Advisor

Content on Quartz Advisor is commercial in nature and independent of Quartz Editorial and Advertising. Quartz Advisor content is free to consumers and always will be, however we and our partners may be compensated if you purchase a product or service through the links on this website.

Cheapest Car Insurance In Maryland (2024)

The cheapest car insurance in Maryland comes from USAA at $43 per month on average.

Invalid Zip Code

Powered by 

Written by:
Dash Lewis , Writer
Written by: Dash Lewis Content Writer
04/17/2024 12:00 AM

Maryland drivers should compare policy options to find the cheapest car insurance coverage as costs continue to increase. Our reviews team has researched the best car insurance companies nationwide. We carefully examined the reputation of each provider, how satisfied customers are with them, the different coverage options they offer, and the average premiums.

In this review, we will discuss the most effective methods for cutting costs on insurance and where to find the most affordable car insurance in Maryland that suits your driving history.

Key Points

  • USAA is the cheapest car insurance company in Maryland overall, with an average rate of $43 per month for minimum coverage and $121 per month for full coverage.
  • GEICO and Travelers also offer affordable car insurance rates for many driver profiles.
  • If you are younger than 25 or have traffic violations, your car insurance rates will be higher than average.
  • You can save on car insurance by opting for minimum coverage, looking for discounts, increasing your deductible, and bundling your auto insurance with other policies.
Compare Car Insurance Rates
Enter your zip code to shop for the best rates in your area

Different car insurance companies have varying ways of evaluating driver profiles. This means that the provider that is cheapest for one driver may not be the cheapest for you. To illustrate this, here is a snapshot of the auto insurance providers with the lowest rates for different driver profiles in Maryland.

Cheapest Car Insurance CompanyAverage Monthly CostAverage Annual Cost
Minimum coverageUSAA$43 $518
Full coverageUSAA$121 $1,454
16-year-oldsGEICO$161 $1,934
45-year-oldsUSAA$39 $462
High-risk driversGEICO$67 $802
After a speeding ticketUSAA$51 $615
After an accidentUSAA$69 $827
After a DUIGEICO$66 $786
Poor credit driversGEICO$51 $609

*Unless stated otherwise, average costs are minimum-coverage rates for single male drivers between the ages of 25 and 35 with a clean driving history.


What Is The Cheapest Car Insurance Company In Maryland?

In general, we discovered that USAA has the most affordable car insurance in Maryland for the majority of drivers. The following sections will cover the average monthly costs of both minimum- and full-coverage car insurance from the cheapest companies in Maryland.

These rates apply to drivers of different ages, locations, and driving backgrounds in Maryland. The cheapest companies are organized by minimum coverage costs.

Cheapest Minimum Coverage In Maryland: USAA

Drivers looking for the most affordable coverage that just meets Maryland state minimum requirements may find it at USAA for about $43 per month or $518 per year on average.

Cheapest Car Insurance in MarylandAverage Monthly CostAverage Annual Cost
USAA$43$518
GEICO$51$609
Travelers$59$713
Kemper$60$719
Erie$79$943
State Farm$79$945
Progressive$101$1,209
Penn National$107$1,283
Nationwide$115$1,384
Allstate$144$1,731

Cheapest Full Coverage In Maryland: USAA

USAA is the best choice if you want more comprehensive coverage at an affordable price. The provider offers full-coverage insurance for an average of $121 per month.

Full-coverage insurance policies in Maryland generally include liability insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive insurance.

Cheapest Car Insurance in MarylandAverage Monthly CostAverage Annual Cost
USAA$121$1,454
GEICO$129$1,544
Travelers$142$1,707
Penn National$185$2,218
Kemper$193$2,310
State Farm$199$2,386
Progressive$199$2,393
Erie$203$2,434
Nationwide$231$2,777
Allstate$299$3,593

Cheapest Car Insurance In Maryland: Age

Below, you’ll find average insurance costs for Maryland drivers ages 16 to 55 as well as the top five budget-friendly car insurance companies for each age group. Drivers aged 30 to 55 often receive the most affordable car insurance rates since they have more road experience. Additionally, statistically speaking, they are less likely to be involved in car accidents compared to younger drivers.

