--- description: Maryland state law mandates specific minimum car insurance coverage requirements to ensure financial responsibility in an accident. title: Maryland Car Insurance Requirements - Chaikin & Sherman --- Maryland Car Insurance Requirements - Chaikin & Sherman # Maryland Car Insurance Requirements Last Updated: September 3, 2024 Reading Time: 6 minutes Trusted Content Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 2 years ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Washington DC Car Accident Lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) » [Car Accident Lawyer Maryland](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/maryland/) » Maryland Car Insurance Requirements What's On This Page [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $18.8 Million Car Crash $2 Million Car Crash $1.9 Million Car Crash $1.37 Million Car Crash $1.1 Million Car Crash $1 Million Car Crash [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) They were adamant about getting me the best settlement. Torkwase Akinalana Car Accidents Proved to be the perfect advocate Michael Bizik Car Accidents I highly recommend the law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, and Siegel P.C. Anna Pastel-Powell Car Crash Mr. Siegel’s strong conviction, dedication, and determination prevailed in a legal victory. Gail Payne Car Accidents I knew I was in good hands once I stepped into their office. Gladys Ibeh Car Accidents They treated me like I was their only client, from beginning to end. Joy Lopez Car Accidents Contact Us Today! "*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* Watch our attorneys explain how they fight for car accident victims across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With over $1 billion recovered, our team knows how to build a winning case — from investigation through trial. Video Transcript **Speakers:** Ira Sherman, Joseph Cammarata, Stephen Ollar, Allan Siegel **Ira Sherman (00:02):** I would say that Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata and Siegel has a completely different outlook on cases that other people think are garden variety automobile accidents, because to the person who is involved in that accident, that’s not garden variety, that’s altering their life. **Joseph Cammarata (00:21):** First of all, we don’t advertise. People come to us by word of mouth, either from defense lawyers, from insurance companies, from colleagues at the bar. They know that we have decades of experience in the personal injury field. They know that what we bring to bear is a group of lawyers that work and non-lawyers that work as a team to make sure we understand what the nature and the extent of the injury is. We make sure we understand and can express to a third party just what those injuries are, and we work to obtain the most compensation that we can for an individual. **Stephen Ollar (01:04):** What we do a lot of is discovery, not just discovery of the facts of the case, but discovery about insurance. It may be that the individual was operating the vehicle for an employer, and if they were acting with what we call the course and scope of their employment, then there could be potentially additional coverage that would cover a person for those injuries. **Allan Siegel (01:27):** We’ve been handling car accident cases since Don Chaikin founded this firm over 50 years ago. Since we spend a lot of time and we have a lot of those cases, we have developed a level of experience and knowledge that I think is very unique in our field. There aren’t many law firms who can say that they’ve been doing this type of work for over 50 years. **Ira Sherman (01:52):** I care enough to look to determine who this person is and how it affected them, and that takes up a lot of my conversation with our clients. In Maryland, as in most states, auto insurance is not merely a convenience – it’s a legal necessity. The state law mandates specific minimum coverage requirements to ensure financial responsibility in the event of an accident. This guide outlines these requirements and helps you navigate the nuances of car insurance in Maryland, ensuring you have the necessary coverage to drive legally and protect your financial well-being. ## Do You Need Car Insurance in Maryland? Yes. All Maryland vehicles MUST be insured at ALL times by a vehicle insurance company licensed in Maryland. As a driver, you must carry proof of insurance with you at all times while driving and present it if requested by law enforcement. Failure to have insurance can result in fines, license suspension, or even jail time. ## Minimum Coverage Requirements All vehicles driven in Maryland must have bodily injury liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) must be provided by the insurance company, but can be waived. The waiver must be in writing. Liability Coverage Liability coverage is crucial as it compensates for bodily injury to another person or property damage you may cause due to the negligent operation of a vehicle. This coverage also extends to scenarios where the accident was caused by a member of your family living with you or a person using your car with your consent. As per Maryland state law, the current minimum liability coverage limits stand at 30/60/15 – this translates to - $30,000 per person - $60,000 per accident for bodily injury - $15,000 per accident for property damage This mandatory coverage ensures that there is at least a minimal