8+ years writing about insurance, taxes, and personal finance
Certified public accountant
Janet applies her experience in personal finance, taxes, and accounting to make complex financial topics accessible. Her byline has appeared on numerous web media.
Featured in
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years in content creation and marketing
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
Featured in
30+ years in financial services
Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego
Dan is a well-recognized and widely quoted financial services expert, regularly appearing in a variety of national and local media as a subject matter expert.
Updated November 20, 2024
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Table of contents
Car insurance in Baltimore — the largest city in Maryland — costs $318 per month for liability insurance. This is significantly higher than the Maryland state average of $204 for liability and the national average of $104.
Baltimore is a densely populated city of about 570,000 people. This high population density can lead to more car accidents, so insurance companies typically charge higher rates to drivers in Charm City to account for the increased risk. Baltimore also saw approximately 11,000 vehicle thefts in 2023.[1] Vehicle crime rates also contribute to auto insurance costs.
If you’re looking for cheap Baltimore car insurance, it’s worth shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurers to find the right fit.
USAA, GEICO, and State Farm have the cheapest liability insurance in Baltimore on average.
On average, Baltimore drivers pay $457 per month for full-coverage insurance, which is higher than the Maryland state average of $342.
About 15.1% of Maryland drivers are uninsured, according to estimates from the Insurance Information Institute.[2]
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Baltimore
With so many companies offering different coverages and prices, knowing which policy is best for you can be difficult. The company with the cheapest average rates may not have the specific coverages you need.
USAA is the best for active military members, veterans, and their families, offering exclusive coverage with unique discounts and perks. GEICO is one of the cheapest insurers in Baltimore and is available to more than just military-affiliated drivers. State Farm is one of the best all-around options, offering a variety of coverages and discounts to drivers of all types.
Below are the top three insurers for different types of drivers in Baltimore. The rates below reflect statewide average insurance costs in Maryland.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Best for ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|---|
USAA | 9.4 | $156 | $101 | Military members |
GEICO | 9.0 | $185 | $120 | Affordable rates |
State Farm | 9.3 | $200 | $130 | Teen drivers |
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 28,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Best insurer for military members: USAA
User Reviews | 4.9 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.4 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $145/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $221/mo |
Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.
Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.
Gloria
November 15, 2024
Not Good for Claims
Martin
November 11, 2024
Price Shopping
Rena Sabine
November 8, 2024
Disappointing and inflexible service
USAA offers insurance and a variety of financial products for veterans, active-duty military members, and their families. If you’re eligible for USAA auto insurance, you can enjoy highly rated customer service, military-centric perks, and some of the lowest rates in Baltimore.
Usage-based insurance (UBI) available in Maryland
Bundling discounts
Only available to active-duty military, veterans, and their families
Bundling discounts not available for UBI insurance policies
Best insurer for affordable rates: GEICO
User Reviews | 4.0 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.0 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $172/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $262/mo |
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
James
November 19, 2024
Unsatisfactory Experience with Geico
Edward
November 18, 2024
Experience with Geico
Chris
November 18, 2024
Poor
While GEICO's rates aren't the cheapest available in Baltimore, they're still competitive. The insurer doesn't limit its membership as USAA does, and it offers many discounts that can help lower drivers' rates further. Drivers can save with discounts for vehicle safety equipment like air bags or anti-theft systems, practicing safe driving habits, having a new vehicle, or being a member of the military.
Can purchase a policy online
Highly rated mobile app
Gap insurance not available
Limited number of agents available in Baltimore
Best insurer for teen drivers: State Farm
User Reviews | 4.2 |
---|---|
IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $186/mo |
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $284/mo |
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
Ronald
November 19, 2024
State Farm Experience: 35 Years+
David
November 19, 2024
Too expensive
Ronald
November 18, 2024
Very Expensive Auto and Home
State Farm offers some of Baltimore’s lowest auto premiums, even if you have a speeding ticket, accident, or DUI on your record. It’s also one of the largest insurance companies in the country by market share. Its Steer Clear program allows drivers younger than 25 to earn savings while improving their driving skills. And parents may find State Farm's optional emergency road service coverage gives them peace of mind in knowing their teen drivers can get help if their car breaks down.
