished in two years ago.

 

Check deductibles – Of course higher deductibles will always lower your cost. But sometimes the difference will be much more than you realize. In many situations, you could raise your deductible, have an at-fault accident every other year, and still come out ahead. With older vehicles, it won’t make as big of a difference. But for any car or truck that is less than three years old, the savings between a $200 deductible and a $500 deductible can be substantial. $1,000 deductibles are very cost-effective for luxury vehicles, and often $2,500 is the best option. $5,000 involves a larger risk but is often the best option.

The difference between a $100 deductible and $50 deductible will be negligible. $1,000 and $2,000 deductibles for luxury vehicles has become more popular. All policies allow you to choose different deductibles for each vehicle. Thus, to help reduce the premium, you may be able to select higher deductibles on the cars or trucks that the youthful drivers mostly operate. Deductibles can be changed upon request. With most companies, the insured can change their coverage online by creating a personal account.

Most carriers have apps that can be easily created and set up. Progressive and USAA have extremely popular apps that are very user-friendly. Changes to deductibles can be made instantaneously with a next-day effective date. Many other functions are available. In a recent consumer survey, the 10 highest-rated auto insurance apps were USAA, State Farm, Geico, Allstate, Progressive, American Family, Famers, Nationwide, Auto-Owners and Liberty Mutual. Note: It is important to regularly update the apps.

Classic or antique vehicles often are covered as a “stated value” and deductibles may not apply. If you own a car or truck that is 25 years or older, and the market value is appreciating, a special type of policy may be more suitable. Although an appraisal may be required, and a limitation on miles driven will apply, you’ll be very happy with the coverage and premium. And if the vehicle is totaled, you will know in advance the amount of reimbursement you will be receiving. Every five years, a new appraisal should be obtained. A slight increase in value should not substantially impact the cost of coverage.

 

Rely on professional unbiased information – With more than four decades of experience helping consumers, I’m confident our website passes the test. But the internet is full of potholes and danger signs when you’re searching for better insurance rates. Many websites are not reliable, factual, US-based, or all three! And if you are ever asked to provide personal financial data, immediately exit the website.  Also, just as importantly, our website does not gather or keep any personal or financial data about visitors. You are never placed on a marketing or mailing list, and driving records are never checked unless requested. Verification of Maryland car insurance brokers is available online.

 

Utilize  the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) and DOI (Department of Insurance) websites. They offer free unbiased information about carriers, pricing, and several other helpful topics. Throughout this website, you will find several direct links that provide current information that may reduce your premium. Loss ratios, market shares, and recent rate filings are available for consumers. Price comparisons of several additional products are also offered, including the most current homeowner’s insurance rates for all counties. A personal liability umbrella should be considered if you own investment property, boats, or recreational vehicles.

 

Update coverage – Liability limits should be periodically increased to keep pace with inflation. Policies that were originally issued with state-minimum limits should be raised to the next level. Collision and comprehensive deductibles should be increased if historically there are very few at-fault accidents. Deductibles can always be changed to fit the type of cars and drivers in the household. Removal of collision coverage should be considered for vehicles that have high mileage and no outstanding liens. Financed vehicles must always have collision and comprehensive coverage. Once removed, coverage can be added again.

 

Discounts Make A Huge Difference

Understand discounts and how they can help you – Not all discounts are created the same, and each company handles them differently. Once you understand the ones you will qualify for, it will make the shopping process easier. Also, verification may be required for certain discounts, but not for others. Occasionally, additional documentation may need to be provided, especially college or high-school grade transcripts for a good-student discount. Transcripts also may have to be updated annually.

For example, if you are the parents of a student, the “good student” and “student away” discounts will reduce your premium. Since youthful operator rates are the highest, these are two discounts you don’t want to ignore. If you’re not sure if you are receiving them, check your next declarations page when it is received. Also, keep current when forwarding your son or daughter’s good grades to the carrier. Often, graduate school may continue to qualify for the discount. Typically, law school and medical school are not eligible for good student discounts.

Beware of fraudulent insurers – Although very unlikely, there are bogus companies that are specifically created to fool the public and create the illusion they are a legitimate insurance carrier. We always painstakingly check that the companies we use are fully licensed in Maryland to do business.  Typically, we only use the top-rated carriers for quoting. If you require additional data, there are many reputable research sources we can provide. A.M. Best and Standard & Poors ratings are easily available, along with DOI reports.

“Complaint ratios” will show you which carriers receive the most consumer complaints. Carriers with higher ratios often have a larger percentage of unsatisfied customers, so proceed with caution. A complete ratio comparison is available from the Department of Insurance. Larger carriers often have the lowest ratios. Newer carriers typically have larger ratios.

Never pay for a quote – There are actually several websites that require an upfront “fee” to shop different carriers for you and provide online prices. This practice is unscrupulous, and probably barely legal. Naturally, you should never pay for quotes. They always should be free! And if you are ever asked to pay an administrative or application fee, take your business elsewhere. Any request to provide your personal banking or credit card information should be ignored.

Several discounts that are not often utilized include:

Employer or membership – Your employer may offer a 5%-15% premium reduction with an option to payroll-deduct the cost of coverage. Also, credit unions, Chamber of Commerce, Sams Club, and Costco may offer reductions to members. Credit cards occasionally feature attractive features. Costco also features an auto program that allows members to purchase vehicles at the dealer’s cost. The new vehicle buying service has become very popular in recent years.

Policy renewal – Depending upon the number of years you have been continuously covered with a carrier, a renewal discount may be applied one or more times. For example,  increasing discounts may be offered at the 5, 10, and 20-year anniversaries. Age-65 reductions may also be offered. This feature can also be very advantageous when multiple drivers on the policy have had recent at-fault accidents.

Driver Education Courses – Completion of courses may provide small but permanent premium reductions. Senior discounts may be larger with additional course options offered. AARP and other Senior services can provide a list of approved vendors. Younger drivers with limited experience can often benefit from courses. The savings can be substantial since prices for inexperienced drivers are often very expensive.

 

What Impacts My Rate?

Maryland Teenager Driving Insurance Plans

Younger Drivers Always Increase Your Rates

Age – Naturally, drivers under 21 will pay higher premiums. The lowest prices are found within the 50-70 range, although the 30-50 range is usually one of the lowest-cost age brackets. Persons over the age of 85 will be closely scrutinized for possible medical conditions, and you should never change carriers (at that age). If over age 75 with an at-fault accident within the last 36 months, stay with your existing company, regardless of rate increases. The risk of cancellation is significant.

Driving Record – The obvious choice. The more tickets and accidents you have, the higher the rate becomes. But conversely, long periods of time with no claims activity will be rewarded with lower rates. If more than three years, the reduction will be greater. Accumulation of  “no claim” reward points is a concept that may be soon implemented. Accident-forgiveness for the first at-fault accident is a common perk for claim-free policyholders.

Where You Live – In all states, including Maryland, there will always be specific counties that cost more than others. Usually, high-theft/crime areas will be the most expensive. Quiet urban areas (many times) will have the lowest prices. For example, the best car insurance rates in Baltimore might still be higher than the worst prices in Chevy Chase. There can be tremendous variances from one are to the next.

Male Or Female – Although the Affordable Care Act eliminated gender-rating for health insurance, it does not apply to car insurance. Thus, males will cost more, until age 30. Then, there is very little or no difference. However, for persons under age 18, the male/female disparity in pricing is often substantial. A 16 year-old male can easily pay $400-$800 more per year than a female the same age. For Seniors, there is no significant difference in prices.

Usage Based – One of the newer reductions offered by several carriers. Nationwide’s “SmartRide” and Progressive’s “Snapshot” programs are two examples that  study driving behavior through telematics devices that are installed in your vehicle. If you constantly speed, or roll through stop signs, your premium will not be helped. The data is collected to help determine which drivers are the safest, and which drivers have the highest propensity of having an at-fault accident.

Are You Married? – Yes, it does make a difference. Married drivers tend to be involved in less at-fault accidents, especially between the ages of 25 and 70. Each new research project that investigates this trends always confirms previous results. Even married Seniors in their 80s have better claim numbers that unmarried Seniors. No, this doesn’t mean you should get married as soon as you get your driver’s license!

Credit – Admittedly, this is a fairly controversial rating criteria. Should the amount of money you owe on your credit cards, or past borrowing history impact what you pay for car insurance? Many carriers believe it is relevant, and therefore utilize data from credit reports in their underwriting criteria. Credit scores higher than 700 typically generate a discount with selected carriers. A score above 800 will earn the highest available discount. Recent bankruptcies can have a negative impact on your premium, depending upon the carrier.

Reviewing your credit before you apply for coverage could save you money and time. If errors are present, they should be corrected before you submit an application for coverage. Consumers can check their credit report annually (without paying). Insurers can utilize information to lower premiums, but not increase them. A free credit report can be submitted to Equifax, Experian, or Trans Union.

Age And Make Of Vehicle – If you own a newer car, it will probably cost more to cover. If it’s a high-performance sports car, it may cost more. And of course, older vehicles that are worth less, and less susceptible to theft, will be cheaper to cover. The cost of repair (parts and hourly wages) will also impact rates. The composition of the outside of the vehicle may impact the cost of repair, and ultimately, the cost of your collision coverage. Vehicles with fiberglass exteriors may be surcharged.

Do You Have Prior Coverage? – If you have existing coverage, you have satisfied Maryland’s car insurance liability requirement and will pay a lower premium than someone without previous immediate coverage. If there is a small lapse, it’s possible you still may earn the lower rating. If there has been a lapse of 30 days or longer, unfortunately, you will pay more. Longer lapses may require a license reinstatement.

How Often And How Far You Drive – The typical retiree will pay a lower premium since the number of miles driven is less and the chance of having an at-fault accident or claim is reduced. Another factor that can help rates is if the number of vehicles exceeds the number of drivers. Since all vehicles can not be used simultaneously, one or more cars may be discounted. However, the “multi-car” discount will be lost if less than two vehicles are covered. Generally, the discount is between 10% and 20%.

Education – Several carriers discount their rates for customers that have college degrees. The discount is small, and many companies that previously offered the discount, now no longer offer it.

Home Ownership – Policyholders that own a home or condo may be eligible for a reduction. Typically, homeowners  are considered more financially responsible than renters.

 

Selecting The Best Coverage

The “best” coverage may not necessarily be the cheapest. The consequences of under-insuring can be as costly as over-insuring. But regardless of which options you select, the state minimum liability limits required by Maryland law must be included. Periodically, these limits increase. High-risk drivers typically see the largest rate increases.

Currently the lowest allowed coverage is $30,000 per person, $60,000 per occurrence and $15,000 for property damage. PIP (personal injury protection) must be at least $2,500, and uninsured motorist protection also must be included at the 30/60/15 level. Collision and comprehensive benefits are only required by financial institutions when a vehicle is financed or used as collateral. NOTE: $15,000 (property damage) is insufficient, considering that most new vehicles on the road cost much more.

We highly recommend limits of at least $25,000 or $50,000. $100,000 (or higher) may be required if you have a personal umbrella (excess liability) policy. Corporate and business excess liability policies will require higher underlying coverage limits. Typically, the minimum required bodily injury  (per person) limit is $250,000.

There are two options when selecting your PIP benefits. “Limited” PIP does not cover yourself or any member of the family age 16 or older. Specifically-listed drivers also are not covered. Other passengers are not impacted, and the savings is about 35%-45% compared to “Full” PIP.  The more comprehensive PIP option covers yourself, family members that reside with you, passengers and pedestrians with no limitations.

