Maryland requires all drivers to maintain minimum liability insurance to legally operate a vehicle. The state follows an at-fault system, which means the driver responsible for an accident is liable for damages. Below are Maryland’s insurance requirements for 2025.
Maryland’s Insurance Requirements for Drivers
What you need to legally drive in Maryland
Maryland mandates the following minimum liability limits:
- Bodily Injury Liability: $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability: $15,000 per accident
Often referred to as 30/60/15 coverage.
Quick Checklist to Legally Drive in Maryland:
- ✔️ Minimum liability: 30/60/15
- ✔️ Uninsured motorist coverage (same limits)
- ✔️ Personal Injury Protection (PIP) unless waived
- ✔️ Proof of insurance always available
Optional Coverages in Maryland
Protect your finances with more than the minimum
In addition to the minimum, consider:
- Collision and Comprehensive Insurance
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
- Medical Payments Coverage
- Roadside Assistance and Rental Reimbursement
If your vehicle is financed or leased, full coverage is usually required by lenders.
Example: Drivers in high-traffic areas like Baltimore often carry uninsured motorist coverage to protect against hit-and-runs and underinsured drivers.
Driving Without Insurance in Maryland?
Fines, suspensions, and SR-22 filings await uninsured drivers
Failing to maintain required insurance in Maryland may result in:
- Fines and license suspension
- Vehicle registration suspension
- SR-22 insurance filing requirement
Warning: The Maryland MVA can assess fines of $150 for the first 30 days of a lapse and $7 per day thereafter. Don’t let your coverage expire—even for a day.
How Do I Show Proof of Insurance to Law Enforcement in Maryland?
Digital or paper — have it ready when you’re asked
Maryland drivers must carry proof of insurance and present it to law enforcement or during registration when requested. Electronic proof, such as a digital insurance card on your phone, is legally accepted.
Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Car Insurance
Is car insurance required in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland requires all registered vehicles to carry a minimum level of liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage.
What are the minimum coverage limits in Maryland?
Maryland drivers must carry 30/60/15 liability coverage, plus uninsured motorist coverage of at least 30/60/15 and $2,500 in personal injury protection (PIP), unless waived.
Does Maryland use electronic insurance verification?
Yes. The Maryland MVA uses an electronic system to monitor insurance status and can issue fines or suspend registrations for lapsed coverage.
What happens if your insurance lapses in Maryland?
You may face daily fines, registration suspension, and collection fees. Insurance must be reinstated and verified to avoid continued penalties.
Is electronic proof of insurance accepted in Maryland?
Yes. Maryland law permits drivers to show digital proof of insurance using a smartphone or other device.
Compare Maryland’s insurance laws to nearby states:
Delaware,
Pennsylvania,
Virginia, and
West Virginia.