Key Takeaways
- Maryland requires minimum liability coverage of 30/60/15 for all registered vehicles
- Maryland is a no-fault state requiring Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage of at least $2,500
- Uninsured Motorist (UM) coverage is mandatory at the same limits as liability unless rejected in writing
- Maryland uses a modified comparative fault system where you cannot recover if more than 50% at fault
- The Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF) provides coverage for high-risk drivers
Maryland Auto Insurance Requirements
Maryland is a no-fault state with mandatory minimum coverage requirements enforced by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA).
Minimum Liability Coverage: 30/60/15
| Coverage | Minimum Limit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury - Per Person | $30,000 | Maximum for one person's injuries |
| Bodily Injury - Per Accident | $60,000 | Maximum for all injuries in one accident |
| Property Damage | $15,000 | Maximum for property damage per accident |
Required Coverages
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) - Mandatory
Maryland's no-fault system requires PIP coverage:
| PIP Component | Coverage Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Limit | $2,500 per person |
| Maximum Limit | $10,000 per person (optional) |
| Coverage Trigger | No-fault - pays regardless of who caused accident |
| Benefits Paid | Medical expenses, lost wages, funeral costs |
| Waiting Period | 5-day work loss waiting period |
PIP pays for:
- Medical and hospital expenses
- Lost wages (up to 85% of actual loss)
- Replacement services (household help)
- Funeral expenses (limited)
Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage - Mandatory
| UM Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Required | Yes, same limits as liability |
| Rejection | Must be rejected in writing |
| Coverage | Protects against uninsured/hit-and-run drivers |
| Enhanced Option | Enhanced UM available for stacking |
Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage - Optional
- Not required in Maryland
- Recommended for additional protection
- Covers gap between at-fault driver's limits and your damages
Maryland No-Fault System
How No-Fault Works
- First-Party Coverage: PIP pays your medical expenses first
- Threshold for Lawsuit: May sue at-fault driver for serious injuries
- Modified System: Maryland uses "add-on" no-fault with tort rights preserved
Verbal Threshold for Lawsuits
Injured parties may pursue tort claims for:
- Death
- Permanent injury or disfigurement
- Medical expenses exceeding PIP limits
- Pain and suffering (no dollar threshold)
Maryland Comparative Fault Rule
Maryland follows contributory negligence (one of few states):
| Fault Level | Recovery |
|---|---|
| 0% at fault | Full recovery available |
| 1% or more at fault | NO recovery (pure contributory negligence) |
Critical Note: Maryland is one of only five jurisdictions using pure contributory negligence. If you are even 1% at fault, you cannot recover damages from the other driver.
Proof of Insurance Requirements
What Drivers Must Carry
- Insurance identification card (paper or electronic)
- Current policy declarations page (upon request)
- Electronic proof accepted on smartphones
Verification System
Maryland uses an electronic insurance verification system:
- Insurers report coverage to MVA
- Random audits of registered vehicle owners
- Continuous monitoring for lapses
Penalties for No Insurance
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| First Offense | $150 fine minimum, vehicle registration suspended |
| Driving Uninsured | Up to $1,000 fine and/or 1 year jail |
| Registration Suspension | Until proof of insurance provided plus reinstatement fee |
| After Accident | SR-22 filing required for 3 years |
Exam Tip: Maryland requires 30/60/15 liability limits, which are higher than many neighboring states. PIP is mandatory at $2,500 minimum, and Maryland follows pure contributory negligence - one of the strictest fault rules in the nation.
What are Maryland's minimum auto liability limits?
What is the minimum Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage required in Maryland?
Under Maryland's pure contributory negligence rule, how much can an injured driver recover if they are 10% at fault?