Cheapest Way To Buy Car Insurance MD

Don’t Drive Like This With Your New Vehicle!

Although, as previously noted, “full coverage” (collision and comprehensive) benefits are not required by law, they often represent the most expensive portion of your premium. By increasing your deductibles, substantial savings could result. However, the increased risk may or may not be worth the savings. The presence of youthful drivers in the household will increase the chances of paying multiple deductibles within a short period.

For example, if raising the deductibles from $250 to $500 results in savings of $300 per year on your policy, the increased risk makes financial sense since you’re unlikely to have an at-fault accident each year. However, if raising deductibles from $500 to $1,000 results in savings of just $100 per year, your “break-even” point has drastically changed. $2,500 options should only be considered if you are willing to potentially lose $5,000 of savings with two quick accidents.

Each household situation is different and must be studied on an individual basis. Also, a larger deductible means higher out-of-pocket expenses must be quickly paid. If liquid assets are not available, once again, it may not be the best choice.  (This Consumer Guide For MD Car Insurance) may help) However, you can change deductibles at any time, assuming it does not impact a pending physical damage or liability claim.  If you  expect to sell your vehicle within the next three months, do not remove collision or comprehensive benefits.

 

Additional Information – Questions That Should Be Asked

While it would take up too much space to cover them all, we have provided many of the questions that should be asked.

Is substitution transportation (rental) covered if I have an accident? And what about damage incurred?

Are towing and jump starts included? If covered, what is the maximum payout?

Are drivers that reside in my household covered? Are there any restrictions?

Am I covered driving outside of the country? Are there counties that are excluded?

What is the “complaint ratio” for the company (calculated by Department of Insurance)?

How often do rates increase? Can you provide a history of increases from the last 60 months?

Can drivers outside of the household remain on the policy? If so, what are the restrictions?

Will the first at-fault accident be chargeable? If so, how much is the surcharge?

 

Which Companies Have The Least Expensive Prices?

Of course, rates will be substantially different, depending on many factors. Company A might be the cheapest option for a single person with two moving violations living in Baltimore, but the most expensive option for a retired couple with a perfect record living in Annapolis or Ocean City! That’s why we encourage everyone to view our free quotes so you view a more personalized comparison.

Regardless…Shown below are the companies that typically offer very competitive prices in most ares of the state. The list is in alphabetical order.

Allstate

Armco

Cincinnati

Cumberland

Elephant

Encompass

Erie

Geico

Harleysville Preferred

Horace Mann

IFA

Metlife

Nationwide

PURE

Progressive Select

State Farm

Teachers

Travelers

Unitrin

USAA

Naturally, different cities are not likely to have identical  prices, and in specific areas, certain carriers will be more competitive. For example, although Farmers has solid pricing in College Park and Laurel, in Bethesda, Gaithersburg, and Silver Spring, PURE often has the lowest rates. Also, specific companies may offer attractive high-risk rates, but below-average prices for preferred drivers with no moving violations or at-fault accidents on their MVR report.

 

What About Motorcycles, RVs and Trailers, ATVs, Boats, and Antique/Classic Vehicles?

Not every carrier offers specialty coverage. However, we have listed below some of the reputable companies that can issue a policy for some of your unique situations:

Motorcycles/Scooters – Geico, GMAC,  Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, Progressive, State Auto, State Farm, USAA and Zurich.

RVs/Trailers – AIG, Allstate, Chubb, Cincinnati, Erie, Geico, Hartford, Liberty Mutual, State Auto, State Farm, Traverlers, and USAA.

ATV – Allstate, Amica, Erie, GMAC, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, State Farm, Travelers and Zurich.

Boats And Watercraft – Allstate, Erie, Liberty Mutual, Markel, Nationwide, Progressive, State Farm, Travelers, Unitrin, and Zurich.

Collector/Antique – AIG, Amica, Cincinnati, Erie, Geico, Hartford, Liberty Mutual, State Farm, Travelers,  and USAA.

 

Additional Information:

 

Your Car Is Totaled

Typically, if your vehicle is declared a total loss, within 10 days you will receive a written offer from your carrier. The cost of repair must exceed the actual cash value (acv) for the offer to be extended. Otherwise, you are entitled to have your vehicle repaired and restored to its prior condition. If safety is a concern, this should be immediately discussed with your insurer. NOTE: If your vehicle is stolen, your carrier is given 30 days to provide a “fair” offer.

 

Recent Surveys

Based on recent surveys and research (N-Wallet) of all major insurers, the lowest prices are found in the following areas: Williamsport, Thurmont, Fairplay, Queenstown, Trappe, Emmitsburg, Adamstown, Vienna, Boonsboro, and Ocean City. However, many other factors can influence rates, including availability of discounts and safety devices on vehicles. Also, every three months, new calculations are completed and results change.

A recent national study concluded that Maryland has the lowest projected rate increase for vehicle owners following a $2,000 bodily injury claim. The average rate hike is 22%, which, of course, will gradually decrease and totally disappear following 2-5 years of no reportable incidences. The worst states, with increases above 50%, were California, New Jersey, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Massachusetts.

Sample Maryland Auto Insurance Rates For Drivers – Shop Smart And Save

Posted on: by Edward Harris

View current auto insurance rates in Maryland from major carriers. With the help of the State DOI, shown below are costs of coverage for many scenarios in several counties. By comparing before you purchase, you may reduce your policy premium by hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Multiple factors impact premiums, including age, marital status, gender, make and model of vehicle, credit standing, and prior coverage. Flexible payment options are made available by all companies, including monthly payments with a low initial payment. Full, limited, or rejection of PIP benefits will impact the policy cost.

The Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF) offers the lowest available liability limits ($30,000/$60,000/$15,000). Higher limits are also available to some drivers. High-risk drivers in Maryland are able to obtain coverage for financed or paid-off vehicles.

Prices shown are annual Maryland car insurance premiums for many hypothetical households. Most carriers offer a monthly billing option and additional discounts that may not have been included in the illustrated rates.

 

Unmarried 19-year-old female. Drives 2008 Toyota Camry to work and approximately 15,000 miles per year. No moving violations within the last 36 months. Liability and UM limits are $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 with $2,500 Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Collision and comprehensive deductibles are $500 and $250.

Washington County

$2,199 – AIG

$2,928 – Geico

$2,984 – Progressive Select

$3,073 – Vault Reciprocal Exchange

$3,164 – Agency Insurance

$3,438 – State Farm

$3,467 – Progressive Specialty

$3,756 – USAA

$3,776 – Southern Insurance Company Of Virginia

$4,267 – Erie

$4,290 – Root Insurance

$4,310 – Hartford

$4,316 – Horace Mann

$4,584 – Berkley Insurance

$4,829 – American Economy

$4,959 – Travelers

$5,012 – Teachers Insurance

$5,630 – American Family

$5,700 – American National

$6,838 – Farmers

 

Garrett County

$4,557 – Horace Mann

$4,348 – Teachers Insurance

$2,936 – State Farm Mutual

$5,448 – Southern Insurance Company Of Virginia

$4,144 – USAA

$4,118 – Erie

$3,152 – Geico

$5,698 – Brethren Mutual

$3,638 – Progressive Select

$4,523 – USAA Casualty

$5,536 – American National

$3,790 – Cincinnati Insurance

$3,812 – American Family Connect

$4,442 – Farmers Insurance Direct

$4,558 – Travelers Insurance

$5,097 – Encompass

$5,338 – Elephant Insurance

$6,435 – Nationwide

$8,915 – Liberty Mutual

 

Frederick County

$1,869 – AIG Property Casualty

$2,234 – Berkley Insurance

$2,349 – Horace Mann

$2,444 – State Farm

$2,470 – Brethren Mutual

$2,493 – Teachers Insurance

$2,744 – Erie

$2,863 – USAA

$3,114 – Geico

$3,145 – Southern Insurance Company Of Virginia

$3,477 – Progressive Select

$3,640 – American Family

$3,984 – Farmers

$4,150 – NJM Insurance

$4,220 – American National

$4,691 – Maryland Auto Insurance Fund

$4,780 – Progressive Specialty

$5,593 – Amica

$6,028 – Penn National

$9,306 – Liberty Mutual

 

Caroline County

$1,288 – USAA

$1,703 – Horace Mann

$1,979 – USAA Casualty

$2,008 – Progressive Select

$2,062 – State Farm

$2,118 – Progressive Specialty

$2,232 – Brethren Mutual

$2,290 – Safe Auto

$2,395 – AIG

$2,402 – Erie

$2,633 – American States

$3,995 – Nationwide

 

Unmarried 23-year-old female. Drives 2012 Jeep Liberty to work and approximately 15,000 miles per year. One moving violation within the last 36 months. Liability and UM limits are $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 with $2,500 Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Collision and comprehensive deductibles are $500 and $250.

Washington County

$1,065 – USAA

$1,213 – Geico Casualty

$1,418 – USAA Casualty

$1,475 – Horace Mann

$1,541 – AIG

$1,713 – State Farm Mutual

$1,908 – Cumberland

$2,100 – Erie

$2,171 – Privilege Underwriters

$2,214 – Encompass

$2,400 – American Family

$2,470 – Allstate

 

Allegany County

$968 – USAA

$1,286 – Geico Casualty

$1,378 – Progressive Select

$1,399 – USAA Casualty

$1,459 – American States

$1,539 – State Farm Mutual

$1,545 – Horace Mann

$1,804 – Mutual Benefit

$2,134 – Erie

$2,354 – American National

$2,447 – Encompass

$4,175 – Farmers

 

Frederick County

$1,083 – USAA

$1,122 – Geico Casualty

$1,402 – American States

$1,515 – USAA Casualty

$1,515 – State Farm

$1,538 – Horace Mann

$1,541 – AIG Property Casualty

$1,571 – Progressive Select

$1,676 – Safe Auto

$1,692 – Teachers Insurance

$1,946 – Cumberland

$2,193 – Erie

 

Worcester County

$1,016 – USAA

$1,184 – Geico Casualty

$1,311 – American States

$1,398 – USAA Casualty

$1,413 – Progressive Select

$1,464 – Horace Ann

$1,505 – State Farm

$1,539 – Progressive Specialty

$1,816 – Cumberland

$1,973 – Mutual Benefit

$2,226- Maryland Auto Insurance Fund

$2,319 – Erie

 

Talbot County

$1,003 – Amica

$1,409 – American States

$1,411 – State Farm

$1,415 – Root Insurance

$1,464 – Horace Mann

$1,545 – Progressive Select

$1,631 – USAA

$1,728 – USAA Casualty

$1,763 – Integon Indemnity

$1,863 – Geico Secure

$2,319 – Erie

$2,760 – Liberty Mutual

 

Dorcester County

$1,409 – American States

$1,464 – Horace Mann

$1,476 – Root Insurance

$1,635 – Progressive Select

$1,648 – USAA

$1,768 – Geico Secure

$1,776 – Amica

$1,878 – Cumberland Insurance

$2,222 – Integon Indemnity

$2,424 – American Family

$2,505 – Allstate Indemnity

$3,120 – State Farm

 

Unmarried 30-year-old male. Drives 2015 Toyota RAV4 to work and approximately 25,000 miles per year. No moving violations within the last 36 months. Liability and UM limits are $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 with $2,500 Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Collision and comprehensive deductibles are $500 and $250.

