Maryland Low-Cost Car Insurance, Minimum Requirements, & Cost Saving Strategies

For a driver with decent driving history the overall cheapest auto insurance in Maryland is with USAA, Progressive, and Nationwide.

Depending on your age and location, each carrier can offer quotes from 14% to nearly 25% lower than the median rate for similar age drivers.

Other carriers which are competitive are Cumberland Group, 21st Century, and IFA Auto Group.

Again, depending on your driver history each carrier can offer quotes from 12% to nearly 20% lower than the average rate.

Peninsula Group (owned by Donegal Group), Allstate and Elephant are companies you may want to put on your bucket list of quotes.

Each can offer rates from 8% to 15% lower than the median quote.

In this article, I am going to cover the minimum requirements in Maryland, the least expensive insurers by age, and cost-savings tips to help you save on your premium.

If you would like to skip to a certain portion of the article, there is a table of contents down a little and to the right. 

Note: The average rate for a 25 year old driver in Maryland is $2,483 per year. As illustrated, the cheapest insurance providers with USAA, Progressive, and Nationwide. Or approximately 23% lower than the median quote for similar age drivers. Cumberland Group and 21st Century are well below the average premium with quotes at $1,909 and $1,923 respectfully.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Maryland

The current minimum is 30,000/60,000/15,000. 

Coverage	Maryland Minimum Liability Coverage	Recommended Coverage
Bodily Injury Protection	$30,000 / $60,000	$100,000 / $300,000
Property Damage	$15,000	$50,000
Personal Injury Protection	$2,000*	$5,000
Uninsured Motorist Coverage BIL**	$30,000 / $60,000	$50,000 / $100,000
Uninsured Motorist Coverage PD***	$15,000	$25,000
Comprehensive Coverage	Optional	$500 deductible
Collision Coverage	Optional	$500 deductible

*Note: Maryland allows you to waive Personal Injury Protection and choose a limited PIP option.

**Bodily Injury Coverage

***Property Damage Coverage

Bodily Injury & Property Damage Liability

The first two numbers are for bodily injury liability and the last number is for property damage liability.

In simple terms, the requirements for liability insurance the insurer will pay $30,000 to the injured driver in the other vehicle and up to $60,000 dollars to the injured passengers in the other vehicle.

The insurer will pay a maximum of $15,000 dollars to any property that may have been damage in the accident to the other vehicle.

Note: For a 30 year old driver in Maryland the best options are with USAA, Progressive, and Nationwide. All three carriers are at least 18% lower than the average premium of $2,019 per year. Cumberland Group and 21st Century are as competitive with quotes at $1,660 and $1,720 respectfully per year.

Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in Maryland

Below is a list of insurance companies in Maryland from the cheapest to the most expensive.

The overall least expensive auto insurance companies are USAA, Progressive, and Nationwide.

Depending on your age and location each carrier can offer quotes from 14% to 25% lower than the median rate for drivers of similar profile.

Cumberland Group is a company which has been around since 1844 and offers quotes from 12% to 18% lower than the average premium.

21st Century and IFA Auto Group both offer quotes from 12% to 20% lower than the “mean” quote for similar age drivers.

IFA Auto Group is an established company which has been in business for over 40 years.

Peninsula Group, owned by Donegal Group, is a company you may want to put on your list to get quotes.

Peninsula can offer quotes from 8% to 14% cheaper than the median rate for similar age drivers.

Allstate, State Farm, and Elephant offer quotes from 8% to 15% lower than the median rate.

Again, depending your age and location.

With the list you have nine carriers and a blend of regional and national insurers to help you find the lowest premium possible while maximizing coverage.

