Cheapest Car Insurance In Baltimore, MD For May, 2024
We’ve researched dozens of car insurance companies and have found that USAA has the cheapest car insurance overall in Baltimore.
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 and best car insurance companies in Baltimore, MD 2024
Compare the cheapest car insurance companies in Baltimore, MD
| Overall Rating | Best For | J.D. Power Rating | Average Annual Cost | AM Best Rating | Get A Quote | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA |
|
Cheapest Overall |
881 |
$1,440 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| Allstate |
|
Cheapest Full Coverage |
832 |
$1,673 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| Erie |
|
Cheapest Minimum Coverage
|
867 |
$926 |
A+ |
Instant Quote |
| Travelers |
|
Cheapest for Young Drivers |
860 |
$2,520 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| Travelers |
|
Seniors |
860 |
$1,800 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| GEICO |
|
Drivers with Bad Credit |
834 |
$1,762 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
Our methodology
To find the cheapest car insurance rates in Baltimore, we analyzed findings from numerous car insurance review sites, some of which analyzed rates from public filings obtained by Quadrant Information Services. We’ve primarily used an average of those rates for this review, but each company’s rates change frequently and will vary based on your situation.
Quotes Analyzed
Years Of Industry Experience
Brands Reviewed
Research Hours
Cheapest car insurance companies in Baltimore, MD
Cheapest overall
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅USAA is a frequent winner in this category throughout the United States, and Baltimore was no exception. Even though USAA’s availability is limited to current and former military members and their families, we believe the company combines the best rates with the best service of any auto insurer (according to J.D. Powers). USAA also earns high marks for its claims handling.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- High customer satisfaction ratings
- Can bundle car insurance with other USAA products
- Available to a large number of military families in the Baltimore/D.C. metro area ✓
- Only available to active military, veterans, and their families ✘
Cheapest Overall Rates in Baltimore
| Company | Rate Per Year |
| USAA | $1,930 |
| GEICO | $2,250 |
| State Farm | $3,300 |
| Erie | $2,714 |
| Safeco | $2,780 |
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
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Erie wins top honors for the cheapest rates for minimum coverage in Baltimore. The state of Maryland sets these minimums, which are:
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury liability
- $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability
- $15,000 per accident for property damage liability
All car insurance companies in Baltimore must offer $2,500 in personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. However, drivers have the option to decline this coverage.
Erie offers many coverage types to choose from, including gap insurance, new car replacement coverage, rideshare insurance, and more. You can also lock in your rate until you make any policy changes, like moving or adding a driver or vehicle.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- High ranking in J.D. Power customer satisfaction studies
- Option to lock in your car insurance rate
- Many coverage options ✓
- Not as many discounts as other insurers
- Only available in 12 states, which can be a problem for Baltimore insured’s who later move ✘
Cheapest Minimum Coverage in Baltimore
| Company | Rate Per Year |
| Erie | $930 |
| Nationwide | $1,310 |
| Allstate | $1,090 |
| GEICO | $942 |
| MetLife | $1,217 |
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
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Allstate is competitive in most of the categories we’ve ranked and is the leader when it comes to the cheapest full coverage. While Allstate offers the usual auto coverage choices, it also provides some optional coverages Baltimore drivers can add, including:
- Accident forgiveness: your rates won’t increase because of an accident, even if it was your fault
- Safe driving bonus: you receive money back every six months you are accident-free
- Deductible rewards: for each year with no driving violations, you earn $100 off your collision deductible, up to a maximum of $500 off
- New car replacement: you can get a check for a new car if you total your car within the first two model years
- Rideshare insurance: coverage if you drive for rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft
Gap insurance: pays out when the amount you owe on your car loan or lease is greater than the vehicle’s value if it’s declared a total loss
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Highest financial strength ratings
- Many coverage options
- Many claims offices in the Baltimore area ✓
- Below average J.D. Power customer service rating in the Mid-Atlantic region
- Only available from Allstate agents ✘
Cheapest Full Coverage in Baltimore
| Company | Rate Per Year |
| Allstate | $1,759 |
| Travelers | $1,854 |
| Nationwide | $1,942 |
| GEICO | $1,568 |
| State Farm | $2,076 |
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
