Auto Insurance Requirements in Maryland

Maryland law requires every registered vehicle to have active auto insurance at all times. Keep your insurance information accurate to help avoid penalties and delays.

Minimum coverage required in Maryland

If your vehicle is registered in Maryland, it must be covered by an approved insurance company and meet minimum liability coverage requirements.

Maryland law requires at least:

• $30,000 for bodily injury per person
• $60,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $15,000 for property damage

These minimums are required even if the vehicle is not being driven.

Registered vehicles need active insurance 

Your insurance must:

• Be active for the entire time your vehicle is registered
• Match the vehicle information on file with the MVA
• Be reported correctly by your insurance company

If insurance is canceled or lapses, you may face:

• Insurance lapse penalties
• Vehicle registration suspension
• Vehicle flags

Learn more about auto insurance violation penalties.

How insurance coverage is reported to the MVA

Insurance companies report coverage to the MVA electronically. In most cases, you don't need to do anything.

When to report insurance coverage yourself

You may need to send proof of insurance to the MVA if:

• There is a mismatch in records
• You receive a notice from the MVA
• Your insurer does not report your coverage correctly

What to do if the MVA shows an insurance problem

If your insurance is active but the MVA shows a problem, contact your insurance company and ask them to:

• Confirm your policy is active
• Correct any errors in the vehicle or policy information and submit the update to the MVA electronically

This is the fastest way to clear insurance-related issues.

Maryland-approved insurance companies

Only insurance companies licensed and approved to do business in Maryland may insure vehicles that are registered here.

Before buying or changing insurance, confirm that the company is approved by the MVA

Call to action:
View the list of approved insurance companies

An insurance provider for people who've been denied coverage

If your policy has been canceled or if you have been denied coverage by two or more insurance companies, you may be eligible for coverage through Maryland Auto Insurance. The MVA does not manage these policies. 

Learn about Maryland Auto Insurance.

If you no longer have auto insurance

If you cancel insurance and do not plan to replace it you must return your license plates before the policy ends. Keeping plates without insurance can result in penalties.

Problems, disputes, or complaints

You can file a complaint with the MVA if you:

• Believe an insurance company failed to report coverage correctly
• Have concerns about insurance practices
• Have a concern about an uninsured motorist