Auto insurance experts recommend that Maryland drivers take the time to learn about the car insurance system in their state before attempting to shop around for coverage. In addition to extensive mandatory coverage, there are also a variety of choices and recommendations that you will be faced with. A little knowledge can greatly aid in your decision-making. One of the most unusual aspects to Maryland auto insurance is the fact that is has add-on no-fault car insurance. This means that in the case of car accidents with injuries, each drivers insurance coverage will provide them compensation. However, there are no restrictions when it comes to lawsuits. The add-on aspect of this non-mandatory coverage is that first party compensation has been added to a tort liability system.

Auto Insurance Experts Explain Mandatory Maryland Car Insurance

In Maryland, all car owners must carry a variety of different forms of car insurance, as mandated by law. Liability coverage must be no less than $30,000 for bodily injury per individual; $60,000 for bodily injury per incident; and $15,000 for property damage coverage per incident. Maryland also mandates drivers carry PIP or personal injury protection to help cover medical expenses that could be incurred in a car accident.

In the state of Maryland, an estimated 14.9% of drivers are uninsured, making the state the 18th worst one for uninsured drivers. Therefore, coverage to protect other drivers from them is mandatory. Uninsured motorist coverage and underinsured motorist coverage are required forms of coverage.

Auto Insurance Experts Explain Other Maryland Car Insurance Options

In addition to the mandatory coverage, experts agree that the ideal car insurance policy would cover more than the state minimums. Liability coverage should also be at least $100,000 bodily injury per person; $300,000 bodily injury per accident; and $100,000 property damage per accident.

Depending on the age and value of your car, and whether it is financed, you should also consider adding personal property damage coverage to your policy. In fact, if you still owe on your vehicle, your lender will likely require it. This type of coverage is made up of collision and comprehensive, which cover the repair or replacement of your own vehicle in the case of loss. Comprehensive covers losses caused by things beyond your control, like weather, crime, fire and other perils. Collision covers losses that occur because of an at-fault accident.

There are also other types of coverage that are less important to carry, such as towing and labor and rental reimbursement. These things may be covered by auto club memberships or premium credit cards. If not, you may want to investigate their costs, as they are usually very affordable to add to a full coverage plan.

Auto Insurance Experts Recommend Shopping Around for Maryland Coverage. Get quotes to compare for your Maryland car insurance policy.