Average Car Insurance Rates By Age

AgeMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
16$367$787
25$89$207
35$78$173
45$77$167
55$74$156

Cheapest Maryland Car Insurance: Young Drivers

As mentioned, teenage drivers and early 20s typically pay the most expensive car insurance rates. This is mostly because these drivers haven’t been driving for long and are more likely to break traffic rules and get into accidents.

In fact, the fatal crash rate per mile driven for teen drivers was nearly three times the rate for drivers 20 years old and older in 2021, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Cheapest Maryland Car Insurance For 16-Year-Olds: GEICO

If you’re a teen driver or the parent of one, GEICO may be your best bet for finding the most affordable car insurance in Maryland.

The company’s cheapest average rates for 16-year-old drivers are $161 per month or $1,934 per year, which is relatively affordable compared to other states. If you’re looking for full coverage, the average is $466 per month or $5,591 per year from GEICO.

Cheapest Car Insurance in MarylandMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
GEICO$161$466
USAA$193$569
Erie$210$563
Travelers$211$495
State Farm$280$705
Penn National$330$760
Progressive$367$932
Kemper$536$1,052
Nationwide$536$926
Allstate$845$1,399

Cheapest Maryland Car Insurance For 25-Year-Olds: USAA

Car insurance rates decrease a lot for young drivers in their 20s when compared to what teen drivers pay. However, the rates for this age group can still be high depending on the insurance company you choose.

USAA provides the cheapest car insurance costs on average at $46 per month or $550 per year for minimum coverage. USAA costs $130 per month or $1,561 per year for full coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in MarylandMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
USAA$46$130
GEICO$57$147
Travelers$60$147
Kemper$63$216
State Farm$86$224
Erie$89$232
Progressive$106$214
Penn National$113$195
Nationwide$130$255
Allstate$144$310

Cheapest Maryland Car Insurance: Adult Drivers

Auto insurance is usually cheaper for people in their 40s who drive. You can compare typical car insurance expenses of drivers in their 30s, 40s, and 50s from the top five cheapest companies for each age group below.

Cheapest Maryland Car Insurance For 35-Year-Olds: USAA

Drivers in their mid-30s may insure their cars at the cheapest cost by getting a minimum coverage car insurance policy from USAA. The company offers average minimum-coverage costs of $41 per month or $487 per year. For full coverage, GEICO’s rates average $111 monthly or $1,328 annually.

Cheapest Car Insurance in MarylandMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
USAA$41$112
GEICO$44$111
Kemper$56$169
Travelers$59$138
Erie$68$174
State Farm$72$174
Progressive$96$184
Nationwide$101$208
Penn National$101$175
Allstate$144$289

Cheapest Maryland Car Insurance For 45-Year-Olds: USAA

Forty-five-year-old drivers may find the most affordable minimum coverage from USAA, with average rates of $39 per month or $462 per year. The cheapest full coverage comes from USAA at $104 per month or $1,253 per year.

Cheapest Car Insurance in MarylandMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
USAA$39$104
GEICO$44$111
Travelers$56$126
Erie$63$159
Kemper$63$169
State Farm$73$173
Progressive$94$177
Penn National$96$163
Nationwide$97$196
Allstate$144$289

Cheapest Maryland Car Insurance For 55-Year-Olds: USAA

USAA usually offers the most affordable car insurance rates for drivers in their 50s in Maryland. The insurer’s average premiums are $38 monthly or $450 annually for minimum coverage. The cheapest full coverage option is from GEICO, costing $111 monthly or $1,328 annually

Cheapest Car Insurance in MarylandMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
USAA$38$99
GEICO$40$95
Travelers$53$114
Kemper$61$165
Erie$63$159
State Farm$70$164
Penn National$86$144
Progressive$94$163
Nationwide$94$185
Allstate$144$273

Cheapest Car Insurance In Maryland: High-Risk Drivers

Besides the type of coverage and how old you are, how safe you drive also significantly affects the cost of your car insurance. Auto insurers typically determine if you’re a high-risk driver by looking at how many infractions are on your driving record, including fines for speeding, at-fault accidents, and DUI convictions.

