Created content for Credit Karma, KeyBank, and Thrivent
Sarah is a freelance writer who covers personal finance and economics. She enjoys delving into the details of insurance, credit, loans, and the labor market.
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.
Save up to $717 by comparing quotes from the top 100+ insurance companies
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Advertiser Disclosure
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.
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.
Whether you’re commuting to Baltimore or Washington, D.C., running errands in Town Center, or driving over to Lake Kittamaqundi for a weekend nature walk, it’s important to have car insurance coverage to protect you and your vehicle when you’re on the road.
Maryland requires a minimum level of liability insurance, and you can choose additional types of policies or higher coverage amounts based on your needs.[1] On average, car insurance in Columbia costs $288 a month, but you can find lower rates if you know where to look. Here’s what you need to know about securing reliable and affordable coverage in Columbia, Maryland.
Quick Facts
Car insurance in Columbia is more affordable than in several other Maryland cities, including Laurel and Hyattsville.
Insurers in Columbia may use your credit score when setting your insurance premium.
Drivers in Columbia must carry uninsured motorist property damage liability coverage.
Find Car Insurance in Columbia, Maryland
Check quotes from 100+ top insurance companies
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Best car insurance companies in Columbia
The best car insurance company depends on your financial situation and coverage needs. Before you compare insurers, consider how you use your car — how often you drive, how many miles you drive, and any other drivers you need to list on your policy. All these factors can affect which features and coverage types are best for you.
The following are three of the best insurers that sell auto policies in Columbia, Maryland. Each insurer is best for certain drivers.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4.3
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
835
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.
$121/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.
$174/mo
GEICO is one of the largest car insurers in the U.S., and it sells a variety of policy types. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway. The company has an A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from A.M. Best, which is the highest possible rating.
I need cheaper coverage. It's too much for two cars.
Eminny - April 17, 2024
Verified
Inconsistent Communication and Service
This is my second time with GEICO. The first time was fine, but this time around, they set my policy to be cancelled on a Monday. They claimed to have sent me a letter the previous Friday requesting documents that I never received. I called them multiple times about it, and each time I received a different reason and excuse. Despite sending them everything they needed, my policy remains cancelled. Without insurance, my car just sits there, and since it's financed, I might even end up losing it. I'm just waiting for them to review my documents and reactivate my policy. They said they would reach out to me if they needed anything else or to at least let me know the verdict, which they never did. I have to keep calling them myself, only to receive different excuses each time and no policy reactivation. They never reach out when they say they will, and other insurance options are very expensive for me as a fairly new driver.
Andy - April 15, 2024
Verified
Unexpected Rate Increase
I had an accident and they raised my rates to over $8,000 a year. I initially thought I was making normal upfront payments, but it turned out to be monthly payments.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4.4
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
842
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.
$131/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.
$188/mo
State Farm has been in business for more than 100 years and insures various vehicle types, including cars, motorcycles, RVs, and boats. It also sells life, home, health, and business insurance. State Farm received an above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Pros
Good student discount allows for savings of up to 25%
Steer Clear program offers discounts to young drivers who complete training
Cons
Anti-theft device discount not available in Maryland
Many complaints from customers on third-party review sites
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4.4
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
870
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.
$148/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.
$213/mo
Erie is a major regional insurer that sells policies in 12 states and the District of Columbia. Founded in 1925, it sells various insurance products, including car, homeowners, renters, life, and business insurance. J.D. Power gave Erie the top customer satisfaction rating in the Mid-Atlantic region.
Pros
Rate Lock feature allows you to keep your rate until you make specific changes to your policy
Diminishing deductibles and accident forgiveness available
Cons
People report difficulties using the mobile app
No online claims filing
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Columbia
Liability-only car insurance protects you after a car accident. If you must pay for damage to someone else’s car or their medical treatment, a liability policy can help cover some of what you owe. Liability coverage doesn’t help pay to repair your vehicle if it’s damaged and doesn’t help with your own medical costs if you’re injured.[2]
The following insurers offer some of the most affordable liability policies in Columbia, Maryland.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, April 17 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote
USAA
102
Safeco
103
GEICO
121
Midvale Home & Auto
127
Liberty Mutual
129
State Farm
131
Erie
148
Elephant
158
Progressive
158
Travelers
178
CSAA
180
Direct Auto
188
Nationwide
221
Allstate
235
State Auto
294
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Columbia
Full-coverage car insurance includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage, providing broader protection than a liability-only policy. Collision coverage reimburses you if you hit another vehicle or object and sustain damage. Comprehensive coverage protects you in case some event other than a collision damages your car and in case of theft.[2]
If you have a new vehicle, you might need a full-coverage policy to lessen the financial effect if anything happens to it. Below are some of the cheapest full-coverage options for Columbia drivers.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, April 17 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote
USAA
146
Safeco
158
GEICO
174
State Farm
188
Erie
213
Liberty Mutual
217
Midvale Home & Auto
217
Progressive
227
CSAA
239
Elephant
246
Travelers
254
Direct Auto
264
Nationwide
294
Allstate
337
State Auto
437
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Car insurance requirements in Maryland
Maryland requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance and to show proof of insurance when registering a vehicle. You can face fines of up to $2,500 per vehicle per year if you drive without insurance in this state.[1]
Below is the minimum amount of coverage needed to comply with Maryland law.