Maryland Company	Average Premium 25 Y/O Driver	30 Y/O Driver	35 Y/O Driver	45 Y/O Driver	55 Y/O Driver
GEICO	$1,836	$1,609	$1,504	$1,355	$844
USAA	$1,845	$1,612	$1,514	$1,359	$889
Progressive	$1,878	$1,644	$1,543	$1,408	$900
Nationwide	$1,899	$1,650	$1,589	$1,421	$910
Cumberland	$1,909	$1,660	$1,600	$1,444	$922
21st Century	$1,923	$1,720	$1,643	$1,463	$956
IFA	$1,929	$1,712	$1,659	$1,477	$971
Peninsula	$1,966	$1,727	$1,663	$1,482	$988
Allstate	$2,004	$1,755	$1,670	$1,488	$993
Elephant	$2,004	$1,787	$1,689	$1,492	$1,004
State Farm	$2,021	$1,809	$1,700	$1,512	$1,010
Encompass	$2,023	$1,822	$1,719	$1,544	$1,021
Farmers	$2,132	$1,844	$1,721	$1,555	$1,039
Safeco	$2,156	$1,889	$1,790	$1,561	$1,076
Liberty Mutual	$2,166	$1,911	$1,803	$1,573	$1,088
Amica	$2,256	$1,923	$1,822	$1,589	$1,094
MetLife	$2,411	$2,035	$1,919	$1,754	$1,103
AIG	$2,455	$2,054	$1,932	$1,759	$1,142
Ameriprise	$2,487	$2,087	$1,945	$1,760	$1,156
Bankers	$2,499	$2,129	$2,011	$1,783	$1,178
Erie	$2,500	$2,138	$2,020	$1,791	$1,241
Penn National	$2,500	$2,165	$2,025	$1,805	$1,244
Fireman's Fund	$2,506	$2,189	$2,079	$1,823	$1,248
Travelers	$2,566	$2,287	$2,139	$1,878	$1,244
National General	$2,598	$2,344	$2,198	$1,903	$1,249
Main Street America	$2,612	$2,350	$2,202	$1,909	$1,250
Esurance	$2,633	$2,369	$2,212	$1,943	$1,261
Horace Mann	$2,711	$2,398	$2,253	$1,958	$1,269
Foremost	$2,717	$2,417	$2,255	$1,979	$1,270
Kemper	$2,788	$2,477	$2,319	$1,992	$1,271
Paramount	$3,008	$2,698	$2,408	$2,028	$1,289
Maryland Automobile Fund	$3,022	$2,699	$2,414	$2,029	$1,290
Agency Company	$3,043	$2,789	$2,505	$2,038	$1,299
Brethren Mutual	$3,132	$2,858	$2,587	$2,047	$1,305
Victoria	$3,133	$2,891	$2,589	$2,054	$1,388
State Auto	$3,146	$2,972	$2,631	$2,257	$1,408
Dairyland	$3,276	$2,987	$2,654	$2,365	$1,444
Hanover	$3,316	$3,047	$2,740	$2,487	$1,509

Note: A 35 year old driver with a decent driving record can find quotes nearly 20% lower than the average premium of $1,943 per year. The least expensive are with USAA, Progressive, and Nationwide. I queried each at $1,514, and $1,543, and $1,589 respectfully per year for full coverage.

No-Fault Rules

Maryland has implemented “no-fault” rules to help keep the price of insurance charges low as well as lowering the quantity of court actions which are being filed annually by drivers.

Under the no fault rules, each person’s insurance will cover their doctor’s bills with no regard for who was to blame in the accident.

Note: As illustrated, the best options for a 45 year old driver is with USAA, Progressive, and Nationwide. All three carriers are 17% lower than the average premium of $1,708 per year. Cumberland Group and 21st Century are competitive with quotes at $1,444 and $1,463 respectfully.

Personal Injury Protection Requirements

Since the state is no-fault then each driver is required to carry Personal Injury Protection or (PIP) insurance.

Personal Injury Protection coverage supplies the advantages for medical and any disability expenses up to $2,500 for all reasonable costs from an accident.

Note: For a 55 year old I found the quotes clustering between $889 and $956 per year for full coverage. The lowest quotes are with USAA, Progressive, and Nationwide. All three are 16% lower than the average premium of $1,082. 21st Century and Cumberland Group are at least 12% lower than the median quote for similar profile drivers.

