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MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration

Auto Insurance Requirements

Maryland law requires every registered vehicle to have active auto insurance at all times.
This page explains what coverage you need, how to report or update your insurance with the MVA, and what to do if there is a problem.

 

What Insurance Is Required

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

Minimum Required Coverage

Maryland law requires:

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

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

 

Keep Your Insurance Active at All Times

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

 

How Insurance Is Reported to the MVA

Insurance companies electronically report coverage to the MVA.

You usually do not need to send proof, unless:

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

 

How to Update or Correct Insurance Information

If your insurance is active but the MVA shows a problem, you should act right away.

What You Should Do

  1. Contact your insurance company
  2. Ask them to:
    • Confirm your policy is active
    • Correct any errors in the vehicle or policy information
  3. Make sure they submit the update to the MVA electronically

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

 

Approved Insurance Companies

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

Before buying or changing insurance:

  • Check that the company is approved by the MVA

Call to action:
View the list of approved insurance companies

 

If You No Longer Have 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.

Call to action:
Learn how to return license plates

 

Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund (MAIF)

MAIF provides insurance for eligible Maryland drivers who cannot obtain coverage elsewhere.

The MVA does not manage MAIF policies.

Call to action:
Visit the MAIF website

 

Problems, Disputes, or Complaints

If you believe an insurance company failed to report coverage correctly, or you have concerns about insurance practices, you may file a complaint.

Call to action:
File an uninsured motorist or insurance-related complaint
(See Investigations & Complaints in the site footer)

 

Need Help?

If you receive an insurance notice and are unsure what to do, contact the MVA as soon as possible.

Call to action:
Contact the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration

 

Take Action Now

Keeping your insurance information accurate helps you avoid penalties and delays.

Confirm your coverage, update your insurance with your provider, or contact the MVA today.