Coverage
Minimum Requirements
Bodily injury liability
$30,000 per person
$60,000 per accident
Property damage liability
$15,000
Uninsured/underinsured bodily injury liability
$30,000 per person
$60,000 per accident
Uninsured motorist property damage liability
$15,000
Maryland also requires insurers to offer you $2,500 of personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. This pays for medical bills and some lost income if you’re in an accident. You can decline it, which could make sense if your health insurance already provides sufficient coverage and you aren’t interested in protection against lost earnings.[3]
The state insurance requirements are just the minimum amounts you must carry. You may want to buy higher levels of coverage or some of these optional coverage types:
Comprehensive coverage
This compensates you if your car is damaged, stolen, or destroyed by events other than crashes, and most lenders require it if you have an auto loan.
Collision coverage
If you’re in an accident, this coverage pays to repair the damage or pays your car’s value if it’s destroyed. Lenders also typically require it.
Medical payments coverage
This pays healthcare costs if you or your passengers are injured in an accident.
Rental reimbursement coverage
This pays for a rental car while you repair your car after an event covered by your comprehensive insurance.
Transportation expense coverage
This compensates you for other costs of going from one place to another, like bus fares, if you need to repair your car after an event covered by your comprehensive policy.
Towing and labor coverage
This add-on pays to tow your car if you need to take it to an auto body shop.
Mechanical breakdown coverage
This offsets the cost of repairs if you experience a mechanical problem.
Cheapest car insurance for Columbia drivers with an incident
Insurers will quote you higher rates if you have an incident on your driving record. Incidents include at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, and other moving violations, and they can lead to higher premiums because insurance companies view you as a riskier driver.
How much an incident affects rates depends on the specific violation and how the insurer calculates rates. You can generally expect to pay higher premiums for three to five years following an incident.[4]
Shop for Car Insurance in Columbia, MD
Check quotes from 100+ top insurance companies
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket
Speeding is a risk for insurers because it can cause crashes. Keep in mind that speeding affects your rates even if you got the ticket in another state. If you were cited for speeding in Delaware, for example, that could show up on your Maryland driving record and result in higher quotes.
Below are some of the most affordable monthly quotes for drivers in Columbia with a speeding ticket.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, April 17 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Quote: Full Coverage
Average Quote: Liability Only
USAA
179
125
Safeco
211
138
GEICO
213
148
State Farm
227
158
Liberty Mutual
287
171
Erie
288
200
Progressive
290
202
CSAA
304
229
Elephant
304
195
Travelers
317
222
Direct Auto
334
238
Nationwide
364
274
Allstate
412
287
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident
How much an accident raises your rates depends on how serious it is. A small fender bender may not have a large effect, but a crash that totals a car could lead to dramatically higher premiums.
The following are average monthly quotes for drivers in Columbia with an at-fault accident on their record.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, April 17 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Quote: Full Coverage
Average Quote: Liability Only
USAA
188
131
Safeco
223
145
GEICO
224
156
State Farm
239
167
Erie
295
205
Liberty Mutual
301
179
Progressive
304
211
Elephant
320
206
CSAA
326
245
Travelers
331
232
Direct Auto
352
250
Nationwide
382
287
Allstate
433
302
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI
A DUI is a very serious driving offense, and having this incident on your record can raise your car insurance rates by hundreds of dollars a month.
If you have a DUI on your record, you may find a more affordable rate if you look for discounts that don’t depend on your driving record. Consider bundling your auto coverage with homeowners insurance to get a multi-policy discount, or check for discounts on safety features in your car.
These are some of the lowest average monthly quotes for Columbia drivers with a DUI.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, April 17 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Quote: Full Coverage
Average Quote: Liability Only
USAA
226
158
Safeco
244
159
GEICO
269
187
State Farm
291
203
Erie
300
209
Liberty Mutual
336
199
Progressive
351
244
CSAA
370
278
Elephant
380
244
Travelers
393
275
Direct Auto
408
291
Nationwide
455
342
Allstate
521
363
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for seniors
Average car insurance rates are typically high for young adults and decrease around when drivers turn 35. Drivers generally start to see rising rates again around age 75. Seniors are often safer drivers than their younger counterparts, but they typically have slower reflexes, increasing risk, so insurers charge higher rates to account for this increased risk.
