Understanding Maryland Auto Insurance Requirements

All 50 states in the United States govern their own established insurance requirements for drivers operating a motor vehicle. In Maryland, drivers are required to purchase auto insurance and provide proof of minimum coverage to the MVA. Staying informed helps you make better insurance decisions.

Fr-19 The Maryland Insurance Certificate

Whether you are renewing registration or registering a newly purchased vehicle, you must provide information to the Maryland Vehicle Administration about your auto insurance. They require your name, address, vehicle title number and the name and contact information of the agency that issued your policy. You must include your policy number, too. The FR-19 is the only acceptable form of proof of insurance for drivers in Maryland. If you change vehicles or get a new insurance company, you are required to update the file with the MVA. You can send this information to the address below.Motor Vehicle Administration
Insurance Compliance Division, Room 140
6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E.
Glen Burnie, MD 21062

Minimum Coverage Requirements

Every driver must provide minimum coverage in order to operate a vehicle legally. The coverage limits for Maryland include $30,000 for bodily injury per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident and $15,000 property damage. This is coverage for “the other driver” and his or her property and does not cover you or your vehicle-even if you are not at fault in an accident.

Know The Risk of Driving Without Insurance

If you drive without the proper insurance (or without the proper certification) you could be fined from $150 up to $1000 and you could face up to one year in jail. You could also have your plates confiscated by an authorized tag recovery agent and lose your plates and registration privileges. For detailed information about penalties and fines visit www.mvamaryland.gov.

Discounts

Insurance companies in Maryland offer a variety of discounts.  Almost every insurance carrier will offer discounts for multiple cars and combined policies; however, you may qualify for up to 8% in discounts if you are a member of Service Credit Unions.  The Post Office Credit Union also allows members to receive discounts and GAP coverage in Maryland at a reduced rate. When requesting a quote for auto insurance coverage in Maryland, be sure to ask for discounts that may be offered based on your employment, banking and union affiliations. 

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