Maryland Car Insurance Requirements
Every vehicle registered in Maryland has to carry insurance, and the state sets a minimum amount of coverage you must keep the entire time the vehicle is registered. This page lays out exactly what Maryland's car insurance requirements are and what happens if your coverage lapses or you get caught driving without it.
Max Frizalone
Founding partner of FrizWoods LLC known for courtroom-first strategy and client-focused advocacy.
- Former Prince George's County State's Attorney and Maryland Public Defender.
- Handled serious cases including carjackings, attempted murder, armed robbery, and violent felonies.
- A thoroughly reviewed criminal lawyer with a track record of trial wins in high-stakes felony and misdemeanor cases.
Luke Woods
Veteran trial attorney with decades of criminal defense experience across Maryland courts.
- Over 20 years of experience in Maryland criminal courts
- Handled thousands of cases and 100+ trials.
- Extensive motion practice, jury/bench trials, and complex felony litigation.
Minimum coverage required in Maryland (Transportation Section 17-103)
Under Transportation Article Section 17-103(b), the "required security" on a Maryland vehicle must provide for at least:
| Coverage | Minimum required |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury or death, one person | $30,000 |
| Bodily injury or death, two or more people | $60,000 |
| Property damage to others | $15,000 |
These limits are often written as 30/60/15, and they are in addition to interest and costs.
On top of those liability limits, a Maryland policy also has to include:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) as basic required primary coverage (Insurance Article Section 19-505), unless it is properly waived or rejected.
- Uninsured / underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage as required additional coverage (Insurance Article Section 19-509 or the enhanced version under Section 19-509.1).
You must keep the coverage the whole registration period
Section 17-104 requires two things:
- The MVA will not register or transfer a vehicle unless you show the required security is in effect.
- The owner must maintain the required security for the entire registration period.
In other words, it is not enough to have insurance the day you register. Letting it lapse, even briefly, is a violation on its own.
Penalties for a lapse in coverage
If your required security lapses while the vehicle is registered, the MVA can hit you with an uninsured motorist penalty fee under Section 17-106:
- $200 for a lapse of 1 to 30 days.
- An added $7 per day starting on the 31st day.
- Capped at $3,500 per vehicle in a 12-month period.
The MVA can also suspend your registration and require you to surrender your plates. You can usually avoid the penalty if you return the plates within 10 days of the lapse.
Driving without insurance is a separate, more serious charge
The lapse penalty above is civil. Knowingly driving an uninsured vehicle is a criminal traffic offense. Our driving without insurance guide covers the penalties, which include jail exposure, points, and a fine under Transportation Section 17-107.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum car insurance required in Maryland?
$30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 for property damage (30/60/15), along with required PIP and uninsured motorist coverage.
What happens if my insurance lapses in Maryland?
The MVA can charge a penalty of $200 for the first 30 days, then $7 per day, up to $3,500 a year, and can suspend your registration. Returning your plates within 10 days usually avoids the fee.
Is driving without insurance a crime in Maryland?
Knowingly driving an uninsured vehicle is a criminal traffic offense under Section 17-107, separate from the civil lapse penalty. See our guide.
Talk to a Maryland traffic lawyer
If a lapse turned into a citation, a registration suspension, or a driving-uninsured charge, we can help sort out the penalties and protect your record. Contact us for a free consultation.
Related resources
- Driving Without Insurance
- Driving an Unregistered Vehicle
- Maryland License Suspension Lawyer
- Maryland Point System