Best Car Insurance in Maryland (2026)

Direct Auto, Erie, and Progressive offer competitive rates for a variety of drivers in Maryland.

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4.7 / 517K reviews
Julia Taliesin
Writer: Julia TaliesinEconomic Analyst, Licensed Insurance Agent

Qualifications:
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 8+ years content and reporting experience

  • NPN: 22173027


Julia is a economic analyst and licensed insurance agent. She co-launched Insurify‘s podcast “No Dumb Questions“ in 2025.

Photo of an Insurify author
Editor: Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor

Qualifications:
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

  • NPN: 20564519


Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

Mark Friedlander
Reviewer: Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute

Qualifications:
  • Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute

  • 20+ years in insurance and communications

  • Impartial, independent expert


As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.

Updated

Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.

Best car insurance companies in Maryland

Insurify analyzed 120+ car insurance companies to determine the best car insurance companies in Maryland. We compared rates, discount offerings, customer reviews, and third-party ratings. Here are the five companies that offer the best car insurance in Maryland.

Direct Auto: Best overall

A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A
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.
8.3 /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.
$136/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.
$257/mo
Details
How drivers feel about Direct Auto

Drivers appreciate the insurer’s helpful customer service and easy-to-use website. But they dislike the frequent and significant rate increases, especially for those with clean driving records. Some also report difficulties with roadside assistance.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in Maryland for
High-risk drivers
Ample discounts
24/7 claims support
Showing 6 reviews from Maryland driversSee all 542 Direct Auto reviews
Meron
Verified Review
Poor
After signing me up, they raised the price after one month. I’m involving the police.
David
Verified Purchase
Maryland
Easy to set up in Maryland.
Donnell
Verified Purchase
So Far, So Good!
Issue-free. Easy to use.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
Not rated
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
Not rated
Why we picked this company

Direct Auto offers some of the lowest rates and accepts a broader range of drivers with different histories. Direct Auto is an Allstate company, which has an AM Best financial strength rating of A+ (Superior) and fewer-than-average number of complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

Direct Auto sells liability insurance that meets Maryland’s minimum car insurance requirements, as well as comprehensive and collision coverage, and medical payments coverage.

Pros
  • Discounts for seniors, military members, good students, and safe drivers

  • Telematics program available for additional savings

  • Claims service available 24/7 by phone or online

Cons
  • No accident forgiveness incentives listed

  • No physical agent offices listed in Maryland

  • Rental reimbursement only available for full-coverage policies

Erie: Best for customer satisfaction

User Reviews
4.4
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.
8.4 /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.
$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.
$260/mo
Details
4.4
Best choice in MarylandBased on 557 verified driver reviews and ratings
Erie Insurance's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.23.2
Customer service3.83.6
Discounts3.72.9
Policy transparency4.03.1
Value3.72.9
How drivers feel about Erie Insurance

Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and quick claim handling but are dissatisfied with the unexpected and unexplained rate increases. Some also found the policy details hard to understand.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in Maryland for
High customer satisfaction
Competitive rates
Optional coverages
Showing 5 reviews from Maryland driversSee all 242 Erie Insurance reviews
Joseph
Verified Review
Good Company
It keeps increasing, but my auto rate went down a bit this year.
Gregory
Verified Review
Best and Most Affordable Insurance Company Ever
Great customer service and great agent.
Ernestine
Verified Review
Erie Insurance Works Well
Prices seem in line and fair. I like being able to pay for full-year coverage.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
713
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.68
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company

It’s important to compare factors like customer service alongside car insurance premiums when selecting an insurance company. Erie Insurance holds the top spot on J.D. Power’s overall customer satisfaction in Maryland’s region.

Average rates for policyholders with clean driving records are higher than some competitors, though some feedback on Trustpilot from longtime customers suggests that their individual quotes are affordable.

Pros
  • Highest J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in Maryland

  • Comprehensive coverage includes windshield and glass repair

  • Agents available in nearly 100 Maryland cities

Cons
  • Must enroll in Erie Auto Plus for certain coverages and incentives

  • Low Better Business Bureau rating and hundreds of complaints

  • Erie Rate Lock not available in Maryland

CSAA: Best for drivers with speeding tickets

User Reviews
4.6
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.
8.5 /10
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.
$215/mo
Details
4.6
Best choice in MarylandBased on 2,370 verified driver reviews and ratings
CSAA's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.33.2
Customer service4.33.6
Discounts4.32.9
Policy transparency4.23.1
Value4.22.9
How drivers feel about CSAA