Garrett County

$862 – Progressive Select

$1,077 – Geico Casualty

$1,095 – Horace Mann

$1,117 – Encompass

$1,146 – Cumberland Insurance

$1,153 – Progressive Specialty

$1,222 – USAA

$1,222 – Nationwide

$1,316 – State Farm Mutual

$1,366 – Erie

 

Saint Mary’s County

$937 – Progressive Select

$1,052 – Geico Casualty

$1,120 – IDS Property And Casualty

$1,203 – Horace Mann

$1,240 – Nationwide Property And Casualty

$1,250 – Root Insurance

$1,340 – Cumberland

$1,383 – USAA

$1,489 – State Farm Mutual

$1,493 – Erie

 

Howard County

$941 – Progressive Select

$1,206 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,203 – Horace Mann

$1,256 – Geico Casualty

$1,258 – Cumberland Insurance

$1,429 – USAA

$1,474 – Amica Mutual

$1,575 – Nationwide

$1,702 – Encompass

$1,735 – CSAA General

 

Carroll County

$917 – Progressive Select

$1,187 – Horace Mann

$1,204 – Geico Casualty

$1,221 – Cumberland Insurance

$1,324 – Nationwide

$1,408 – USAA

$1,461 – USAA Casualty

$1,488 – Emcompass

$1,601 – State Farm

$1,710 – Teachers Insurance

 

Wicomico County

$756 – Progressive Select

$970 – Geico

$1,032 – Horace Mann

$1,097 – Cumberland

$1,148 – Nationwide

$1,189 – Progressive Specialty

$1,176 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,201 – Root Insurance

$1,301 – USAA

$1,418 – State Farm

 

Kent County

$783 – Progressive Select

$962 – Geico

$1,051 – Progressive Specialty

$1,128 – Cumberland

$1,187 – USAA

$1,414 – American National Property And Casualty

$1,395 – Brethren Mutual

$1,427 – Erie

$1,459 – Encompass

$1,462 – Amica Mutual

 

Unmarried 30-year-old female. Drives 2016 Nissan Altima to work and approximately 15,000 miles per year. No moving violations within the last 36 months. Liability and UM limits are $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 with $2,500 Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Collision and comprehensive deductibles are $500 and $250.

Calvert County

$672 – Progressive Select

$947 – Root Insurance

$983 – Progressive Specialty

$1,021 – USAA

$1,041 – USAA Casualty

$1,118 – IDS Property And Casualty

$1,171 – Geico Casualty

$1,173 – Encompass

$1,252 – Nationwide Property And Casualty

$1,257 – Mutual Benefit

 

Washington County

$661 – Progressive Select

$777 – Encompass

$818 – Horace Mann

$873 – Progressive Specialty

$904 – Erie

$965 – USAA

$981 – USAA Casualty

$983 – Root Insurance

$990 – Cumberland

$4,543 – Maryland Auto Insurance Fund

 

Anne Arundel County

$716 – Progressive Select

$957 – Progressive Specialty

$970 – Root Insurance

$1,024 – USAA

$1,087 – USAA Casualty

$1,116 – Encompass

$1,160 – Geico Casualty

$1,182 – Erie

$1,217 – Selective Insurance Company

$1,261 – Cincinnati

 

Cecil County

$729 – Progressive Select

$1,052 – American National

$1,073 – Cumberland

$1,075 – Root Insurance

$1,130 – Erie

$1,182 – USAA Casualty

$1,257 – Geico Casualty

$1,310 – Old Dominion

$1,325 – Penn National

$1,340 – IDS Property Casualty

 

Caroline County

$727 – Progressive Select

$812 – Horace Mann

$876 – USAA

$886 – American National Property Casualty

$974 – Cumberland

$985 – Erie

$987 – Geico

$1,119 – Encompass

$1,387 – Travelers

$1,630 – Farmers

 

Somerset County

$797 – Progressive Select

$812 – Horace Mann

$914 – American National Property Casualty

$985 – Erie

$1,001 – USAA

$1,011 – Root Insurance

$1,119 – Encompass

$1,812 – Donegal Mutual

$1,207 – Nationwide

$3,411 – Elephant

 

Unmarried 40-year-old male. Drives 2015 Nissan Sentra to work and approximately 15,000 miles per year. No moving violations within the last 36 months. Liability and UM limits are $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 with $2,500 Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Collision and comprehensive deductibles are $500 and $250.

St. Mary’s County

$1,029 – Progressive Select

$1,076 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,107 – Horace Mann

$1,153 – Cincinnati

$1,159 – Geico Casualty

$1,214 – USAA

$1,339 – Cumberland

$1,356 – USAA Casualty

$1,381 – Root Insurance

$1,390 – Erie

 

Charles County

$1,141 – Cincinnati

$1,364 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,372 – Cumberland

$1,393 – USAA

$1,525 – Geico Casualty

$1,574 – USAA Casualty

$1,826 – Progressive Specialty

$1,867 – State Farm

$1,944 – American National

$1,948 – Nationwide

 

Harford County

$1,091 – Progressive Select

$1,175 – Horace Mann

$1,191 – Cincinnati

$1,226 – Cumberland

$1,228 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,249 – USAA

$1,371 – Geico Casualty

$1,553 – Root Insurance

$1,571 – Erie

$1,608 – Nationwide

 

Baltimore County

$1,416 – Horace Mann

$1,567 – Cincinnati

$1,691 – USAA

$1,714 – Geico Casualty

$1,714 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,878 – Root Insurance

$1,968 – Erie

$2,097 – State Farm

$2,226 – Teachers Insurance

$2,490 – Mutual Benefit

 

Talbot County

$811 – Progressive Select

$984 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,023 – Cincinnati

$1,059 – Geico

$1,087 – USAA

$1,175 – State Farm

$1,208 – USAA Casualty

$1,316 – Erie

$1,356 – American National

$1,661 – Integon

 

Worcester County

$949 – Horace Mann

$845 – Progressive Select

$1,022 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,046 – Cincinnati

$1,065 – Geico Casualty

$1,097 – Cumberland

$1,106 – Progressive Specialty

$1,203 – USAA Casualty

$1,316 – Erie

$1,730 – Amica Mutual

 

Unmarried 40-year-old female. Drives 2016 Toyota Prius to work and approximately 15,000 miles per year. No moving violations within the last 36 months. Liability and UM limits are $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 with $2,500 Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Collision and comprehensive deductibles are $500 and $250.

Garrett County

$710 – Progressive Select

$749 – Horace Mann

$810 – American National

$814 – USAA

$823 – Cumberland

$846 – Encompass

$898 – State Farm Mutual

$908 – Erie

$940 – USAA Casualty

$956 – Cincinnati Insurance

 

Montgomery County

$713 – Progressive Select

$773 – Horace Mann

$824 – Geico Casualty

$921 – Cumberland

$942 – USAA

$956 – IDS Property Casualty

$962 – American National Property And Casualty

$995 – Progressive Specialty

$1,045 – Cincinnati

$1,141 – Mutual Benefit

 

Frederick County

$679 – Progressive Select

$824 – Cumberland

$861 – USAA

$864 – State Farm

$866 – IDS Property Casualty

$917 – Cincinnati

$919 – Erie

$929 – USAA Casualty

$976 – Brethren Mutual

$1,060 – Encompass

 

Cecil County

$714 – Progressive Select

$962 – USAA

$1,020 – Old Dominion

$1,061 – USAA Casualty

$1,101 – Root Insurance

$1,127 – Cincinnati

$1,152 – Mutual Benefit

$1,162 – Penn National

$1,198 – Nationwide

$1,199 – State Farm

 

Kent County

$653 – Progressive Select

$793 – USAA

$806 – Cumberland

$828 – Geico Casualty

$836 – American National Property And Casualty

$853 – State Farm

$860 – IDS Property Casualty

$943 – Cincinnati

$953 – Erie

$1,339 – Farmers

 

Queen Anne’s County

$647 – Progressive Select

$710 – Horace Mann

$806 – Cumberland

$830 – USAA

$828 – Geico Casualty

$851 – USAA Casualty

$958 – State Farm

$992 – CSAA General

$1,005 – Nationwide

$1,478 – Metropolitan Group

 

Unmarried 50-year-old male. Drives 2017 Ford F-250 to work and approximately 25,000 miles per year and 2012 Honda CR-V approximately 3,000 miles per year. No moving violations within the last 36 months. Liability and UM limits are $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 with $2,500 Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Collision and comprehensive deductibles are $500 and $250.

Allegany County

$891 – Progressive Select

$948 – Cumberland

$1,057 – CSAA General

$1,062 – American National Property And Casualty

$1,120 – Progressive Specialty

$1,197 – Erie

$1,260 – Old Dominion

$1,271 – Penn National

$1,294 – USAA

$1,332 – Travelers

 

Washington County

$817 – Privilege Underwriters

$916 – Progressive Select

$1,072 – American National Property And Casualty

$1,077 – CSAA General

$1,143 – Erie

$1,204 – Old Dominion

$1,210 – Mutual Benefit

$1,291 – Selective Insurance Co. Of SC

$1,371 – Geico Casualty

$1,380 – Meridian Security

 

Anne Arundel County

$980 – Progressive Select

$1,137 – CSAA General

$1,240 – American National Property And Casualty

$1,256 – Progressive Specialty

$1,276 – Selective Insurance

$1,321 – Brethren Mutual

$1,336 – Cincinnati

$1,337 – Horace Mann

$1,416 – Mutual Benefit

$1,618 – Penn National

 

Carroll County

$1,003 – Cumberland

$1,060 – CSAA General

$1,071  – Progressive Select

$1,195 – Selective Insurance

$1,230 – American National Property And Casualty

$1,294 – Mutual Benefit

$1,346 – Cincinnati

$1,470 – Erie

$1,479 – USAA Casualty

$1,619 – Geico Casualty

 

Caroline County

$934 – Cumberland

$1,008 – Progressive Select

$1,055 – Progressive Specialty

$1,090 – American National Property And Casualty

$1,194 – CSAA General

$1,210 – Horace Mann

$1,216 – Mutual Benefit

$1,254 – Erie

$1,320 – USAA

$1,528 – Travelers

 

Somerset County

$911 – Cumberland

$1,108 – Progressive Select

$1,118 – American National Property And Casualty

$1,210 – Horace Mann

$1,216 – Mutual Benefit

$1,247 – CSAA General

$1,254 – Erie

$1,353 – Geico

$1,676 – Travelers

$1,948 – Esurance

 

Unmarried 50-year-old female. Drives 2014 Hyundai Elantra to work and approximately 20,000 miles per year. No moving violations within the last 36 months. Liability and UM limits are $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 with $2,500 Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Collision and comprehensive deductibles are $500 and $250.