Average Car Insurance Rates For High-Risk Drivers

Drivers who are considered high-risk have to pay car insurance rates that are higher than the average rates because they have committed multiple violations. On average, Maryland motorists who are deemed high-risk may find the most affordable rates from GEICO for minimum coverage or GEICO for full coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in MarylandMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
GEICO$67$167
Travelers$76$196
USAA$78$220
State Farm$89$223
Erie$99$254
Progressive$121$250
Kemper$132$406
Penn National$182$396
Allstate$183$392
Nationwide$200$423

Cheapest Maryland Car Insurance For Drivers With A Speeding Ticket: USAA

Drivers with a speeding citation on their record can generally find the most affordable coverage from USAA, with average rates of $51 per month or $615 per year for minimum coverage and $144 per month or $1,732 per year for full coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in MarylandMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
USAA$51$144
GEICO$59$150
Travelers$71$185
State Farm$85$213
Erie$90$235
Kemper$91$282
Progressive$112$223
Penn National$130$224
Nationwide$159$331
Allstate$168$364

Cheapest Maryland Car Insurance For Drivers With An At-Fault Accident: USAA

Getting into a car accident in Maryland may make your car insurance rates go up. USAA tends to offer the most affordable rates on average at about $69 per month or $827 per year for minimum coverage and $190 per month or $190 per year for full coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in MarylandMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
USAA$69$190
Travelers$75$192
GEICO$76$194
State Farm$97$241
Erie$116$293
Kemper$134$412
Progressive$137$281
Penn National$158$345
Nationwide$192$403
Allstate$233$499

Cheapest Maryland Car Insurance For Drivers With A DUI: GEICO

If you’re a motorist with a DUI on record, you may find the cheapest minimum car insurance in Maryland from GEICO for $66 per month or $786 per year on average. They also have rates of $158 monthly or $1,892 annually for full coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in MarylandMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
GEICO$66$158
Travelers$82$210
State Farm$85$213
Erie$90$235
USAA$114$326
Progressive$115$246
Allstate$149$312
Kemper$171$523
Nationwide$248$535
Penn National$257$618

Cheapest Maryland Car Insurance For Drivers With Poor Credit: GEICO

People who have low credit scores are charged more for their car insurance. Those who don’t have the best credit history may want to check out GEICO, which has an average minimum-coverage rate of $67 per month or $810 per year and an average full-coverage rate of $171 per month or $2,052 per year.

Cheapest Car Insurance in MarylandMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
GEICO$67$171
USAA$76$214
Kemper$96$303
Travelers$101$261
Progressive$135$299
Nationwide$164$333
Erie$176$477
Allstate$188$420
Penn National$210$365
State Farm$392$1,023

Average Cost Of Car Insurance In 10 Maryland Cities

In Maryland, the area you live in affects how much you have to pay for car insurance. Auto insurance companies consider drivers riskier to cover in areas with:

  • More people living in an area
  • There are increasing numbers of cars driving on the road.
  • More car accidents occurring at increased rates.
  • More instances of breaking traffic rules.
  • More incidents of car theft and auto vandalism
  • Extreme weather conditions.

Certain factors that increase the chances of experiencing risks tend to impact car owners living in big cities. This is why drivers in bustling cities end up paying a higher average cost for car insurance with minimum coverage. On the other hand, drivers residing in rural areas with lower crime rates and smaller populations are more likely to have access to cheaper insurance rates.

CityMinimum-Coverage Average Monthly CostFull-Coverage Average Monthly Cost
Baltimore$122$237
Silver Spring$86$173
Columbia$76$158
Gaithersburg$77$155
Rockville$76$151
Glen Burnie$81$164
Frederick$61$135
Waldorf$78$170
Germantown$75$153
Essex$96$191

Top 5 Car Insurance Companies In Maryland

We have looked at more than 40 insurance companies and considered factors like cost, coverage, service, and reliability. Based on our analysis, we have found the top five insurers for Maryland residents. Based on our research, we found USAA to be the best provider for most drivers in Maryland. Here are the ratings we gave to the choices we recommend.