Drivers appreciate the professional customer service and quick claim handling but dislike the consistent rate increases and expensive premiums. Some also found the communication lacking and felt neglected.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in Maryland for
AAA members
Customer service
Membership perks
Showing recent national reviews
James
Verified Review
AAA/The Hartford
Great claims department.
Irma
Verified Review
See last answer
I think I pay too much, but if I were to change brokers, I’d want the same coverage.
Robert
Verified Review
Answer
Other than making payments, I haven’t had any claims. The only other issue was when my wife, the second driver, surrendered her license due to illness, and the company wanted to double my premiums.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
667
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.28
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A
Why we picked this company

Maryland has more than 500 traffic fatalities annually, and new statewide campaigns are targeting speeders.[1]

CSAA, which is car insurance through AAA, has some of the lowest full-coverage rates for drivers with a speeding ticket. Discounts offer opportunities for drivers with incidents to lower their premiums, such as paying in full and renewing in advance.

Pros
  • Low average cost for drivers with infractions in Maryland

  • May qualify for additional discounts as a member of AAA

  • Low average rates for rideshare drivers in Maryland

Cons
  • Website doesn’t specify car insurance discounts offered in Maryland

  • Less than 20 physical offices in Maryland

  • Must be a member of AAA to qualify

USAA: Best for safe driving rewards

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.
9.1 /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.
$118/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.
$178/mo
Details
4.9
Best choice in MarylandBased on 4,348 verified driver reviews and ratings
USAA's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.93.2
Customer service4.93.6
Discounts4.92.9
Policy transparency4.93.1
Value4.92.9
How drivers feel about USAA

Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in Maryland for
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Showing 8 reviews from Maryland driversSee all 1,707 USAA reviews
Danielle R
Verified Review
Needs to Go Back to the Old Model
My coverage hasn’t gone up or down in the last five years. In some instances, they are very easy to work with, but when they feel they’re not getting what they want (which isn’t required), they won’t approve any claims until you answer their questions.
Amanda
Verified Review
Mediocre coverage and poor communication
Their communication is terrible, but if you talk to someone on the phone, they’re helpful.
Jerry
Verified Review
Average
Don’t get into an accident—your rates will soar.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
743
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.31
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

Maryland passed new legislation banning the use of cell phones while driving, including holding your cell phone to your ear.[2] USAA’s SafePilot program helps Maryland drivers stay hands-free by monitoring driving habits, which includes the use of a cell phone. Eligible policyholders can save up to 30% on their premiums.

Maryland is also home to more than 100,000 members of the armed forces and more than 350,000 veterans, making USAA’s limited membership availability accessible to more drivers in the Old Line State.[3]

Pros
  • Save up to 30% for safe driving habits

  • Military-focused driving discounts

  • Low average premiums in Maryland

Cons
  • Limited membership eligibility

  • SafePilot habits can affect discount

  • Fewer discount options than competitors

Progressive: Best for pothole protection

JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
624
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.
8.7 /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.
$244/mo
Details
How drivers feel about Progressive

Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in Maryland for
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
Showing 33 reviews from Maryland driversSee all 9,128 Progressive reviews
Jonnits
Verified Review
Progressive doesn’t stand by you when you’re in the right. They paid out for an accident that wasn’t my fault, and they didn’t provide vehicle photos as proof of damage. Progressive paid out anyway and increased my payment by $300. I’ve also been a loyal customer.
Progressive doesn’t stand by you when you’re in the right. They paid out for an accident that wasn’t my fault, and they didn’t provide vehicle photos as proof of damage. Progressive paid out anyway and increased my payment by $300. I’ve also been a loyal customer.
Darnell
Verified Review
Poor
Just joined, but I can say they’re $400 cheaper than Progressive.
Ronald
Verified Review
Just OK for Car Insurance
It was OK, but my rate increased by $60 without my consent. I called about my policy, and that’s not good.
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.97
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company

Maryland has more than 30,000 potholes across its roadways, and Progressive’s accident forgiveness helps make a bump in the road less costly.[4]

The insurer enrolls all policyholders in a Small Accident Forgiveness program, which won’t raise rates on your first claim, such as pothole damage, if the claim is less than $500. Policyholders can also purchase expanded accident forgiveness packages that allow for one forgiven claim per policy period, which is ideal for commuters on Baltimore’s Jones Falls Expressway.