Competitive pricing, with many available discounts
Personalized service from a network of local agents
Poor Trustpilot ratings
Can’t buy a policy online
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Baltimore
Auto insurance companies base their rates on several factors, including your age; the year, make, and model of your vehicle; the policyholder’s credit score; and the ZIP code where your car is parked at night.
While some of these factors are outside your control, you can keep your auto insurance rates low by taking the following steps:
Select a higher deductible. Choosing a higher deductible for your comprehensive and collision coverage means you’ll pay more out of pocket if you have a covered claim, but it also means you’ll pay less in premiums. If you can afford to pay your deductible out of pocket, it may be a good way to save money in the long run.
Bundle your home and auto insurance. Many insurance companies offer discounts for policyholders who buy two or more policies from them. If you don’t own a home, you may qualify for lower rates when you bundle life insurance, renters, or other insurance products with your auto insurance.
Take advantage of other discounts. Most auto insurance companies offer a variety of discounts to drivers. You may qualify for a discount for things like installing a car alarm, maintaining good credit, or keeping a clean driving record. Ask your insurance agent about available discounts.
Shop around. Rates vary from company to company — even for the same coverage, location, and circumstances. Shopping for coverage with multiple different companies is a good way to find the best rate.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Baltimore: USAA
Liability-only car insurance covers the cost of damages to other vehicles, pedestrians, and property caused by the insured driver but not damage to the driver’s own vehicle.[3]
Liability-only coverage is cheaper than full-coverage auto insurance, so you may be interested in one of these policies if you have an older model car that isn’t worth a lot. On average, Baltimore drivers pay $318 per month for liability insurance.
The table below shows the companies offering the cheapest liability-only policies in Baltimore.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
USAA | $145 |
GEICO | $172 |
State Farm | $186 |
Root | $207 |
Erie | $210 |
Safeco | $223 |
Progressive | $224 |
CSAA | $244 |
Direct Auto | $247 |
Travelers | $251 |
National General | $269 |
Elephant | $272 |
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Baltimore: USAA
Full-coverage auto insurance includes liability coverage, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Collision and comprehensive coverage protect your vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident or another covered incident, such as vandalism, weather, and theft. Full coverage offers greater financial protection than minimum coverage, and if you lease or finance your vehicle, you'll need to purchase full coverage.
The table below shows the insurance companies offering the cheapest full-coverage policies in Baltimore. The average cost of full-coverage insurance in Baltimore is $457 per month.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
USAA | $221 |
GEICO | $262 |
State Farm | $284 |
Erie | $322 |
Root | $326 |
CSAA | $327 |
Safeco | $329 |
Progressive | $343 |
Travelers | $383 |
Elephant | $431 |
National General | $456 |
Direct Auto | $498 |
Recent quotes for drivers in and around Baltimore, Maryland
Drivers in and around Baltimore, Maryland have found policies from Liberty Mutual, Allstate, National General, and more, through Insurify in the last few days.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Baltimore, Maryland within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 20, 2024
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Baltimore, Maryland within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 20, 2024
Car insurance requirements in Maryland
Drivers in Maryland must show proof of insurance to register their vehicles. All drivers must carry a minimum amount of bodily injury and property damage liability coverage purchased from an insurance company that’s licensed to do business in Maryland. The table below shows the minimum coverages you’ll need to carry to drive legally.[4]
Coverage ▲▼ | Minimum Requirements ▲▼ |
---|---|
Bodily injury liability |
|
Property damage liability |
|
Uninsured/underinsured bodily injury liability |
|
Uninsured motorist property damage liability |
|
You may want to consider carrying more than the minimum required insurance coverage. Some optional insurance products to consider include:
Collision coverage
This reimburses you for damage to your own vehicle due to a collision with another vehicle or object.
Comprehensive coverage
This reimburses you for theft or damage to your car due to events other than a collision, such as theft, vandalism, hail, etc.
Medical payments coverage
This covers healthcare costs if you or your passengers get injured in an accident.
Glass coverage
This coverage pays to repair or replace your windshield, windows, and sunroof with no deductible.