Saint Mary’s County

$1,028 – Geico Casualty

$1,132 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,148 – Progressive Select

$1,180 – Horace Mann

$1,272 – USAA Casualty

$1,356 – Cumberland

$1,391 – Mutual Benefit

$1,450 – Root Insurance

$1,460 – USAA General Indemnity

$1,542 – Nationwide

 

Charles County

$1,200 – Progressive Select

$1,359 – USAA

$1,368 – Geico Casualty

$1,423 – Horace Mann

$1,479 – USAA Casualty

$1,560 – Amica Mutual

$1,606 – Cincinnati

$1,633 – Root Insurance

$1,689 – USAA General Indemnity

$1,724 – Mutual Benefit

 

Frederick County

$1,010 – Progressive Select

$1,028 – Horace Mann

$1,076 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,117 – USAA

$1,199 – USAA Casualty

$1,208 – Mutual Benefit

$1,319 – Amica Mutual

$1,398 – State Farm

$1,408 – Nationwide

$1,488 – Erie

 

Baltimore County

$1,423 – Progressive Select

$1,534 – Horace Mann

$1,557 – Geico Casualty

$1,634 – USAA

$1,795 – USAA Casualty

$1,797 – Amica Mutual

$1,824 – IDS Property Casualty

$2,221 – Erie

$2,407 – Nationwide

$2,684 – AIG

 

Dorchester County

$945 – Progressive Select

$954 – Geico

$1,006 – Horace Mann

$1,101 – USAA

$1,139 – Cumberland

$1,175 – USAA Casualty

$1,192 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,253 – Mutual Benefit

$1,355 – Amica Mutual

$1,735 – American States

 

Wicomico County

$954 – Geico

$954 – Progressive Select

$1,006 – Horace Mann

$1,109 – Cumberland

$1,122 – USAA

$1,202 – USAA Casualty

$1,429 – Nationwide

$1,558 – Penn National

$1,594 – State Farm

$1,596 – Meridian Security

 

Unmarried 65-year-old male. Drives 2012 Ford Escape approximately 5,000 miles per year. No moving violations within the last 36 months. Liability and UM limits are $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 with $2,500 Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Collision and comprehensive deductibles are $500 and $250.

Calvert County

$532 – Cumberland

$533 – Progressive Select

$562 – American National Property And Casualty

$584 – Brethren Mutual

$606 – Mutual Benefit

$617 – USAA Casualty

$634 – USAA

$640 – Horace Mann

$658 – Root Insurance

$671 – Erie

 

St. Mary’s County

$532 – Cumberland

$534 – American National Property And Casualty

$547 – Brethren Mutual

$600 – Geico Casualty

$606 – Mutual Benefit

$616 – Progressive Select

$626 – USAA

$640 – Horace Mann

$651 – USAA Casualty

$666 – IDS Property Casualty

 

Anne Arundel County

$525 – Brethren Mutual

$562 – American National Property Casualty

$588 – Progressive Select

$605 – Cumberland

$650 – USAA

$660 – USAA Casualty

$673 – Mutual Benefit

$680 – Geico Casualty

$680 – IDS Property Casualty

$775 – Erie

 

Frederick County

$482 – American National Property And Casualty

$527 – AIG Property Casualty

$544 – Mutual Benefit

$566 – Progressive Select

$569 – Atlantic States

$569 – Geico Casualty

$605 – USAA

$610 – Erie

$628 – IDS Property Casualty

$632 – Cincinnati

 

Talbot County

$448 – Cumberland

$456 – Brethren Mutual

$462 – American National Property And Casualty

$501 – Progressive Select

$545 – Geico

$567 – Mutual Benefit

$571 – USAA

$602 – State Farm

$700 – Metropolitan Direct

$1,024 – Hartford

 

Worcester County

$434 – Cumberland

$519 – Progressive Select

$538 – Mutual Benefit

$552 – Horace Mann

$559 – Geico

$563 – Atlantic States

$580 – USAA

$618 – IDS Property Casualty

$637 – Erie

$911 – Teachers Insurance

 

Unmarried 65-year-old Female. Drives 2017 Toyota Camry approximately 5,000 miles per year. No moving violations within the last 36 months. Liability and UM limits are $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 with $2,500 Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Collision and comprehensive deductibles are $500 and $250.

Washington County

$738 – American National Property And Casualty

$745 – Encompass

$765 – Progressive Select

$779 – Geico Casualty

$794 – Erie

$802 – Horace Mann

$828 – AIG Property Casualty

$841 – Root Insurance

$853 – USAA Casualty

$871 – USAA

 

Garrett County

$742 – American National Property And Casualty

$812 – Encompass

$816 – USAA

$819 – Progressive Select

$833 – Erie

$844 – Horace Mann

$848 – Geico Casualty

$909 – Root Insurance

$913 – USAA Casualty

$1,148 – Hartford Casualty

 

Cecil County

$837 – Progressive Select

$912 – American National Property And Casualty

$924 – Root Insurance

$949 – Brethren Mutual

$963 – USAA

$976 – Geico Casualty

$993 – Erie

$1,002 – Horace Mann

$1,192 – Old Dominion

$1,252 – Penn National

 

Carroll County

$849 – Brethren Mutual

$890 – American National Property And Casualty

$908 – Progressive Select

$910 – USAA Casualty

$913 – Horace Mann

$936 – Geico Casualty

$940 – USAA

$1,013 – Erie

$1,054 – Atlantic States

$1,084 – Encompass

 

Kent County

$752 – Progressive Select

$757 – Geico

$770 – American National Property And Casualty

$789 – USAA

$821 – Root Insurance

$854 – USAA Casualty

$862 – IDS Property Casualty

$865 – Erie

$1,081 – Penn National

$1,323 – Teachers Insurance

 

Queen Anne’s County

$750 – Root Insurance

$754 – American National Property And Casualty

$754 – Progressive Select

$757 – Geico

$828 – USAA

$865 – Erie

$1,003 – Atlantic States

$1,035 – Cumberland

$1,197 – CSAA General

$1,694 – Allstate

 

Married 29-year-old male and female. Drives 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan approximately 15,000 and 5,000 miles per year. No moving violations within the last 36 months. Liability and UM limits are $30,000/$60,000/$15,000 with $2,500 Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Collision and comprehensive deductibles are $500 and $250.

Allegany County

$1,388 – Cincinnati

$1,398 – Progressive Select

$1,535 – Geico Casualty

$1,548 – Progressive Specialty

$1,594 – American National Property And Casualty

$1,714 – USAA

$1,724 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,799 – Mutual Benefit

$1,836 – Garrison Property And Casualty

$1,898 – Meridian Security

 

Montgomery County

$1,345 – AIG

$1,392 – Geico Casualty

$1,490 – Cincinnati

$1,608 – Progressive Select

$1,663 – Root Insurance

$1,778 – Progressive Specialty

$2,061 – USAA

$2,151 – Garrison

$2,561 – Amica Mutual

$2,800 – Metropolitan Group

 

Frederick County

$904 – AIG Property Casualty

$1,278 – Cincinnati

$1,383 – Geico Casualty

$1,538 – Progressive Select

$1,610 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,626 – Root Insurance

$1,662 – Progressive Specialty

$1,678 – American National

$1,888 – USAA

$1,963 – State Farm

 

Anne Arundel County

$1,412 – Cincinnati

$1,587 – Progressive Select

$1,600 – Root Insurance

$1,618 – Geico Casualty

$1,657 – AIG Property Casualty

$1,718 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,753 – Progressive Specialty

$2,023 – USAA

$2,196 – USAA Casualty

$3,823 – Farmers

 

Talbot County

$1,322 – Cincinnati

$1,349 – Progressive Select

$1,372 – Geico

$1,570 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,744 – Integon

$1,823 – Horace Mann

$1,826 – USAA

$1,854 – State Farm

$2,022 – Mutual Benefit

$2,059 – Erie

 

Somerset County

$1,381 – Geico

$1,413 – Cincinnati

$1,662 – AIG Property Casualty

$1,677 – Root Insurance

$1,682 – Progressive Select

$1,842 – Meridian Security

$1,878 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,976 – Mutual Benefit

$1,993 – USAA

$2,430 – Metropolitan Direct

 

Married 35-year-old male and 32-year-old female. Drives 2010 Dodge Dakota Crew Cab and 2017 Nissan Rogue approximately 35,000 and 15,000 miles per year. No moving violations within the last 36 months. Liability and UM limits are $250,000/$500,000/$100,000 with $2,500 Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Collision and comprehensive deductibles are $500 and $250.

Charles County

$1,030 – Progressive Select

$1,145 – Root Insurance

$1,403 – Horace Mann

$1,464 – CSAA Insurance

$1,513 – Mutual Benefit

$1,588 – Old Dominion

$1,658 – Cincinnati

$1,670 – American Property And Casualty

$1,832 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,991 – USAA

 

Prince George’s County

$1,254 – Progressive Select

$1,525 – Root Insurance

$1,544 – Horace Mann

$1,702 – CSAA

$1,901 – Progressive Specialty

$2,192 – AIG

$2,207 – Mutual Benefit

$2,242 – Old Dominion

$2,342 – Geico Casualty

$2,456 – Esurance

 

Howard County

$1,029 – Progressive Select

$1,193 – Horace Mann

$1,223 – CSAA General

$1,307 – Root Insurance

$1,460 – American National

$1,470 – Old Dominion

$1,552 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,644 – Cincinnati

$1,716 – National General

$1,730 – Cumberland

 

Harford County

$1,059 – Progressive Select

$1,139 – Root Insurance

$1,208 – CSAA General

$1,253 – Horace Mann

$1,380 – Progressive Specialty

$1,553 – Mutual Benefit

$1,650 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,694 – Cincinnati

$1,779 – Erie

$1,930 – Metropolitan Group

 

Caroline County

$835 – Progressive Select

$1,018 – Root Insurance

$1,035 – Horace Mann

$1,171 – CSAA General

$1,174 – Old Dominion

$1,315 – Integon

$1,359 – Mutual Benefit

$1,416 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,448 – Geico

$1,528 – Esurance

 

Worcester County

$760 – Progressive Select

$1,035 – Horace Mann

$1,036 – Root Insurance

$1,066 – CSAA General

$1,228 – Old Dominion

$1,348 – Mutual Benefit

$1,462 – Geico

$1,596 – Erie

$1,622 – State Farm

$1,624 – Travelers

 

Married 50-year-old male and female. Drives 2017 Toyota Avalon and 2008 Toyota Camry approximately 35,000 and 5,000 miles per year. No moving violations within the last 36 months. Liability and UM limits are $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 with $2,500 Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Collision and comprehensive deductibles are $500 and $250.

Washington County

$1,174 – Erie

$1,210 – Progressive Select

$1,274 – American National Property And Casualty

$1,391 – Progressive Specialty

$1,536 – Horace Mann

$1,629 – USAA Casualty

$1,648 – Pharmacists Mutual

$1,667 – Meridian Security

$1,668 – USAA

$1,797 – Mutual Benefit

 

Garrett County

$1,224 – Erie

$1,290 – American National Property And Casualty

$1,327 – Progressive Select

$1,494 – Progressive Specialty

$1,563 – USAA

$1,622 – Horace Mann

$1,651 – Cumberland

$1,666 – USAA General Indemnity

$1,667 – Root Insurance

$1,789 – State Farm

 

Cecil County

$1,329 – Progressive Select

$1,479 – Erie

$1,530 – American National Property And Casualty

$1,665 – Root Insurance

$1,671 – Progressive Specialty

$1,807 – Cumberland

$1,847 – USAA

$1,935 – USAA General Indemnity

$1,958 – USAA Casualty

$2,070 – Old Dominion

 

Anne Arundel County

$1,321 – Progressive Select

$1,510 – American National Property And Casualty

$1,522 – Progressive Specialty

$1,522 – Root Insurance

$1,558 – Erie

$1,732 – Horace Mann

$1,772 – USAA

$1,774 – USAA General Indemnity

$2,103 – Geico Casualty

$2,296 – Nationwide

 

Wicomico County

$1,019 – Progressive Select

$1,500 – American National Property And Casualty

$1,610 – Root Insurance

$1,632 – USAA

$1,681 – Erie

$1,784 – Meridian Security

$1,799 – Geico

$1,912 – State Farm

$2,038 – Amica

$2,110 – Nationwide

 

Kent County

$1,053 – Progressive Select

$1,475 – USAA

$1,621 – Integon

$1,643 – Cumberland

$1,680 – State Farm

$1,681 – Erie

$1,769 – Geico

$1,805 – Mutual Benefit

$1,921 – Penn National

$2,090 – Unitrin

 

Married 65-year-old male and female. Drives 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2016 Lexus approximately 20,000 and 5,000 miles per year. No moving violations within the last 36 months. Liability and UM limits are $250,000/$500,000/$100,000 with $2,500 Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Collision and comprehensive deductibles are $500 and $250.