Pros
  • AM Best financial strength rating of A+ (Superior)

  • Roadside assistance available for flat-tire changes

  • Collision deductible can decrease with Deductible Savings Bank add-on

Cons
  • Some accident forgiveness programs require years of claims-free driving

  • Lower-than-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score in Maryland

  • Higher rates than some competitors

How we chose the best car insurance companies in Marylandexpand/collapse

Our editorial team analyzed regional and national auto insurance companies that sell policies in Maryland to assess which offer the best rates, coverage options, customer service, and savings to drivers. We prioritized competitive rates, 24/7 customer service, low-mileage discounts or programs, safe driving discounts, homeownership discounts or bundling options, and specialty or supplemental coverages.

Average cost of car insurance in Maryland

The average cost of car insurance in Maryland is $248, which is significantly higher than the national average. Maryland ranks second only to Washington, D.C., as most expensive for car insurance, according to a recent Insurify report. Rates have decreased over the last two years, though.

Maryland has a high rate of uninsured drivers, according to the Insurance Information Institute. Insurers must offer matching underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage in Maryland, but policyholders have the right to waive it to further lower their premiums.[5]

Maryland drivers must carry a minimum amount of coverage that includes:[6]

  • $30,000 for bodily injury per person

  • $60,000 for bodily injury per accident

  • $15,000 for property damage

Find Cheap Car Insurance in Maryland

Liability quotes start at $116/mo.

Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 17,424 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

How to get the best car insurance in Maryland

The best car insurance in Maryland is a policy that aligns with your budget and coverage needs. Consider these tips when selecting which mandatory levels and optional coverages to include in your policy:

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/834da573df/car-and-driving-96x96-orange_023-driving-test.svg

    Consider if you want additional coverage

    Insurance agents must offer policyholders uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection, but you can reject them to keep your overall costs low.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/3b97fae014/money-96x96-blue_033-magnifying-glass.svg

    Raise your deductible

    Maryland’s high percentage of uninsured drivers and accidents, and its road conditions, mean you may want full coverage. Consider raising your deductible to keep your monthly premium low.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/3a662e9efd/credit-and-loan-96x96-green_006-credit.svg

    Look into the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund

    Drivers who have trouble obtaining or keeping a policy with a traditional insurance company can secure the state’s minimum-required coverage through the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF).[7]

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/0cc2b7beaf/insurify-icons-auto-gold-96x96_005-insurance.svg

    Enroll in a telematics program

    It’s illegal for Maryland drivers to hold a phone in their hand or to their ear while driving. Compare rates from car insurance companies that offer discounts via telematics programs and reward safe driving habits.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/52b2836106/weather-96x96-blue_032-rain.svg

    Consider local risks

    Some counties, like Carroll County, don’t use salt to maintain gravel roads in the winter. For drivers living in rural or underdeveloped areas of Maryland, consider maintaining low levels of collision and comprehensive insurance to reduce costs while staying protected for winter weather hazards.

Best car insurance in Maryland FAQs

Car insurance in Maryland looks different for every driver. Read these insights to ensure you get the coverage and value you need.

What is the average car insurance cost in Maryland?

Maryland car insurance coverage costs an average of $248 per month. For liability-only insurance, Maryland drivers pay an average of $192 per month. For full coverage, drivers pay an average of $303 per month.

How can you lower your car insurance costs in Maryland?

Maryland drivers can lower their car insurance by comparing multiple quotes, reviewing discount offerings, trying out a telematics program, or raising their deductible.

What is the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF)?

The Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund is a program that sells liability insurance to drivers who have difficulty getting car insurance in Maryland. MAIF provides the state-required minimum coverage.

Sources

  1. MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration. "ICYMI: Governor Moore Unveils Maryland’s New Highway Safety Campaign, “Slow The Fast Down”."
  2. Maryland Department of Transportation. "New Cell Phone And Seat Belt Laws Launched to Save Lives."
  3. Department of Veterans and Military Families. "Landing Zone Maryland."
  4. Maryland.gov. "This Pothole Season, New “Hot Box” Makes Repairs Even More Efficient."
  5. Maryland Insurance Administration. "Understanding Enhanced Underinsured Motorist Coverage."
  6. MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration. "Auto Insurance Requirements in Maryland."
  7. Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund. "Origin & Functions."

Methodology

Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250 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 500+ 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
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
  • 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.

Julia Taliesin
Writer: Julia TaliesinEconomic Analyst, Licensed Insurance Agent

Qualifications:
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 8+ years content and reporting experience

  • NPN: 22173027


Julia is a economic analyst and licensed insurance agent. She co-launched Insurify‘s podcast “No Dumb Questions“ in 2025.

Photo of an Insurify author
Editor: Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor

Qualifications:
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

  • NPN: 20564519


Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

Mark Friedlander
Reviewer: Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute

Qualifications:
  • Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute

  • 20+ years in insurance and communications

  • Impartial, independent expert


As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.