Maryland Auto Insurance Requirements 2026 | Mandatory UM Guide

Maryland requires 30/60/15 liability plus mandatory uninsured motorist coverage you cannot waive. Learn state requirements, electronic monitoring, and why minimums may not be enough.

Quick Answer: Maryland Minimum Auto Insurance

Maryland requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. The state-mandated minimums are:

Coverage Type	Minimum Required
Bodily Injury per Person	$30,000
Bodily Injury per Accident	$60,000
Property Damage	$15,000

This is commonly written as 30/60/15. Maryland also requires uninsured motorist coverage matching your liability limits. The state uses an electronic verification system to monitor compliance.

What Maryland Law Requires

Under Maryland Transportation Code § 17-103, all Maryland drivers must:

Maintain liability insurance meeting minimum requirements
Carry uninsured motorist coverage at same limits as liability
Provide proof of insurance at registration and traffic stops
Maintain continuous coverage (no lapses)

Understanding 30/60/15 Coverage

Bodily Injury Liability - $30,000/$60,000

This covers injuries you cause to other people:

$30,000 maximum per injured person
$60,000 maximum per accident (total for all injured people)
Pays for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering
Does NOT cover your own injuries

Property Damage Liability - $15,000

This covers damage you cause to others' property:

Other vehicles you hit
Buildings, fences, guardrails
Other personal property
Does NOT cover damage to your own vehicle

Uninsured Motorist Coverage - $30,000/$60,000/$15,000

Required in Maryland (cannot be waived)
Protects you when hit by uninsured drivers
Must match your liability limits
Covers injuries and property damage

Maryland's Electronic Verification System

Maryland uses MAIF Insurance Compliance for electronic verification:

How It Works

Insurance companies report coverage to the MVA daily
System monitors all registered vehicles
If coverage lapses, you receive a Notice of Non-Compliance
You have 30 days to respond
Failure to respond results in registration suspension

What Triggers Non-Compliance

Policy cancellation or non-renewal
Lapse in payment causing coverage gap
Switching insurers without overlap
Not reporting out-of-state coverage

Maryland's system is strict - gaps of even one day trigger notices.

Penalties for Driving Uninsured in Maryland

Maryland imposes harsh penalties for uninsured driving:

Civil Penalties

Violation	Fine
First offense (30 days or less)	$150
First offense (31-60 days)	$7/day
Second offense	$500-$2,500
Third offense	$2,500 + suspension

Registration Suspension

Immediate for failure to respond to non-compliance notice
$150 restoration fee
Must provide proof of insurance
Plates must be surrendered

Additional Consequences

If caught driving uninsured:

$1,000 fine
5 points on license
Possible jail time (repeat offenders)
SR-22 filing requirement

If you cause an accident while uninsured:

License suspension up to 1 year
Must pay for all damages personally
SR-22 required for 3 years
Criminal charges possible for serious accidents

Why Maryland's Minimums May Not Be Enough

Maryland's 30/60/15 limits are better than many states, but still insufficient for serious accidents:

Real-World Cost Examples

Expense	Average Cost	MD Minimum Covers
Hospital emergency visit	$3,000-$5,000	$30,000 per person
Serious injury treatment	$75,000-$150,000	$30,000 per person
New car average price	$48,000	$15,000 property
Multi-car accident	$100,000+	$60,000 total

Personal Liability Risk

Example scenario: You cause an accident injuring two people. Person A has $50,000 in medical bills, Person B has $40,000. You total a $35,000 vehicle.

Total damages: $125,000
Your policy pays: $75,000 maximum ($60,000 BI + $15,000 PD)
You owe personally: $50,000

The injured parties can sue you for the difference. Your wages can be garnished and assets seized.

Recommended Coverage for Maryland Drivers

Insurance experts recommend higher limits:

Minimum Recommended: 100/300/100

Coverage	Amount	Annual Cost Increase
Bodily Injury	$100,000 / $300,000	+$100-200
Property Damage	$100,000	+$50-100
Uninsured Motorist	$100,000 / $300,000	+$75-150

Better Protection: 250/500/100

Coverage	Amount	Why
Bodily Injury	$250,000 / $500,000	Adequate for serious multi-car accidents
Property Damage	$100,000	Covers luxury vehicles and multiple cars
Uninsured Motorist	$250,000 / $500,000	Matches your liability protection

Additional Coverages to Consider

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Not required but strongly recommended
Covers your medical bills regardless of fault
Typical limits: $2,500-$10,000
Pays quickly without waiting for claims settlement

Collision Coverage

Pays to repair your vehicle after accidents
Required if you have a loan or lease
Subject to deductible ($250-$1,000)