amount of insurance available, to an injured victim, if you are at fault for an accident. These are the bare minimum requirements to legally operate a vehicle in Maryland. It’s important to note that these limits may not provide enough coverage in the event of a serious accident. In fact, in many situations this is not adequate coverage, and you could find that if this is the only coverage you have, that your assets are exposed. That’s why purchasing higher coverage limits and additional types of coverage is recommended. ### Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage Uninsured and Underinsured motorist coverage is a safety net that protects you and your family from financial harm if an accident is caused by someone who[ doesn’t have auto insurance](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/uninsured-underinsured-motorists/), doesn’t have enough auto insurance, or you or a family member is in a hit-and-run car accident. This coverage covers the costs associated with bodily injuries, like medical expenses, and pain and suffering, and property damage. As per Maryland law, the minimum uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage should mirror the liability coverage limits – that is, $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $15,000 for property damage. For those seeking additional safety, higher uninsured/underinsured motorist limits can be purchased for an added premium. However, do note that these limits cannot surpass your third-party liability limits. Opting for higher limits can protect you and your family, if there are serious injuries. It is highly recommended that you purchase as much uninsured motorist coverage as you can afford. ### Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is an essential coverage option for all Maryland drivers. It covers medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs resulting from injuries sustained in an accident. The minimum PIP coverage limit in Maryland is $2,500. However, drivers have the option to reject PIP coverage or purchase higher limits for added protection. ## Should You Increase Your Coverage? Absolutely. Increasing your car insurance coverage offers additional protection and peace of mind. While the minimum coverage limits meet the legal requirements, they may not fully cover the expenses arising from a severe accident. By opting for higher coverage limits and additional types of coverage, such as comprehensive and collision coverage, you’ll be better equipped to handle substantial financial burdens in the event of an accident. It’s also worth considering additional coverage options, like medical payments and roadside assistance, for more complete protection. Always assess your individual needs, risks, and budget when deciding on the appropriate coverage level. ## Proof Of Car Insurance Laws As mentioned earlier, you must carry proof of insurance with you at all times while driving and present it when requested by law enforcement. This means that you need to have either a physical or electronic copy of your car insurance card on hand. Failing to provide proof of insurance can result in penalties, including fines and license suspension. ## Optional Car Insurance Coverage Available In Maryland ### Optional Car Insurance Coverage Available In Maryland Beyond the required minimum coverage, several optional insurance coverages are available in Maryland to provide additional protection. #### Comprehensive Coverage Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your vehicle due to non-collision events like theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters. Given that it isn’t mandatory, you should consider the age, condition, and value of your car when deciding whether to purchase this coverage. #### Collision Coverage Collision coverage pays for damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision, regardless of who is at fault. While optional, lenders typically require this coverage if you’re leasing or financing your vehicle. #### Medical Payments Coverage Medical payment coverage helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault. This can be especially beneficial if you frequently drive with passengers who aren’t part of your household and thus are not covered by your health insurance. #### Rental Reimbursement Coverage Rental reimbursement coverage helps pay for a rental car if your vehicle is in a repair shop following a covered accident. This coverage can provide convenience and uninterrupted mobility. #### Roadside Assistance Coverage Roadside assistance coverage includes tire changes, battery jumps, lockout services, towing, and more. This is a nice add-on for peace of mind, especially for older vehicles or those who travel frequently. #### Gap Insurance If you owe more on your car than it’s worth, gap insurance can cover the difference if your car is totaled. This is particularly beneficial for leased or financed vehicles. #### Enhanced UIM (Underinsured Motorist Coverage) Normally, your Underinsured Motorist Coverage gets a credit for the amount of insurance the other driver has. For example, if you had $50,000 in UIM coverage, but the negligent driver only had $30,000 in coverage, you would only be entitled to an additional $20,000 from your insurance company. However, if you purchase enhanced UIM then the coverage would “stack” on top of each other, and you would be entitled to $80,000 in coverage ($30,000 + $50,000). This is very valuable coverage for you and your family, and we recommend that you ask your insurance company or agent about it, and purchase it if you can afford it. ## Penalties For Driving Without Insurance In Maryland Driving without insurance in Maryland is considered a serious offense and can result in significant penalties. According to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, For the first offense, you may face the following: - A fine of up to $1,000 - License suspension for up to one year - Up to 12 points on your driving record Subsequent offenses can result in even higher fines, longer license suspensions, and possible jail time. It’s also worth noting that driving without insurance can increase your future insurance premiums and make it challenging to find coverage in the future. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain valid car insurance at all times when operating a vehicle in Maryland. ## It’s the Law Car insurance is not just a legal requirement in Maryland but also a wise investment that protects you from potential financial hardships. From basic liability coverage to comprehensive and collision policies, each type of coverage serves a unique purpose, offering varied levels of protection. It is essential to understand these options, evaluate your individual needs and risks, and customize your policy accordingly. Remember, the goal is not just to comply with the law but to ensure peace of mind every time you hit the road. ## The Law Firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. Is Here For You If you have been involved in a car accident and are dealing with insurance companies, it’s important to have [experienced legal professionals](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) on your side. The Law Firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, & Siegel P.C. has over 85 years of combined experience advocating for the rights of accident victims in Virginia and the surrounding areas. Our attorneys understand the complexities of insurance laws and can help you navigate through the process to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a [free consultation](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) to learn more about how we can help protect your rights and get you back on track after a car accident. [Watch Our Video Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Speak to a Specialist Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. serve the entire Washington, D.C. metro area, including [Virginia](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/virginia/) ([Northern Virginia car accident cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/northern-virginia/), [Arlington](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/auto-accident-attorneys-in-arlington-va/), [Fairfax County auto accident claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fairfax/), [Woodbridge](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/woodbridge-va/), [Manassas](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/manassas-va/), and [Alexandria](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/alexandria/)) and Maryland ([Bethesda](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/bethesda/), [Hyattsville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/hyattsville/), [Rockville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/rockville/), Lau Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK Meet Our Team Learn More About Us Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. Ira Sherman's Bio Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. Joe Cammarata's Bio Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. Allan Siegel's Bio Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. Stephen Ollar's Bio ## Related Articles Read More Blog Articles Why Some Insurance Companies Take Longer to Settle After a Car Accident in Washington, DC Washington, DC Tint Laws Why Insurance Companies Lowball Car Accident Settlements in Washington, DC Economic VS Non-Economic Damages In Washington, DC Car Accident Cases How Speeding Affects Liability In a Washington, DC Car Accident Case Car Accident Lawyer Arlington, VA Should You Talk To the Other Person’s Insurance Company? 100 Deadliest Days of Summer How To Deal With Insurance Adjusters [](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/12/liability-and-umbrella-insurance-protects-you-and-your-family/) Brain Injury Liability and Umbrella Insurance Protects You and Your Family As we enter a new year, it is the perfect opportunity to take stock of Read More » 12/16/2021 [](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/08/the-courts-have-reopened-and-the-doors-are-wider-than-ever/) Car Accidents The Courts Have Reopened and the Doors are Wider Than Ever For months, the coronavirus pandemic practically shut down the courts in the District of Columbia, Read More » 08/25/2021 [](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/08/law-firm-receives-super-lawyers-awards-for-11th-consecutive-year/) Car Accidents Law Firm Receives Super Lawyers Awards for 11th Consecutive Year The 2021 Washington, DC Super Lawyers® annual list of “Top Lawyers” was recently featured in Read More » 08/25/2021 [](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/2021/08/school-bus-safety/) Bus Accidents School Bus Safety There are more than 471,000 school buses on the roads every day. School bus safety Read More » 08/18/2021