In Maryland full (PIP) insurance provide protection for you, your passengers, and members of your family.

Limited Personal Injury Protection Option

If you elect to have limited PIP then you, your family members, and other passengers are not protected under limited PIP; however, in this instance, the state would need knowledge of an existing health insurance plan you may have.

There are instances where the other driver can bring the at-fault driver to court or litigation.

If the doctor’s expenses surpass an (anywhere from $2,500 to $10,000) amount or if the accident is presumed too harsh, the at-fault party can be held responsible for the other driver’s damages.

Best Car Insurance Firms in Maryland

Below is a list of insurers by written premiums, complaints, rate change over a 12 to 18 month period, and consumer rating.

Typically national carriers, such as Allstate or State Farm, will have more complaints then regional or local carriers, such as IFA Auto Group or Elephant Company. 

The ratio of written premiums to complaints is the important data.

None of the carriers below have anything out of the norm.

The rate change is from 1.9% to 3.3% which is normal.

However, if you get a traffic violation you might see a rate increase or change from 10% to over 30% depending on the violation.

You can get a rate increase from a lapse or non-payment of a premium.

All data is compiled from JD Power & Associates, AM Best, and Insurance Information Institute (III.org).

Consumer rating data is compiled from reputable online sources to get an average.

Maryland Company	Written Premiums	Rate Change < 18 Months	# of Complaints	Rating out of 5 Stars
Esurance	$17,268,667	+2.2%	3	4.4
Nationwide	$333,621,824	+2.1%	29	4.5
Progressive	$211,462,009	+1.9%	23	4.6
GEICO	$847,126,674	+1.9%	97	4.6
Allstate	$425,681,962	+2.0%	43	4.5
Titan	$10,640,895	+2.7%	1	4.2
State Farm	$754,830,184	+2.5%	88	4.5
Safeco	$24,789,714	+2.6%	6	4.1
Kemper	$20,575,518	+2.8%	3	4.0
Encompass	$53,018,622	+2.8%	2	3.9
Brethren Mutual	$14,913,497	+2.8%	1	3.9
Agency Company	$26,413,860	+3.3%	0	3.9
Liberty Mutual	$136,487,863	+2.4%	29	4.2
Ameriprise	$12,310,715	+2.6%	4	4.0
USAA	$278,918,033	+2.0%	11	4.7
Erie	$267,418,458	+2.3%	14	4.4
Hartford	$46,809,559	+2.5%	19	4.3
21st Century	$11,481,682	+2.6%	5	4.4
State Auto	$24,167,553	+2.6%	7	3.8
Amica	$19,351,889	+2.1%	9	4.1
Peninsula	$17,878,644	+2.8%	2	4.1
Penn National	$11,874,871	+2.9%	1	4.1
MetLife	$22,680,583	+2.4%	4	4.3
Travelers	$62,774,829	+2.6%	8	4.1

Lending Institutions & Banks Full Coverage Requirement

When you are comparing auto insurance quotes you want to realize banks and lending institutions require all drivers to have full coverage for the automobiles if they are going to be financed.

Also, to avoid any penalties or fees you want to be sure to return your license plate and registration card to the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) when you have canceled your insurance premium.

Average Premium by City

Below is a list of the average premium by city for a 40 year old driver.

Location is a primary determining factor for insurers to determine your rate.

The average premium cost is from $1,093 to $1,411 per year for a 40 year old driver.

If you move to another location you could see a decrease or increase in your premium.

Each insurer has the own method to determine risk.

Therefore each may or may not increase or decrease your premium when you move.

Or you may have one insurer offering a lowering rate in one location and higher in another.

You best option to maintain the lowest premium possible is to keep a clean driving record.

To maintain even further is to compare rates every couple of years to find a company offering a lower quote.

If you would like a comparison of the cheapest car insurance by city please read further below.