Calvert County

$955 – Progressive Select

$1,268 – American Property And Casualty

$1,300 – Erie

$1,311 – Root Insurance

$1,320 – CSAA General

$1,350 – Cumberland Insurance

$1,350 – Horace Mann

$1,383 – Mutual Benefit

$1,681 – Cincinnati

$1,700 – IDS Property Casualty

 

Montgomery County

$1,031 – Progressive Select

$1,212 – American National Property And Casualty

$1,277 – Horace Mann

$1,321 – Cumberland Insurance

$1,338 – CSAA General

$1,395 – Mutual Benefit

$1,421 – Root Insurance

$1,502 – Erie

$1,674 – AIG Property Casualty

$1,978 – Travelers

 

Carroll County

$1,066 – CSAA General

$1,129 – Progressive Select

$1,218 – American National Property And Casualty

$1,233 – Cumberland

$1,321 – Mutual Benefit

$1,442 – Erie

$1,445 – Root Insurance

$1,588 – Cincinnati

$1,692 – IDS Property Casualty

$1,882 – Geico Casualty

 

Baltimore County

$1,352 – Progressive Select

$1,602 – American National Property And Casualty

$1,702 – Horace Mann

$1,775 – Erie

$1,869 – CSAA General

$1,874 – Root Insurance

$1,990 – Brethren Mutual

$2,233 – Penn National

$2,372 – USAA

$2,521 – USAA Casualty

 

Talbot County

$825 – Progressive Select

$1,082 – CSAA General

$1,147 – Brethren Mutual

$1,172 – Horace Mann

$1,164 – Cumberland

$1,268 – Mutual Benefit

$1,309 – Erie

$1,514 – Geico

$1,551 – State Farm

$1,641 – Travelers

 

Somerset County

$1,031 – Progressive Select

$1,136 – Cumberland

$1,172 – Horace Mann

$1,186 – American National

$1,200 – CSAA General

$1,246 – Mutual Benefit

$1,309 – Erie

$1,554 – Cincinnati

$1,647 – USAA

$1,892 – Metropolitan Direct

The Department of Insurance provides a Maryland Comparison of Auto Insurance Rates for consumers.

List Of Licensed Maryland Car Insurance Agents And Brokers

Posted on: by Edward Harris

The “Maryland Auto” Program provides car insurance coverage to state residents who have been refused a policy by two (or more) insurance carriers. Common reasons for denial of coverage include: high-risk operators residing in your household, bad or no credit, multiple speeding tickets, prior or current lapsed coverage, and major moving violations (DUI and DWI).

An active and current driver’s license is required to apply for a policy. The policy limits will equal or exceed Maryland’s minimum liability limit requirements. They are: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, and $15,000 property damage per accident. Uninsured motorists protection is also required with the following minimum limits: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, and $15,000 property damage per accident.

PIP (Personal Injury Protection) is not requited, and may be excluded for a lower rate. Lost income and healthcare expenses (maximum $2,500 per person) is provided for yourself and all passengers in the vehicle you are operating. Regardless of who is at fault in the accident, benefits are paid. Financed and leased vehicles will require collision and comprehensive coverage. Maximum deductible limits will apply. Substitute rental car coverage is optional.

When a vehicle is insured with full coverage (collision and comprehensive), a 24-7 roadside assistance and towing service is included with no charge. locksmith services, battery charges, and tire changes are included in the free service. Towing distances further than 15 miles can result in an extra charge. “National Safe Drivers” is the partner utilized by the Maryland Auto Program.

Participating agents and brokers of the MAP are listed below:

 

AAFS Agency

1204 Northbrook Dr.

Hampstead MD 21074 (410) 663-3292

 

A-1 Capitol Agency

2563 Forest Dr.

Annapolis MD 21401 (410) 571-7722

 

Arnold & Associates Agency

519 N. Market St.

Frederick MD 21702 (301) 662-2246

 

Ashley Insurance

107 S. Commerce St.

Centerville MD 21617 (410) 479-2151

 

Baum Agency

11120 New Hampshire Ave. #101

Silver Spring MD 20904 (301) 681-7404

 

Blue Ridge Agency

1120 C Professional Blvd.

Hagerstown MD 21740 (800) 733-2530

 

Boone Agency

3100 Ritchie Rd. Suite J

District Heights MD 20747 (301) 420-4526

 

Brent Agency

504 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd. Suite 7

Severna Park MD 21146 (410) 544-7174

 

Brown Agency

5211 Auth Rd. Suite 204

Suitland MD 20746 (301) 899-3313

 

Brown Agency

6851 Oak Hill Lane Suite 205

Columbia MD 21045 (410) 381-1200

 

BRRP/Rubin Agency

1 Bank St. Suite 200

Gaithersburg MD 20878 (301) 309-0400

 

Butler Agency

1508 Market St.

Pocomoke City MD 21851 (410) 957-3585

 

C&E Financial Services Agency

7324 Holabird Ave.

Baltimore MD 21222 (410) 282-4416

 

Christopher Insurance

105 N. Main St.

Federalsburg MD 21632 (410) 754-9003

 

Claros Agency

6420 Freetown Rd. Suite 135

Columbia MD 21044 (443) 864-4439

 

Colburn Agency

720 E. College Ave. Suite 1

Salisbury, MD 21801 (410) 546 – 9388

 

Coleman Agency

672 Old Mill Rd. Suite R

Millersville MD 21108 (301) 329-1258

 

Community Multi Services Agency

7411 Riggs Rd. Suite 219

Hyattsville MD 20783 (201) 779-1100

 

Community Insurance Agency

1914 Forest Dr. Suite 1-A

Annapolis MD 21401 (410) 990-0055

 

Cooper Agency

6 Montgomery Village Ave. #102

Gaithersburg MD 20879 (301) 208-2100

 

Corrigan Agency

213 Landing Lane

Elkton MD 21921 (410) 620-0990

 

Countrywide Agency

2646 University Blvd. W.

Silver Spring MD 20902 (301) 623-0202

 

Davis Agency

106 W. Ruark Drive Unit A

Salisbury, MD 21801 (410) 749-8800

 

Di Giulio Agency

16644 Georgia Ave.

Olney MD 20832 (301) 924-4252

 

Dougherty Agency

3420 Hamilton St.

Hyattsville MD 20782 (301) 927-1391

 

Escobar Agency

45 Waverly Drive Suite 1

Frederick MD 21702 (301) 620-0950

 

ES-Prime Agency

15927 Frederick Rd.

Lisbon MD 21765 (301) 374-8012

 

EZ Insurance Agency

5430 Campbell Blvd. Suite 215

White Marsh MD 21162 (800) 464-3226

 

Gaillard Agency

7752 Marlboro Pike

Forestville MD 20747 (301) 244-2701

 

GDI Insurance Agency

6525 Belcrest Rd. Suite 190

Hyattsville MD 20782 (301) 779-1596

 

Grant Agency

10630 Little Patuxent Parkway 224K

Columbia MD 21044 (244) 899-3665

 

Green & Finn Agency

7633 Rainville Ave.

Baltimore MD 21236 (410) 882-9433

 

Grossmiller Agency

1053 Maryland Route 3 North

Gambrills MD 21054 (410) 352-4100

 

Gutierrez Agency

1260 Maryland Ave. Suite 103A

Hagerstown MD 21740 (800) 474-1377

 

Guzman Agency

3724 35th St.

Mount Ranier MD 20712 (240) 670-8243

 

Harriger Agency

808 Olney Sandy Spring Rd. #25

Olney, MD 20860 (240) 686-6426

 

HBW Agency

8865 Stanford Blvd. Suite 202

Columbia MD 21045 (410) 744-4313

 

Highland Agency

2300 York Rd. Suite 201

Lutherville MD 21093 (410) 427-5041

 

Holly-Ross Agency

2505 Lord Baltimore Dr. Suite A

Windsor Mill MD 21244 (410) 788-1710

 

Holotik Agency

722 Cambridge Marketplace Blvd.

Cambridge MD 21613  (410) 228-2665

 

Howard Agency

2500 N. Rolling Rd. Suite 200

Baltimore MD 21244 (410) 298-2550

 

Hutchison Agency

8638 Veterans Highway Suite 200

Millersville MD 21108 (410) 647-9540

 

JM Insurance Agency

3600 East West Highway Suite 205

Hyattsville MD 20782 (240) 828-5256

 

Jones Agency

1117 MD Route 3 N. Suite 105

Gambrills MD 21054 (410) 721-8132

 

Kaplan Insurance Agency

130 Spectator Lane

Owings Mills MD 21117 (410) 415-1579

 

KG Agency

18115 Sellman Rd. Unit 8

Dickerson MD 20842 (240) 428-1392

 

Kukoyi Agency

2100 Harford Rd. Fl 2

Baltimore MD 21218 (410) 889-5200

 

Kurz Agency

3601 Annapolis Rd.

Baltimore MD 21227 (410) 355-9252

 

Lazo Agency

8446 Woodwards St.

Savage MD 20763 (240) 743-0397

 

Leonso Agency

9651 Baltimore Ave. Suite 101

College Park MD 20740 (301) 213-4361

 

Luray And Associates Agency

66 Painters Mill Rd. Suite 112

Owings Mills MD 21117 (410) 602-2636

 

Mann & Gray Agency

100 S. Camden Ave.

Fruitland, MI 21826 (420) 546-5575

 

Mansour Agency

107 Mountain Rd. Unit V

Pasadena MD 21122 (410) 684-5137

 

Marshall Agency

PO Box 250

Princess Anne MD 21853  (410) 651-1111

 

Metzger Agency

1410 Forest Dr. Suite 23

Annapolis MD 21403 (410) 268-9216

 

Metropolitan Insurance Group

708 Cloverly St.

Silver Spring MD 20905 (301) 359-6601

 

Michaels Agency

219 E. Broadway

Bel Air MD 21014

 

Monarch Insurance Agency

10440 Little Patuxent Parkway 300

Columbia MD 21044 (301) 377-3158

 

Monument Insurance Agency

6410 Frederick Rd.

Baltimore MD 21228 (410) 747-9111

 

Morris Agency

725 Baltimore Blvd.

Westminster MD 21157  (410) 355-1010

 

Nieves Agency

2100 Eastern Ave.

Baltimore MD 21206  (410) 732-0526

 

Nock Agency

1008 W. Main St. # A

Salisbury, MD 21801 (410) 202-2161

 

Oriley Agency

1012 Ingleside Ave.

Catonsville MD 21228 (410) 744-7480

 

Pacheco And Associates Agency

525 S. Frederick Ave.

Gaithersburg MD 20877 (301) 330-8070

 

