Best Car Insurance in Maryland for 2023

From Ocean City Boardwalk to the U.S. Naval Academy and NASA Visitor Center, Maryland has much to offer residents who want to explore by car. Before you head out, however, consider that Maryland has one of the highest costs of living in the U.S., and those higher prices extend to car insurance.

Key takeaways

• The best car insurance in Maryland is USAA, which generally costs $973 per year for comprehensive coverage.
• Drivers with a clean driving record pay an average of $143 monthly for full coverage insurance in Maryland.
• High-risk drivers in Maryland will likely pay $2,543 a year for full coverage insurance.

Best car insurance companies in Maryland

Drivers in the Old Line State will pay an average of $1,717 a year for full coverage car insurance. While USAA generally has the most affordable prices, averaging about $973 annually for full coverage and $528 for minimum coverage, it’s only available to some. 

State Farm was the next most affordable option for full coverage at $1,451 a year, and Erie Insurance had the most affordable minimum car insurance at $865 per year.

Provider	J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating	Estimated annual full coverage	Estimated annual minimum liability coverage
USAA	877/1,000	$973/year	$528/year
Erie	863/1,000	$1,552/year	$865/year
State Farm	843/1,000	$1,451/year	$1,017/year
Nationwide	820/1,000	$1,848/year	$1,357/year
GEICO	818/1,000	$1,505/year	$931/year
Progressive	814/1,000	$1,698/year	$1,209/year

USAA: Highest customer satisfaction

USAA earned the highest customer satisfaction rating in Maryland, 877 out of 1,000. It also has the most affordable full and minimum coverage in the state, but only current and former military members and their families qualify for their policies. If you are eligible, USAA offers a general mix of standard and specialty policies, though you may find more options with a competitor.

Get a quote now | USAA review

Erie: Best budget pick

Erie Insurance costs $865 annually for minimum insurance in Maryland, and is the most affordable minimum coverage carrier after USAA. Erie also had the second-highest customer satisfaction ranking on our list of the best car insurance. It has multiple policies and features, including auto glass repair and locksmith services.

Get a quote now | Erie review

State Farm: Most affordable coverage

State Farm had the most affordable full annual coverage available to everyone in Maryland, averaging $1,451 a year. State Farm also had a relatively high customer satisfaction rating, earning 843 out of 1,000. Although you might find more specialty options at a competitor, State Farm offers many policies, including specific options for young drivers.

Get a quote now | State Farm review

Nationwide: Best for coverage options

Nationwide is the most expensive carrier in Maryland. It costs $1,848 yearly for full coverage, almost twice the lowest full coverage option from USAA. Minimum car insurance prices from Nationwide were more than double USAA as well. Even though it’s more expensive, its coverage options and perks could make it worth looking at.

Get a quote now | Nationwide review

Progressive: Best for high-risk drivers

High-risk drivers in Maryland pay an average of $2,543 annually for full coverage, compared to the state average of $1,717. People convicted of a DUI, speeding tickets, or at-fault accidents may find Progressive’s coverage helpful since it can file SR22 forms with the required state office on your behalf.

Get a quote now | Progressive review

Maryland auto insurance requirements

Most states require that drivers carry a minimum amount of car insurance. In Maryland, drivers must have at least:

• $30,000 for bodily injury liability
• $60,000 in bodily liability for two or more people injured in a car accident
• $15,000 in property damage insurance

How to choose a car insurance provider in Maryland

If you need a new car insurance provider or want to make sure you’re getting the best deal, keep the following in mind:

• Check pricing and discounts: Get quotes from at least three companies and ensure the policy amounts and coverage options are similar for an accurate comparison. You should also double-check that you’re getting all the discounts you qualify for.
• Check financial stability: Before starting a policy, check the company’s financial stability on a website like Standard & Poor’s or AM Best. It’s also wise to check with the Maryland Insurance Administration or the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to confirm a company is licensed to do business in Maryland.
• Ask for reviews: Ask friends and family for recommendations and check review websites like the Better Business Bureau to see what existing customers say.

How much does car insurance cost in Maryland?

The average cost of car insurance in Maryland is $1,717 a year for full coverage and $1,106 for minimum coverage. Baltimore drivers generally pay the most for car insurance in Maryland, an average of $2,717 annually. Interestingly, drivers in the state capital, Annapolis, pay the least for full coverage car insurance, an average of $1,601 a year.

Maryland car insurance rates by city

The amount you pay for car insurance can be affected by multiple factors, including where you live. Drivers in Bowie, about an hour outside of Washington, D.C., spend an average of $2,257 for car insurance. According to NeightborhoodScout, the median household income in Bowie is $127,029. While insurers don’t look specifically at what you earn when determining your insurance rates, your zip code can affect how much you pay.

City	Avg. annual full-coverage premium
Baltimore	$2,717/year
Bowie	$2,257/year
Gaithersburg	$2,034/year
Rockville	$1,926/year
Frederick	$1,720/year
Annapolis	$1,601/year

Methodology

FAQs about car insurance costs in Maryland