Below are average monthly quotes for senior drivers in Columbia.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, April 17 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Quote: Full Coverage
Average Quote: Liability Only
USAA
87
61
State Farm
99
69
GEICO
100
69
Progressive
105
73
Safeco
110
72
Erie
112
78
Liberty Mutual
131
78
Elephant
147
94
Travelers
147
103
Nationwide
150
112
Direct Auto
152
109
Allstate
199
139
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for teens
Car insurance rates for teens are generally much higher than for adults. Teens have less driving experience than older motorists and are more likely to be involved in an accident. Teens can save on car insurance rates if they can stay on their parents’ insurance policy and drive a relatively cheap car to insure.
It can help to look for discounts for good grades or passing a safe driving course. Teens might also want to look into a high-deductible insurance policy to keep premiums lower until they can establish a responsible driving record and qualify for better rates.[5]
Below are the average rates per month for teen drivers in Columbia.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, April 17 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Quote: Full Coverage
Average Quote: Liability Only
USAA
224
157
GEICO
254
177
Safeco
264
172
State Farm
300
209
Liberty Mutual
341
202
Erie
364
253
CSAA
374
282
Elephant
378
243
Progressive
381
265
Travelers
428
300
Direct Auto
450
321
Nationwide
469
352
Allstate
553
385
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Columbia
The rates insurance companies quote you for car insurance depend on many factors, including your car’s safety record and cost to repair, your credit history, age, gender, ZIP code, and whether you have any incidents on your driving record.
While some variables might be out of your control, you can still take steps to find a low rate, including:
Sign up for usage-based insurance. Some insurers offer telematics programs that track your driving habits and may give you a discount if you demonstrate safe habits on the road.
Buy only the coverage you need. Ensure you aren’t paying twice for coverage you already have through another policy, like your health insurance.
Bundle policies. Many insurers offer discounts to drivers who buy both their auto and home insurance with them.
Look for up-front premium discounts. Some insurers charge a lower rate if you pay your entire premium in a lump sum instead of making multiple payments during the term.
See if you’re eligible for a group plan. Your premium could be lower if you buy a policy through a professional association or your employer.
Find Car Insurance in Columbia
Check quotes from 70+ top insurance companies
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Columbia car insurance quotes by credit tier
Insurers in Maryland can use your credit score when determining your car insurance premium.[6] Insurance companies consider drivers with excellent or good credit scores less likely to file claims as drivers with poor credit scores, so they tend to quote lower rates to those with better scores. Keeping your credit report spotless could save you money on premiums.
The following are average monthly quotes for full-coverage car insurance in Columbia by credit tier.
Rates by Credit Tier
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Is car insurance more expensive in Columbia?
On average, a full-coverage policy in Columbia costs $326 a month, which is more affordable than the Maryland average of $389 a month but well above the national average of $172 a month.
Rates differ by city in part because some locations experience more claims than others. For example, drivers might get into more accidents or have their cars stolen more often in a bustling city than in a quiet suburb or small town.[7] That might help explain why car insurance is cheaper in Columbia than in nearby Baltimore.
More cities in Maryland
Below are average monthly quotes for other major cities in Maryland. Rates in most of these cities are higher than in Columbia.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Columbia, Maryland, car insurance FAQs
Finding the right car insurance can be a challenge. Below, you’ll find answers to some commonly asked questions about how to find the best auto insurance in Columbia.
How much is car insurance in Columbia?
Car insurance in Columbia costs $288 per month, on average. Drivers pay an average of $326 per month for full-coverage insurance and $249 per month for liability coverage. Your unique rate will depend on your insurer, age, driving record, credit history, vehicle type, chosen coverage level, and more.
What are the best car insurance companies in Columbia?
With an Insurify Quality (IQ) Score of 4.2 out of 5 and an A.M. Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior), GEICO is the best car insurance company in Columbia. Of the insurers Insurify has rate data for, other top Columbia insurers include State Farm and Erie.
How much car insurance do you need in Maryland?
Maryland drivers must carry $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability insurance and $15,000 in property damage liability coverage. Drivers must also carry the following limits for uninsured motorist coverage: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury coverage and $15,000 for property damage coverage.
Is Maryland a no-fault state?
No. Maryland is not a no-fault state. It’s an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for the accident will be liable for any damages.
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
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.
Sarah Brodsky is a freelance writer with 15 years of experience covering personal finance and economics. She enjoys delving into the details of insurance, credit, loans, and the labor market. She’s written for publications including Bankrate, CNET, and Investopedia, and she’s created content for brands like Credit Karma, KeyBank, and Thrivent. When she’s not writing, you might find her learning languages or baking pizza. She has an AB in economics from the University of Chicago, and she lives in St. Louis, MO. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
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.