Pinning Agency

3215 Erdman Ave.

Baltimore MD 21213 (410) 999-0229

 

Polk Agency

3146 Old Washington Rd.

Waldorf MD 20602 (301) 932-4888

 

ES-Prime Agency

15927 Frederick Rd.

Lisbon MD 21765 (301) 374-8062

 

Prunty Agency

1131 S. Salisbury Blvd. Suite A-2

Salisbury, MD 21801 (410) 543-0333

 

Ramirez Agency

3601 Hamilton St.

West Hyattsville MD 20782 (301) 277-4000

 

Ramsey’s Agency

2049 West Street Suite 202

Annapolis MD 21401 (410) 268-9216

 

Reddell Agency

715 E. William St.

Salisbury, MD 21804 (410) 742-3101

 

Reyes Agency

33088 Perry St.

Mount Ranier MD 20712 (240) 615-8504

 

RG Agency

888 Besgate Rd. Suite 104

Annapolis MD 21401 (410) 768-8166

 

Rice Agency

1015 Ingleside Ave.

Baltimore MD 21228 (410) 744-7733

 

Roadway Insurance Agency

701 Washington Blvd. S.

Laurel MD 20707

 

Rodgers Insurance Agency

6800 Holabird Ave.

Baltimore MD 21222 (410) 282-1379

 

Ruggiero Agency

400 Redland Ct. Suite 100

Owings Mills MD 21117 (410) 363-4720

 

Saleh Agency

843 Quince Orchard Blvd. Suite 4

Gaithersburg MD 20878 (240) 683-8900

 

Sanchez Insurance

1609 Eastern Ave.

Baltimore MD 21231 (410) 777-8170

 

Scott Agency

4785 Dorsey Hall Dr. Suite 101

Ellicott City MD 21042 (410) 730-4333

 

Servimax Agency

9411 Colesville rd.

Silver Spring MD 20902 (301) 589-3456

 

Shaw Agency

4513 Mountain Rd. #3

Pasadena MD 21122 (443) 305-2228

 

Simmons Agency

645 W. Bel Air Ave.

Aberdeen MD 21001

 

Simpson Agency

108 Old Solomons  Island Rd.

Annapolis MD 21401 (410 573-9104

 

Sorto Agency

6215 Greenbelt Rd. Suite GL2

College Park MD 20740 (301) 441-1303

 

Stein Agency

6630 Baltimore National Pike #100B

Baltimore MD 21228 (410) 774-7733

 

Sumpter Agency

12520 Prosperity Dr. Suite 115

Silver Spring MD 20904 (301) 680-7917

 

Superior Insurance

6405 Belair Road

Baltimore MD 21206  (410) 246-4713

 

Swayne Agency

63 W. Franklin St.

Hagerstown MD 21740 (301) 791-3384

 

Thomson Agency

7825 Wise Ave.

Baltimore MD 21222 (410) 282-7283

 

Todd Agency

1006 N. Salisbury Blvd.

Salisbury, MD 21801 (443) 978-7923

 

Togun Agency

2324 N. Rolling Rd.

Windsor Mill MD 21244

(410) 448-5214

 

Ugele Agency

408 E. 25th Street

Baltimore MD 21218 (410) 366-6490

 

United Insurance Agency

4 Glyndon Dr. Suite 2E

Reisterstown MD 21136 (410) 526-2055

 

Universal Insurance Group

11161 New Hampshire Ave. #400

Silver Spring MD 20904 (301) 360-4560

 

Vasquez Agency

11451 Georgia Ave.

Wheaton MD 20902 (301) 962-3333

 

Waugh Agency

3141 Old Washington Rd.

Waldorf MD 20602 (301) 870-4861

 

Wilgus Agency

1203 Pemberton Drive

Salisbury, MD 21801 (410) 742-8240

Winstead Agency

404 W. Pulaski Highway

Elkton MD 21921 (410) 620-0990

 

All Maryland auto insurance agents and brokers must obtain their state property and casualty license from the State Department of Insurance. Also, the minimum age limit is 18, and once licensed, continuing education credits of  24 hours every two years is required. Three hours of ethics training must be included in the 24 hours.

A non-mandatory pre-licensing course should be completed. Upon completion, the chances of passing the official licensing exam and test substantially increase. The Property and Casualty exam for the state must be passed before marketing policies. Prometric administers the process. They have more than 30 years of experience assisting insurers.

The application for a license (once the exam is passed) is handled by NIPR (National Insurance Producer Registry. The fee is $54 which does not include possible transaction fees. Additional fees include $100 or $200 (Surplus Lines Broker), $200 (Advisor), $5 (Motor Club Representative), $50 (Public Adjuster), and $250 (Viatical Settlement Broker). Note: Exams are not required for advisor, motor club representative, surplus lines broker, and viatical settlement broker.

 

The Maryland Insurance Administration is a state agency that serves the general public and the insurance industry. Providing fair prices, an easy claims process, and understandable coverage are several functions of the Administration. Purchasing “appropriate coverage” helps lessen the possibility of potential future issues. Assistance with contested claims can save time and money. Enforcement of regulations and statues help keep consumers safe.

Additional duties of the MIA include: approve and review contract forms and rates, investigate possible fraudulent activities, regulation of carriers and brokers, handle licensing of producers in the state, examine the solvency of insurers to protect consumers, and thoroughly investigate consumer complaints.

Maryland Teenage Driving Rules And Insurance Requirements

Posted on: by Edward Harris

Keeping Maryland’s teenagers safe while driving is a priority. Crash rates are at their peak during a young driver’s initial several years behind the wheel. The State Graduated License System is administered by the MD Motor Vehicle Administration and is designed to allow newly-licensed drivers to gain more experience before taking the wheel themselves. Ultimately, it can save both lives and money by imposing stricter sanctions than many other states. During a teen’s initial months of operating a vehicle, crash rates are the highest, so comprehensive training is critical.

The MD Rookie Driver program is designed to help potential drivers that are not (and never have been) licensed. Although the vast majority of participants are under the age of 18, there is no age prerequisite. The concept is simple – Encourage help and supervision by more experienced persons, and educate and train through three levels of licensing (instead of one or two). Often, persons new to the area, legal immigrants, and licensed drivers wanting to refresh their skills, will enroll in these types of programs.

The Tutorial covers many topics, including seat belts and safety seats, turning left at an intersection, approaching a flashing red light, construction zone driving, when to utilize high beam headlights, how to handle hydroplaning, road sign recognition, recognizing aggressive drivers, and school bus regulations.

This program applies to all persons applying for a license and is part of the graduating licensing system (GLS). The levels of completion are a learner’s permit, provisional license, and full driver’s license. After the learner’s instructional permit is obtained, a manual is provided along with an online tutorial and knowledge test. A rookie driver practice guide is available once the permit is obtained.

When a provisional license is obtained, some restrictions still apply. Once all requirements are fulfilled, proof of conversion to a full license is provided by mail. A provisional license must be held for 18 months, and no moving convictions are allowed during that period. Liability and PIP coverage is still requited during this phase.

 

RoadReady Supervised Practice Driving App

The “RoadReady Supervised Practice Driving App” helps new drivers prepare for their initial driving experiences through the “Parents Supervised Driving Program.” The free app can be downloaded to assist tracking driving time with a quick click of a button. If a portion of your trip was erroneously recorded, the log can be edited and corrected.

The app is available for iOS from the iTunes Store and Android from Google Play. New drivers may be added at any time, although existing drivers can not be deleted. The app features the following services:

Time-tracking

Monitor teen’s progress

View areas of improvement

View driving statistics

Receive pointers from parents

Learn about safe driving

Understand goals

View summary reports of driving

Track different driving conditions and road types

Keep driving log and export

Teen crashes unnecessarily take lives, and can often be prevented. Several of the most common-occurring traits include driving too fast, consuming alcohol before or while driving, single-vehicle accident involvement, driving in the evening, not using a seat belt, driving through stop signs or red lights, driver error, and additional teenagers also as passengers. Crash rates for new drivers are 10 times higher than adults, so proper training is critical. Immaturity and inexperience are major factors that lead to highway incidents.

Typically, more males than females are involved in these types of accidents. The 18-20 age group has the highest crash percentage, and Baltimore County leads the state in vehicular accidents. Montgomery and Prince George Counties had the next highest reported related crashes. Fridays and Saturdays are the most common days for these types of incidents. Tuesdays and Wednesdays  are often the safest days to drive.

Additional young driver safety resources include Driver-Zed program, AAA Keys2Drive, Center For Injury Research And Prevention, Driving Skills For Life, and Governor’s Highway Safety Office.

 

Get Your Learner’s Permit

If you’re at least 15 years and 9 months old, you’re on your way to obtaining a permit. A School Attendance Certificate form must be provided and signed by a parent. The form can be found here. Of course, you must reside in Maryland and show proper identification along with passing a written and vision exam. A current manual will be provided that will be needed for the written exam. The sample exam consists of only five questions and takes less than two minutes to complete. About half of first-time applicants fail the exam, so reviewing the online test tutorial is recommended.

The free test tutorial can be very helpful since about half of all applicants fail to pass the first attempted exam. Several sample questions (multiple choice) are below:

You are car A and the traffic in front of you has stopped. You should…

When a law enforcement officer signals you to pull over, you should…

When driving in fog, it is best to drive with…

When sharing the road with large trucks, other drivers should…

In work zones, you should…

A flashing yellow light at an intersection means you should…

The maximum posted speed limit should be driven only…

Double solid yellow lane markings mean that…

 

20 minutes is provided to successfully pass the actual knowledge test, and a minimum score of 88% correct is required. Several topics are included, with a total of 25 questions for each section. Topics reviewed include proper stopping distances, meaning of road signs, how to proceed at a railroad crossing, stooping for school buses, hydroplaning and skidding, merging into traffic, construction zones, and funeral processions.

Some of the topics required to know include licensing requirements, signals, signs and pavement markings, and coping with different road conditions. A sample exam for teen driver safety is also available online that will help determine your level of preparation needed to pass the test.  AAA provided the exam link and questions. NOTE: If you have not yet reached age 16, form DL-300 is required (Learner’s Permit School Attendance Certification).

During the practicing stage, an adult (must be 21 years or older) must be sitting in the front seat with no other occupants. Documenting and discussing practice sessions is highly recommended and helps the new driver understand unfamiliar situations that may have arisen. A 3-hour alcohol and drug education program is offered by several providers and can be very helpful to novice drivers. Underage drinking is a countrywide problem in all states.

 

Under Age 18?

If under the age of 18, cell phone use is prohibited! If you use a cellphone or other wireless product, a suspension could be implemented.  The permit  is effective for nine months and there must be no violations or at-fault accidents during that time. And of course, liability insurance that meets the minimum state requirements must be in effect at all times. If a policy ;apses, reinstatement could be extremely expensive.

Tip: There are many car insurance companies in Maryland that offer affordable prices for teens. Our guide may help you find the best options. You can view our most recent analysis here.  Naturally, there are many different policies, depending on your driving record, the type of car you own and other factors.

Proof of residency, age and social security number will be required during the registration phase. Documents must be original and readable. A faxed or copied document can not take the place of the original. Also, there can be no alterations or it will be rejected and a duplicate will be requested.

Maryland Driving Laws Explained

Texting While Driving In Maryland Is Forbidden

Once the learner’s permit is issued, it is valid for two years, so there is ample time to practice driving (supervised, of course!) and thoroughly understand rules of the road. The minimum amount of time the permit must be held is nine months and there can be no moving violations during this time. However, if you are 25 years old (or older), your period of time is 45 days, assuming all requirements have been met.