Comprehensive Coverage

Covers theft, vandalism, weather damage, animal strikes
Required if you have a loan or lease
Subject to deductible

Umbrella Policy

Provides $1-5 million additional liability coverage
Covers you beyond auto insurance limits
Costs approximately $200-500/year for $1 million

Maryland-Specific Insurance Rules

Uninsured Motorist Coverage Is Mandatory

Unlike most states, Maryland does not allow you to reject UM coverage:

Must match your liability limits exactly
If you have 30/60/15 liability, you must have 30/60/15 UM
If you increase liability to 100/300/100, UM increases automatically
Cannot be waived under any circumstances

Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF)

For high-risk drivers who cannot get private insurance:

Who qualifies:

Denied coverage by private insurers
Poor driving record
Multiple claims
SR-22 filing required

Coverage provided:

State minimum 30/60/15 liability
Higher premiums than standard market
No collision or comprehensive available

How to apply:

Must show proof of denial from private insurers
Apply directly through MAIF
Assigned risk pool coverage

Proof of Insurance Requirements

Acceptable proof:

Insurance card (paper or digital)
Policy declarations page
Digital proof on smartphone (Maryland accepts electronic proof)
Insurance company letter

When you need to show proof:

Traffic stops
Accidents
Vehicle registration or renewal
MVA transactions

SR-22 Requirements in Maryland

Certain violations require an SR-22 certificate:

When SR-22 Is Required

DUI/DWI conviction
Driving without insurance (with accident)
License suspension for points
Multiple serious traffic violations
At-fault accident while uninsured

SR-22 Requirements

Requirement	Details
Duration	3 years typically
Minimum coverage	30/60/15 (state minimums)
Filing fee	$25-50 one-time
Rate increase	50%-150% higher premiums
Continuous coverage	Cannot lapse or restart clock

How to Get SR-22 in Maryland

Contact insurance company offering SR-22
Purchase or modify policy meeting minimums
Insurer files SR-22 with MVA electronically
Pay any license reinstatement fees
Maintain continuous coverage for full period

Maryland Auto Insurance Costs

Average annual premiums in Maryland:

Coverage Level	Average Annual Cost
State minimum (30/60/15)	$1,200 - $1,800
Recommended (100/300/100)	$1,500 - $2,400
Full coverage	$2,000 - $3,500

Baltimore and surrounding areas have higher rates due to higher claim frequency.

Factors affecting your rate:

Age and driving experience
Driving record (tickets, accidents)
Location (urban vs. rural)
Vehicle make, model, and year
Credit score (Maryland allows credit rating)
Annual mileage
Coverage levels and deductibles

Frequently Asked Questions

Is car insurance required in Maryland?

Yes. Maryland law requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of 30/60/15 plus matching uninsured motorist coverage. Electronic monitoring ensures compliance.

Can I waive uninsured motorist coverage in Maryland?

No. Maryland is one of the few states that does not allow UM coverage waivers. You must carry UM coverage matching your liability limits exactly.

What happens if my insurance lapses in Maryland?

Maryland's electronic system detects lapses within days. You'll receive a Notice of Non-Compliance requiring response within 30 days. Failure to respond results in registration suspension and fines up to $2,500.

Can I drive in Maryland with out-of-state insurance?

Yes, if you're visiting or active military stationed in Maryland. However, if you become a Maryland resident, you must obtain Maryland insurance within 60 days.

How do I reinstate my registration after suspension?

You must:

Obtain valid insurance meeting state minimums
Have insurer file proof with MVA
Pay $150 restoration fee
Return or surrender license plates if required

Does Maryland have no-fault insurance?

No. Maryland is an "at-fault" state. The driver who causes an accident is responsible for damages through their liability insurance.

What is MAIF and when do I need it?

Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF) is the assigned risk pool for high-risk drivers who cannot get private insurance. You need it if you've been denied coverage by multiple private insurers.

Key Takeaways

Maryland requires 30/60/15 liability plus matching UM coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage cannot be waived
Electronic monitoring catches lapses within days
Recommended coverage: At least 100/300/100 with full UM
Penalties are severe: $150-$2,500 fines plus registration suspension
SR-22 required for DUI, uninsured accidents, and suspensions
MAIF available for high-risk drivers denied private coverage

Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about Maryland auto insurance requirements based on publicly available sources. This is not legal or insurance advice. Requirements and laws can change. Always verify current requirements with the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration and Maryland Insurance Administration.

Consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: January 2026

Sources: Maryland MVA, Maryland Transportation Code, Maryland Insurance Administration