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.
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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.
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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.
$125/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.
Pros
Numerous discounts
24/7 customer service
Cons
No insurance agents in Columbia
No discount for bundling car and life insurance
Everything good except the price.
RAY - December 4, 2023
Verified
I have not had problems; prices just remain high with little to no customer service and little benefit from 26+ years of customer loyalty.
Elizabeth - December 3, 2023
Verified
I had been with them a few years until they started raising my rates every time I was up for renewal. I got a new quote from another company that was $50 less than GEICO for the same coverage. That's not how to show customer loyalty, and it's the reason GEICO lost me as a customer.
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.
$135/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.
$189/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
I am happy with their coverage. I just bought a new car, and my insurance quadrupled. YIKES.
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.
$153/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.
$215/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
Over the years, they have always gone over and above what I would have expected. They are fair and prompt in customer service issues. They have always tailored my policy to meet my needs at a very fair price.
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: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote
Safeco
101
USAA
105
GEICO
125
Liberty Mutual
131
Midvale Home & Auto
131
State Farm
135
Erie
153
Elephant
159
Progressive
163
Travelers
181
CSAA
184
Direct Auto
194
Nationwide
225
Allstate
241
State Auto
298
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: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote
USAA
147
Safeco
162
GEICO
174
State Farm
189
Erie
215
Midvale Home & Auto
220
Liberty Mutual
221
Progressive
229
CSAA
245
Elephant
246
Travelers
256
Direct Auto
258
Nationwide
296
Allstate
339
State Auto
441
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]
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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: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Quote: Full Coverage
Average Quote: Liability Only
USAA
180
128
GEICO
213
153
Safeco
218
136
State Farm
228
163
Erie
289
206
Liberty Mutual
292
173
Progressive
292
208
Elephant
304
196
CSAA
311
234
Travelers
319
225
Direct Auto
327
246
Nationwide
366
278
Allstate
414
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 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: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Quote: Full Coverage
Average Quote: Liability Only
USAA
189
135
GEICO
224
161
Safeco
229
143
State Farm
239
171
Erie
298
212
Liberty Mutual
306
181
Progressive
307
218
Elephant
319
206
CSAA
332
249
Travelers
333
235
Direct Auto
344
259
Nationwide
383
291
Allstate
435
309
State Auto
623
421
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: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Quote: Full Coverage
Average Quote: Liability Only
USAA
227
162
Safeco
250
156
GEICO
269
193
State Farm
292
208
Erie
300
214
Liberty Mutual
341
202
Progressive
354
252
CSAA
378
284
Elephant
380
245
Travelers
395
279
Direct Auto
398
299
Nationwide
457
347
Allstate
523
372
State Auto
681
460
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: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Quote: Full Coverage
Average Quote: Liability Only
USAA
87
62
State Farm
98
70
GEICO
99
71
Progressive
105
75
Erie
111
79
Safeco
111
69
Liberty Mutual
132
78
Elephant
144
93
Direct Auto
147
111
Travelers
147
104
Nationwide
149
113
Allstate
198
141
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: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Quote: Full Coverage
Average Quote: Liability Only
USAA
226
161
GEICO
254
183
Safeco
272
169
State Farm
302
215
Liberty Mutual
349
207
Erie
368
262
Elephant
379
245
Progressive
382
272
CSAA
383
288
Travelers
432
305
Direct Auto
442
332
Nationwide
472
359
Allstate
556
395
State Auto
739
500
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.
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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.