Get A Provisional License

Getting a provisional license is the second step in the three-step process. Some of the requirements include being at least 16 1/2 years old, completing an approved driver-education course (and making sure it is electronically submitted) and completing 60 hours of supervised driving. A special log must be provided that documents times and details. Supervised operation of the vehicle is not required, but using a cell phone (including hands-free devices) is not permitted, and no passengers may be in the vehicle.

A provisional licensee that has not reached their 18th birthday is also not able to drive past midnight, unless a passenger is over age 20 and has been driving for at least three years. Some of the most common exceptions include driving to or from work, participating in an approved volunteer program, an athletic event that requires participation (not observing!), and a class or event that is school-approved.

Also, passengers must be over the age of 17 at all times, unless they are a member of the family or there is an adult present in the vehicle. Although many of these rules and laws are restrictive, by delaying the full-licensing, MD highways become a little bit more safer. Note: Baltimore County usually has the most accidents involving younger drivers. Montgomery, Anne Arundel, and Prince George Counties also rank high. Saturdays and Fridays are the most accident-filled days.

During this time, if an operator receives probation or a conviction, the 18-month process starts over, as all driving skills and law tests will have to be taken again. Attending a “driver improvement program” will also be required. Additional violations will result in a license suspension. After four violations, the license will be revoked. Violation of an alcohol restriction will result in mandatory participation in the ignition interlock program. If the driver declines, an immediate six-month license suspension will result.

 

Finally! Get Your Full License!

Assuming your learner’s permit did not expire, (if it did, you have to pay fees again and start the process over) you’re ready to obtain full 2023 driving privileges. This assumes you had the provisional license for at least 18 months with no violations.  If the applicant is under age 21, then no alcohol-related incidences must have occurred. If all other requirements have been fulfilled, the a full license is issued. Hooray! Cell phone and texting laws should also be reviewed.

Restrictions on night-driving and passenger-requirements are removed, although a parent or guardian should always set some “ground rules.” For example, limitations on the number of passengers in the vehicle or length of travel distance are two common ideas. Also, it is possible for the parent or guardian to revoke the license of any person under age 18, if written consent is provided.

Correspondence is sent through the mail and  once the renewal charge is paid, the certificate is issued. One of the most important items to remember is regarding the insurance on the vehicle. The minimum requirements must be met (bodily injury per person/accident and property damage). Otherwise, a severe fine and/or suspension could result. A leased or financed vehicle may require higher limits and collision and comprehensive coverage. Current required bodily injury limits are $20,000 per person and $40,000 per occurrence, along with an additional $20,000 of property damage. It is not recommended to immediately purchase and title a vehicle in the new driver’s name.

 

Some Important Tips

You’re behind the wheel and it’s just you in the vehicle. It’s a huge responsibility you owe to yourself, and just as importantly, others on the road. Although a “good student” discount reduces insurance rates, acting responsibly (which means no texting or talking while driving) must be clearly understood. It’s an exciting time, but also a time to be cautious and extremely cognizant of other vehicles. Distractions must be minimized, and road conditions must always be considered.

Drive A Cycle In Maryland? Be Safe!

Motorcycle Safety Programs Are Available

We also recommend taking one of several optional education programs that are available throughout the year. The Motor Vehicle Administration does not formally specifically suggest using specific providers, although they do establish some of the regulations that govern the companies that offer these classes. Some of the available programs include:

Driver Improvement

Motorcycle Safety

Alcohol And Drug Education

Wellness And Safety

Rookie Driver And Education

Fees and costs, locations, dates of course offerings, and prior materials needed will vary, depending on the program. Additional details are available by contacting us or the Motor Vehicle Administration.

 

Impact Of Young Drivers  On Your MD Car Insurance Policy

Also, as we have discussed in several other pages on this website, the state minimum liability requirements must always be met. Currently at $20,000 per person, $40,000 per accident and $15,000 of property damage, when someone under age 21 is present in the household, it’s very important to raise these coverage amounts. Recommended limits are at least $50,000/$100,000/$50,000. Leased vehicles typically require higher limits.

Although your rates increase because of adding a youthful risk, many companies gradually reduce the cost, as the number of years of driving experience increases. Break points usually occur at three and five years, so by the time they have graduated college, two cost reductions will have been applied. And of course, good grades always make a big difference. An additional discount is generally applied if a policyholder is under age 30 and gets married.

 

Safety Programs

There are numerous safety programs for young Maryland drivers  offered by the  Motor Vehicle Administration. We urge parents to utilize these free Maryland programs to help educate their new young drivers in the household. Some of the most popular topics include Bicycle Safety, Regional Traffic Safety, Distracted Driving, Aggressive Drivers and Kids, The School Bus And You. Many defensive-driving courses are offered through local companies. Several available Driving School providers include: Allsafe, EZ, Easy Method, A Widmyer, Uncle Sam, B & E, and AAA Mid-Atlantic.

Motorcycle owners can choose between  a Basic or Alternative Rider course. Although completely voluntary, for persons under age 18, it is mandatory. There are about 20 training centers located throughout the state. New and veteran riders will find the course to be very helpful. Special skills and unique mental strategies are taught to drivers to help them operate more safely. Currently, 9 out of 10 riders that were involved in accidents, were not formally trained. More than 100,000 riders have participated in these types of programs. It is important to be properly trained, licensed, and  to be familiar with the cycle you are driving.

Helmets should always be worn. Substantial injuries (and medical expenses) can be saved with the helmet properly fastened. Vehicle drivers should also be aware of cyclists, and also must yield the right of way when turning left in an intersection. Extra space should be given, especially in rainy, snowy, or windy conditions. Occasionally, packs of motorcycles may be participating in an organized event, and extra caution should be used. Note: Drivers are likely to be at fault when involved in a crash with a motorcycle.

 

MD Teen Safe Driving Coalition

The Maryland Teen Safe Driving Coalition is a collection of dedicated professionals in the law-enforcement, traffic, and medical professions, along with teenagers and parents that are concerned with reducing the number of young deaths from traffic incidents. Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of deaths to teens, and the Coalition works to improve roadway safety and driving techniques.

Supporters and partners include State Farm Insurance, Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, AAA, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Students Against Drunk Driving, National Transportation Safety Board, and the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.

 

Additional News

Town And Country Driving School, who for many years  helped residents of the state complete their on-road requirements, has shut down. However, their documents and records are currently being uploaded to the Motor Vehicle Administration. If you were in the middle of completing a course but were not able to finish, you can contact (410) 787-7769 for assistance regarding finishing the program.

If you have lost money, or have not received an expected refund,  a surety bond claim form can be completed and forwarded to the underwriting company. Often, within 4-10 weeks, a reimbursement is received. Meanwhile, drivers can complete their testing at another licensed school. Your existing records from the Town And Country Driving School can be used and you will only have to complete the remaining requirements.

High Risk Car Insurance Rates In Maryland – Pay Less

Posted on: by Edward Harris

Pay less for your non-standard auto insurance in Maryland. Cheap prices, low down-payments, and same-day coverage is available. High risk car policies can be affordable, if you shop the smart way. A less-than perfect driving record may take time to fix, but we find reasonable rates until your tickets and accidents are off your MVR report. Our 60-second online quote lets you quickly view the most affordable options, including assigned risk plans. We also help you identify which vehicles are the most expensive to insure.

A lapse in your coverage does not keep you from obtaining a policy. Regardless if you have been uninsured for a few days or a few years, new coverage can be offered. Since the consequences of driving without car insurance can be substantial, it’s important to get covered quickly to avoid fines and suspensions. Generally, you can secure coverage online within the same day. An initial payment will be required.

When a policy is not offered by a private carrier, the MAIF (Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund) can offer a policy. Despite multiple violations and/or accidents, MAIF will provide liability, property damage, and uninsured motorist protection. Policies are issued through local approved brokers and agents, and monthly payment options are offered.

If you have a DUI, DWI, license suspension, or other major violations, we can help, by providing multiple discounts. Other violations that can substantially increase your premium include excessive speeding, fatalities resulting from an accident, driving without a license, racing, distracted driving, and illegal street racing. Non-moving violations, including parking tickets, do not impact your rate, and will not force you to accept assigned risk coverage. High-risk car insurance rates in Maryland often costs less than consumers realize.

Inexperienced Drivers

Inexperience behind the wheel and below-average credit can also cause premiums to rise. High-powered and exotic vehicles can also be covered by many carriers at standard rates if all drivers are experienced and have a positive claims history. The addition of a youthful driver in the household can impact premiums on all covered vehicles, since there is always a chance the new driver will operate any vehicle in the household. Increases can vary between 10% and approximately 25%, depending on the number of vehicles and drivers on the policy.

Your customized online quotes are always free (top of the page) without any obligation. By shopping multiple companies that specialize in drivers that have a propensity to sometimes  drive too fast, or have been involved in recent accidents, you save money. If you need an SR-22 Bond filing, we will simplify the process and show you the best offers. It is important that the DMV be properly notified to avoid additional costly fines and penalties. Written or online communication is the best option.

We can also provide information regarding available defensive-driving courses that can lower your premium. A less than perfect MVR report or lack of driving experience, doesn’t always mean you have to pay non-standard rates. By comparing quotes from several options, the consumer, wins. Inexperience behind the wheel doesn’t help, but we can show you how to obtain the most competitive prices. If you recently obtained your driver’s license, customized plans with low monthly payments are offered.

Sr-22 Bond Rates Maryland

Slow Down And Save Money!

Most Common High-Risk Situations

Multiple Moving Violations – A single ticket won’t significantly impact your rate. Two might. Three definitely will. And it’s not just speeding tickets. Not coming to a complete stop, improper turns, following too closely, failure to signal or yield, and several other minor infractions will still put points on your MVR. Parking tickets do not impact your premium.

A license suspension could also occur if too many moving violations occur within a short period of time. A carrier could also terminate coverage, if for example, four moving violations occurred within a 12-month period. Parking and non-moving violations do not impact rates. Moving violations that occur outside of Maryland will likely appear on your driving record abstract. Many years ago, states did not share information regarding moving violations.

Car Accident Involvements – The key word is “involvement.” Although at-fault accidents have the biggest impact, having too many accidents when fault can not be determined may have serious consequences. If a carrier continues to pay large settlements, your policy premium will be impacted.  Accidents  where both parties are at fault are also a concern to the carrier since large payouts can still occur. Multiple comprehensive claims (fire, theft, or vandalism) can raise premiums by removing a “good driver” or “no claim” discount. Homeowner’s policies, however, are greatly impacted by fire, theft, and vandalism claims.

No Prior Coverage – Of course, it’s against the law to drive without coverage. But you are also immediately considered a high-risk driver, since you’re not acting responsibly. Although specific carriers will offer competitive pricing, it still will be higher than if you were already insured. Typically, three years of continuous coverage (with no lapses) is required to qualify for the maximum discount. Many carriers offer “loyalty” discounts, which reward customers  that renew their existing policy for more than 5, 10, and 20 years. The lifetime discount cap is usually 20%-30%.  Coverage must be maintained by all drivers in the household, and the largest reduction is mostly found on Group plans.