Gap insurance
This pays the difference between the fair market value of your vehicle and what you owe on your auto loan if it’s stolen or totaled in an accident.[5]
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
Incidents include at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, driving under the influence (DUI), and other moving violations. Having incidents on your driving record typically increases your car insurance rates above what drivers with a clean record pay because insurance companies see you as a higher risk and charge higher premiums to offset that risk.
On average, Baltimore drivers with a past incident on their record pay $405 per month for liability insurance and $457 for full coverage.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA
If you have a speeding ticket on your record, you’ll likely end up facing an increase in car insurance rates, depending on the severity of the ticket and how many you’ve gotten before. Speed was a factor in 15 of Baltimore's 46 fatal accidents in 2023, according to Zero Deaths Maryland data.
The following table shows how a speeding ticket affects liability insurance rates for Baltimore drivers. On average, liability insurance for Baltimore drivers with a past speeding ticket costs $409 per month.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With Speeding Ticket ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
USAA | $145 | $180 |
GEICO | $172 | $213 |
State Farm | $186 | $228 |
Root | $207 | $276 |
Erie | $210 | $268 |
Safeco | $223 | $281 |
Progressive | $224 | $276 |
CSAA | $244 | $309 |
Direct Auto | $247 | $307 |
Travelers | $251 | $314 |
National General | $269 | $336 |
Elephant | $272 | $364 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: USAA
Finding affordable car insurance after an at-fault accident can be tough. Insurers see you as higher risk than before the accident, and many will increase your rates significantly to account for the extra risk. On average, Baltimore drivers with a past accident pay $425 per month for liability insurance.
Here's a comparison of liability-only car insurance rates for Baltimore drivers with clean driving records vs. motorists with at-fault accidents.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With Accident ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
USAA | $189 | $189 |
GEICO | $225 | $225 |
State Farm | $241 | $241 |
Erie | $280 | $280 |
Safeco | $288 | $288 |
Root | $289 | $289 |
Progressive | $294 | $294 |
Travelers | $330 | $330 |
CSAA | $330 | $330 |
Direct Auto | $330 | $330 |
Elephant | $347 | $347 |
National General | $351 | $351 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: USAA
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be a costly mistake that affects your car insurance rates for years. If you’re convicted of a DUI, your current insurance company might decline to renew your policy, and finding a cheap replacement policy can be difficult.
Impaired drivers were involved in 10 fatal crashes in Baltimore in 2023. Drivers with a past DUI in Baltimore pay $489 per month for liability insurance. The following table shows how a DUI conviction affects liability car insurance rates for Baltimore drivers.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Driving Record ▲▼ | With DUI ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
USAA | $145 | $231 |
GEICO | $172 | $274 |
State Farm | $186 | $296 |
Root | $207 | $294 |
Erie | $210 | $334 |
Safeco | $223 | $329 |
Progressive | $224 | $357 |
CSAA | $244 | $348 |
Direct Auto | $247 | $393 |
Travelers | $251 | $400 |
National General | $269 | $428 |
Elephant | $272 | $433 |
Cheapest car insurance for seniors: USAA
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that drivers 70 and older have higher rates of fatal crashes per mile driven than middle-aged drivers. As a result, insurance companies tend to increase rates once drivers reach around age 70.[6]
The insurance companies below offer some of the most competitive monthly rates for senior drivers in Baltimore. Senior drivers in Baltimore pay $267 per month for liability insurance and $383 for full-coverage insurance.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
USAA | $117 | $178 |
GEICO | $138 | $210 |
State Farm | $146 | $222 |
Erie | $162 | $248 |
Progressive | $163 | $250 |
Root | $175 | $276 |
CSAA | $188 | $252 |
Safeco | $192 | $283 |
Direct Auto | $194 | $391 |
Travelers | $198 | $302 |
National General | $207 | $351 |
Elephant | $224 | $354 |
Cheapest car insurance for teens: USAA
Many car insurance companies charge higher rates for teen drivers because they have less driving experience and a higher number of accidents.[7] Insurers consider them high risk and charge much higher rates to account for that extra risk. You can still find ways to save on car insurance policies for teens, though.
Teens can keep rates low by staying on their parents’ policy as long as possible and taking advantage of offerings, such as discounts for good students or taking a defensive driving course.