City	Average Rate	City	Average Rate	City	Average Rate
Annapolis	$1,399	Crisfield	$1,123	Fruitland	$1,315
Baldwin	$1,319	Cumberland	$1,187	Galena	$1,392
Barton	$1,358	Damascus	$1,244	Gambrills	$1,407
Bowie	$1,119	Derwood	$1,307	Glen Burnie	$1,411
Boyds	$1,231	Eldersburg	$1,104	Potomac	$1,311
Chester	$1,211	Elkridge	$1,093	Salisbury	$1,362
Clinton	$1,344	Fallston	$1,127	Towson	$1,231
Cresaptown	$1,301	Forestville	$1,258	Waldorf	$1,251

Baltimore, MD

The cheapest car insurance in Baltimore is with USAA, Progressive, and Nationwide.

Each queried at $1,913, $1,945, and $1,967 respectfully per year for a 30 year old driver.

Each carrier is over 22% lower than the median rate for drivers of similar age and profile.

Cumberland Group and 21st Century are worth getting quotes from since each are over 20% cheaper than the “mean” rate for drivers.

A 45 year old can find the lowest quotes with USAA, Progressive, and Nationwide.

Each queried at $1,334, $1,367, and $1,424 respectfully for full coverage.

Or approximately 21% to 24% lower than the median rate for similar age drivers.

With quotes clustering between $1,334 and $1,469, both Cumberland Group and 21st Century and worth getting quotes from. 

Baltimore Company	30 Y/O Driver	45 Y/O Driver
GEICO	$1,911	$1,321
USAA	$1,913	$1,334
Progressive	$1,945	$1,367
Nationwide	$1,955	$1,424
Cumberland	$1,967	$1,448
21st Century	$1,989	$1,469
Allstate	$2,004	$1,499
State Farm	$2,008	$1,589

Baltimore is the largest city in the state with more than 220 neighborhoods.

It is home to the first umbrella factory and post office.

Only 40 miles from a Washington D.C. it is the United States eastern hub of activity and economy.

With wonderful charm and quaint coffee shops Baltimore is known as “Charm City”.

Columbia, MD

Drivers in Columbia should consider getting quotes from USAA, Progressive, and Nationwide.

I queried each at $1,813, $1,876, and $1,911 per year for a 30 year old driver.

All three insurers are over 20% lower than the “mean” quote for drivers.

Both Cumberland Group and 21st Century are as competitive with quotes just under $2,000 per year.

For a 45 year old the cheapest options are with USAA, Progressive, and Nationwide.

Each queried at $1,134, $1,156, and $1,245 per year for full coverage.

Both USAA and Progressive and 26% lower than the average rate while Nationwide is 22% lower. 

Columbia Company	30 Y/O Driver	45 Y/O Driver
GEICO	$1,821	$1,121
USAA	$1,813	$1,134
Progressive	$1,876	$1,156
Nationwide	$1,911	$1,245
Cumberland	$1,988	$1,278
21st Century	$1,999	$1,308
Allstate	$2,010	$1,411
State Farm	$2,023	$1,432

Columbia has a population of approximately 100,000 residents.

A master plan of James Rouse, the city has 10 community villages established from 1967 to 1990.

It is one of top places to live in Maryland.

Germantown, MD

Drivers can find inexpensive auto insurance with Nationwide, Progressive, and USAA.

I queried each at $1,788, $1,808, and $1,855 per year for a 30 year old driver.

All three carriers are 18% lower than the median rate for drivers of similar profile.

Allstate and Cumberland Group are nearly as competitive with low quotes at $1,886 and $1,898.

A 45 year old can find the best quotes with USAA, Nationwide, and Progressive.

I queried each at $1,210, $1,233, and $1,248 respectfully for full coverage.

Cumberland Group and Allstate offer competitive quotes with prices at $1,281 and $1,278. 

Germantown Company	30 Y/O Driver	45 Y/O Driver
GEICO	$1,779	$1,207
USAA	$1,788	$1,210
Nationwide	$1,808	$1,233
Progressive	$1,855	$1,248
Allstate	$1,886	$1,278
Cumberland	$1,898	$1,281
21st Century	$1,922	$1,294
State Farm	$1,956	$1,307

Germantown is the third most populous place in Maryland.