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Young drivers pay the highest rates for car insurance, and Travelers makes it affordable for many teen drivers. Travelers is one of the most well-known names in the auto insurance industry and is sold by independent agents in Baltimore. Teen drivers sometimes aren’t eligible for all of the discounts that insurers offer, but Travelers does a good job of providing numerous discounts to younger drivers, including:
- Safe driving
- Having no gaps in coverage
- Owning or leasing a hybrid car
- Insuring vehicles less than three years old
- Paying electronically, upfront, or on time
- New customers who get quotes before their current policies expire
- Drivers in high school or college who maintain a “B” average or better
- Students who are away at school
- Completing a driver training course
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Lowest rates for young drivers
- Many discounts for teen drivers are available
- One of the largest insurers in the country ✓
- Below average J.D. Power customer service ratings
- Rideshare insurance isn’t available ✘
Cheapest For Young Drivers in Baltimore
| Company | Rate Per Year |
| Travelers | $3,428 |
| Safeco | $5,054 |
| Progressive | $5,072 |
| Nationwide | $7,687 |
| Elephant | $6,415 |
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
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Senior drivers pay higher rates as they hit their 60s and 70s because of a higher accident rate. Poor vision and slower reflexes are often cited as causes. However, Travelers offers discounts for seniors and other drivers with more than one Travelers policy, have taken a safe driving course, and drive fewer miles. Seniors typically qualify for lower mileage discounts because many are retired and no longer commute around Baltimore or into Washington, D.C.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Lowest rates for senior drivers
- Discounts for taking a defensive driving class
- A name seniors recognize and are comfortable with ✓
- Below average J.D. Power customer service ratings
- A limited number of agents sell Travelers car insurance ✘
Cheapest For Senior Drivers in Baltimore
| Company | Rate Per Year |
| Travelers | $1,930 |
| Elephant | $2,332 |
| Safeco | $2,001 |
| Liberty Mutual | $2,350 |
| Nationwide | $2,160 |
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
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Like age, credit score is a significant factor when it comes to car insurance rates. Insurers have found that the lower the credit score, the higher the probability the driver will file a claim. GEICO was the lowest-priced insurer we found for drivers with poor credit.
In addition to the typical car insurance coverage most insurers offer, GEICO offers optional mechanical breakdown coverage, which may be helpful for Baltimore drivers who drive newer cars. It’s renewable for up to seven years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This may be helpful as your car ages, and there’s a higher probability that your car will break down.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Bundles discounts are available
- Discounts are still offered to drivers with poor credit
- Available through many Baltimore agents ✓
- Below average J.D. Power customer service ratings ✘
Cheapest For Drivers with Bad Credit
| Company | Rate Per Year |
| GEICO | $982 |
| USAA | $1,310 |
| Nationwide | $2,204 |
| Allstate | $2,550 |
| Progressive | $2,080 |
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 – By age
| Age Group | Average Annual Rate |
| Teenagers | $5,828 |
| 20s | $3,438 |
| 30s | $2,320 |
| 40s | $2,192 |
| 50s | $2,061 |
| 60s | $2,082 |
| 70s | $2,208 |
Average cost of car insurance in Baltimore – by gender
| Gender | Average Annual Rate |
| Male | $2,420 |
| Female | $2,376 |
Average cost of car insurance in Baltimore – by marital status
| Marital Status | Average Annual Rate |
| Single | $2,496 |
| Married | $2,220 |
Average cost of car insurance in Baltimore – by accident and violation history
| Violation | Average Annual Premium |
| DWI/DUI | $5,632 |
| Reckless Driving | $5,146 |
| At-Fault Accident (damage <$1,000) | $3,796 |
| At-Fault Accident (damage >$2,000) | $4,472 |
| Speeding (16-20 MPH > limit) | $3,618 |
Average cost of car insurance in Baltimore– by credit tier
| Credit Tier | Average Annual Rate |
| Excellent | $4,892 |
| Good | $5,780 |
| Fair | $6,352 |
| Poor | $9,851 |
Average cost of car insurance in Baltimore – by ZIP code
| ZIP Code | Average Annual Rate |
| 21224 | $2,520 |
| 21229 | $2,200 |
| 21206 | $2,680 |
| 21218 | $2,671 |
| 21215 | $2,873 |
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Look for discounts: many discounts are available that can help make car insurance in Baltimore more affordable for you.
- 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
Looking For Car Insurance In Other Maryland Cities?
FAQs
What is the cheapest car insurance in Baltimore?
Erie has the cheapest car insurance in Baltimore at $926 per year for minimum liability coverage.
How much does car insurance cost in Baltimore per month?
The average cost of car insurance in Baltimore is $382 per month.
Why is Baltimore car insurance so expensive?
The cost of car insurance in Baltimore is so high because of the city’s high accident rate, large percentage of uninsured motorists, and high auto-theft rate.
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