On average, teen drivers in Baltimore pay $493 per month for liability and $709 for full coverage. Compare the cheapest car insurance companies for teenage drivers in Baltimore below.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
USAA | $232 | $354 |
GEICO | $262 | $399 |
Root | $293 | $462 |
State Farm | $306 | $467 |
Erie | $337 | $516 |
CSAA | $374 | $501 |
Progressive | $377 | $577 |
Safeco | $413 | $609 |
Elephant | $421 | $667 |
Direct Auto | $433 | $874 |
Travelers | $436 | $665 |
National General | $510 | $865 |
Baltimore car insurance quotes by credit tier
Maryland allows car insurance companies to use your credit-based insurance score when determining your premiums.[8] Insurance companies view drivers with a poor credit history as riskier and more likely to file claims than drivers with a good or excellent credit history. This means drivers with low credit often pay higher rates than people with higher credit scores.
The table below shows the average monthly rates in Baltimore for each credit tier.
Rates by Credit Tier
Is car insurance more expensive in Baltimore?
Car insurance is more expensive in Baltimore than the national average for states in the U.S. — and even other cities in Maryland — due to a couple primary factors:
Population density: Baltimore has a large population, which means there are a lot of cars on the road, and drivers are at greater risk of being involved in an accident.
Location: Urban areas have higher crime rates, so insurance companies increase rates to offset the risk of cars being stolen or vandalized.[9]
With an average liability insurance rate of $318 per month and a full-coverage rate of $457, it costs significantly more to insure a vehicle in Baltimore than most other cities in Maryland.
More cities in Maryland
To help compare the cost of car insurance amongst several popular cities in Maryland, consider the table below. It shows the average monthly premium for full-coverage policies in several Maryland cities. See how Baltimore’s rates stack up against other major cities in the state.
City ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ |
---|---|---|
Columbia | $191 | $326 |
Frederick | $152 | $259 |
Silver Spring | $200 | $330 |
Baltimore car insurance FAQs
Finding the right car insurance can be difficult. Below, you’ll find answers to some commonly asked questions about how to find the best car insurance in Baltimore.
How much is car insurance in Baltimore?
Baltimore drivers pay an average of $457 per month for full-coverage car insurance and $318 for liability coverage. Your exact rate will depend on your insurer, age, driving record, credit history, vehicle type, chosen coverage level, and more.
Who has the cheapest car insurance in Baltimore?
With an average liability insurance rate of $145 per month, USAA has the cheapest car insurance in Baltimore. GEICO and State Farm also have cheap coverage, with respective average rates of $172 and $186 per month. The best way to find cheap coverage is to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies.
What are the best car insurance companies in Baltimore?
With an Insurify Quality (IQ) Score of 9.0 out of 5 and an AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior), GEICO is the best car insurance company in Baltimore. The average cost of car insurance from GEICO in Maryland is $120 per month for liability insurance and $185 for full coverage. Of the insurers Insurify has rate data for, other top Baltimore insurers include State Farm and USAA.
Why is car insurance so expensive in Baltimore?
Car insurance is so expensive in Baltimore primarily due to its population density and high crime rates. Insurers see these risk factors and consider them likely to increase the chances that you’ll need to file an insurance claim. To account for this increased risk, car insurance companies in Baltimore charge higher premiums than many other Maryland cities.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Related articles
More cities in Maryland
Sources
- Baltimore Police Department. "Crime Stats."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Auto insurance basics—understanding your coverage."
- Maryland Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Administration. "Insurance Requirements for Maryland Vehicles."
- Insurance Information Institute. "What is auto insurance?."
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Older Drivers."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Auto insurance for teen drivers."
- Maryland Insurance Administration. "Use of Your Credit History for Auto Insurance."
- Baltimore Post-Examiner. "Why is Auto Insurance So Expensive in Baltimore?."
Janet Berry-Johnson, CPA is a freelance writer with a background in accounting and income tax planning and preparation. She's passionate about making complicated financial topics accessible to readers. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and son and their rescue dog, Dexter. Visit her website at www.jberryjohnson.com.
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years in content creation and marketing
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
Featured in
30+ years in financial services
Clinical Professor of Finance, University of San Diego
Dan is a well-recognized and widely quoted financial services expert, regularly appearing in a variety of national and local media as a subject matter expert.