If incorporated as a city it would be the second largest behind Baltimore.

Germantown is a wonderful place for outdoor enthusiasts.

With many hiking trails, such as Seneca Creek State Park and Black Hills, many residents enjoy the wonderful scenery.  

Silver Spring, MD

As illustrated, to find the least expensive premium in Silver Spring start with USAA, Nationwide, and Progressive.

I queried each at $1,723, $1,745, and $1,769 per year for a 30 year old driver.

All three carriers are 21% lower than the median rate for similar age drivers.

Allstate and Cumberland Group are slightly higher with quotes at $1,809 and $1,865 respectfully.

A 45 year old can find the cheapest quotes with USAA and Nationwide.

Each queried at $1,207 and $1,223 per year for full coverage.

If you don’t qualify for USAA your next best option is with Progressive.

I queried Progressive at $1,226.

Which is equally competitive with Nationwide.

It would be smart to get quotes from all companies illustrated to find the most savings while maximizing coverage. 

Silver Spring Company	30 Y/O Driver	45 Y/O Driver
GEICO	$1,721	$1,201
USAA	$1,723	$1,207
Nationwide	$1,745	$1,223
Progressive	$1,769	$1,226
Allstate	$1,809	$1,287
Cumberland	$1,865	$1,289
21st Century	$1,911	$1,309
State Farm	$1,923	$1,378

The median age in Silver Spring, Maryland is 34 years.

Many enjoy the outdoors at fascinating Rock Creek or Acorn Park. 

Silver Spring hosts several entertainment and festivals, the most notable of which are the Silverdocs documentary film festival held each June and hosted by Discovery Communications.

The Silverdocs film festival is known to attracted more than 20,000 visitors each year.

Ellicott City, MD

The average car insurance rate in Ellicott City is $2,000 per year.

The least expensive option is with USAA queried at $1,747 per year for a 30 year old.

Which is 21% lower than the median rate.

Nationwide and Progressive offered quotes at $1,865 and $1,874 respectfully per year.

Or approximately 17% lower than the “mean” quote for similar age drivers.

Allstate and Cumberland Group offer competitive quotes for a 30 year old.

A 45 year old can find the best options with USAA, Nationwide, and Progressive.

I queried each at $1,154, $1,165, and $1,179 respectfully for full coverage.

All three are 22% lower than the median quote for similar profile drivers.

Allstate and Cumberland Group offer competitive quotes with prices at $1,234 and $1,247. 

Ellicott City Company	30 Y/O Driver	45 Y/O Driver
GEICO	$1,721	$1,111
USAA	$1,747	$1,154
Nationwide	$1,865	$1,165
Progressive	$1,874	$1,179
Allstate	$1,890	$1,234
Cumberland	$1,923	$1,247
21st Century	$1,934	$1,268
State Farm	$1,976	$1,309

Ellicott City has been home to a large Korean population with numerous Korean-owned businesses and restaurants.

A section of Route 40 to Greenway Drive is known as “Korean Way”, paying homage to the city’s Korean culture.

An important part is Ellicott City’s Koreatown has revitalized declining shopping centers along the highway.

Frederick, MD

To find inexpensive car insurance in Frederick start with USAA, Nationwide, and Progressive.

I queried each at $1,587, $1,654, and $1,689 per year for a 30 year old driver.

For USAA the quotes are 25% lower then the median rate.

While Nationwide and Progressive are 20% to 21% lower.

There is a wide variance between the higher and lowest insurer.

Making it important to compare quotes.

A 45 year old can find the cheap quotes from all carriers illustrated.

The lowest is USAA at $948. If you aren’t former military the best options are with Nationwide and Progressive.

Allstate and Cumberland offer quotes at $1,003 and $1,006 respectfully.

All carriers illustrated are over 16% lower than the median rate for similar profile drivers.

