Cheapest Car Insurance Companies In Baltimore, MD

If you’re a driver in Baltimore, you’re well aware that good car insurance is a necessity, given the city’s higher-than-average auto accident and theft rates. You also know the average car insurance rates in the city are higher than the average rate in the state of Maryland ($382 per month vs. $309 per month), so being a thorough shopper for cheap car insurance in Baltimore is imperative.

We’ve researched dozens of car insurance companies and have found that USAA has the cheapest car insurance overall in Baltimore. Other strong competitors for the cheapest insurers in this market are Travelers for young drivers and seniors, Erie for minimum coverage, Allstate for full coverage, and GEICO for drivers with bad credit.

Cheapest Overall Rates in Baltimore

USAA has built a strong brand in the military market. Studies consistently show strong customer loyalty and high claims handling satisfaction scores.

Cheapest Minimum Coverage in Baltimore

Minimum coverage is only recommended if the value of your vehicle is less than the cost of having full coverage. However, carrying the minimum puts you at greater financial risk than carrying higher limits.

Cheapest Full Coverage in Baltimore

Full coverage in Baltimore includes comprehensive coverage, collision coverage, and Maryland’s minimum required coverages. It provides the most financial protection available for drivers, but minimum coverage may suffice if the cost of car insurance is more than what your vehicle is worth.

Cheapest For Young Drivers in Baltimore

Travelers’ IntelliDrive app tracks drivers’ speed, time of day, phone use, and braking and acceleration habits for 90 days. When your policy renews and you’ve exhibited safe driving habits, you can get up to a 30% discount.

Cheapest For Senior Drivers in Baltimore

Seniors who want to save money on their car insurance should consider increasing their deductibles, paying their premiums in full, and bundling a home and auto policy with Travelers.

Cheapest For Drivers with Bad Credit

Unlike some states, Maryland insurance companies are allowed to use your credit score to determine your premium. However, car insurers in Maryland can’t deny you coverage because of having a poor credit score, nor can they use it to increase your rates when your premium renews. Drivers whose credit scores improve should contact their insurer and ask for a rate review and a lowering of their premiums.

Average cost of car insurance in Baltimore, Maryland

Average cost of car insurance in Baltimore – By age

Average cost of car insurance in Baltimore – by gender

 Average cost of car insurance in Baltimore – by marital status

 Average cost of car insurance in Baltimore – by accident and violation history

Average cost of car insurance in Baltimore– by credit tier

 Average cost of car insurance in Baltimore – by ZIP code

Minimum car insurance requirements in Maryland

As you shop for car insurance, keep in mind the minimum coverage required in Maryland:

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

This is Maryland’s minimum coverage requirement. However, you may want to carry higher limits and add collision and comprehensive insurance, depending on your vehicle and how much time you spend on the road.

How to buy car insurance in Baltimore

If you’re buying car insurance in Baltimore, follow these steps to save time and money:

1.     Gather your driver and vehicle information: to give you an accurate quote, insurance companies will need all drivers’ names and dates of birth, driver’s license numbers, vehicle’s VIN, current mileage, current insurance information, and the name of the registered owner.

2.     Decide if you’ll buy online or through an agent: either way will work; it’s a matter of personal preference and how confident you feel about knowing what type and how much coverage you need.

3.     Get quotes from at least three companies: make sure you’re making an apples-to-apples comparison and are looking at similar coverage amounts and deductibles.

4.     Look for discounts: many discounts are available that can help make car insurance in Baltimore more affordable for you.

5.     Cancel your old policy: your new insurer can’t cancel your old policy, so once your new coverage is in force, contact your old insurer and cancel your policy so you’re not paying for duplicate coverage.

Factors that impact the cost of your car insurance policy in Baltimore

There are three primary factors that impact the cost of car insurance in Baltimore:

Commuters and accidents: Many Baltimore residents make the daily commute down I-95 to Washington, D.C. Traffic is very congested along this route, and there is a large number of accidents daily.

Crime statistics: certain areas of Baltimore have high crime rates, including theft and vandalism. Living and working in one of these areas will cause your rates to increase above the city’s average.

Uninsured motorists: almost 1/3rd of drivers on the streets of Baltimore are uninsured. Because of this, responsible individuals should carry comprehensive and collision insurance, which costs substantially more because of the higher limits and protection.

Of course, the type of vehicle you drive and your driving record will also impact your rates.

Maryland car insurance laws to know

Maryland requires vehicle owners and drivers to carry proof of insurance in their cars. If you’re stopped for a traffic violation or involved in an accident, a law enforcement officer may write you a traffic citation if you can’t provide proof of insurance.

If the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA) requests proof of insurance, you must provide a Maryland Insurance Certification (FR-19). You can get an FR-19 from your insurance company for free.

Additionally, if you know or have reason to know that a car isn’t insured and you drive (or allow someone else to drive) the car anyway, you can go to jail. First-time offenders face a fine of up to $1,000 and up to one-year imprisonment. Second or subsequent offenders face a fine of up to $1,000 and up to two years imprisonment. (Md. Code Transportation, § 17-107 (2022).)

Information about Baltimore

Johns Hopkins University, located in Baltimore, describes Baltimore, “As a city with a rich history as a working-class port, Baltimore has blossomed into a hub of social, cultural, and economic activity but retains the small-town feel that has earned it the nickname Charm City. From popular tourist attractions—the Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium, or Fort McHenry (birthplace of “The Star Spangled Banner”)—to more off-the-beaten-path destinations—the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, or the tranquil Sherwood Gardens—there is always something new to discover.”

Car insurance discounts in Baltimore

Shopping for discounts is necessary if you want to cut costs on car insurance in Baltimore. These are the most common discounts you’ll find:

• Being a “safe driver” with a good driving history
• Installing vehicle safety features
• Customer loyalty
• Being claims-free for a specified period of years
• Driving fewer than average miles
• Having a short commute to work
• Being a student with at least a “B” average
• Being in the military
• Being age 55+ and retired

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