Lapse in Coverage – If your policy lapses for more than 30 days, there is a risk of losing existing discounts, and paying a higher premium when the policy is reinstated. Although the higher rate may not be permanent, it may temporarily  increase the cost of coverage by 10%-20%. A second lapse may have larger consequences. If you discover that your policy has lapsed, immediately contact your carrier or local agent and request a reinstatement within 24 hours.

If that is not possible, multiple companies should be compared to find the best option. A shorter duration of the lapse will result in a much better offer. However, if an accident occurs during the lapse, a grace period may not apply, possibly resulting in large out-of-pocket expenses. Reinstating a policy may involve paying a reinstatement fee.

Teenagers – If you are a teenager, and covered on a parent’s policy, you are probably eligible for many of their discounts, and an acceptable premium. If you are on your own policy and haven’t been driving very long, you will pay a higher rate. This also applies for any new driver that just got licensed, regardless of their age. Thus, a 50 year-old that has been licensed less than one year, will not receive discounts that most other drivers receive. International residents that move to the US must accumulate driving experience before qualifying for many available discounts.  Delaying the license application process can save thousands of dollars in policy premiums.

Over Age 75 – If you are already covered, then stay with your existing company. If you are shopping for a new policy, your driving record better be squeaky clean. We only recommend changing if your existing policy is not being renewed. Seniors (age 80 and over) that have had recent at-fault accidents, despite a potentially large rate increase, should not change carriers. Many companies will require proof of good health before renewing coverage. This also is often required when renewing a driver’s license. Failing a vision test will result in deactivating a driver’s license. Medical conditions (including recent seizures) may also cause a forfeiture of a license.

Speeding Tickets – One of the leading causes of high auto insurance rates in Maryland. Although all moving violations count, speeding tickets are the most common infraction. And when you have three or more on your MVR, it might be costly. If your driver’s  license was suspended because of excess violations, perhaps using Uber may be more cost-effective. Local transportation costs may be less expensive than owning and operating your own vehicle. And of course, purchasing auto insurance coverage is not required. Higher gasoline costs, however, may increase your costs.

 

Poor Credit – Perhaps not as serious as the other reasons given, but many carriers reward drivers with excellent credit, and slightly increase prices for persons with below-average credit. Of course, a recent bankruptcy will also be a concern to many companies. If your credit score is below average, or poor, several companies do not utilize credit when determining rates. Since viewing your credit score annually  is free (from reputable vendors), it makes financial sense to view your score each year. Many credit card services offer monthly views at no additional cost.

 

Approximate Cost Of Speeding In Maryland:

Detected Via Camera

12-15 mph above posted limit – $40 violation

16-19 mph above posted limit – $70 violation

20-29 mph above posted limit – $120 violation

30-39 mph above posted limit – $230 violation

 

Detected Via Police Officer

1-9 mph above posted limit – $80 violation

10-19 mph above posted limit – $90 violation

20-29 mph above posted limit – $160 violation

30-39 mph above posted limit – $290 violation

40+ mph above posted limit – $530 violation

 

Comparison Of High-Risk Auto Rates In Other States

Maryland ranks around the middle, when comparing with prices from other states. There are many metrics that must be taken into account, including moving violations, serious violations (DUI, DWI, hit and run), and the experience of the driver. License suspensions and driving without a license are common infractions among high-risk drivers. The average high-risk car insurance rate throughout the US is approximately $1,180 per year.

These types of violations also stay on the official driving record the longest. It also can impact the rate of other drivers that reside in the household, and perhaps impact credit scores and qualifying for the lowest available loan rates. Generally, consumers should compare rates from multiple carriers every 3-5 years.

States with significantly more expensive rates include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Rhode Island. States with significantly lower rates for non-standard drivers include Alabama, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Vermont, and Wyoming.

 

What Is An SR-22 Bond And When Is It Needed?

This “safety responsibility” document is often required when your driver’s license has been suspended. The most common reasons are operating a vehicle without coverage, getting convicted of a major violation, such as DUI, hit and run, or reckless operations, or any other violation that takes away your driving privileges. Both owner and non-owner bonds are available, and typically stay in-force for approximately three years (five years for a DUI conviction). NOTE: this document is not insurance. It is verification that the owner has current coverage with an approved and registered carrier. Also, if you don’t own a vehicle, you can still be required to file an SR-22 Bond.

A licensed insurance company files and issues the SR-22 Bond with the Department of Motor Vehicles. A copy of the certificate should always be kept in your possession, the vehicle, or both. If you fail to pay the premium on your Bond, an SR-26 filing is sent to the Department of Motor Vehicles. At that time, the driver’s license is suspended, and a new SR-22 Bond must be filed to reinstate the license and driving privileges. Along with the filing fee of $15-$40, the monthly cost of the Bond typically must be paid for three years.

NOTE: Staying aware of current car insurance laws in Maryland can help you save money and perhaps help avoid a license suspension. Keeping existing coverage active and avoiding a lapse helps avoid expensive non-standard policies. We update all legislative changes on this website.

 

Non-standard Auto Insurance Rates In Maryland

Drinking Plus Driving Equals Higher Auto Insurance Rates

 

DWI or DUI Penalties In Maryland

First Conviction

Criminal and administrative penalties are immediately imposed for a DUI and DWI, including a 6-month license suspension. The reinstatement process involves completing an alcohol abuse and treatment program, and possibly an electronic starter device installed on your vehicle. NOTE: the DUI required blood alcohol level is .08 while the DWI requirement is .07.

An “ignition interlock program” allows some drivers to keep their driver’s license without an administrative hearing. the device is installed on the vehicle and requires you to blow into a device before operating the vehicle. If your alcohol-content reading is above a designated level, the vehicle will not start. The owner of the car (or truck) is also liable for all costs including installation of the device, repairs (if needed), and any monthly charges.

Although incarceration is not likely for a DWI, if a minor was in the vehicle at the time of the offense, a six-month sentence can be imposed. DUI penalties are harsher with  jail time up to two years possible. Maximum fines for  DUI violations are higher ($2,000) than for DWI violations ($1.000). However, additional surcharges, fines and expenses will increase your out-of-pocket expenses.

Second Conviction

The look-back period is five years, so a second offense during that time period is still considered a misdemeanor. However, the penalties still can be quite severe. For example, if the blood alcohol level exceeds .15. a six-month license suspension can be imposed. An ignition interlock system will be required along with an SR-22 Bond filing. The Bond must be kept for three years.

Fines are also higher than a first-offense conviction, with a $3,000 DUI and $2,000 DWI maximum with a minor in the vehicle. The maximum jail times are also higher. A second DWI can result in a 1-year sentence while a second DUI conviction can lead to a two-year sentence.

Third Conviction

A third DUI conviction (within five years) typically causes you to lose all driving privileges for 18 months. However, depending on additional factors, a permanent license revocation could be requested, and is often granted.

Additional criminal-related penalties are very possible. For example, a three-years jail term is possible (four years if a minor was present). A $4,000 fine may also be imposed. Of course, your personal and business credit rating are likely to be adversely affected, along with possible impacts on other family members.

 

What If You Refuse To Take A Blood, Breath, Or Urine Test?

If a driver in Maryland is legally stopped by a police officer who believes you are operating the vehicle while intoxicated, then the “implied consent” law applies. Therefore, you automatically give permission (consent) to have your urine, blood, or breath tested for alcohol content. The testing should commence immediately following the discovery, unless reasonably delayed.  Alcohol test or refusal in Maryland, can result in an automatic 120-day license suspension.

Reinstatement is possible, but your current premium will likely increase. Your MD driver’s license will also be confiscated, and a temporary license will be issued. If you have a commercial driver’s license, it will be immediately suspended, and future driving may be prohibited.  An “Officer’s Certification And Order Of Suspension” form will be created to document details of the incident, and verification that you agreed or refused to submit to testing.

Information will be provided to the offender about the Ignition Interlock Program. An “Advice Of Rights” form is also provided by the police officer, which explains the ramifications of not taking the test, and subsequent fines and penalties. Both the offender and police officer sign and date the form. An administrative hearing may be requested within 30 days, so you can provide evidence why the driver’s license should not be suspended. The request must be in writing, and submitted within 10 days of the “Order Of Suspension.”

Also, it is possible to be arrested if at the time the officer arrives, you are not actively driving the vehicle. For example, if  the accused party is sitting in the passenger seat, but still has control of the vehicle (able to move the vehicle), an arrest can be made. In many situations, despite someone being asleep when found, they are arrested. Any attempt to conceal who was actually operating the vehicle can result in additional charges.

An “implied consent” law allows the field officer to conduct a field sobriety exam. From those results, probable cause may be determined, although you can decline to take the test. However, if you choose not to take the test, an immediate 120-day license suspension will be imposed. If it is your second or third offense, the suspension will be for one year.

 

Cheap high-risk auto insurance in Maryland

Sobriety Checkpoints Are Legal In Maryland

 

DUI and DWI Checkpoints

Sobriety checkpoints are legal and are typically unannounced. Locations and times will often vary and are designed to be unpredictable. However, there are several consumer websites that report roadblock sightings. The average time to complete a check is usually about 20 minutes. After a short interview, suspicious drivers may be subject to sobriety testing.

Search and seizure laws do not apply to DUI and DWI checkpoints, so “probable cause” is not needed. However, details regarding times and locations of  these checkpoints must be publicly disclosed so ample warning is given. Regardless, most consumers are usually unaware of the details, which actually helps keep Maryland roads and highways safer.

Although checkpoints are constitutionally legal (according to the Supreme Court), 10 states do not permit this action since their own constitution forbids it. The 10 states are Wyoming, Wisconsin, Texas, Rhode Island, Oregon, Minnesota, Michigan, Iowa, Idaho, and Washington. In Maryland, an “Alcohol Holiday Task Force” focus on alcohol-related activities be enforcing sobriety checkpoints and completing compliance checks on businesses that sell alcohol.

 

List Of 12-Point Violations In Maryland

Fraudulent application for MVA ID card

Misrepresentation in applying for MVA ID card

Fraud in use of MVA ID card

Fraudulently applying for vehicle registration

Driving without owner’s consent with intent to deprive owner

Possessing canceled license

Possessing revoked license

Displaying license that is not your own

Driving motor vehicle with suspended, canceled, or revoked license

Driving a commercial vehicle with more than one license

Failure to immediately stop vehicle at scene of accident involving bodily injury or death

Driving under the influence of alcohol

Driving under the influence of alcohol while transporting a minor

Attempt by driver to elude uniformed police by failing to stop vehicle or fleeing on foot

 

Pleading Down To “Reckless Driving”

You may be able to plea down from a DUI or DWI to a lesser offense. The less-serious conviction could potentially save you thousands of dollars in fines, penalties and insurance surcharges. A jail sentence also might be avoided. Whether pleading  for the lower conviction is advantageous will depend on many factors that your attorney can review with you. In some situations, it may not be feasible, or can not be justified, based on the facts of the case.

The three levels of improper driving are negligent, aggressive, and reckless. The “willful disregard of persons and property” is the legal definition most used. A $510 fine and 6 points will result if you are convicted of this offense. A demerit point system is utilized if a driver reaches a specific level, and license revocation can occur.

Your car insurance rate is still going to increase, since “reckless operation”  of a vehicle is considered a major violation. However, the rate hike will be less than a DUI or DWI conviction. If multiple prior offenses appear on your driving record at the time of your DUI or DWI,  a reckless operation conviction may still result in a suspended license. Also, until the violation is at least three years old, it may be most cost-effective to remain with your existing insurer.