Frederick Company	30 Y/O Driver	45 Y/O Driver
GEICO	$1,532	$944
USAA	$1,587	$948
Nationwide	$1,654	$968
Progressive	$1,698	$989
Allstate	$1,789	$1,003
Cumberland	$1,852	$1,006
21st Century	$1,873	$1,087
State Farm	$1,938	$1,127

Cool Facts about Frederick

• Frederick served as a major hospital center during the Civil War for the wounded.

• The historic district is gorgeous with stunning history and beautiful landscapes.

• Frederick is famous for its historic homes, awesome downtown, and Civil War battlefields.

Rockville, MD

If you are in the market for the least expensive premium in Rockville then get quotes from USAA, Nationwide, and Progressive.

I queried each at $1,848, $1,903, and $1,956 per year for a 30 year old driver.

All three carriers are 17% lower than the median rate for drivers.

Allstate and Cumberland Group are competitive with low quotes at $1,956 and $1,983 respectfully for full coverage.

A 45 year old can find the best quotes with USAA, Nationwide, and Progressive.

Each queried at $1,232, $1,248, and $1,302 per year for full coverage.

And approximately 19% lower than the median rate for similar age drivers.

Allstate and Cumberland Group offer competitive options with cheap quotes at $1,337 and $1,353 respectfully. 

Rockville Company	30 Y/O Driver	45 Y/O Driver
GEICO	$1,821	$1,208
USAA	$1,848	$1,232
Nationwide	$1,903	$1,248
Progressive	$1,948	$1,302
Allstate	$1,956	$1,337
Cumberland	$1,983	$1,353
21st Century	$2,017	$1,359
State Farm	$2,141	$1,436

According to 50states.com, during revolutionary times Rockville was known as Hungerford’s Tavern the name of its most familiar landmark.

One of the first calls to freedom from British rule was heard at the tavern in 1774.

Rockville has more than 61,000 residents making it the 3rd largest city in Maryland.

Home to the I-270 technology corridor it is home to numerous biotech and software companies.

Bethesda, MD

A 30 year old driver in Bethesda can find cheap car insurance with USAA, Nationwide, and Progressive.

I queried each at $1,848, $1,903, and $1,948 per year for full coverage.

All three are approximately 12% lower than the median rate for drivers.

Cumberland Group and Allstate offer competitive choices with low quotes at $1,956 and $1,983 respectfully.

A 45 year old can competitive rates with USAA, Nationwide, and Progressive.

Each queried at $1,232, $1,248, and $1,302 per year for full coverage.

Or nearly 15% lower than the median rate for similar age drivers.

Cumberland Group and Allstate are competitive offering quotes at $1,337 and $1,353 respectfully per year. 

Bethesda Company	30 Y/O Driver	45 Y/O Driver
GEICO	$1,821	$1,208
USAA	$1,848	$1,232
Nationwide	$1,903	$1,248
Progressive	$1,948	$1,302
Allstate	$1,956	$1,337
Cumberland	$1,983	$1,353
21st Century	$2,017	$1,359
State Farm	$2,141	$1,436

Bethesda, Maryland is a thriving urban district with over 200 restaurants, coffee shops, and art galleries.

According to residents, it is the best shopping district in the Washington, D.C area.

Some call it the Mecca of “brain-power” since the majority of people have college degrees.

Resources & Department of Motor Vehicles

Department of Insurance	Department of Transportation	Department of Motor Vehicles
200 St Paul St #2700, Baltimore, MD 21202 (800) 492-6116	7491 Connelley Dr, Hanover, MD 21076 (410) 582-5505	10251 Central Ave, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 (410) 768-7000
Website	Website	Website

Sources

IFA Auto Company

Cumberland Group

https://insurance.maryland.gov/Consumer/

https://www.iii.org/publications/a-firm-foundation-how-insurance-supports-the-economy/state-fact-sheets/maryland-firm-foundation

https://www.nationwide.com/maryland-auto-insurance.jsp