Overall RatingCostCoverageReliabilityService
#1 State Farm4.74.34.65.04.5
#2 Travelers4.64.44.94.54.2
#3 Erie4.54.35.04.54.5
#4 GEICO4.54.24.24.94.3
#5 Progressive4.54.04.84.84.1

*The overall and category ratings above are based on nationwide factors.


How To Get The Cheapest Car Insurance In Maryland

In Maryland, you can reduce the amount you pay for car insurance in a few different ways. These include:

  • Opting for minimum coverage: If you only get the least amount of coverage that your state demands, you will pay the least amount possible for car insurance.
  • Seeking out discounts: Most insurance companies have multiple discounts that can help cut down on premium costs, from military and good student discounts to discounts for drivers that remain accident free for five years.
  • Raising your deductible: A higher deductible will lower your premium costs, but you’ll have to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
  • Bundling your auto insurance: You can often bundle your auto insurance with a homeowners insurance policy or other type of coverage to earn a discount.
  • Comparing quotes: Getting quotes from different companies can give you an idea of which provider will give you the best offer.

Many insurance companies also offer usage-based insurance programs as a way to save money. These programs use telematics to monitor your driving habits–from your speed and braking to the time of day you drive. If you drive safely, you may receive a significant discount, but certain programs might increase your rates if you display risky driving habits.

Some companies also offer diminishing deductibles and accident forgiveness. A diminishing deductible option decreases your deductible amount each time you renew your policy. Accident forgiveness ensures that your rates won’t increase after your first accident with the company.

What Does Maryland Require For Car Insurance?

Drivers in Maryland must meet minimum insurance requirements as outlined by state law, which include basic liability insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage:

  • $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $15,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $60,000 underinsured/uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per accident
  • $30,000 underinsured/uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person
  • $15,000 underinsured/uninsured motorist property damage coverage per accident

Liability coverage only takes care of other parties’ injuries and property damages in an accident that you cause. UM/UIM covers your injuries and property damages, but only in the case that the at-fault driver has little to no auto insurance.

Getting comprehensive insurance will ensure that your car is covered if stolen, vandalized, or damaged by floods, fire, animals, or other natural disasters. Collision insurance covers your car repairs after an accident.


Our Take: Best Cheap Car Insurance In Maryland

When it comes to both minimum and full coverage, USAA is the best and cheapest car insurance company for most drivers in Maryland. While the above costs can give you an idea of what you’d pay for car insurance in Maryland, getting a personalized quote will help give you a more accurate picture of what you’ll pay.

Many companies offer quick and no-cost tools on their websites to help you get a quote online. Alternatively, you can contact the insurance company directly and speak to an agent or representative. Once you have obtained quotes from three or more providers, take the time to compare them and find the best option for you.

Compare Car Insurance Rates
Enter your zip code to shop for the best rates in your area

Best Cheap Car Insurance In Maryland: FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about car insurance in Maryland:

How much is car insurance per month in Maryland?

The average cost of minimum-coverage car insurance in Maryland is $84 per month or $1,005 per year. For full coverage, the average is $190 per month or $2,282 per year.

Is Maryland Car Insurance Cheaper?

Maryland auto insurance is typically more expensive than the national average. Nationwide, the average cost of minimum-coverage insurance is $670 per year, while the average in Maryland is $1,005 per year. For full coverage, residents of Maryland pay about $2,282 per year on average, which is more than the national average of $2,216 per year.


How We Rate Insurers

Our review process aims to deliver consistent and unbiased assessments of car insurance providers. While there are multiple qualities that make a car insurance company successful, our review team focuses on those we believe are the most important for consumers:

  • Cost: Cost can be difficult to compare between insurers because so many factors impact annual premiums. The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. To determine our cost score, we look at insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, discount opportunities, and consumer reports.
  • Coverage: To determine our coverage score, we look at the number of coverage options available as well as coverage limits and deductible options. Our ratings also take into account additional services and benefits like roadside assistance.
  • Reliability: It’s important that an auto insurer is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong financial strength rating from AM Best score best in this category. Established insurers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
  • Service: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. Insurers with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the claims process, giving higher ratings to car insurance providers that offer easy-to-use claims apps.

*Data accurate at time of publication.